Confessions of a Shopaholic (and How to Stop)
We've all been there—there's a sale that's too good to ignore, and all of a sudden, you have a dozen (or more) items in your cart that you didn't know you needed until now. But do you actually need them, or does this kind of scenario happen often enough that you're starting to wonder if it's a problem? Here are 10 signs you might have a shopping addiction—and how to curb your habits to be a more mindful spender.
1. You Shop Impulsively
No matter whether you're shopping for new clothes or stocking up on groceries, you always end up with more items in your bags than you originally intended. You can't help it; you shop impulsively. When you see something you like or an item that's on sale, you grab it without thinking through.
2. You Always Have a Cart Full of Items
You're always lugging around a full cart of things in store, or you're adding items to virtual checkouts across multiple sites. When you're not browsing for more items to add, you're debating whether you want something in all the colors or if you should get a new pair of pants instead to add to your collection.
3. You're Always Expecting New Packages
You're constantly waiting for packages to arrive. You might even have a list of all your tracking numbers, so you can keep up with the progress of each shipment and know when they'll arrive. Heck, you probably have stuff you haven't even opened yet in your room.
4. You Hide or Lie About Your Purchases Out of Shame
Your family has told you this is a problem, but you ignore them and continue buying. But because they've repeatedly brought it up, it makes you feel embarrassed. Now, you deliberately hide your purchases or lie about them, saying that you "bought it a few months ago," when you actually bought it two days ago—and have more coming.
5. You're in Debt
You spend so much that you've exceeded your credit limits, and now you're in debt. But even though your finances are a mess, you still can't quite give up your habit, your addiction. You can't help it; even if it means you'll need to pay in instalments, your hands itch to buy more.
6. You Neglect Other Responsibilities to Shop
Sure, you should be working or doing your school assignments, but instead, you have a separate tab open where you're browsing for new items to add to your cart. When you're constantly neglecting more important responsibilities to shop, it's a problem.
7. Feeling Buyer's Remorse
After you've purchased something out of pure impulse, you're probably all too familiar with the regret you feel afterwards. Suddenly, you're questioning why you bought it, if it was worth it, and if you should return it. In fact, you might have this thought a dozen times a day, given all the items you buy.
8. You Can't Pass Up on Deals
Whenever you see a sale going on, you can't pass up on it. You just have to look and browse around, see what things are worth the price tag. And when you come across a really good deal, even when you already have the item or a similar one, you still decide to buy it.
9. You Don't Just Buy Things You Don't Need—You Hoard
You're not only just buying the stuff you don't need—you're hoarding items. You often buy in bulk. Your reasoning? What if the price increases in the future, and this is the lowest it'll be? What if you run out quickly? What if you need a backup? Whatever your reason, you always think it's a good idea to have more of everything.
10. You Shop to Suppress Negative Emotions
When you shop to suppress negative feelings, it's likely not just a shopping addiction you're dealing with. If you only feel that rush of euphoria when you check out items or receive a new package, it may be time to reach out to a mental health specialist for support.
But there are ways to break free from the habit and become a more mindful shopper. Let's explore 10 ways to help you start.
1. Visualize the Item
Before you hit the checkout button, visualize the item in your head and pretend you already own it. How would it integrate into your life? What would it look like? If it's clothing, would it go well with your outfits, and would it flatter your shape? Asking yourself these questions as you picture the item may give you a better gauge of whether you truly want it or not.
2. Give Yourself a Week or Two
To stop yourself from acting on impulse, try giving yourself a week or two instead of immediately checking out. This short pause will allow you to reevaluate whether you do want the item or if your desire for it is purely momentary.
3. Set a Strict Budget
If you find that you can't control your spending, don't just make up a budget in your mind and try to stick to it. Put a limit in place and make it so that it's difficult to access your money whenever you want to dip into your savings. You can chat with a financial advisor to see how best to manage your habits, or have a trusted family member keep you accountable.
4. Clean Out Your Closet & Cupboards
Before you go on that shopping spree, clean out your closet and your home. Chances are you'll either find something similar to the item you want to buy, or you'll rediscover items you forgot you even had. By decluttering, you could end up saving yourself money.
5. Don't Save Your Credit Card Info
If you're prone to online shopping, don't save your credit card information when you visit stores on the web. While it speeds up your checkout process (the very reason why you might choose to save it in the first place), it gives you less time to reevaluate whether you truly need those items in your cart, and whether you should complete your purchase or not.
6. Ask Yourself If You Really Need It
Before you buy anything, ask yourself if you need it. In the moment, you might be so consumed with the idea of owning the item that it influences your decision-making, but try to pause and take a step back to give it a second thought. If you really need an item, usually there's no argument (for example, if you ran out of toilet paper, you do need to buy a new pack). But if you have to justify why you need it, you probably don't need it.
7. Ask Yourself If You'll Actually Use It
After you ask yourself if you really need the item, follow it up by asking if you'll actually use it. Sure, the item might be shiny and alluring to you now, but once the novelty fades, would you still reach for it? How often will you reach for it? What are the chances it'll start collecting dust in your closet or on your desk after you've tired of it? Be honest as you answer these questions, as it'll help you make better decisions.
8. Remove Shopping Apps on Your Phone & Bookmarks
If you find that you're often browsing through shopping apps on your phone or have your favorite stores bookmarked for easy access, try removing them so they're not within easy reach. You might even want to try blocking these sites to take it a step further.
9. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Even when a deal is too good to pass up, focus on the quality rather than the quantity. Sure, you can get an item for cheap, but is it worth the price tag? How long will it last? For example, if you're always replacing your closet with fast fashion pieces, you're bound to repeat the cycle. Try choosing quality brands instead, as they may curb your spending habits and deter you from wasting money on items that won't last the season.
10. Adopt a Minimalistic Mindset & Lifestyle
If your shopping addiction has led to a cluttered closet or home, it's time to tidy up your space—and maybe try adopting a minimalistic mindset. Buy what you need, get rid of what you don't, and finish the things you have first. While that sounds easier said than done, give it a go and you might be surprised how it changes your habits.
