20 Things to Stop Buying for a Simpler, Minimalistic Life

In the last year or so, I have really embraced the idea of minimalistic and simple living.

Embracing a minimalist lifestyle has helped me to declutter my home, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters to me. 

If this sounds like something you would like more of in your life, simplifying your life will begin with evaluating the things you purchase and consume.

Here are 20 items to stop buying today to live a simpler, minimalistic life:

1)  Trendy clothes: 

Stick to timeless, versatile pieces that you can easily mix and match for various occasions.  You can incorporate the capsule wardrobe (I will explain the capsule wardrobe in depth in a future post).  Create a base wardrobe with a weeks worth of shirts, pants, pajamas, etc (one for each day of the week).  For shoes, keep one pair of dress shoes, one pair of tennis shoes and one pair of workout shoes.

2)  Single-use plastics: 

Invest in reusable bags, bottles, and containers to reduce waste and environmental impact.  You can buy reusable shopping bags and take them to the grocery store with you.  Eliminate the use of one-time-use paper and plastic plates/utensils.  Not only are they a waste of money but you'll be doing a favor for the environment.

3)  Paper books: 

Opt for digital books or borrow from the library to save space and minimize paper consumption.  I probably have covered this in a previous post, but there are many free online sources for reading ebooks (some even have new releases).  Open Library is great for vintage books and hard-to-find publications.  Hoopla and Libby can both be accessed with your public library card.  You can borrow physical books from your local library.  There are book swaps online as well.

4)  Junk food: 

Replace unhealthy snacks with nutritious, whole foods that nourish your body and provide lasting energy.  Eating out on a regular basis is not only unhealthy, it's not financially feasible.  When you invest in cheaper, healthier options you will be saving money and doing your body a favor.  And, on the rare occasion that you do eat out, it will be that much more meaningful.

5)  Cable or satellite TV: 

Switch to free streaming services or free online resources for entertainment.  Invest in a Roku TV or a Roku box.  It is a one-time purchase and will save you on cable and streaming subscriptions every month.  There are many free Apps on Roku that provide movies, tv shows, etc.  You can also utilize YouTube for podcasts, various episodes of TV Shows and free movies.  No need to ever pay to watch anything again!

6)  Unnecessary gadgets: 

Resist the urge to purchase the latest tech gadgets if your current devices still function effectively.  My biggest pet peeve is seeing someone take a perfectly working cell phone and discard it for the latest model.  If something works, continue using it until it doesn't work, then invest in a new replacement.  The same principle applies for laptops, TVs, tablets and even vehicles!

7)  Duplicate items: 

Before buying a new item, ensure you don't already own something similar that can serve the same purpose.  You don't need two different versions of a mop.  They both serve the same purpose.  You only need one.  This applies to literally everything:  telephones, watches, cars, etc.  Use what you have and save your money and space!

8)  Uncomfortable shoes: 

Stick to a few well-made, comfortable pairs of shoes that you love and can wear for multiple occasions.  I probably already covered this in the wardrobe section.  But I've stopped buying shoes I can't comfortably wear.  I have kept what I already purchased and will wear them on special occasions but going forward I plan to only have a few pairs of shoes for practical purposes.  And I've given up the idea of buying a new pair of shoes to match every outfit.  This culminates in wasted money and too much clutter!

9)  Cheap, fast fashion: 

Invest in high-quality clothing items that will last longer and reduce the need for frequent replacements.  Again, this is about having enough to wear but not not keeping clothing in excess.  It's about not grabbing random pieces of clothing when you take that trip run to the store for salt (I have done it many times, we all do).  I have discerned I already have enough clothing, shoes, etc. so I no longer even look at those sections/stores.  The clothing I will be buying forward will be high-quality and long-lasting, and I will be purchasing more for durability and practicality than for fashion and fads.

10)  Impulse buys: 

Take time to consider whether an item will genuinely add value to your life before purchasing it.  If and when you buy things, make sure it is intentional.  If you are at the mall, do not peruse jewelry or bathing products or clothing stores unless you are intentionally looking for a certain product or piece of clothing.  Because what is going to happen is, no matter what your state of mind, I guarantee if you start looking you will start finding things you just have to have.  This also applies to random ads you see online.  Don't click it!  Scroll past it.  Remind yourself of all the great things you already own.

11)  Physical media: 

Embrace digital music, movies, and video games to reduce clutter and waste.  I have two large shelves full of DVD's and I have gradually been selling them on Ebay.  Not only am I selling what I have, I no longer buy them either.  With YouTube and apps like Spotify, I've totally eliminated my need to purchase CD's.  Concerning DVD's I feel like I am already busy enough in my life and there's already so much out there to see and watch, I doubt I will want to rewatch movies anyway so there is no need to own them.

12)  Excess cleaning products: 

Opt for multi-purpose cleaners and natural alternatives like vinegar and baking soda.  I know not everyone is into natural products but things like Lysol and Clorox are great for cleaning counters, toilets, mopping, and surfaces.  One can of furniture polish lasts me for months.  You only need one bottle of Windex, one good sponge, one good polishing cloth.  There is no sense in loading a cabinet with cleaning products.  Get only what you need, and the basics at that.

13)  Expensive skincare products: 

Choose minimal, effective skincare items that suit your skin type.  I purchase name brand collagen wipes and facial lotion at the dollar tree for just a couple of dollars.  I do invest in an anti-wrinkle face serum that costs $25 but it lasts for several months.  Stay away from the shopping network and infomercials, they will be having you pay hundreds for products you can get at your local Walmart for a fraction of the price!  

14)  Unused subscriptions: 

Cancel subscriptions you rarely use to save money and minimize digital clutter.  This applies to reading apps, game apps, streaming apps, and anything that you either do not need or that you can replace with something free. 

15)  Printed magazines or newspapers: 

Access news and articles online or through digital subscriptions.  Who even needs a formal magazine these days?  For every article you find in a magazine there's literally thousands of the same subject online and for free.  Um, just like this blog!

16)  Unnecessary kitchen appliances: 

Stick to versatile, essential tools that serve multiple purposes in the kitchen.  I have a coffee maker, an ice maker, an air fryer and the regular stove, microwave and toaster.  I also have a crockpot and a turkey roaster.  I absolutely do not need any latest gadget.  No ovens or noodle makers or griddle makers or any of that.  I do not even look!  I remind myself, I have what I need.  

17)  Bulk items: 

Avoid overstocking on groceries or household supplies, as excess items can lead to waste and clutter.  I go to the store once a week (on the weekends) for groceries and household products.  I only buy what I am going to need for that week.   I have been able to get my list down to the bare minimum.  Before my shopping trip each week, I write out what meals I am going to cook each day of the week (yes I cook every single night) and I get only the items on that list!  No extra junk food and nothing in bulk, ever.

18)  Unnecessary decorative items:

Embrace minimal, functional decor that complements your living space without adding clutter.   I have absolutely stopped buying decorative items.  My house is furnished, decorated and I have it fixed exactly how I want it.  It is cozy, decorated in my favorite colors, and only with items and things that I love.  At this point, if I purchased anything new, I would have to get rid of something I already own to make room.  I do not need to do either!  I am content with what I have.  I no longer look for furnishings or decorative items.  Again, I always tell myself I have enough.

19)  Greeting cards: 

Opt for heartfelt messages delivered via email, text, or in person to reduce paper waste.  I am all about saving paper, the trees, and the planet.  There is absolutely no need for cards.  Most people just throw them out anyway.  You can also create your own cards with items you already have, in a refurbishing sort of way.  Word of mouth is more effective than a card!  

20)  Unused gym memberships: 

Consider exercising outdoors, following online workout routines, or investing in a few essential home exercise equipment pieces.  Okay, I will admit I have had several gym memberships in my lifetime.  And, never in my life, did I manage to utilize the gym on a regular basis.  It was money wasted.   Why?  Because I always had the excuse of no time.  In order to go to a gym you have to get dressed, look presentable to the public, get the in car, go to the gym.  If you workout at home, you are already at home!  You can look or wear whatever.  You have no excuse!  I use YouTube for many of my workouts.  There are literally thousands of workouts on there for free!  Go use them!  I have a set of weights and a yoga mat. You do not need fancy equipment to workout.

Living a simpler, minimalistic life begins with making conscious decisions about the things you purchase and consume.   Be conscious of the things you purchase. Always assess whether you need an item before you purchase it.  That has been the real game-changer for me.  Taking inventory of what I already have and being grateful for it has also helped me limit my buying and spending.  

But by giving up these 20 items, you can be sure to reduce clutter, save money, and prioritize what truly matters in life. Start today and experience the freedom and contentment that comes with a minimalist lifestyle!