Survive Black Friday: your guide to intentional shopping

10 strategies to shop wisely

Back when I did closet organisation, I found out that one of the most common reasons of closet overload and buyer’s remorse was Black Friday. Don’t get me wrong, when you’re looking for a particular, quality item, sales are a great idea. I got many clothing gems during Black Friday, and so did my friends and customers. The secret? Treating it as just another day.

Today, I’ll share ten tips to keep a cool head during Black Friday, and any sale season.

1. Purchase with purpose

Before purchasing anything, take a minute to consider:

• Is it a want or a need?

• Can I include it in at least three outfits?

• Will this item bring long-term joy or satisfaction?

This practice distinguishes momentary wishes from necessities, orienting your shopping toward conscious purchases.

2. Stick to a shopping plan

Make a shopping list before you go shopping. It will help you remain focused on what you need to buy, while also saving you from temptation -and buyer’s remorse later on.

3. The 24-hour rule

If anything piques your interest, set it on a 24-hour wait. Most of the time, it kills the initial rush, helping you make a needs-based decision rather than an impulsive one.

4. Limit exposure

Cancel subscriptions of marketing emails and unfollow social media accounts that can trigger impulse buying. Also, avoid (and uninstall) shopping apps that are known for sending constant notifications.

5. Shop in the right state of mind

Shopping while stressed, tired, or hungry, can prompt emotional buying. Do your shopping when you’re calm and clear-headed: you will end up with a thoughtful purchase.

6. Pay in cash, not cards

Leave your cards at home and uninstall any mobile payment app you might have. The amount of cash you take out for shopping will be all you can spend. Once it’s over, your shopping trip is over. Buying online? Clear your “payment information” data from your browser and phone.

7. Delayed purchase

If you're not convinced about something, save it in a wish list. Sometime later, you’ll know if you either needed it, or it was a fleeting wish.

8. Identify your weaknesses

Understand what triggers your impulse buys. Do they start with a certain store, a certain product, or even sales messages? Knowing this can help you avoid the situations that put you at risk.

9. Have an accountability partner

Shopping with a friend or family member who knows your goals will bring balance. They will remind you of your resolve and give a fresh perspective that can save you from buying something you don’t need.

10. Define your financial goals

If you are saving funds for a new home, trying to kill debt, or acquire new technology for your business, knowing and committing to your financial goals will help you stay in control and avoid impulse shopping. Remember your financial priorities before you go shopping.

Once you apply these tips consistently, shopping for clothes becomes a deliberate choice. When you develop a healthy relationship with consumption you buy only those items that contribute to your life instead of overloading your closet. Also, every money spent consciously, no matter how small, brings you one step closer to financial freedom and contentment.