With Halloween in the rear-view mirror, online and in-person retailers have switched gears to the chaos of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Even the most die-hard minimalists can find this time challenging to navigate: marketing campaigns soar to new levels; gifts are an expectation during the season; doorbusters and deals are constantly in our faces.
It can feel like we’ve stepped into a minefield – bracing for the inevitable and seemingly unavoidable clutter the season brings.
So what’s the answer?
Here are four strategies to employ to ensure your Black Friday is filled with fun rather than unwanted stuff:
1) Unsubscribe from marketing emails
Even if you send a marketing email straight to the trash, the process still requires you to scan the subject and preheader text before making a decision.
While my own newsletter copy might not snag your attention right away (give me some grace🙏🏼), copywriters are being paid good money to entice you with just a few words – don’t give them that chance!
If you decide to keep a subscription or two around, consider creating a filter to send them directly to a designated folder. That way, you’ll be in control of when you view the emails rather than leaving it up to chance.
2) Set a personal purchasing rule
According to one survey, 64% of participants made impulse purchases at least once per month. Even worse, 44.5% of those individuals felt regret after.
Relatable? I’m guessing so.
Rather than succumb to the power of advertisements and product placement, let’s ensure positive shopping habits by implementing some simple purchasing rules. Since one size rarely fits all, here are some prompts to get you started:
- If this product costs more than $______, I will wait ______ days before purchasing.
- If this product costs more than $______, I will need to add it to next month’s budget before buying.
- If the feeling of FOMO is creeping in as I consider a purchase, I will text (insert responsible friend) to ask their opinion first.
- If the primary reason I want this item is to impress ______, I will instead write down two reasons I’m already deserving of love/friendship.
Once you’ve decided on a rule (or rules) that works best for you, let me what it is and how you came to that decision!
3) Only search for specific deals
Although it can be safer to avoid commerce zones altogether during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, sometimes it genuinely is the best time to cash in on a killer deal*.
If you’ve identified an item you’re needing, it’s important to focus on that specific search rather than opening yourself up to browsing an entire store. Rather than Google “best tech deals black friday 202X”, consider Googling “best iPhone 14 deal black friday 202X”. That simple shift could save your willpower and wallet.
It’s also helpful to avoid deals that force you into bundles or provide “free” stuff.
An intentional, focused purchase will protect your future self from the burden of excess.
4) Remind yourself of the joy of living with less
It can be easy to get caught up in the energy of the season.
With a string of holidays approaching, shopping can be a chance to catch up with friends, spend time with your significant other, and treat yourself to a fun day!
None of those are inherently negative – where it goes wrong is when those trips result in the accumulation of things we never wanted in the first place.
Before going shopping with your family, take a moment to ask yourself a few questions:
- Will purchasing more goods bring true fulfillment or just a momentary high?
- How did it initially feel to declutter my belongings?
- Would bringing more items into my home produce joy or cause regret?
- How can I enjoy the energy of the season without buying into the culture of consumerism?
By taking two minutes to meditate on your values, you’ll safeguard yourself against a load of remorse.
Final thoughts
If you wake up on November 26th with 20 extra knick-knacks and $450 less in the bank, it likely won’t be the end of the world, but wouldn’t you rather wake up knowing the purchases you made were right for you?
Instead of being swept along by the crowd of consumers, let’s take hold of our decisions and live with contentment rather than unbridled want.
*If you choose to seek out a specific deal, consider using my Amazon affiliate link!