ReCLUTTERing our Decluttering by Panic Shopping

I have written several posts about decluttering and downsizing and through most of my posts have tried to un-cover methods to get rid of things we don't need.  As the outbreak of COVID-19 is threatening pandemic proportions I am seeing the antithesis of this behavior and now have a greater appreciation for the hoarding mentality.  See BBC article on the psychology of panic buying here.  (It is my understanding that if exposed to COVID it is recommended to self quarantine for 14 days.)

There is something innate to our behavior that can make us become hoarders.  Can't we agree it is comforting to surround ourselves with a stocked pantry of favorite foods?  Our inner survival instincts drive us to buy in excess in fear of potential shortages.

Lines at the supermarkets and big chain warehouses have been out the doors.  There are shortages of hand sanitizer and cleaning products as people buy whatever is remaining.  This is creating a huge shopping frenzy as noted in Fortune Magazine here.  I am guilty of this too and have thus stocked up on non-perishables that could exceed a good 30 days.  I bought extra vanilla extract and chocolate chips yesterday in case I need to bake emergency toll house cookies.  I am also well supplied on paper goods but do we really need a that much toilet paper? (see Forbe's Magazine  )  Although comforted and well positioned I have recluttered my cabinets with things I don't necessarily need.  One does have to ask.......did the risk of buying three months worth of toilet paper at Costco outweigh the chance of exposure to a COVID carrier?  I guess I won't know this until 14 days pass and I still remain healthy.  (See added link re : Toilet paper stockpiling)

Consumers are irrationally stocking up on things they probably don't really need in fear of it not being available.  Once COVID passes will we realize we overbought and need to start the declutter process again?  At a recent meeting last week with a social worker, she suggested we all slow down a bit and take a deep breath.  She recommended I buy an app called Buddify and when I feel a major impulse or impending stress to take a walk or do a 5 minute guided meditation.  Perhaps we all need to do this and stay calm.  Perhaps we get a quick adrenaline rush of comfort by overbuying things we may already have adequate supply of.  

Like other viruses and health issues COVID will too come and go.  Most of us will be fine if we take the recommended health precautions.  Let's all calm down a bit and think rationally when out shopping.  Take inventory of what you really do need in at home in case you are quarantined.  But don't overdo it.  I came home from my Costco run only to realize I already had 3 boxes of Post Raisin Bran after buying a new box while there.

As one who has shared posts about declutting perhaps we need to remember that today's impulse buying may be tomorrows clutter.  There are shortages of things for no reason.  There are others who may really need some help with their food supplies.  If you realize you have excess that is not needed please remember its always welcome to donate to a local food pantry and to help those in need.  
                               

Wendy is a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Needham.  She enjoys writing, talking and helping people by sharing her unique insights into the local area around her.