Shopping is fun, and some might even say therapeutic, as the well-known term “retail therapy” implies. But while an occasional shopping spree doesn’t hurt (yes we know all the post-Xmas sales are tempting!) if you find yourself shopping long after your disposable income has run out, you might have a problem.
Shopaholics, or people who shop compulsively, resemble those with eating disorders in their process of self-nurturance, says Patch Welling, owner of Patchouli Therapy. However, differentiating a quite harmless love for all the things money can buy, from an addiction, is not always easy, as those who are truly addicted are often masters of deception!
If you’re exhibiting the following behaviours, you may have moved past a simple Carrie Bradshaw-like love for shoes.
While collecting limited edition Star Wars figurines is an investment, buying something and then keeping it in your cupboard for months without opening the packaging or removing the clothing tags is an almost certain sign that you bought something you didn’t need in the first place.
So if you could fill one of our Romford self storage units with clothes you have never worn (and don’t really intend to ever wear) you might have a problem. Especially if you bought those things “to make yourself feel better”. Addiction support website addictions.com lists spending money when you are anxious, angry or depressed as one of the main indicators of being addicted to shopping.
A normal shopping spree can also lead to excessive purchases of clothes, shoes, jewellery, or even food, however, these items are usually budgeted for. Shopaholics, on the other hand, fund their purchases through credit cards and debt.
If you shop even after your budget has run out, you are most probably addicted to shopping!
When you lose the ability to think rationally about something it usually spells trouble.
Patch Welling says that when you start getting anxious or overly upset about a purchase that cannot be made (or when you keep fighting and becoming emotional with your significant other about an item you just have to have) it is time to ask for help.
So while shopping can be harmless – and it might make you feel relaxed – moderation is key.
And if you now find yourself with a house full of items you don’t need and actually have no space for, why not donate some things to charity?
You could also try your hand at selling your unused items online via Amazon or eBay like some of our customers in our Access Self Storage Stevenage store.
Or, if you are not quite ready to part with your goods just yet – stick it in one of our many branches across the UK, like Access Self Storage Manchester, Access Self Storage Coventry, Access Self Storage Chelsea, or even Access Self Storage Edmonton!
Remember shopping should be fun and it’s always best to seek the advice of a professional if you think you might have a problem.
Now, where did I put my wallet…
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