The reality is we do need to shop for the essentials for what we need to live. Clutter typically occurs when we shop for reasons beyond that, the emotional reasons. For example, we’re bored, sad or frustrated. Even if it’s for a good reason, like celebrating, shopping for reasons beyond need can lead to clutter.

So, how do you stop shopping for items beyond need? Sounds like torture, right?

Not really. There are a number of techniques you can employ to avoid impulse buying. For example, when you feel you “have” to buy an item, put it down and take a walk around the store or even outside the store for a minute or two. See if you feel the need to walk back in and get the item.

At home, unsubscribe from store newsletters and e-mails. Stay away from one-click shopping.

If you desire a higher ticket item, even if you don’t, delay making your purchase by 30 days. At the end of that period, see if you still want to buy it. Sure, you may miss out on a sale price. But if it’s an item you didn’t really need to have and time bought you a little perspective on that, you save 100 percent.

If you want to take it up a notch, try a shopping embargo for 30 days. During that time, don’t make any non-essential purchases. Just food and whatever health items and toiletries you need. At the end of that time period, evaluate your finances and your household. Do you have more money in the bank? Is your home a little neater with less things lying around?

For people who are chronic shoppers, it can be easy to find a reason to shop. What excuses do you make to go shopping? Write those down and then read the reason and think long and hard about it. If you’re shopping to make yourself feel better, maybe there’s another way. You could:

Put aside that money for one of your favorite charities or causes.

Or, commit those dollars to a vacation fun to go to some place you’ve dreamed of going.

The thing about shopping to make yourself feel better is this: If you aren’t happy with what you have, chances are you won’t be happy with what you get. So, before you make your next purchase, ask yourself one question:

Will this make me happy one month from now? And be completely honest. If you are you will know exactly what decision to make.