I’m writing this post because I had a shopping problem. Sometimes, it comes and goes.
Do you feel this way too?
I can assure you that you’re not blowing money on random stuff because you’re reckless.
You’re doing it because shopping makes you feel something. Something warm. Something safe.
Something distracting when everything else feels heavy and confusing.
Also, don’t you love that feeling of waiting for a package delivery?
I do too.
Sometimes we buy things because we’re bored.
Other times, it’s because we’re lonely, overstimulated, burned out, or desperately trying to fill a hole that we can’t even name.
The worst part? After the package arrives, that momentary high fades.
You’re left with clutter, guilt, and a subtle shame that whispers: “Why did I buy this?”
This post isn’t here to shame you or tell you to “just stop spending.” I would never do that because I know how hard it is to overcome this habit.
Guilt and blame never work.
Instead, this is a soft, gentle nudge toward awareness.
It’s about learning to pause, soothe yourself in better ways, and create space between your feelings and your checkout cart.
Let’s walk through this slowly. No pressure.
Just gentle reminders that you’re already doing better than you think.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may make a commission at no extra cost to you if you decide to click on a link and purchase something. Click here to read the full disclaimer.
1. Name What You’re Really Craving
Most shopping urges aren’t about the object, they’re about the feeling it promises.
Before clicking “Buy Now”, ask: What am I really craving right now?
I do this everytime I want to buy Pompompurin Merchandise. My desk is filled with little figurines of Pompompurin, Molang and Lulu Pig.
Maybe it’s comfort. Maybe it’s control.
Maybe it’s beauty, excitement, or validation.
I used to also buy tons of stationery, not because I needed notebooks, but because writing felt soothing.
What helped? Creating a ritual around journaling instead.
Keep a pretty, inviting journal like this one nearby. Instead of shopping, write down what you’re craving.
Naming the feeling gives it less power. And you begin to reclaim your attention.
2. Romanticize What You Already Own
We often shop not because we don’t have enough, but because we don’t notice what we have.
Take a day and romanticize your current space. Light a candle.
Rearrange your dresser or your cupboard.
I once spent an entire evening organizing my closet. And I realized how many clothes I actually own. I fell in love with my clothes and I even discovered a few outfits I’d stashed in the back with the tag still on.
Re-fall in love with your own stuff. You’ll feel full again.
3. Create a Cozy Wish List, But Don’t Buy Anything Yet
Let yourself want things.
Seriously. Desire is not the enemy.
Create a “Pretty Things I Want” list in your phone.
Add links, photos, even prices. But don’t buy them right away. Wait at least 7-14 days. Revisit the list with a cup of tea.
Most of the time, I find I don’t even want those things anymore.
They were just impulse cravings.
But the act of saving them helps you feel heard. You’re acknowledging your desires without giving them your money (yet).
4. Keep One Thing in Your Cart for 24 Hours
This one’s powerful.
Every time you want to buy something, put it in your cart. Then close the tab and walk away.
You’re building a tiny habit of delayed gratification, which is wildly underrated in our fast-paced world.
Come back to it the next day. Still want it? Cool. Want it less? Even better.
I’ve had the same pair of earrings in my cart for 3 weeks. Turns out, I just wanted to feel a little fancy. So I wore my old ones with a bold lip instead.
This small pause creates distance between feeling and action, and gives you back control.
5. Fill the Void with Ritual, Not Retail
What if your “I want to shop” moment is really a cry for ritual?
Think about the time of day when your urge hits hardest. Is it late at night when you’re tired? Mid-afternoon when you’re overwhelmed?
Replace that moment with something intentional:
- Brew a fancy tea in your favorite mug
- Watch a cozy slow-living vlog on YouTube
- Water your plants
I have a whole shelf of small rituals I turn to when the urge hits. It doesn’t always work perfectly.
But most of the time, it’s enough.
6. Let Go of the “All or Nothing” Mindset
Stopping compulsive shopping doesn’t mean you become a minimalist monk. You can still love pretty things, aesthetics, and occasional treats.
What matters is making a mindful choice over an emotional reaction.
Maybe you buy a book because it genuinely excites you.
But you skip the fifth mug that looks like the one you already have.
Let it be messy.
You’re unlearning emotional spending habits that took years to build. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and still keep going.
If you want to treat yourself, try setting a “cozy budget” every month. Put it toward a small joy like a warm throw blanket or a new book that truly brings peace.
7. Forgive Yourself Every Time You Slip
This is the most important one. You will slip. You will buy things you didn’t need. You might even have a full cart in the middle of the night.
That’s okay.
Shame keeps you stuck in the cycle. Forgiveness breaks it.
Every purchase is just data. Not proof you’re bad with money. Not a sign you’re weak. Just feedback.
Take a deep breath. Look at the item. Ask yourself:
- Why did I buy this?
- What was I feeling?
- What can I do differently next time?
Then gently let it go. You’re learning. And that’s beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Stopping over-shopping isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about becoming a little more conscious, a little more grounded, and a lot more gentle with yourself.
Every time you pause, even once, you’re building a new version of you. A version that sees through the noise.
Who listens to their heart. Who spends money like it’s sacred energy, not just a click away.
You’ve got this.
And you don’t need 100 pretty things to prove it.
