#experiencesnotstuff

To avoid adding "stuff" to my life this year there are a few things I need to do to be more sensible about accumulation. Following are five things that are helping me to get started:

1. Use lists

So I have started a list. And on that list are things that I "need". I am making a rule for myself that if it is not on the list, then I am not allowed to buy it. But I have found in the past that I have just written things on the list so that I have an excuse to go out and buy the things I need (want). So new rule: Items must sit on the list for at least a fortnight before I am allowed to buy them. (Obviously this excludes essential items like staple groceries, fuel, etc.). This will give me time to think about whether I really do "need" the item or not, and it will give me time to research the item, find the best price, and even allows me to trawl through thrift stores and auction websites to find the item before buying it new with all the packaging that goes along with buying new items.

2. Unsubscribe from mailing lists

So it is almost impossible to get rid of all advertising but there are some ways that I can minimise it's impact such as unsubscribing from all email lists. Over the years I have in one way or another managed to subscribe myself to a number of email lists for online sales websites, local stores, and the like. This is a great way to find out about sales, new products etc. but also can entice you into spending money you wouldn't normally spend. I quite often just delete these emails without reading (Thank you gmail for your new email filters) but every now and then one will sneak through. For example, just the other day I saw an email advertising a sale on havaianas jandels (thongs/flipflops). Down from $29 to $15. What a bargain. And I really want some new jandels. But I don't need them. It was a struggle. I even put them in my cart. And then promptly closed the web browser and made a cup of tea. But it was hard. So no more mailing lists. Problem solved.

3. Do something else during TV commercials

OK so the best way to avoid TV commercials is to not watch TV. And I don't a lot of the time. But I do enjoy renovation and gardening programmes, and the occasional TV movie. So my new way to avoid the blaring noises and images are to get up and do something during the ads. I can see the TV from my kitchen (but can't hear it) so use the ad breaks to finish the dishes, do some baking, make a cuppa, etc. Another way to avoid the commercials is to mute the ads and read a magazine, search the web, read a book, etc. My son hates it when I mute the ads. This is just an example of how well TV commercials work. We will also be reducing screen time this year so TV time needs to be planned, in addition to our already introduced "TV Free Tuesdays".

4. Plan for gifts

So having a 7 year old boy I still need to plan for gifts such as birthday and Xmas. So this year I am going with experiences more than possessions. I have already bought him some second hand Lego for his gift (no packaging and an investment as far as I am concerned) and tickets to a local music festival. I have also decided that friends and family will be getting my preserves and homemade gifts this year. Everyone loves my 'Tomato Relish', and after getting a selfie stick for Xmas last year (???) I have decided that I am only going to give gifts that I know people will like, use and need. And if I have to spend money (Thank you again society for making me feel obligated to spend money on gifts otherwise risking friends and family thinking lowly of me) I will be giving gifts of experiences, or gift cards from reputable departments stores, so that the receiver can at least spend the money on something that they actually need.

5. Get crafty

It can actually be quite fun making things you need out of stuff you already have. My new project will be reupholstering a PU sofa bed  I bought a number of years ago.The PU is now starting to peel off (serves me right for buying PU but it was cheap, and at the time needs must). So my project will require me to buy some "stuff" but in reality will have a lot less packaging, and will become a one-of-a-kind that no one else will have. Expect to see a blog on this project at some stage in the future.

So there we go. Getting started. Roll on 2015.

(Below:View of the Far North of New Zealand from the ocean #experiencesnotstuff)

Stuff does not last long. It's here today and debt tomorrow. Many people discover quickly that the stuff they buy usually is not cool enough to impress their friends or last long enough to be enjoyable and memorable. If you want to purchase something that is high quality and long lasting, buy experiences.Travel, pick up the violin, mountain climb, go hiking with some friends, learn a new skill - do things. Accrue a lifetime of memories and shared experiences that never lose their luster. You will actually discover you will have more friends impressed with you than your new (insert company name here ) tablet.