A new outdoor shopping mall opened in the area recently. I found out about the opening from a client who told me that her husband went to the grand opening with their children and came home with loads of free stuff…stickers, t-shirts, hats, water bottles, re-usable shopping bags – lots of stuff. My client was clearly frustrated, as she is working to de clutter and in marches more ‘stuff.’ Because it is free, we often can’t resist.
This is a familiar scenario that plays itself out in many ways…Retail stores provide ‘free’ gifts for a certain level of purchasing or a grand opening; banks provide them with the opening of new accounts; colleges and universities send them to acknowledge alumni donations or to attract young adult students; hotels provide them as part of a special package; trade show booths offer them to attendees one and all. You name it – it doesn’t stop. So, what can you do about it? Here are a few simple thoughts. First, mindfully say, “no thank you.” Second, take the item and when you get home, toss or donate a similar item in the practice of one in/one out. Third, when you get home, look at anything new you have walked in with and unless it is beautiful, useful, or loved…let it go.