Written by Cora Gold, Editor-in-Chief of Revivalist
It’s common to find endless piles of clothes in people’s closets, cabinets overflowing with gadgets and drawers bursting with trinkets. But what if there was a way to simplify your life while minimizing your environmental impact and saving money at the same time? The answer lies in minimalism.
Embracing minimalism begins with understanding what and when to stop buying. Here are 12 ways to reduce your possessions and free yourself from the burden of material things.
The Benefits of Buying Less
Cutting back on your shopping habits is a key tenet of minimalism. Many people don’t realize just how much unnecessary spending they make. Something might seem like a good purchase at the moment, but you need to stop and think whether you really need it.
Around 2.01 billion tons of waste is generated globally every year. Not only does this include the packaging from items you buy, but also the clothes, furniture, technology and other items you throw away when you no longer want them.
Overconsumption is obviously harmful to the environment, but it can also impact our mental health and wellbeing. Many of us struggle with the temptation and jealousy when we see new trends on the market. However, it’s important to resist buying into every new fad, because people who practice gratitude for what they have are shown to be healthier and happier in life.
To start on your journey to living an eco-friendly and happier lifestyle, here are some things you should stop buying as a minimalist.
- Single-Use Plastics
Half of the 380 million tons of plastic manufactured yearly is for single use. Items like straws, cutlery and plates are used briefly and then discarded, adding to the 10 million tons of plastic debris that winds up in the ocean.
Instead of buying these items, switch to reusable alternatives. Stainless steel straws, bamboo cutlery and durable plates can significantly reduce your plastic footprint. To reduce the amount of single-use bottled water you buy, consider switching to reusable water bottles and investing in an under-sink or whole-house filtration system. These alternatives are not only better for the environment but also offer long-term cost savings.
- The Latest Gadgets and Tech
The constant pursuit of the latest gadgets and technology leads to unnecessary upgrades, quickly accumulating electronic clutter. By resisting the urge to buy the newest tech products, you can focus on maintaining and maximizing the use of your current devices.
This will save you money and decrease e-waste and the environmental impact of constant production and disposal. Minimalism encourages reducing consumption and the thoughtful use of resources, directly opposing the consumer-driven mindset of always needing the latest tech.
- Excess Kitchenware and Devices
If you enjoy cooking, you might be tempted to buy the kitchenware all the top chefs and vloggers recommend. However, having too many items can lead to a cluttered and disorganized kitchen. Instead of buying more, invest in a few high-quality, multi-functional pieces that can handle a variety of tasks.
Appliances like bread makers, ice cream machines and pasta makers can seem ilke wise buys, but most gather dust on the kitchen counter or cabinet after the initial excitement wears off. Rather than purchasing single-use or specialty appliances, opt for versatile kitchen tools that serve multiple purposes. This approach saves space in your kitchen and reduces the temptation to buy unnecessary gadgets.
- Unnecessary Decor
Excessive decorative pieces can make a space feel overwhelming rather than serene. Minimalist décor often involves fewer, carefully chosen items that contribute to a clean and calming environment. Pick a few meaningful and functional pieces that enhance your home’s ambience.
For instance, decorative pillows can add color and style to a room, but too many create clutter. Instead of covering your couch or bed with an abundance of pillows, purchase a few that complement your space and serve a practical purpose. This approach helps you maintain a minimalist aesthetic while still adding a touch of comfort and style.
Everyone knows decorating for holidays can be enjoyable. But if you’re not careful, you might find yourself with a vast collection of seasonal décor you only use once or twice a year. Instead of buying new decorations for every season, opt for versatile pieces that can be adapted for different occasions.
- Cleaning Products
The average American household spends nearly $170 on cleaning supplies yearly. Much of this spending comes from disposable items like kitchen tissues and single-use wipes. Reusable microfiber cloths and washable sponges last longer and eliminate the need for weekly purchases.
Many homes also stockpile specialized cleaning products, each for a specific purpose. This encourages unnecessary spending and overcrowded storage spaces. Many of these cleaning products also contain toxic compounds detrimental to health. Consider DIY solutions you can make from organic ingredients typically found in the house.
Routine tasks like laundry contribute substantially to the demand for cleaning products in the home. So, forgo industrial cleaners and make your own cleaning solutions at home using natural ingredients. For instance, to keep white clothes bright, consider soaking them in a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water and adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle to get rid of odors. By cutting back on industrially made and single-use cleaning products, you significantly decrease the number of products you need to store.
- Excessive Furniture
Filling your home or office with too much furniture can make your space cramped and cluttered. Invest in a few functional, space-saving, multipurpose pieces and avoid making more purchases.
This minimalist approach to furnishing your home maximizes your space and reduces the need for additional furniture. It creates a more open and inviting living space that’s easier to clean and maintain.
- Impulse-Bought Knick-Knacks
Many impulse purchases comprise knick-knacks and novelty items, including inexpensive trinkets and souvenirs. These small, seemingly insignificant items may seem appealing while browsing a store or scrolling online but rarely serve a practical purpose. If you’re the type who always brings home a couple of impulse buys every time you visit the market or travel, reduce the temptation to buy everything that looks appealing to your eyes.
Practice mindful shopping by creating a list before you head out and sticking to it. Focus on purchasing practical and meaningful items rather than trending or gimmicky. While on vacation, instead of collecting numerous souvenirs, choose a few meaningful items that hold sentimental value. This allows you to remember your travels without creating unnecessary clutter.
- Trending Fashion
Fast fashion may be tempting with its low prices and ever-changing styles, but it comes at a high cost to the environment and your wardrobe. Clothes from fast fashion brands are often low-quality, cultivating a habit of constant buying and discarding.
Rather than buying every trend, build a capsule wardrobe with timeless, versatile pieces made from high-quality materials. This approach not only reduces waste but also ensures you always have something to wear that you love.
- Unused Exercise Equipment
Exercise equipment like treadmills, yoga mats and weights is often purchased with good intentions but may end up gathering dust in a corner. If you only exercise a couple of hours every other week, it might be more beneficial to buy versatile and space-efficient exercise solutions such as resistance bands that can be easily stored when not in use. Alternatively, explore outdoor or bodyweight exercises that require little to no equipment.
- Unnecessary Office Supplies
Office supplies like sticky notes and binders can collect over time, leading to a cluttered workspace. Instead of buying more, take stock of what you already have and exhaust it before purchasing additional supplies. This minimalist approach to office supplies helps you maintain a clean and organized workplace, making it easier to focus on your tasks.
- Nonessential Groceries
Food items like junk, processed foods and sugary snacks fill your pantry with unhealthy choices. More seriously, these make you susceptible to chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. Buying only what you need frees up space in your kitchen and eliminates the stress of managing excess food.
Additionally, most store-bought pre-packaged foods come with excessive packaging. They’re also more expensive and less healthy than homemade alternatives. Consider buying in bulk, preparing meals at home and using reusable containers. This approach reduces the number of food packages you need to store in your pantry and allows you to control the ingredients in your food, leading to a healthier lifestyle.
- Items You Already Have
Do you really need five pairs of the same-style jeans or the recently-released model of the perfectly working blender in your kitchen? One of the principles of minimalism is to make the most of what you already have.
Consider what you already own before you make any new additions to your inventory. Learn to appreciate the value of your possessions to avoid replacing things that are still in good condition.
Cut the Clutter
Minimalist living doesn’t mean deprivation. On the contrary, it’s about creating a life filled with purpose and clarity. Choosing to stop buying these 12 things enables you to discover the benefits of living with less. You’ll find yourself with more time, space and resources to focus on what truly enriches your life.
The journey to minimalism is personal and unique, but it begins with the decision to let go of the unnecessary. As you progress, you’ll discover living with less opens up more opportunities for happiness, contentment and sustainability.
About the Author
Cora Gold has a passion for writing about life, happiness and sustainability. As Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine Revivalist, she loves to share her insights and find inspiration from others. Follow Cora on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.