11/06/2026
Impulse buying is the spur of the moment urge to buy anything from food to electronics to clothing. Things, in all likelihood we don’t really need. But science shows our cluttered homes are causing increased levels of stress and anxiety as well as pushing us further into debt
Read on for some ways to try to resist the urge
Create a budget
Plan and pay all essential costs first. Know where your money is going so you are more aware of what you have left over
Allow yourself some spending
Set a small budget for extras and don’t exceed it. This way you allow yourself some treats with out the guilt or the need for impulse buys
Set a financial goal
Saving for something gives you focus to prioritise on something you really want rather than frittering money away
Limit access to your money
Move funds into saving pockets in your account so they are not automatically available and you need to move before you can spend, this delay will help combat the impulsiveness
Use cash so you can physically see money reduce rather than just pressing card against a machine without thought
Cancel or restrict access to credit cards. Place post it on it saying 'pause' or 'slow down' to discourage use
Remove saved card info on websites so extra step needed before completing purchase
Unsubscribe from favourite retailers to avoid tempting offers and promotions
Try a no spend challenge where you only pay for essentials
Delay purchases
Once in your basket give yourself a cooling off period. Allow 24 hours to take away the excitement and impulse
Do a mental checklist to assess if you really want or need it
Actively avoid temptation
Remove shopping apps, don’t browse websites, limit social media time, avoid shops or aisles that don’t have what you went in for
Do something else
Find alternative hobbies or activities to fill your time - go for a walk, make a coffee, meet a friend or read a book. The benefits outweigh any new purchase
Shop intentionally
Really consider purchases. Be mindful what you allow into your home
Ask yourself: Is it a need or a want?, Can you wait 24 hours? Can you afford it? Can you save for it? What would you have to sacrifice now to have it? How long would you have to work to pay for it? Why do you want it?
Use a list and stick to it
Have a shopping partner who is honest and will challenge you when making a purchase
Shop in the right frame of mind
Avoid shopping when you feel low, hungry or stressed. Try to be clear headed when making any purchase
Declutter
Simplifying your stuff changes your perspective on what you own and why
Decluttering makes you reassess what you bring into your home, items need to earn their place in your space
Clutter consumes time, energy, money and emotions - remove this and you reassess what really matters
Not all purchases are bad, a small occasional purchase can be a nice reward for your hard work, but impulse buying is a habit that once established can be hard to break. We overvalue possessions, they can overwhelm our home causing stress, anxiety and debt. The key to a decluttered and organised home is having less stuff
Be ruthless about what you allow into your home, make sure it earns its place. Your emotional well being, your home and your bank account will thank you