Wait 3 days
This is something I use often.
When I see something I want, I force myself to put it back, and then I wait 72 hours.
If I am still thinking about it, 72 hours later, then it’s clear I really need or want it.
Assess if it’s a need or a want
In that 72 hour time period, I go through an inventory what I already have.
I think about possible substitutes.
I think about where and when I’d use it, calculating the cost-per-use for a week/month/year including time spent.
Get rid of something
I get rid of something to make space for it.
If I cannot get rid of anything, it makes a stronger case to not buy it.
True Scenario: I want a new kettle
I’ve identified a need that my old kettle broke and I needed a new one.
I researched for the perfect kettle just to get the idea of how much it would cost for what I want.
It was $20.
With that shopping information in hand, I waited a minimum of 3 days (in my case, a week).
During the week, I casually noted how many times I used a kettle.
Seemed to be only when I have tea in the morning.
So I looked for other alternatives: heating water on the stove, or simply microwaving water in a cup.
I experimented with my daily tea by using the above methods.
The stove turned out to be an energy waster, and it was inconvenient.
But microwaving water in a cup for 3 minutes on high worked wonderfully.
In the end, I decided that I didn’t really need a kettle.
I didn’t use it often enough to justify its usage, and microwaving water in a cup works just as quickly.
Conclusion: I have one less kitchen appliance.
This is a really banal example above, and now my microwave is a multi-tasking appliance.
(What did we ever do without them!? Stoves and ovens take so long to reheat anything)
But it actually happened, and now I have one less kitchen appliance to plug in and use.
TatiLie
on Jan 29th, 2010
@ 12:16 pm:
Interesting! In my case, it worked differently. Our microwave broke and we noticed that we used it only for warming the tea water! My husband is Italian, so we do a lot of stove cooking and there's hardly any reheating work. We quit the microwave and use a lot the kettle (for boiling water for pasta). Isn't it beautiful how the same philosophy works in different ways for different lifestyles but converges to the same result?
simpleinfrance
on Jan 29th, 2010
@ 12:19 pm:
I heartily agree with the waiting period. Sometimes in waiting I realize, like you, that I don't really 'need' something. Often, when I do really want something for a long time, I can find a way to get it used/free or cheap which, to me, is also important.
Rachel @ It's a hero
on Jan 29th, 2010
@ 1:09 pm:
I love this method of shopping. I try to do it often. & others (including my boyfriend) don't understand my dislike of too many kitchen appliances. He thinks I need a toaster oven. I, do not. He thinks it's much quicker & more energy efficient to use a toaster oven than heat up the whole oven. Agreed. but in actuality, I use the oven far too less.
Aurora
on Jan 29th, 2010
@ 3:51 pm:
I really agree with the wait three days rule. I've done this with "wait a year." I really wanted a certain leather vest from a store at the local Rennfaire. I spent a year thinking about it and decided that I would wear it enough to justify its purchase, and it makes me very happy to put it on. Next Faire, I'm buying a leather skirt- having put the money aside for it ahead of time. I know I'll wear it, and I really love it. I won't buy a lot of junk at the Faire, but I will buy one thing that really counts.
Tamara
on Jan 29th, 2010
@ 8:26 pm:
What a great example. I must confess that I've been an appliance junkie for years–can't tell you how many blenders I've bought and never used, until I imposed a personal ban on them. The microwave is wonderful for heating up water. I've recently taken the big step of giving away my coffee makers, since I'm the only one who drinks the beverage in my house, and I've just discovered some marvelous instant coffee. I'll think long and hard before buying any more kitchen appliances. Glad to see I'm not alone.
Arianne
on Jan 29th, 2010
@ 5:47 pm:
Love this! I have a 30 day (OMG!) waiting period for makeup now. Hence the $22 I spent on makeup so far this month.
Must be that dinner with PF bloggers that kicked my butt into saving. 
Natasha
on Jan 30th, 2010
@ 4:30 am:
I do this… sort of. I usually buy something and return it later when I realize I don't need it. I know it's not a good way to do things since most people usually don't return it, but maybe I just like the cycle- buy, return, repeat. I have found myself hearing voices in my head when I go shopping asking me if I really need the item, if I already have one, if I can use something else? It's actually been very helpful.
I really like Simpleinfrance's idea to wait a long time and find a way to get it cheaper or free.
everydayminimalist
on Jan 30th, 2010
@ 7:13 am:
I usually do a delay tactic of some sort
I find that after 3 days or so, I don’t really want or need the product. It’s all in my head!
everydayminimalist
on Jan 30th, 2010
@ 7:13 am:
LOL!!!!!!!!!!
Well at least it did some good
everydayminimalist
on Jan 30th, 2010
@ 7:15 am:
I do have to note that instant coffee doesn’t cut it for some picky people (*ahem* my sister), but if you can substitute it out, why not?
The less appliances the better. It means you have less to clean, less to keep, more space and more money. Win win!
everydayminimalist
on Jan 30th, 2010
@ 7:20 am:
A lot of times when I just ask around and wait, people end up finding the exact item I wanted, and just give it to me for free
Or as a trade for something I didn’t want
everydayminimalist
on Jan 30th, 2010
@ 7:22 am:
I have never found a need in my cooking life for a Toaster Oven, but at one point, I wanted a Convection Oven badly.
Maybe it’s the same thing.
What I do like about a Convection Oven (disclaimer: not that I actually own one at all)… is that it can drip out all the fat into the bottom and cook chicken in 35 minutes
It does the same thing in the oven, but I guess I am one of those super visual people who wants a 360 degree view of what is happening to my food.. LOL!
In the end, I thought: That heavy SOB has to travel with me? Forget it. I’m sticking to an oven
But it is pretty handy when you are on the go, living in a hotel room for a very long period of time without an oven
everydayminimalist
on Jan 30th, 2010
@ 7:25 am:
Wow, that IS interesting
We’re two peas of the same pod.
What we do, is a lot of oven and stove work, but we make a lot. This means that we have a lot of leftovers as well, and a microwave is quicker and more energy efficient than a stove in our life.
I couldn’t live without a microwave. It’s the #1 appliance, tied with a rice cooker that I wouldn’t want to give up.
Natasha
on Jan 31st, 2010
@ 7:37 am:
I have to admit I'm glad I didn't wait on a dress I saw yesterday. I was going to wait until February (only 2 more days) so I wouldn't go over my clothing budget for the January but when I went today, there were only a few left! I snatched it up and I'm like a giddy schoolgirl ready to wear it. If it helps, I couldn't stop thinking about it all night and posted it on my blog, then I knew I really wanted it =)
Tweets that mention 3 Strategies to Stop Shopping | The Everyday Minimalist -- Topsy.com
on Jan 31st, 2010
@ 10:34 am:
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Fabulously Broke and GoBankingRates, Christine Simiriglia. Christine Simiriglia said: RT @brokeinthecity 3 Strategies to Stop Shopping http://bit.ly/atojxV [...]
Simple Pittsburgh
on Jan 31st, 2010
@ 5:16 pm:
I try to follow the same procedure when deciding on "big ticket" items. For instance, I've been considering purchasing a keyboard for some time now. I actually think about the item every day. That said, I keep thinking about whether I will really commit to learning how to play. That is the only thing that keeps me from making the purchase.
kristi
on Feb 1st, 2010
@ 1:38 am:
Just found your blog from the student blogroll on blogging your way. Love your suggestions about decluttering and minimalism…so inspiring.
Noelle
on Feb 1st, 2010
@ 5:09 am:
Just wanted to add my voice agreeing that this is a good, practical article and the example was not banal at all. It's very easy to acquire "small" things because they're easy to carry and store. That is, until one gets too many and realizes that clutter has crept in.
I've managed to get rid of a rice maker (I've got a heavy duty pot for that); a blender (used it once a year for cream cheese cookies and the Kitchenaid is good enough); half my pots, tupperware, silverware and dinnerware (to my ex, who has the kids half the time anyways, so he might as well have a way to feed them); all my wine glasses (I don't drink wine); and other small kitchenware. What a relief to have that stuff gone! My goal is to have the entire top shelf of all the cabinets – that I can't reach anyway – completely clear.
I try not to buy new things, but if I need a replacement, or if I get a gift, it's "one in, one out," which I think you covered in another good post :~)
everydayminimalist
on Feb 1st, 2010
@ 7:42 am:
OOo I could never get rid of my rice cooker!
It’s one of my #1 appliances in the home.
But I agree that acquiring small things adds up quickly. Then you pack it all into a box and are stumped as to where all this STUFF came from…
everydayminimalist
on Feb 1st, 2010
@ 7:43 am:
Wow, thank you!
everydayminimalist
on Feb 1st, 2010
@ 7:44 am:
As a piano player, I am all for someone learning how to play the keyboard .. or any musical instrument for that matter!
But you’re right. If you can’t set aside at least 2 hours a week to practice, it’s a waste of cash. It isn’t easy to learn, and will take at least a year before it all makes sense.
Personally, I think it’s worth it.
Good luck!
everydayminimalist
on Feb 1st, 2010
@ 7:45 am:
That’s what happens to me too.
If I wait too long to buy something, I eventually dream about it for half a year; then when I go back to buy the item, I’m sad and shocked it has already been sold/discontinued LOL!
Sometimes being too smart with your money can hurt ya…
Kim - HCH
on Feb 1st, 2010
@ 2:18 pm:
Oh I'm happy to find your blog. I've been a minimalist for years. Moving between countries and continents encourages such tendencies. Great post – I will apply it to my next desired item: a decent printer and I'm subscribing to your feed. Thanks!
evrydaymnmalist
on Feb 1st, 2010
@ 5:45 pm:
Wonderful, thank you
Yes, being a bit of a modern nomad really makes me motivated to keep the clutter level down…
Jen
on Feb 2nd, 2010
@ 3:22 pm:
So interesting to read the comments as well as the post!
I haven't had a microwave for months, and don't miss it one bit. On the other hand, if I didn't have my rice maker I'd go crazy having to make that on the stove.
The thing is, it might take a little longer to reheat things in the stove, but you don't sacrifice taste and texture. I'm willing to wait the extra ten minutes. Plus, our stove has "quick boil" burners that will bring your water to a boil in three minutes easy.
I'm not saying you shouldn't have a microwave, I just think it's neat how people prioritize differently based on lifestyle and how the appliance (large or small) fits into the mix.
everydayminimalist
on Feb 2nd, 2010
@ 8:02 pm:
Oh that’s a great point!
A microwave does change the taste of something, but a stove doesn’t.
I guess for me, a stove is not as easy to tote around as a microwave (yes, I’ve been considering that). We move with ours because most places don’t have one.
A rice cooker is a MUST for me as well.