Save Money, Declutter and Find New Ways to Express Gratitude
I took both of these pictures at Target on January 11. The Valentine's Day and discounted New Year's displays were side by side.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, every retailer has a giant display filled with pink and red tchotchke. These colorful displays have been there since the day after New Years, proving that retailers don't skip a beat. It happens with every holiday, not giving a chance to appreciate the past, they’re on to the next money-maker. Retailers sell these items knowing that impulse purchasers have to have them. Please tell me why anyone needs New Year's party hats NOW?! I don't care that they're discounted, by the time 2019 rolls around, will you even remember that they're in the basement?
In regards to decor for the upcoming holiday, ask yourself if you really need a heart-shaped cookie cutter or a coffee mug meant to be used only 1 of 365 days? Yes, it’s cute but I’m sure you have a cabinet full of mugs and unless you only do dishes once a week, I can guarantee you don’t need another. I just recently discarded a mug that said “happy 21st birthday.” Hey, at least it was good for a whole year rather than just one day. FYI, I’m now 26. And Mom, I love you but I don’t need anymore Halloween dish towels; one is more than enough.
While we're on the topic, St. Patrick's day will be here before we know it. Don't let me catch you at Party City stocking up on beaded necklaces. I don’t know about you, but I AM part Irish yet don’t own a shirt asking to be kissed once a year.
I realize I probably sound like Scrooge right now. Just to clarify, I’m all for celebrating holidays but think we’re losing sight of the purpose which should be expressing our appreciation for loved ones. If you haven't read The 5 Love Languages I highly recommend it. If your partners' love language is anything other than gift-giving, you’re missing the mark and wasting your money. My love language happens to be Acts of Service, so I'd personally prefer a home cooked meal on Valentine's Day rather than a box of chocolate.
Look around your home and take inventory of the clutter. Do you have a basement and/or attic filled with boxes of seasonal decor? Recognize that accumulated junk can create unnecessary stress and anxiety, especially when confronted with it during a move. I also suggest reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing as a great starting point in the process of decluttering. You must learn to separate feelings of want versus need. If on the fence about something, try leaving the store without purchasing to see if your feelings change. If you wake up and decide you can't live without those party hats then head back and make the purchase. Otherwise, you saved yourself money and will most likely make smarter, more economical decisions in the future as well. We all work hard for our money, it's time to stop throwing it away on seasonal, 1-time items.
When I moved from Ohio to New York (aka a 3 story home to a 1 bedroom apartment), I donated at least 10 huge bags to Goodwill, all filled with clothes, shoes and accessories I couldn’t live without. Turns out I’m still breathing. I now have a greater appreciation for the items I own and no longer feel weighed down by material items. Make the decision to save money, declutter your home and find happiness through simplicity, starting with steering clear of seasonal aisles. You can thank me during your next move.
-Mallory
