12 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Something: A Guide to Intentional Shopping
Shopping has never been easier—or more tempting—than it is today. With trends coming and going, advertisements everywhere we look, and sales just a click away, it's easy to fill our homes with items we don’t truly need. I’ve certainly been there, staring at something I bought on impulse and realizing it doesn’t fit my life or my space! As a Professional Organizer, I’ve seen firsthand just how much of an impact thoughtful purchasing can have on creating an organized and peaceful home.
If you’ve ever felt buyer’s remorse or struggled to keep your space organized, you’re not alone! Before adding another item to your cart, take a moment to ask yourself these 12 questions:
The 12 Questions
Does this item serve a necessary purpose?
Impulse buys can be tempting, but take a moment to evaluate whether you really need the item or not. Consider if it’s something you already have or if it solves a specific problem in your life.
Do I have a place for this?
Think about where this item will live in your home. If you’re not sure where it will go, you may end up with yet another thing cluttering your countertops and closets!
How frequently will I use this?
Before buying, consider how often you’ll use the item. If it’s something you’ll only need once, renting or borrowing might be a better option.
How will this impact my budget?
No matter how small the cost, every purchase adds up. Take a moment to evaluate whether buying this fits into your budget and financial goals.
Is there a free or lower-cost alternative?
From borrowing to buying second-hand, consider whether there are more budget- or eco-friendly ways to obtain it (if you really do need this item, that is).
Is this purchase in line with my values?
Whether it’s sustainability, supporting small businesses, or prioritizing quality over quantity, consider whether this item aligns with what matters most to you.
Am I buying this because it’s on sale?
Sales can create a sense of urgency to buy things we don’t need. Ask yourself if you would still want the item at full price.
Is this purchase influenced by social media or trends?
It can be easy to get caught up in the frenzy of the next best thing, but trendy items can lose their luster quickly! Make sure you’re buying something because it suits your needs and style, not just because everyone else has it.
Am I buying this to fill an emotional void?
Shopping can sometimes be a way to distract ourselves or find comfort (hello, retail therapy!). Reflect on whether your purchase is driven by emotions rather than genuine need or desire.
Will I still want this in a month?
Many items lose their appeal over time. To avoid buyer’s remorse, wait at least one full day before making the purchase, especially for bigger or non-essential items. Take into account how you think you’ll feel after the purchase is made.
Is this the best version of this item?
Before committing, research whether the item meets your standards for quality, durability, or performance. Spending a little extra on something that lasts can often be a better decision. Take the time to look at similar products to ensure you’re getting the best value and quality for your money.
What will I let go of to make space for this?
A great rule of thumb for maintaining an organized home is the “one in, one out” principle. If you’re bringing something new into your home, consider donating or discarding an old or unused item to make room.
Screenshot this list so you have these questions easily accessible to you whenever you’re shopping! For even more questions to ask yourself before buying something, check out this Instagram Reel! I can’t emphasize enough just how important it is to reduce clutter BEFORE it even enters your home.
What to Do When You’ve Over-Purchased
Even with the best intentions, we’ve all made purchases that we later regretted. Here’s how to handle it:
Return or Exchange: Many stores have generous return policies. If the item is unused and within the return window, consider taking it back or exchanging it for something more practical.
Donate or Gift: If returning isn’t an option, donate the item to a local charity or give it to someone who would genuinely appreciate it.
Sell It: While we at The Orderly Space typically advocate for simply donating items you no longer need (it’s much easier this way, trust me!), we understand the desire to make some of your money back, especially for bigger, more expensive items. Platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace make it easy to recoup some of your money.
Learn from the Experience: Reflect on why you made the purchase and how you can avoid a similar situation in the future. Don’t be too hard on yourself—use this as an opportunity to strengthen your mindful shopping habits!
How to Prevent Future Over-Purchasing
Stick to a Shopping List: Whether grocery shopping or updating your wardrobe, having a clear list can keep you focused and reduce impulse buys.
Declutter Regularly: The more aware you are of what you already own, the less likely you are to make redundant purchases.
Set a Budget: Allocate a specific amount for your shopping trip and stick to it. This helps prevent over-purchasing while also keeping your finances in check.
Implement a Waiting Period: For larger or non-essential purchases, wait 24-48 hours to see if the urge passes (often times it does!).
The Bottom Line: Mindful Shopping Leads to Organized Living
If you take one thing away from this blog post, let it be this: Shop with purpose, resist the pull of impulse buys, and focus on bringing home items that genuinely add value to your life.
By pausing to ask yourself the questions shared above, you can make more intentional decisions, avoid unnecessary clutter, and ensure your home remains a place that you love spending time in. Thoughtful shopping isn’t just about reducing the number of things you own; it’s about aligning your purchases with your values and curating a space that truly reflects who you are.
If you’re ready to take control of your home and embrace a more organized life, let our Bellingham and Seattle, Washington teams help you out! Our no-obligation consultations allow The Orderly Space to meet with you, understand your needs, tour your space, and access the areas in your life that are causing you undue stress. With this information, we identify solutions to improve the spaces you live in and the lifestyle you lead. Contact us today, and let’s design a space that works for you and truly brings you joy!
