Oh, it’s time to bring it back around to product packaging. I had hoped we could graduate from this topic but alas: the number of boxes and bags found stashed away in your nooks and crannies informs me that we have not yet reached that point. So re-hash it we shall.

In fact, today’s angle will be a fresh one because while previous posts have focused on electronics packaging, today I wish to focus on packaging belonging to things like clothes, shoes, cosmetics, and home wares. And maybe clothing in particular.

There’s this thing you do with clothing bags, shoe boxes, and the like: since you aren’t 100% positive that you’ll ultimately keep the item, you hold onto the packaging as a safety net. In the event you change your mind about those shoes or that blouse, you want to be able to take them back. So you shove the box or bag with various tissue papers inside into some dark corner of your closet. And then the inevitable happens: you forget about it for eternity. Or until I come along.

LSM:

I fully condone the keeping of packaging until you have had a chance to actually wear those pants or booties in real life. Sometimes it looks different at home than it did in the store. Or it turns out that past 2 minutes it’s the most uncomfortable garment ever fashioned. Or you reassess your need and realize in fact it’s an extraneous item. Changing your mind occasionally happens (which is why followers of the LSM shop at places with benevolent return policies).

So then, the Live Simply Method for handling newly purchased product packaging:

– Rather than tucking the packaging away, keep it out in a prime spot. Choose somewhere that’s in your vantage point on a daily basis, somewhere where the bag or box can sit and nag at you (I know; me–shock horror–advocating counter clutter!) Somewhere that the packaging can sit and ask, “Did you decide yet? You should decide. Have you made your decision for christ!?” Wink face that last bit there.

– Give yourself a window. Give yourself a window of time to return the item. I wear new things almost immediately after buying them (that’s sort of the test of whether or not I actually need/want it; how excited I am to don it post purchasing), and I usually make the final decision on that first wear. If all goes well day 1, I consider myself committed and ditch the bag.

You know yourself and your track record best, so you’ll know best how much time you realistically need to reach a decision. Generally speaking, a couple (2!) weeks should be sufficient. Past a certain point, you just aren’t going to take the baby back.

-Oh, and by the way: most stores don’t revoke your right to return an item if you don’t have the original packaging. So this whole conversation is kind of moot anyway.

Alright, you say, now what about in the case of reselling? Well now, isn’t it interesting that you just bought the thing and you’re already thinking about selling it. Yeah, interesting…