Q: My sister's overbuying is leading to more and more clutter in her tiny apartment. Any advice to help her stop?
A: I'm assuming your sister is not a diagnosed compulsive shopper. Having said that, senseless buying can easily lead to clutter issues no matter how many square feet you have in your living space. Bottom line: don't let it into the house in the first place. Before a purchase is made, ask these qualifying questions:
-Do I really need it? Today's culture is very materialistic but realistically, we can all live with less. Examine the need for the purchase carefully before putting it into your cart.
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-Do I have anything else like it at home? Clutter and disorganization can prevent folks from seeing what they may already have in their possession. Additionally, some folks buy multiples of something because of slight variations; if that is the case, revisit the first question.
-Do I know someone that already owns the item? It's better to borrow than to buy, especially if it's an item that you would use infrequently.
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-If I do buy this item, what kind of maintenance will be required? This could be the deal breaker, so read the label. Many folks end up with stuff in their house they never use because of maintenance issues that went unchecked.
-If the item is on sale...is that the only reason I'm buying it? A sale should not be the sole reason a purchase is made, a genuine need should be present.
Soberly answering these questions can help prevent unnecessary purchases.
Getting Your Life in Order!
~S