Motherhood is a challenging phase, but it is also the most rewarding one. Shopping is one of those things that most mothers struggle to find time for. Even when they do, it can get quite overwhelming to shortlist things and stick to a plan because mommy’s brain is accurate, and we all have dealt with it at some point or another. If you are a mom and looking to make your life easier, we have the ten best shopping tips to help you on your next shopping trip to the mall. Let’s get started.
- Set a budget:
It is wise to set a budget first because when you have a number to work with, it is easier to plan your shopping trip accordingly to avoid overspending. It can get quite overwhelming to stay on track and budget, but it is manageable as a mom. Set a specific amount aside for necessities and set another amount for additional expenses. An excellent way to go about budgeting is by listing everything you think you need and search for their tentative prices online. Look for good deals, if any. Once you have an idea about your expected expense, make it a point to stick to it.
- Use a mood board:
A mood board is a mere collection of things that spark your interest. It could include anything and everything from clothes to shoes to everything in between. A mood board helps you identify your style and prevents any impulse buys. When you have a good idea about what you want, you will refrain from wasting money on unnecessary items. Use your mood board to inspire you and help you craft your personal style. It is good to look for any commonalities between the pictures you have selected, like their colors, textures, and other themes. If there is a specific feature that you find yourself gravitating towards, you know what to look for when you are out shopping. Be selective with your choices, and do not just pick things randomly. Make sure they match your overall style.
- Keep a wish list:
Keep a list of items that you want or need. When you are out shopping, go over your list to remind yourself what you are actually looking for. Shopping from a list is preferable as opposed to heading out of the house clueless. Likely, you may not find everything on the first try, but you may find them over multiple shopping trips. Check whatever you buy off your list as you go. As for online shopping, we recommend bookmarking your favorite items and going back to them when there is a sale going on – save that extra cash, mama.
- Know your measurements:
A very real aspect of motherhood is bodily changes. Most women undergo extreme body changes, which makes it hard for them to understand their size. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep a note about all your measurements. This is particularly useful while shopping online as it helps you compare our measurements to a store’s size charts. It is also quite helpful during in-person shopping as it saves time. Why try on something that does not fit your measurements, right?
- Go all out, then filter:
A good shopping hack is to keep all your options open. If you like something, pick it up or add it to your cart. Once you have checked out everything, move on to filter through the clutter. This helps you compare different pieces, thereby helping you identify your preference. You cannot just buy everything – it is impractical, expensive, and wasteful. So, be wise with your picks. Only choose the ones that you know you really like and need at the moment.
- Make a list of items you already own:
If you are considering buying a new item, we recommend making a mental list of the items in your wardrobe that you can style with that new item. Unless you create a new wardrobe from scratch, you will have other pieces to style it with. Take a pair of jeans, for instance. You know you can style it with everyday staples like a t-shirt and a women’s leather jacket. Make sure that the item you are considering works with them and gels with your overall style aesthetic. If the said piece does not go with anything else in your closet, take it as a sign that it may not be the best choice for you. There are exceptions, however, because statement pieces are designed to stand out in the crowd. With statement pieces, you need not think this much. Try on the new item you just bought with different clothing and if it does not work, return it.
- Diversify your wardrobe:
It is very easy to gravitate towards familiarity because it is safe and comforting. Having similar variants of the same item can add unnecessary bulk to your wardrobe, which only makes it harder to get dressed. If you find something you like, but you already own something similar to it, you must ask yourself if you really want it. On most days, the answer is no. So, avoid the clutter.
- Bring a friend:
Shopping is more fun with friends. A second opinion is always helpful. Moreover, as moms, we all need a timeout every now and then to relax and unwind. Consult your friend about your choices on your shopping runs. If the response is in the affirmative, you know what to do. If not, ditch it and move on. If you do not intend to buy anything, go window shopping for a good time. Window shopping helps you narrow down things that interest you and may want to come back.
- Always try on different sizes:
If you come across something you like, find your size and pick out sizes above and below it. As mothers, our bodies go through extreme changes, so there is a possibility that some cuts fit your body differently. Try on the same piece in different colors too. Bring as many pieces into the fitting room as you can, and try them all on to see how it feels and looks. Take your time with it. You want to make sure that whatever you buy is worth the investment, so you must leave the store super satisfied.
- Put clothing items on hold:
If you feel a little on the fence about something you like, you can ask the store if they can put it on hold. Many stores cater to such requests and hold items for you until the end of the day to give you time to decide. Go around the mall and check if you still want to buy it or if you can find something similar to it at a better price. In the case of online shopping, just place the item in your cart and come back to it in a day or two. If you still want it, buy it. If not, let it go. An even better idea is to bookmark it and then buy it when a sale is going on to save some extra cash.
- Parting thoughts
It can be overwhelming to decide what you want to buy and what you do not as a mother. The ten tips mentioned above will help you clear the clutter in your mind and make good shopping decisions. It really is not that tough. Just be sure not to let the stress gets to you.
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