The Benefits of a Low Buy Month
For the last couple years, I have really craved “less.” Less stress, less plans, and less stuff. I have felt bogged down by things since we moved in 2020. We went from a 450 square foot studio apartment to a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with more space than I’ve ever had. More space has led to more stuff. But even more so, more difficult times has led to more stuff.
One of the reasons I wanted to focus on a Low Buy Month vs. a No Buy Month is because I’ve found, with many aspects of my life, restricting myself leads to “binges.” So I wanted to consciously focus on why I was spending vs how much I was spending. Online shopping makes it so easy to scroll and covet things but in all actuality, there are very few things I need.
What I Purchased Last Month and Why:
Icon Juice Glasses—One of my few unnecessary purchases, but I use these almost daily for my iced coffee! I think they’re great quality for the price and I know they will get plenty of use.
Caning Tote/Mini Caning Tote—This was my only “impulse” purchase of the month. I saw Dorothy from Prep In Your Step share these adorable bags and I thought they were great for the price. Also, I’m traveling to a warm place this month and I think these will be great for that vacation!
Matching Set—This was part impulse purchase (because I bought it from my phone when I saw it) and part practical. I had a new extra soft matching set on my wishlist for a necessary reason. This just happened to be the one I found!
Sun Bum Glow—A refill of my daily sunscreen
Canon Ivy Printer—I used a gift card to fulfill this wishlist item!
Glass Straws—Also on my wishlist item but they’re smaller and fit better in my new glasses. A need? No. But inexpensive enough I don’t feel too guilty about it and they will get daily use.
Tweezers—A need! I lost my other pair a few months ago.
Hat Organizer—This was a necessary for our declutter plan…but I don’t know if I’d recommend it if I’m being honest. Nick and I aren’t loving it and might try to find another use it while we search for a better one that fits our needs.
Acrylic Shelf Dividers—Again, something I needed to keep me more organized and they’ve made a big difference in a short time.
Total Body Step Machine—I actually love this thing and it’s been a great addition to our “cozy cardio” stuff at home.
Drawer Organizers—Another declutter project that has made a huge difference in making getting ready each morning and putting laundry away so much easier.
Ice Roller—I broke my other one! I love using this when I have headaches or feel particularly tired.
What I Learned:
I do most of my shopping/scrolling/wishing online; I talk myself out of purchases so much more in person.
I feel overwhelmed by things in my daily life and I am very overwhelmed by clutter. A clean space is a clean mind for me.
I tend to spend when I feel like I “deserve” a treat and get a rush by buying something. I’m not proud of this and it’s something I definitely working on.
There are very few things I need but lots of things I want.
Plan Moving Forward:
Keep spending to a minimum by assessing the things above: Is the want or a need? Do I want this because I am sad/stressed/exhausted? Will I still want this in a month?
Remove CC info from my saved apps—makes it much harder ot impulse buy!
Keep a wishlist and if It goes on sale, assess if I still want it and/or need it.
What are your thoughts on online shopping and low buy months? I feel a lot better participating in one!
