How to Shop Smart (and Stay Sane) During Sales Season
Feeling overwhelmed by the upcoming sales? Here’s our step-by-step guide for how to enter the sale season with ease!
Make a List (& Check it Twice!)
It is always easier to stick to your plan if you have a plan to begin with! Create a list of things you need before shopping (both online and in store) to keep you on track this season. Remember to include everyone you plan to shop for or acknowledge, even with just a card. You’ll be less likely to deviate from your plan, and your budget, if you have a list.
Wait 24 Hours
If you want to deviate from your list, consider waiting 24 hours before purchasing the deviated item. Sales can be enticing in the moment, but if you are still thinking about it the next day, you can always order it then! This not only prevents you from making rash purchases, but also adds an extra step in returning to purchase the item. This can be another great fail-safe to make sure you truly want to go out of your way to purchase.
Remind Yourself of Your “Why”
It’s easy to get swept up by consumerism when everything is on sale. We have all gotten a little too spend-happy and ended up with a bunch of things we do not need. One of the first things we recommend when you feel the urge to purchase something is to go back to your “why.”
- For you: Why do you want this item? What does it offer you that you didn’t have before? Is that worth the price tag?
- For loved ones: Why do you purchase gifts during the holiday season? What other ways can you celebrate your loved ones?
Create A Realistic Budget
The average consumer expects to spend about $902 during the holiday season for gifts, decorations, and food. Take a moment to check what you spent last year, your current financial position, and your gifting list to make a reasonable budget based on that information. Make sure to consider if you have debt, loans, or bills coming up. Your budget should cover what you truly need while still allowing you to spend responsibly. If you make your budget too low, you risk blowing it on your first stop and quitting your budget altogether.
Price Check
Nowadays, it is super easy to price check items on your phone before heading out to purchase. Take a look at prices while you are making your budget to inform where you may want to make some swaps. Don’t be afraid to shop around for comparable items at lower prices to get the best bang for your buck.
Unsubscribe to Emails
Promotional emails come in hot during heavy sale times! Don’t fall victim to an excellent marketing strategy: unsubscribe from emails that are unnecessarily clogging up your inbox. Sales season is the perfect time to be reminded of what you are subscribed to and if it still aligns with your needs.
TIP: Some people want to have the option of accessing deals through promotional emails while still avoiding digital clutter. Consider creating an email address just for this purpose and only log in when you’re looking for something specific.
Limit Social Media Time
Social media is designed to sell. Platforms like Instagram employ teams dedicated to tracking your habits and targeting you with personalized ads. That’s not always a bad thing- algorithms can help you find what you want quickly and filter out what you don’t. But this takes intentional use. Try limiting your screen time during peak marketing seasons so you’re not overwhelmed by consumerism and can make mindful choices about what you truly need. Apps like BePresent and Downtime (or Digital Wellbeing for android users) can help! Take this time to get out and enjoy some winter activities with your family and stay offline for a bit.
Don’t Fall for Gimics
Lots of sales make purchases feel urgent with phrases like “one day only!” and “sale ends in 24 hours!” Remind yourself that it’s sale season and lots of sales will still be coming your way. Be patient rather than blowing your budget on one item because it’s discounted for 24 hours. And if you need help organizing your purchases this holiday season, feel free to reach out! We offer both in-person and virtual organizing sessions to help you keep your space functioning optimally during the chaos of holiday shopping.
For more information on all things Horderly- including lots of great tips, tricks, and other #HorderlyHabits- check out our blog or reach out for more information!
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