Black Friday: How to Shop Intentionally and Avoid Clutter This Holiday Season
Black Friday is right around the corner, and with it comes the whirlwind of emails, countdown timers, and “can’t-miss” discounts. And honestly? Some companies have already started rolling out their sales days (or even weeks!) early.
This time of year can be exciting, but it can also pull us into impulse shopping — and ultimately, more clutter in your home and even in the homes of the people you love. As a professional home organizer in Salem, Oregon, I want to help you navigate all the noise a little more thoughtfully and intentionally so you can save money and give gifts that feel meaningful, useful, and clutter-free.
I didn’t always shop this way myself. It took me a few holiday seasons to finally learn to slow down and follow my own rules. I used to get caught up in the rush — “Ooooh, that’s on super sale! I don’t know who it’s for, but what a deal!” And then I’d buy it… only to realize later I had no one to give it to. So it would end up in my random “just-in-case” box. You know — the box you convince yourself you’ll dig into when that spontaneous last-minute party pops up? Spoiler alert: no one actually has spontaneous gift-exchange parties.
Anyhoo, I digress. My point is: I’ve been there. And I’d love to help you prepare before diving into Black Friday chaos so you can shop in a more intentional, sustainable, and clutter-free way this season.
One last thought on gift giving before we dive in: most adults already have everything they truly need — and many don’t want anything extra that might clutter their home. It can be helpful to have an open conversation with your family about expectations. In our family, the adults decided a few years ago to skip gifts altogether and only buy for the nieces. It’s simpler, less stressful, and focuses the season more on connection than consumption.
Here are some simple, sustainable ways to stay intentional this Black Friday.
1. Make a List — and Stick to It
Before browsing anyone’s Black Friday sale, take a few minutes to make a clear plan:
Write down who you’re shopping for (for real…don’t just keep a running list in your head, go grab a pen + paper, and/or type it out, but write out your list nonetheless this is key)
Set a budget for each person or for your overall holiday spending
List out gift ideas your loved ones will actually use and appreciate
This step keeps you focused and prevents “just in case” purchases — which often become clutter. When you shop with a list, you stay aligned with your goals and avoid bringing unnecessary items into your home.
2. Shop Local and Support Salem’s Small Businesses
One of the best ways to give meaningful gifts is to shop locally. Small businesses often carry unique, high-quality, one-of-a-kind items that you’ll never find in big-box stores. Plus, when you shop local, you’re supporting our community and helping Salem’s small businesses thrive.
I’m still relatively new to the area, so I know there are many gems I haven’t discovered yet — Salem peeps, please send recommendations my way, I’d love to know which shops are your faves. But here are a few local shops I love:
Local Salem Shops to Explore:
Radar Toys – A fantastic spot for board games, toys, and collectibles. Bonus: you can bring your own board game and snacks and play at their tables in the back!
Aunt Bee’s - They’re especially fun during the holidays because they get FESTIVE!
Wavra Nursery - they’ve got their indoor Winter Market going on now every Saturday from 10a-3p
Fauning Over Flora - Heather’s bouquets are works of art, and she offers floral subscriptions delivered to homes/businesses in Salem.
Shopping local isn’t just more sustainable — it makes your gifts more personal. Wins all round!
3. Remember: There Will Always Be Another Deal
We’ve all felt that panic of, “What if this deal never comes back?”
But the truth is… it will. Maybe on next year’s Black Friday. Maybe next month. Maybe even next week.
Retailers want you to spend money, and they strategically create urgency. But when you buy something only because it’s discounted — not because it's needed or meaningful — it often ends up unused, forgotten, and added to the clutter.
I love thoughtful gift-giving, I really do. But I also believe in intentional gifting — choosing presents that your loved ones will genuinely enjoy, use, and cherish. Not gifts chosen at random because they were 40% off.
4. Shop Smart and Choose Meaningful Gifts
As you shop this season, ask yourself:
Will this gift add value to someone’s life?
Does it match my list?
Will this item support a clutter-free, organized home — or contribute to clutter?
Let your answers guide you.
You don’t have to buy more to show love.
You just have to buy thoughtfully.
Black Friday Doesn’t Have to Mean More Stuff
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of peace and clarity. Shop with purpose. Support local when you can. And choose gifts that align with your values — not your inbox promotions.
Your home (and your budget!) will thank you.
Happy Shopping!
XO,
Jen
P.S. Shop Local on Small Business Saturday
Just a friendly reminder: the day after Black Friday is Small Business Saturday, a national day dedicated to supporting small, local shops. It’s the perfect opportunity to find meaningful gifts and strengthen our beautiful Salem community.