Want to Try a No-Shopping Month? (or Even a Year?!)

M.A. Stevenson

January 2023

Last year I attempted a no-shopping challenge. One full year without buying most non-essential items? AAAAH!!! If you knew me, you would know that I have a rich history of making rash decisions and sweeping declarations. Combine that inclination with zero self-control and unexercised willpower, you got a woman who buys stuff whenever, wherever, for any reason and no reason. If you’re even a little bit like me, you might like to try this no-shopping challenge. Freaked out by the notion? Start small, like a week. Then try a month. I myself dove into a full year (Yet another rash decision? Fo’ sho’!)

Know Your Why

Determine clearly why you’re doing the no-shopping challenge. To save money? To pay off a credit card? To Reduce your carbon footprint? To get a handle on impulse buying? A definitive reason helps you stay the course, especially on the days you’re wavering.

Make a No-Buy/Buy List

Write down what you will not be buying. My own “No Buy” list included cosmetics, shoes, books, massages, mani-pedis. Also, make a list of what you will allow yourself to purchase. My “Buy” list included experiences like plays, dining out, coffees, and gifts for others. The key is to allow yourself an outlet because going cold turkey rarely works long term.

Set a Budget

And stick to it! If your “Buy” list includes, say underwear and socks, you can’t go overboard. I set a maximum dollar amount for birthday and Christmas gifts. I also didn’t dine out more often than the previous year.

Announce It

Your chances of success will increase when you tell folks of your plans. Be sure to include a few skeptics who know you well. My own skeptical family laughed raucously when I announced my no-shopping year, which made it imperative that I succeed. And baby, I did!

Merchandise Your Stuff

If you’re not buying clothes, for example, rearrange your closet so it looks as pretty as a store. Hang items by color and length. Fold underwear and socks uniformly. You’ll be more inclined to “browse” your own things.

Merchandise Your Home Too

You love shopping and now you’re attempting a no-shopping challenge. Some days will be tough and your willpower will be tested. You need a happy place. Arrange your home so that it’s a comfortable and comforting place to hunker down when you’re itching to buy something.

Unsubscribe, Unfollow, Just Don’t Look!

This tip is designed to reduce temptation. Unsubscribe from shopping emails, magazines (electronic or paper). Unfollow shopping accounts on social media. And no in-person window shopping if your willpower is weak.

Plan for Triggers

PMS. Angry confrontations. Hunger. Tiring day at work. Holidays around the corner. Life throws obstacles into your path. Plan for it: Keep a supply of comfort food or comfort TV shows. Call a friend who can support or distract you. Go for a walk. Do whatever soothes you when you are struggling.

Give Back

If your home is overrun by stuff you don’t need or have outgrown, it’s a good time to donate. If you have already donated, volunteer for a cause. If you don’t have time to volunteer, simply help a friend, relative or coworker, with something, anything.

Choose Your Carrot

You made it through your no-shopping challenge! Now, what’s the carrot at the end of your stick? Plan to reward yourself with something that is beautiful, useful, and within your budget. I missed buying shoes more than anything else during my no-shopping year. So, the following January, I bought a beautiful pair of high-heeled sandals that I had been admiring for months. (I’m just surprised they still had my size!)