How to Stop Buying Stuff You Don’t Need

Inside: How to stop buying stuff you don’t need with these 22 simple strategies to avoid overspending online and in-person.

We all know the story. You have a 3-item shopping list and go on a “Target Run” for toilet paper, laundry detergent, and a pack of Gatorade for your son’s soccer team.

An hour later you walk out pushing a red cart holding a new pair of boots, a set of seasonal hand towels, a scented candle, and extra groceries. Oh, and you get home only to discover you forgot the detergent. Why does this happen to us and how can we can stop buying stuff we don’t need?

Even with my minimalist mindset, I’ve been there. After several wasteful trips to Target (my particular weakness), I wanted strategies on how to stop buying stuff I don’t need.

Why Do We Keep Buying Stuff?

Don’t be too hard on yourself. It is easy to overspend in this day-and-age of targeted ads and influencer marketing. We are constantly bombarded with messaging about how and why you should buy this great thing.

There is also The Target Effect.

This is an actual marketing strategy employed by Target, one of the biggest retailers in the world, on how to convince you to buy more as soon as you enter the store (read more about The Target Effect here if curious).

Not all shopping is bad shopping of course. We need goods to run our homes and provide for our families but if you are looking to scale back your consumer behavior, check out the strategies below for how to stop buying stuff you don’t need.

22 Strategies for How to Stop Buying Stuff You Don’t Need

1. Make a list

First and foremost, write a list. We often employ this strategy for the grocery store but it can work for a clothing store, pet store, or any sort of “errand-style” shopping. Stick with only what you need by writing it down. A list not only ensures you don’t forget important items but also keeps you focused on only what you need.

2. Set a timer

This may sound a little silly but hear me out. By allowing yourself only enough time it should reasonably take to shop, you set limits and stay focused. It’s very easy to lose track of time when strolling aisles or online shopping sites. Set an alarm on your phone to tell you “time’s up!”

3. Know where you are going

If you are familiar with the store, map a direct route to the areas where you need items, not detour through all the aisles in a roundabout way. Avoid impulse shopping by going straight to where you need to go to get what you came for.

4. Avoid sections you are most tempted by

Know your weakness. If you are a sucker for new throw pillows or kitschy coffee mugs, avoid the home goods section of a department store. If ankle boots are your thing or you can’t resist salty snacks? Steer clear of the shoes and pantry goods aisle. There is no need to be a hero and prove your resolve, simply avoid these areas to remove the temptation.

5. Use earbuds for a preoccupation

Listening to music or a podcast while shopping will occupy your headspace so you aren’t as distracted by things to buy. In a way, you are replacing one sensory experience with another (sight/touch replaced by sound). Use the background noise to stay focused on your list and stop buying stuff you don’t need.

6. Shop alone (aka, no kids)

If possible, don’t shop with your children. A, it’s extremely annoying for obvious reasons (I think this would be obvious at least, haha); and B, you end up buying more than you normally would. Not necessarily that you are giving bribes (although, done that) or just buying a KinderJoy treat at checkout so they’ll be quiet (done that too!).

With kids in tow on a shopping trip, you may buy extra items because hey, let’s face it, kids can be convincing…the football popped, now he needs another. All the girls in the class are wearing pink for the 1st-grade class party, now she needs a new top. Stop buying stuff you don’t need by shopping solo.

7. Don’t shop for “just one thing”

Avoid taking trips to the store when you need only one thing, i.e., toilet paper. Entering a store or even shopping online for only one or two items inevitably means you end up buying more stuff. Have an ongoing list of household items that need replenishment and go to the store less frequently.

8. Avoid too-early seasonal shopping

Retailers are smart. They begin marketing seasonal items long before the actual holiday or season takes place. This is a scarcity tactic and its purpose is to create urgency around purchasing these fun, spontaneous items that are available for a limited time.

Before shopping for seasonal goods, take inventory of what you already have. I know I easily forget about my Halloween or Christmas decor until I pull down the bins they are stored in and go through all the stuff. Same with summertime goods like goggles and pool floats. After reviewing what you have, you can make smart choices about what you need.

9. Take advantage of return policies

Certain retailers, such as Costco, Nordstrom, and Target have very generous return policies. Utilize these policies by returning goods you don’t need or truly want.

Yes, it takes time to go back to the store (and now you may be tempted to shop again) but you’ll feel better about having the money in your pocket, not the unnecessary item collecting dust at home.

10. Don’t window shop

Window shopping can be a double-edged sword. It can be therapeutic when you need a distraction from real-world problems. Or it can be too tempting and instead of being a form of self-care, you end up buying stuff you don’t need.

Know your limits and personality. If you can’t window shop without the temptation to buy, then don’t do it. Find a replacement form of self-care instead.

11. Don’t touch

Studies have shown that touching an item when shopping can create a psychological sense of ownership to it. Now you have increased your attachment to said item, more likely resulting in a purchase.

Try not to smell the candle, brush the blanket, or try on the sweater. Lower chances of buying stuff you don’t need by limiting this sensory experience.

12. Limit when you shop

Create a schedule for shopping, such as groceries on Sunday, household goods on Wednesdays, and family needs (like clothing and shoes) on Saturdays. This may seem rigid but setting up a specific day to shop limits your impulses instead of hitting the grocery store every evening on the way home from work or the mall during lunch hour.

13. Unsubscribe from retailer emails

Avoid online shopping temptation by unsubscribing from retail emails. This is definitely a trap I fall into and every so often I cull my inbox and remove myself from the most tempting stores.

You may consider replacing those emails with content that truly serves you and your goals instead of tempting you to buy things you don’t need. You are in charge of what information you wish to consume!

14. Have a substitute for shopping

Sometimes shopping is simply a diversion or a form of procrastination. I get it, it’s fun to shop. But if you struggle with limiting what you buy in this scenario (similar to window shopping as discussed above), have a substitute for this needed diversion. Avoid the temptation altogether — don’t go into the store.

15. Ask yourself “where will this item go?”

Where will this item go in your home — the toy bin? Your closet? An already overcrowded shelf or table? The overflowing snack pantry? When shopping consider how you will store or display this item.

16. Ask yourself “will I still want this item 24 hours from now?”

Ponder your future self and if he/she will still be wanting an item the following day. How badly do you really want or need this? If it is out of sight, out of mind, it’s not worth it.

17. Equate the cost of an item to work hours

Don’t forget you work hard for the money! When tempted to buy something, think about how many hours of work the item costs you. This really puts into perspective how valuable your time and money are.

That sweater that you already have three versions of? It might cost you a full hour’s worth of work. The lamp or extra holiday decor you put in your cart? For the same amount, you could fill up your car’s gas tank or go to lunch with a friend.

18. Practice gratitude

Consider how blessed you are to have the physical belongings you need — not to feel guilty but just to keep things in context. For example, I’m lucky to have plenty of clothes, food in my fridge, and a warm, cozy home…do I really need more?

19. Keep big picture money goals in the forefront

Are you saving up for a home reno project? A special family vacation? Paying off debt? Remind yourself of the value of money and what it’s for. Keep reminders of these financial goals in plain sight to help you stop buying stuff you don’t need.

20. Consider how it affects others

Keep in mind that money habits can affect a whole family, not just an individual. Ask yourself if your partner would approve or “does this purchase make me feel guilty?”

There is no shame around buying what we need and/or treating ourselves, but if overspending is a struggle for you, keeping your loved ones in mind may motivate you to stop.

21. Do a home declutter

Every so often declutter spaces in your home and uncover things you may already have and don’t actually need to purchase.

I recently purchased a few hair care products only to discover later I already had the replenishment bottles under my bathroom sink! Had I just taken the time to look I would have avoided spending money on items I did not need at the moment. Decluttering and taking inventory saves you money and time.

22. Give yourself a pep talk

Before shopping (online or in-store) tell yourself, “I will not buy anything I do not need.” Mantras are proven to provide results. Saying words out loud and reminding yourself of your goals can help you change your mindset.

Stop buying stuff by avoiding these self-talk traps

• I’ve cleaned out my closet so now I have permission to refill it.
• I’ve been so good at not shopping recently, I deserve to splurge or get a gift!
• I’ve always wanted a red cardigan sweater and these are on sale!
• We may go on a winter ski trip this year and I’ll need boots like these.
• The semi-annual sale is today only!

Stop buying stuff with these questions

• Do I love this, as though I can’t live without it?
• Do I need this, is this a must-have for family, home, or work?
• Do I already own something similar to this?
• Can I afford this, or would I rather go out to dinner with friends or put extra money in our savings account this month?

What Are the Benefits To Not Overbuying?

Shopping is necessary. We must shop for our homes and our families; not to mention it can be fun. And there is nothing wrong with that. But consumerism is a slippery slope and our shopping habits can spin out of control if we let them.

benefits to Stop buying stuff

• You have a lighter load both literally (less stuff, less clutter) and figuratively (less to manage, less to think about)
• You have less clutter at home which makes it easier to keep your home organized
• You have more mental clarity and space for other things without the excess “stuff”
• An obvious benefit — more money in your pocket! By not overspending on things you don’t truly need, you have more money to save and invest.
• Less guilt over overspending. You alleviate negative, remorseful feelings over spending too much money or overconsumption of goods.
• You enjoy the positive feelings of self-control and achievement
• You support the environment…less product packaging to throw away, less goods to recycle or toss.
• You set a good, financially-responsible example for your children by not constantly bringing in packages from the car or having Amazon boxes show up every day on the front porch.

Conclusion

Avoid the pitfalls of The Target Effect and implement any of the strategies above to stop buying stuff you don’t need (online or in-person).