The only time I stockpile is when there is a *tremendous* deal on the item (and if I have room for the volume). One recurring stockpile item is 9Lives brand cat food. Full price it’s $0.50, and on sale it’s $0.30. How can I resist taking home all the Chicken Dinner and Super Supper they have in stock? It stacks so nicely in the cupboard. But my medicine cabinet simply doesn’t have that kind of extra space for shampoo, conditioner, soaps, lotions, etcetera, ad nauseam. Buy what you need, when you need it, I always say. No stress here.

The point is, that I am an overbuyer and I’m convinced that I have a fear of running out of things, especially the essentials, in reaction to all of that childhood anxiety and deprivation. But Mom was a child of the Depression so her way was a reaction to the forced frugality of her childhood.

After rolling around this question for 2 days, it’s provided tremendous insight to some possibilities for the stress I continually experience. The rhythm of my day has improved greatly. But, even though I have a rather simple, decluttered lifestyle/environment, I’m aware of mini-stressors that pepper my daily routines – just couldn’t pinpoint their source. As I gradually created a minimalist home space, I trusted former feelings of being overwhelmed, disorganized and unprepared would vanish. It’s been more of a slow phasing-out, and perhaps for me, this is the best speed.

Mostly, I under buy. With the exception of bath tissue and food for my cat, there is nothing else that I stockpile. This has some advantages: I shop for food frequently (greater part of my eating raw vegetables). When I get dressed for work, a look in my closet finds only a few items of clothing I hadn’t realized the stress this has been producing. Clearly, I have under-bought what I need for my office job. Not buying enough has surely resulted in not having what I need at the appropriate time (“hello, saline solution?”)

Gretchen’s post prompted me to consider a possible shift in how I regard what I under buy/ over buy. Two examples are clothing and paper. I began by focusing on my wardrobe needs (real, very real – under buy). Later, I looked at my already streamlined “collection” paper files and reading materials (aka: room-length wall of books – over buy). A few hours of chipping away and re-evaluating “needs” vs. “requirements” vs. “not necessary” resulted in more acquired space and a feeling of calm. Many books have now been designated for donation and lots of paper files eliminated – Why was I keeping this stuff?!!! Perhaps this has been my lopsided approach to balancing out my tendency to under buy? :-)

My intention is to find that place of balance where I have all that I truly need, a little of what I desire and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that there will always be enough of both.

Jean

There is so much waste and excess in this country. However I still am not keen on shopping thrift stores for used stuff. What’s up with that? I do donate my clothes that are in good condition. Not averse to getting hand me downs, in fact loved getting our seasonal box from cousins when I was a kid!
Lots of story ideas in the replies here.
Thanks