Ever wondered how a shopping ban could transform your life? How did a journey of minimalism and sobriety lead to an astounding $17,000 savings in a year? What life-altering lessons can be learned from discarding 70% of your belongings? How did a former shopaholic redefine her values and discover her true self? Dive in to find out!

The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store

The idea for a shopping ban hit Cait Flanders during a hike with friends at Cheakamus Lake, just before her 29th birthday. Her friends, Wendy and Liz, were moving on with their lives—buying houses and thinking about kids. Cait, on the other hand, was still working on herself. When Liz asked what was next for Cait, she mentioned an experiment: no shopping for a year.

Her friends weren't surprised. Over the past few years, Cait had made significant life changes, like paying off $30,000 in debt, losing 30 pounds, and quitting drinking. She documented all these changes on her blog, caitflanders.com. The shopping ban would be another experiment, and talking about it made it feel real.

Growing up, Cait's family talked about money often. Her dad, a sailor, taught her to save, but as a teenager, she spent her allowance on alcohol and drugs. By the time she was 25, Cait was in debt and living in her parents' basement. She realized she needed to change. Cait paid off her debt, took control of her health, and quit drinking. But after those two years, she slipped back into old habits, spending almost every extra penny she had.

Cait decided to do the shopping ban to curb her spending and save more. The rules were simple: no buying new clothes, shoes, accessories, books, electronics, or household items. She could buy consumables and replace necessary items. Cait also decided to declutter her apartment, getting rid of anything she didn't use.

The shopping ban began on July 7, 2014, Cait's 29th birthday. She documented the journey on her blog, sharing updates and lessons learned. The challenge was about more than just money; it forced Cait to confront deeper issues and ultimately transformed her life. This story is about how the year of less turned Cait's life upside down and saved her.

Could You Survive a Year Without Shopping Like Cait Flanders Did?

Cait had always been a neat freak, obsessively organizing everything she owned. But in 2014, her orderliness began to unravel. She started losing items, like her green tank top, which was always in its designated spot but suddenly vanished. This odd trend continued with other essentials, and she found herself surrounded by things she didn’t need or even use.

Debt was another shadow in Cait's life. She ignored her mounting credit card bills until she was nearly maxed out. This financial and physical clutter weighed heavily on her, much like her past struggles with drinking and unhealthy habits.

By 2013, Cait had moved five times, each move reinforcing how much unnecessary stuff she carried around. When she finally settled in Port Moody, B.C., the picturesque views didn’t distract her from the clutter inside. Her apartment was neat but filled with items collecting dust.

One hot July day in 2014, the missing can opener was the final straw. Frustrated and overwhelmed, Cait decided to declutter her life. She dumped everything onto the floor and began sorting through it all. Clothes she hadn’t worn in months, books she’d never read, and toiletries she’d forgotten about were all purged. In total, Cait removed 43% of her belongings, making two carloads of donations.

This decluttering process was transformative, similar to her journey of quitting drinking. Cait's first drink was at 12, with her estranged biological father, and it led to years of heavy drinking. She used alcohol to cope with insecurities and social anxiety, resulting in frequent blackouts and regrettable decisions. It wasn’t until Cait was 27 that she finally quit for good.

The shopping ban Cait imposed on herself in 2014 was another step towards minimalism and self-control. It was challenging to resist the urge to buy new things, much like resisting alcohol. But each time she craved a purchase, she reminded herself of the clutter she had eliminated and the freedom it brought. By the end of August, 56 days into her shopping ban, Cait realized her spending decisions were deeply emotional, and overcoming them required continuous effort and self-awareness.

Ultimately, the recovery journey isn’t easy, but it’s about recognizing triggers and changing habits. Whether it’s alcohol or impulsive spending, the key is to confront and understand the underlying reasons. 

From Chaos to Clarity: Cait's Journey of Decluttering and Self-Discovery

When you think of a shopaholic, you might picture a woman in high heels with armloads of shopping bags. Cait never identified with that image. 

Her past debts stemmed mostly from dining out and partying, not shopping. Still, she was a compulsive consumer, bingeing on everything from food to alcohol and even television. She lied about her spending, justifying it as “affordable.”

Relationships also played a significant role in Cait's spending habits. Breakups often led her to retail therapy. But the most impactful relationship was with Andrew. They met in Toronto, connected over their love of numbers, and despite the distance, they had a strong bond.

Andrew was honest and asked tough questions, which made Cait reflect on her own past, especially her tumultuous relationship with Chris. Andrew and Cait made plans, but their relationship eventually ended, leaving her heartbroken.

During this period, Cait resisted the urge to shop. Instead, she focused on decluttering her life and saving money. Her blog documented this journey, and while many readers supported her, some trolls criticized her minimalist lifestyle. Their comments stung, but Cait stayed strong.

Friends played a crucial role. Kasey and Tanya offered positive energy and companionship, while Emma was Cait's ultimate accountability partner. Clare, her Internet friend, became a real-life connection at her wedding, where Cait felt valued and supported.

Through it all, Cait learned that letting go of negative influences made room for positive ones. She stopped numbing herself with shopping and faced her feelings head-on. This journey wasn't just about saving money; it was about Cait finding peace, self-awareness, and true freedom.

Can a Shopaholic Find True Freedom by Ditching Retail Therapy?

As Cait documented her personal finance journey, she observed that her blog readers fell into two categories: those inspired by her efforts and those who felt they couldn't replicate them because of various personal hurdles—ranging from unsupportive partners to busy lifestyles.

Cait never argued with these reasons. She understood that personal finance was very personal. But there was one concern that deeply resonated with her: the fear that abstaining completely from something, like shopping, would lead to a hard relapse. This concern was often voiced when Cait began writing about her shopping ban as people found it difficult to believe that shopping could solve their problems.

In July, Cait attempted to shield herself from advertisements by cutting cable, unfollowing store accounts on social media, and unsubscribing from promotional emails. Yet, a Black Friday email from her favorite retailer slipped through the cracks, tempting her with a $40-off e-reader. It was perfect timing since she needed one for a blog giveaway.

A familiar voice in Cait's head, the same one that once justified her drinking and binge eating, tried to convince her to buy it. She blacked out in the process, only to wake up with a confirmation email in her inbox. She felt the familiar pang of shame and feared a full relapse into her old spending habits.

But a new, cheerful voice urged her to cancel the order. And she did, keeping only the one she needed for the giveaway. This small victory felt monumental. She shared the story on her blog, admitting to her mistake and learning not to shame herself for it. She wanted to become a more mindful consumer, and this slip-up taught her to change her reactions to outside influences.

As Cait traveled to Toronto for work and their staff Christmas party, she felt increasingly disconnected from her growing team. The remote work dynamic made it hard to build real relationships, and she missed the close-knit environment of their early startup days. At the party, her sobriety was announced without her consent, making her feel like a novelty rather than a valued team member.

Returning home for the holidays, the warmth of her family's support was a stark contrast. They decided to simplify Christmas, focusing on meaningful time together rather than extravagant gifts. This change led to their best Christmas ever, filled with heartfelt moments and their first family photos on the beach.

Cait's journey is ongoing, a blend of personal finance, sobriety, and the quest for intentional living. Each step, each slip-up, and each victory is part of the process, teaching her to embrace her humanity and strive for mindful progress.

From Relapse to Redemption: A Sobriety and Finance Journey

After two years of sobriety, Cait returned to her cozy Port Moody apartment on New Year's Eve and celebrated quietly with her friend Kasey, enjoying cheese, crackers, and holiday movies.

January was a quiet month for Cait, with only a work trip to Toronto planned, allowing her to save money and reflect on her progress with her shopping ban, having saved 19% of her income compared to the previous 10%.

While visiting her old roommate Jen in Toronto, Cait was struck by Jen's creative talents displayed in her decluttered apartment. This prompted Cait to reflect on her own lack of creativity despite her family's artistic background. Cait's mom was a musician and seamstress, and her dad a handyman who created marvelous things around their home. Yet, Cait had chosen convenience over learning these skills, spending her time binge-watching TV instead.

Cait's life took another turn when her sister Alli called, fearing their parents were heading for a divorce. Initially dismissive, Cait was soon faced with the harsh reality upon finding a paper detailing their asset division. This revelation shook Cait to her core, leading to a panic attack and a deep sense of loss.

Back in Port Moody, Cait tried to distract herself with work but found solace only in bed, hiding from the pain. Emma, Cait's friend, noticed her retreat, and Cait realized she needed to confront her feelings. Cait began asking her family to teach her the skills she had ignored, starting with sewing. This also led Cait to reassess her belongings, shedding items meant for an ideal version of herself, and embracing who she truly was.

Despite the family upheaval, Cait decided to take steps towards a simpler life, altering her shopping ban to include items for self-sufficiency like gardening supplies and ingredients for making homemade products. Cait's journey was not just about minimalism but reclaiming a sense of groundedness and creativity that she had lost.

Through these actions, Cait hoped to find healing and reconnect with the values her parents had instilled in her, even as she navigated the new reality of their family dynamics.

Can Minimalism and Creativity Heal a Fractured Family?

The pain for Cait started in February, but it didn’t end there. The discovery of a family secret and her parents' divorce shattered her world.

She bypassed the bargaining stage of grief, slipping straight from anger into a deep depression. Cait knew depression well; it ran in her family and she had seen its crippling effects on friends. Her pain was so suffocating she could barely get out of bed. She shut out everyone except Emma and Clare, the only friends who truly understood.

Messages of hope and religious comfort flooded in, but they felt hollow. She tried meditating but found solace only in the sound of rain, a familiar comfort from her Pacific Northwest upbringing. The darkest thoughts weren’t about the divorce but about drinking.

The temptation was strong, but Cait resisted, recalling past pains she’d faced without alcohol. For the first time, she considered AA, but it didn’t feel right for her. Instead, she leaned on Clare and Emma, navigating her struggles one day at a time.

Comfort came in the form of food—pizza, chocolate, and ice cream—and endless Netflix binges. She was aware she was eating her feelings but didn’t feel guilty. Emma was her confidante during these indulgences, gently steering her back to healthier choices. The food and TV were temporary fixes, but they highlighted a deeper need for mindfulness and balance.

Television became a crutch, filling the silence of Cait's lonely evenings. She realized she was losing valuable time to mindless consumption, so she challenged herself to a 31-day TV ban. She replaced TV with books, podcasts, and meaningful conversations. This shift brought Cait a newfound clarity and productivity, reminding her of the importance of intentional living.

Shopping had also changed for Cait. She was more mindful of her purchases, making sure they were necessary and added value to her life. This shift in mindset mirrored her approach to debt repayment and saving. She had proven that living on less was not only possible but liberating. With a growing emergency fund, she felt a gut instinct to prepare for more change.

Work was draining her. The startup environment, once exciting, had become stifling. Cait realized she needed to quit and set a deadline: September 1, with a stretch goal of July 1. This decision was fueled by the realization that she didn’t need as much money as before. The shopping ban had shown her the power of wanting less and needing less.

Inspired by her friend Kayla, who was returning to freelance writing, Cait considered doing the same. The numbers added up—she could live on her freelance income. She started planning, telling one person each day about her decision to quit. Her dad’s support was the final affirmation she needed.

With the end of her job in sight, Cait felt a renewed sense of purpose. She couldn’t control her parents’ divorce, but she could take charge of her future. It was time to move forward, one mindful step at a time.

From Heartbreak to Hope: Cait's Journey of Sobriety, Mindfulness, and Reinvention

By the 10-month mark of Cait's shopping ban, she realized she didn't miss buying unnecessary items. Triggers like book lists and candle ads no longer swayed her. Even after allowing herself to make candles, she chose to live without them, finding contentment in simplicity.

In May, Cait traveled extensively, including a work trip to Toronto, where she finally hired the help she needed. Despite never taking a real vacation in three years, she embraced this busy month. At home in Victoria, her brother Ben and she discussed their parents' divorce, a conversation that revealed his surprising maturity and acceptance. His calmness reassured Cait that they would all be fine.

Next, a road trip with her friend Sarah from New York to Boston reinvigorated Cait. They explored iconic sites, stayed at luxury hotels, and marveled at the small joys of travel. The trip reminded Cait of her lifelong desire to see the world, a goal now achievable thanks to the money saved during her shopping ban.

Returning home, Cait received an offer to freelance full-time. Scared yet hopeful, she quit her job and prepared for self-employment. The shopping ban had taught her to save $17,000 in a year, proving she could live with less and still thrive.

As Cait packed to move back to Victoria, she reflected on her journey. The ban had transformed her consumer habits and revealed her true values. She learned that wanting less allowed her to buy less, needing less money. Decluttering 70% of her belongings helped her discover her authentic self: a writer, traveler, dog lover, and family-oriented person.

Continuing the ban for another year, Cait tracked every item she consumed, reinforcing the lesson that minimalism brings clarity. Travel remained her priority, and she explored North America, grateful for the freedom to live simply.

The experiment became a lifestyle. Cait now makes thoughtful purchases, focusing on experiences over possessions. Her family adjusted to their new normal, and she found contentment in the present, confident in her sobriety and mindful consumerism.

The greatest lesson? More was never the answer for Cait. Less was.

Can a Shopping Ban and Minimalism Transform Your Life?

Cait Flanders' journey of self-improvement and transformation began with a personal decision to implement a year-long shopping ban, inspired by a desire to curb spending and save money.

This decision was influenced by her past challenges, including overcoming debt, losing weight, and quitting drinking, all chronicled on a blog. Growing up with financial discussions at home, yet struggling with impulsive spending, she realized that substantial change was needed.

The shopping ban's rules were clear: no purchasing new clothes, shoes, accessories, books, electronics, or household items—only consumables and replacements for necessities were allowed. This experiment was not just about financial savings but also a path towards minimalism and self-control, fostering a deeper confrontation with her personal issues.

Decluttering the living space was a significant part of this transformation, leading to the removal of nearly half of her belongings and reinforcing the journey towards a simpler, more intentional life. This process mirrored her struggle and eventual triumph over alcohol addiction, highlighting the importance of recognizing and changing underlying emotional triggers.

Throughout her journey, relationships played a crucial role, with friends providing support and accountability. The experiment revealed insights into emotional spending, the impact of relationships on financial habits, and the importance of mindfulness in consumption.

Cait also experienced some challenges maintaining her sobriety amidst the emotional toll of family dynamics, specifically dealing with parental divorce. Meditation and mindfulness practices provided some solace, while the transition away from a conventional job towards freelancing marked a significant shift in her lifestyle.

Ultimately, Cait's experiment extended beyond the initial year, becoming a lifestyle that emphasized mindful consumption, financial prudence, and personal growth. The journey underscored that true contentment and freedom come not from accumulating more but from needing and wanting less.

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The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store

Cait Flanders

Ever wondered how a shopping ban could transform your life?

How did a journey of minimalism and sobriety lead to an astounding $17,000 savings in a year?

What life-altering lessons can be learned from discarding 70% of your belongings?

How did a former shopaholic redefine her values and discover her true self?

Dive in to find out!

Key Ideas

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