Clutter-Free Living Through Mindful Buying
Swapping 'Want' with 'Need' could potentially reduce your belongings by half.
Want to conquer the silent home destroyer that is clutter? One word is all it takes, according to professional organizer Tracy McCubbin.
Tracy McCubbin, CEO of dClutterfly and author of Make Space for Happiness
Embrace the Power of 'Want'
Before you hit "add to cart," ask yourself - do you need this item, or do you just want it? "Reframing a 'need' as a 'want' gives you control over your choices," McCubbin says. "Instead of making decisions based on necessity, you can consider each purchase objectively."
"Reframing a 'need' as a 'want' gives you control over your choices." -Tracy McCubbin
That delicate necklace may catch your eye, but do you really need it? Take a step back and consider your other jewelry. More often than not, what you really want is to indulge a whim, not a necessity. "When you recognize that, you can make wiser, more intentional choices," says McCubbin.
Understanding Your Desires
Your need for shopping might stem from everyday struggles like a tough day at work or conflicts with loved ones. But instead of solving these problems, McCubbin suggests that shopping might be a distraction. "Before you make a purchase, take a moment to understand why you're driven to shop now," she advises.
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Mastering Mindful Consumption
It's alright to treat yourself every now and then, but not every day. So, try this - every time you catch yourself thinking "I need this" replace it with "I want this". "Making the switch from 'need' to 'want' might take time, but it'll change your shopping habits," McCubbin says.
When you're about to make a purchase, take a moment and ask yourself:
- Would my life be happy and fulfilled even if I didn't purchase this item?
- Have I been able to live without this item up until now?
- Is this something I 'need' because someone else told me to?
- Am I buying this to fill an emotional void?
- Do I really need this?
Be honest with yourself - the answer will be clear. "By re-framing your mindset from 'needs' to 'wants,' you'll purchase less, which means less clutter in your home," McCubbin concludes.
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Refining Your Approach to Shopping
A shift in mindset from 'needs' to 'wants' can help stem the tide of clutter in your home. Understanding the distinction between wants and needs can lead to more intentional shopping decisions, promote emotional awareness, and cultivate a more organized, clutter-free living space. Happy shopping!
- Tracy McCubbin, a professional organizer and CEO of dClutterfly, suggests that to conquer clutter, one should consider if an item is a 'want' or a 'need' before making a purchase.
- McCubbin explains that reframing a 'need' as a 'want' gives control over choices, allowing for objective decision-making.
- When considering the purchase of an item, McCubbin advises asking oneself if the item is truly needed or if it is just a whim.
- Understanding why one feels the need to shop can help identify whether shopping is a distraction from underlying issues.
- To reduce clutter and improve shopping habits, McCubbin suggests replacing "I need this" with "I want this" and asking questions to evaluate the necessity of purchases.
- By making this mindset shift, McCubbin believes that one will purchase less, resulting in a more organized, clutter-free home. Additionally, this approach can promote emotional awareness and intentional shopping decisions.
