Part of my plan to tackle impulse purchases for my Year of Less is to write down anything I think about buying and waiting before making a purchase.

So far this year I've not purchased a few things.

Everything I thought about buying in January would've been an online purchase due to being in lockdown which makes shopping easier to resist. I'm still not sure how I'm going to deal with impulse purchases when standing in a shop but for now, with essential shops still shut, this approach seems to be working.

1. Book

There was a reference book I wanted to read but the library was shut, I really didn't want to buy another book and then inspiration struck - an audio book. I checked the library app (thanks for the tip Betty) but the book I wanted wasn't available so I joined Audible for a month and downloaded it. Yes, I parted with some cash, but saving money isn't the goal, consuming less is the aim and a digital copy creates no clutter.

I don't think I'll ever abandon the printed page entirely, I love the feel (and smell) of books, but a few audio books won't do me any harm.

2. Phone chargers

Once upon a time we had three phone chargers with long cords, only one now works and it lives in the lounge for both of us to use. I wanted one by the bed so I could charge my phone and scroll. After some thought I realised I could use my power banks instead of letting them sit in a drawer largely unused. Now I keep them on my desk so they're not out of sight, out of mind. I've got into the habit of keeping them charged. Problem solved and no purchase necessary.

3. Pens

We used to have loads of pens floating about the place but we seem to be down to the last few. I decided a good quality refillable pen would be an eco friendly alternative to the stockpile of plastic disposable pens we've been using. When I started looking online I realised that if I was going to buy a pen to use long term I'd need to try it first, some pens just don't feel right in your hand do they? Others don't write nicely. I decided that I'd spend a while in WHSmith after lockdown. I haven't been yet obviously but it's something I am weirdly rather looking forward to. At some point I will make a purchase but it'll be one that lasts, until then I'm fiercely guarding my one remaining Biro.

4. Notebook

I wanted a notebook for a specific purpose. I had a very clear idea of the qualities it needed to have. I found one on the Paperchase website that ticked all the boxes but I stuck to my rule and waited a while to see if I still felt the need to buy it. I have plenty of unused notebooks, and having waited a while I decided to stop being so pernickety and just use one of those.

5. 2021 Diary

I buy a diary every year and write in it daily for a few weeks, sometimes into February or early March if I'm lucky, and then it's forgotten. I have a calendar to write appointments, birthdays, to keep track of deadlines and hours worked, and this gets used daily, all year round. But my diary just gets ignored, so for the first time in many years I decided not to buy one. I'm using last years as a notepad so it doesn't go to waste.

This wait-and-see system has stopped a few unnecessary items from entering our home, and I've saved approximately £50.00. Yes I'll probably spend some of that on a new 'forever pen' but in terms of using what I have, and limiting purchases I think I can call it a win. I just need to keep it up for the next 11 months, by which time I'm hoping it'll be second nature and impulse purchases will be a thing of the past.