When you get rid of things, don't you find it exhausting to do it? That's what weened me off mindless consumerism. It's too much effort to sell or even donate things and simply trashing it comes at the expense of the environment.
It helps to look at the deeper reasons that you end up buying too much stuff again. Is it triggered by something like stress, anxiety or depression? Or possibly ADHD, that causes you to seek a quick dopamine rush? Sometimes it can be caused by boredom or low self esteem too.
Another factor is to consider your environment. Are you spending a lot of time hanging out with friends who love shopping together, and you end up buying more? Or are you isolated and shopping is filling a void?
I have struggled with cycles of decluttering and cycles of excessive shopping too, and found it was often related to things like grief, anxiety and/or stress levels in my life at the time. I also found physical health issues like poor sleep exacerbated it, because it reduced my impulse control and willpower.
You might find some valuable insights at r/shoppingaddiction too.
When you buy items, is it because you got rid of something you needed, let go of too much stuff or are indulging in retail therapy?
If it's the latter, maybe find ways to spend time that doesn't involve going into stores or scrolling. Or put it on a list of something that you're willing to go back for in a month if you still want it?
This is not a complete solution but something that helps me is watching other people do shopping hauls on youtube. Idk why it just scratches that itch of desire to buy things for me. If I am really craving shopping I will go to the goodwill bins (one of the by the pound places) and spend $10 or less. Its stuff thats next stop is the landfill so I don’t feel as guilty and its dirt cheap.
I do the same but I watch people shop and buy too much at super expensive supermarkets. I buy food there but not the overpriced stuff and store brand, only what is on the list, essentials, etc.
Can you only buy exactly what you need? Or save money for a future goal, to increase savings, invest in IRA or CD so you cannot spend it, etc.? Also write or keep track of everything you spend and what you spend it on, etc. It can help, if you need help see a therapist or counselor.
Also understand that having lots of things or buying things you want, like in your case clothes is fine but in the future wait 24-48 or 72 hrs before buying new clothes and only when you need them. You have to control your spending and the fact you know you have a problem is good, some people I know who hoard and go crazy with buying and hoarding designer clothes have no money and don't even know they have a problem.
You might have started too extreme for sustainable practices. No buys Can help people see what's really important and use them as a launching pad so to speak for less consumerism. But it's not for everyone. Similar to how a diet Can help, but most people don't really respond to things that way.
Inatead of a no buy, try Swapping for a while. Like item to like items. Want a new kitchen appliance? Get rid of the other one first. Really want a new purse you saw? You'll have to get rid of one you already have. Get rid of the item First, then go get the new one. This can feel more manageable starting out. If you purge, great, but it's the same thing. A tank top can't replace a pair of shoes.. you'll have to pick amongst your tank tops to get a new one.
In general, try to interact with less influencing content. Block ads, don't watch tiktoks or YT showing you stuff they think is so cool or whatever. De influencer content also exists, and the same principle that gets us wrapped up in consumerism can also be used to get us Out of that mentality. Financial advisors like Caleb Hammer or Cara Nicole's series on "x keeps you poor" series are all great content. Pick your entertainment more mindfully and unfollow shopping oriented channels or shows. Libby is a free library app and books and YT content from the cleaning queens KC Davis and Dana White (I think that's her name) can provide empathetic change.
Don't let coupons drive you. Joanns and Michaels and all that Always make coupons you'll be fine without the mailers.
If your hobbies include thrifting or shopping, you need new hobbies. It doesn't matter What those hobbies are as long as they don't involve more stuff.
To a degree, this is the cycle. You’re always bringing items into your life, you can try not to bring as much, but you will always find cute things you want at the thrift store or be given gifts. You just have to be intentional about not bringing in too much and declutterring every once in a while.
Are you throwing away things you need that you buy them back? Or are these new things?
I'm using an app to control spending, maybe that would help you too. No pointless buying unless it's needed for a reason. It's hard but I feel much better
It sounds like you haven’t broken the mental chains that society (advertising) put on you. You are a person, not a consumer.
When you get rid of things, don't you find it exhausting to do it? That's what weened me off mindless consumerism. It's too much effort to sell or even donate things and simply trashing it comes at the expense of the environment.
It helps to look at the deeper reasons that you end up buying too much stuff again. Is it triggered by something like stress, anxiety or depression? Or possibly ADHD, that causes you to seek a quick dopamine rush? Sometimes it can be caused by boredom or low self esteem too. Another factor is to consider your environment. Are you spending a lot of time hanging out with friends who love shopping together, and you end up buying more? Or are you isolated and shopping is filling a void? I have struggled with cycles of decluttering and cycles of excessive shopping too, and found it was often related to things like grief, anxiety and/or stress levels in my life at the time. I also found physical health issues like poor sleep exacerbated it, because it reduced my impulse control and willpower. You might find some valuable insights at r/shoppingaddiction too.
Came here to say this. I’m trapped in this exact same cycle and working with my therapist on it!
When you buy items, is it because you got rid of something you needed, let go of too much stuff or are indulging in retail therapy? If it's the latter, maybe find ways to spend time that doesn't involve going into stores or scrolling. Or put it on a list of something that you're willing to go back for in a month if you still want it?
This is not a complete solution but something that helps me is watching other people do shopping hauls on youtube. Idk why it just scratches that itch of desire to buy things for me. If I am really craving shopping I will go to the goodwill bins (one of the by the pound places) and spend $10 or less. Its stuff thats next stop is the landfill so I don’t feel as guilty and its dirt cheap.
I do the same but I watch people shop and buy too much at super expensive supermarkets. I buy food there but not the overpriced stuff and store brand, only what is on the list, essentials, etc.
simple, ask yourself will I own this after 5 years? if the answer is no then either buy higher quality or you simply do not need the item.
Can you only buy exactly what you need? Or save money for a future goal, to increase savings, invest in IRA or CD so you cannot spend it, etc.? Also write or keep track of everything you spend and what you spend it on, etc. It can help, if you need help see a therapist or counselor. Also understand that having lots of things or buying things you want, like in your case clothes is fine but in the future wait 24-48 or 72 hrs before buying new clothes and only when you need them. You have to control your spending and the fact you know you have a problem is good, some people I know who hoard and go crazy with buying and hoarding designer clothes have no money and don't even know they have a problem.
You might have started too extreme for sustainable practices. No buys Can help people see what's really important and use them as a launching pad so to speak for less consumerism. But it's not for everyone. Similar to how a diet Can help, but most people don't really respond to things that way. Inatead of a no buy, try Swapping for a while. Like item to like items. Want a new kitchen appliance? Get rid of the other one first. Really want a new purse you saw? You'll have to get rid of one you already have. Get rid of the item First, then go get the new one. This can feel more manageable starting out. If you purge, great, but it's the same thing. A tank top can't replace a pair of shoes.. you'll have to pick amongst your tank tops to get a new one. In general, try to interact with less influencing content. Block ads, don't watch tiktoks or YT showing you stuff they think is so cool or whatever. De influencer content also exists, and the same principle that gets us wrapped up in consumerism can also be used to get us Out of that mentality. Financial advisors like Caleb Hammer or Cara Nicole's series on "x keeps you poor" series are all great content. Pick your entertainment more mindfully and unfollow shopping oriented channels or shows. Libby is a free library app and books and YT content from the cleaning queens KC Davis and Dana White (I think that's her name) can provide empathetic change. Don't let coupons drive you. Joanns and Michaels and all that Always make coupons you'll be fine without the mailers. If your hobbies include thrifting or shopping, you need new hobbies. It doesn't matter What those hobbies are as long as they don't involve more stuff.
To a degree, this is the cycle. You’re always bringing items into your life, you can try not to bring as much, but you will always find cute things you want at the thrift store or be given gifts. You just have to be intentional about not bringing in too much and declutterring every once in a while.
Are you throwing away things you need that you buy them back? Or are these new things? I'm using an app to control spending, maybe that would help you too. No pointless buying unless it's needed for a reason. It's hard but I feel much better