I’ve set myself some rules which I’m trialling at the moment to see if they are unrealistically strict. They are that I can buy new: underwear, gifts and small items I need to make other things e.g. thread for sewing, seeds for my allotment. Other than that I’m going to try not to buy any new stuff. And my definition of stuff is anything that isn’t rent, utilities, services e.g. insurance, MOT, food, toiletries, cleaning products and entertainment e.g. cinema or classes. So for me it’s the physical things I buy excluding food, toiletries and cleaning products.
So the first month has gone pretty well I think. I am starting to realise some interesting things already. Such as just how many of the emails I receive are from shops offering me x % off if I spend x amount. It’s rather satisfying to delete these when previously I would have read them to make sure I wasn’t missing a bargain. I’ve also realised there is some stuff you really do have to buy new. I went to a fire safety training session at work and as a result have bought a fire blanket for my home. Since you are supposed to dispose of them after use there is no alternative but to buy a new one. I’ve also reminded myself I am only human! I bought an ornamental grass recently – it was new and I just wanted it even if it breaks my rules! So 1 month in and my new stuff count is 2 (fire blanket and ornamental grass).