Our big spending season is looming just around the corner. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend more than $1,000 per household this holiday season. There are few that don’t love to give as well as get a gift. But before you head off to do your holiday shopping, consider what you and your loved ones will do with all the stuff you buy.
Americans have too much stuff. Evidence that we have too much stuff lies in data on the Self Storage industry. In 2017, there was seven square feet of storage space for every man, woman, and child in America, and 90 percent of it was in use.
The industry expects the need to store stuff to continue to rise. Spending to build more space in 2017 was almost double what was spent in 2016. In an article on InvestorManagementServices.com, there was little concern there would be a drop in demand any time soon.
A 2015 survey done by Gladiator Garage Works, a firm that makes organizational systems for garages, found that one in four households could not get a car into their garage due to all the stuff that’s in there. Not only are the garages full, but the closets, attics, and basements are too.
Holiday shopping has the ability to cloud our judgement. We get caught up in the festivity, the pressure, and even the competition of buying things. And we are the perfect consumers. We have a basic need for novelty and new experiences. That is one of the reasons we love Christmas so much. Unfortunately, many of the things we buy will wind up relegated to the closet, then the garage, and for too many, finally the storage unit.
When your gifts go unused, not only has your money been wasted, but you are also contributing to the stress of those who receive your gifts. Clutter has a negative impact on mental health. It has been linked to depression and fatigue, overeating, and isolation.
Here are a few tips to help avoid wasting money and contributing to your receivers pile of stuff this holiday season.
- Don’t go shopping looking for inspiration. Know what you will buy before you go and have a budget for each person on your list.
- Coordinate your gift giving with family members. Check in with others to get a good idea of what each person on your list needs or has really had their eye on.
- Consider pairing at least adult family members, so each one is only buying and receiving one gift.
- To cut down on children’s holiday overload, consider making a contribution to a college fund, instead of buying toys or clothes.
- If you’re at a loss for what to give, make it consumable. Home baked goodies rarely go to waste and won’t be stored.
We look forward to the holidays every year. But the buying frenzy that comes with them can be a waste. Too much of what is bought will wind up as stuff that needs to be stored when the excitement wears off. So, this year, take a more thoughtful approach to gift buying. Buy fewer gifts and make them count. You’ll save money and your gifts will be truly valued.
Julie Grandstaff 