Stopping Over-Shopping

Get some strategies and advice about stopping over-shopping and other tips in this issue of Tips and Tricks.

Quote of the Month

“You may think something is too great to let go, but sometimes greater things can only happen after you let go.”

-Curiano.com

How does this relate to something you’re holding on to? Items from an old hobby? Items from a special someone that you definitely don’t need or may never use? Imagine something great like MORE SPACE if you find the courage to let go.

WBAL TV 11

I re-visited the set of WBAL TV 11’s Morning Show with Jennifer Franciotti last week to talk about Garages. Always a great experience to work with a pro like Jen!

Click here to view the segment.

Pre-Season Shopping Strategies

We are just about ready to see and hear ALL the wonderful options we can buy for our family and friends for the Holiday Season. I’m guessing there are already holiday displays being set up for your viewing pleasure and to entice you to BUY, BUY, BUY LOTS of stuff.

Many of my clients now have areas that are designated as “Gifts to Give” areas – we have corralled all of the many varied purchases from years past and they now have a (extremely) healthy supply to chose from.

BUT – there is a big BUT – they still LOVE to shop! They still LOVE to find a great sale. They still LOVE to decide how various friends and relatives will absolutely LOVE whatever it is they see, either on line or in the store.

Here are some strategies to hopefully help you to curb your spending and stopping over-shopping this upcoming season:

Wait at least 24 hours to buy something – take the time to evaluate if you really, really need to buy it. If you wait 24 hours and it still feels like a necessity, at least you know you didn’t make an impulse purchase.
Avoid stores where you have succumbed to buying more than you intended (take a look at your Gifts to Give pile and you’ll know where to avoid).
Spend some time making an inventory of what you currently have gift-wise in your home.
Make a list of every person you ‘need’ to buy a gift for and compare it with your inventory of what you already have.
Add a dollar amount to what you want to spend per person and challenge yourself to stick within the budget you created.
Look for EXPERIENCE gifts rather than physical objects that can increase other people’s clutter. Think about a trip to the Zoo or Aquarium verses a stuffed dolphin or bear.

And most importantly, try to enjoy the visual displays of decorations and gifts and maybe even take a picture with your phone. If you can avoid over-shopping, you will not only be proud of yourself, you can use the extra money on whatever YOU want to experience!

Ebay Item of the Month

Old Money

Howard is in the process of selling some very old dollar bills used by servicemen during WWII in Hawaii and it is astonishing to see how interested the eBay community is in these… Contact Howard to discuss your old money or any other items you have that may be of value.

“Helping Baby Boomers and their Parents Lighten their Loads”

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your home, contact me. Together, we can transform your home into a happy, tidy place where you can feel at peace. We can also get you ready for your next move… more enjoyable, faster and easier!