How to Avoid Adding Clutter on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Updated: Jun. 08, 2022Use these five simple tips to take advantage of Black Friday deals without bringing clutter into your home.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are terrific opportunities to make a serious dent in your holiday shopping, all while saving a fistful of cash. Without a plan, however, these late November deals could easily become January’s clutter. Try these five simple tips to help you net the deals but skip the clutter.
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Set a Budget
Black Friday and Cyber Monday bargains aren’t really deals if they put you in the red. To avoid this, take a look at your finances and determine how much you can truly afford to spend on your holiday shopping. Then, set a budget for each person on your list — and stick to it as you shop. Include yourself in this budget to cap spending on hard-to-resist items.
Make a List
Text or email friends and loved ones on your list for gift ideas, specific or general, before you head out. Don’t hear back? Brainstorm and jot down a few options so you have a plan going in. Not only will this increase your chances of quickly finding a gift your recipient will use and love, it will help keep clutter out of their homes, too.
Evaluate Your Needs
Don’t forget to write up your personal wish list before you hop online, to encourage shopping with intention.
Walk through your home to realistically evaluate what you need and remind yourself of what you already have. Resist off-list deals. Maybe do some online Black Friday shopping while you digest between meals so you can take inventory at home. Remember, that $20 cashmere sweater is only a deal if you actually need it.
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
Clutter happens when we have more stuff than will fit in our available storage spaces. So when retailers use stock-up tactics as part of their Black Friday offerings, understand that you’re headed, wide-eyed, into a clutter trap. Instead of seeking out BOGOs or buy-more-save-more deals, use Black Friday as an opportunity to invest in quality items you and your gift recipients will enjoy for seasons to come.
Remember These Three Questions
The excitement of finding a deal triggers the emotional side of your brain. Give your rational brain a seat at the table by always asking three simple questions before making a purchase:
- Will I (or my gift recipient) use it?
- Would I pay full price for this item?
- Is it on my list?
If the answers tell you this really is a great deal, consult your budget as a final gut check before purchasing. If you need more guidance, reference the tools we bought on Black Friday last year.
Use these tips to hit the stores with confidence. Happy shopping, my friend! You’ve got this. However if you do leave your holiday shopping to the last minute, we’ve got some ideas to help you out.
