The average American spends $120 per month on clothing and $196 on household furnishings.
But did you also know that we wear 60% of our clothing for only a year before we discard the item? Not only is that not sustainable, but it also leads me to believe we're buying items based on our emotions, which often leads us to make poor decisions that we later regret.
And it's expensive. If you're tired of overspending and still ending up with a closet full of stuff you don't like and rarely wear, keep reading. I'm sharing with you the signs of emotional spending and what to do instead when you're triggered.
Know Your Emotional Triggers
While you're only supposed to keep what makes us happy that doesn't always stop people from buying items when triggered by other emotions. Knowing what triggers you can help you prevent another unwanted spending spree.
Here are some big triggers:
Jealousy
Fear
Guilt
Sadness
Anxiety
Social isolation
Boredom
Achievement
One way to prevent emotional shopping is to identify the reason (s) why you're shopping before you hit the stores. If there's no real need, it's time to refocus yourself on a healthier activity.
Healthier Options When You're Triggered
When you feel yourself triggered into going on an emotional spending spree, it's time to choose a healthier option. Otherwise, while you might feel better while you're shopping, it's more likely you'll feel worse afterward and if you're like most people, not only will you feel too embarrassed to return the items, you'll never wear them either.
This means you lose money and you've got a cluttered closet full of guilt and shame that you never wear. And they're mixed in with items you do like, making it harder to find items that make you feel good about yourself, which can lead to another shopping spree.
Here are a few healthier options:
Deep breathing exercises
Physical exercise
Meditating
Affirmations
Spending time with family, friends, or pets
It's okay to get triggered. It's okay to feel bad. But you'll feel better if you create healthier coping habits for yourself.
How To Prevent Triggers In The First Place
It's also okay to go shopping. But you can help yourself make smarter shopping decisions by adopting the following habits.
Delete shopping apps
Unsubscribe from email newsletters
Make an emotional spending budget
Wait 48 hours before you buy
Leave the credit card at home
Reach out to a friend, therapist, or relative
You can also treat yourself to something small. Keep it aligned with your boundaries so that it fits you properly, you really like it, it's well made, and it matches with several other items in your current wardrobe.
That way, it's a purchase that you can enjoy for years to come guilt-free!
Declutter & Organize Your Closet
One way to prevent emotional shopping is to educate yourself on what's in your closet. That way, when you do go shopping, you'll know what sizes fit you, what styles look good on you, and what you actually like wearing.
Making informed decisions rather than emotional spending leads to longer satisfaction without guilt. And don't forget to rely on your support system for help!
If you want to learn the basics of how to get and stay organized, my e-course is the perfect place to start. Click here to buy a copy today.