10 Things I Don’t Buy Anymore

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Over the years, I stopped buying a ton of things to save time and money. Minimalism helps me live more intentionally on things that align with my goals and values. 

Buying less, living more minimally, and being mindful about what I buy and bring into our home not only help me save money but also reduce stress and keep our home clutter-free.

I wrote a post on 16 Things I’ve stopped buying since going minimalist almost two years ago. I want to update and share other things I don’t buy or own anymore.

Just keep in mind that minimalism can be different for everyone. As we have different lifestyles, goals, and values, my list of things a minimalist would never buy doesn’t mean you have to do the same.

This post contains affiliate links, to find out more information, please read my disclaimer.

10 Things I Don’t Buy or Own as a Minimalist

1. A Second Car

We don’t own a second car. We’re a one-car family. Downsizing to one vehicle was the smartest decision for our family. We saved thousands a year when we got rid of a second car.

Think about it. Gas, auto insurance, car payment, tires, oil change, and all kinds of maintenance and repair costs summed up. The amount of money is huge.

Being a one-car household can be tough. It could be hard for us to share the car during the weekdays. My husband has a 12-hour work and an hour drive to work daily. If I need to go out on weekdays, I take public transit. The good thing is that we live in a city where public transport is easily accessible.

We need to go to after-school classes 3 to 4 times a week. If we drive, it takes about 10 minutes. Since I can’t use the car during the weekdays, I take public transit with my daughter. From our home to school, it takes about 45 minutes.

Is it easy? Definitely not, But, when I realized I saved thousands a year not having this car, I’m willing to cope with the inconvenience. I would rather save that money and put it to better use like paying off the mortgage.

2. Trendy Clothes

I didn’t buy any new clothes for 2 years. It’s not that hard for me. I gave away many bags of clothing when I decluttered my closet. At that time, I learned that I don’t need that many pieces of clothing.

I have all kinds of clothing in my closet that I love. For sure I’m not at any point of owning a capsule wardrobe. I enjoy having all the pieces that I love and wear right now.

In the past, I liked to buy clothes that were on sale, even if I didn’t need them. I bought them only because they were at good prices.

Also, I gave up wearing high heels and underwired bras. I ditched all those uncomfortable bras, lace bras and underwired bras. And no more 3-inch high heels.

I bought them because I thought they made me pretty. Now, I take care of my body and health more and get rid of things that make me uncomfortable.

Mindful spending habits not only can help to improve finances but also the quality of life.

3. A Ton of Beauty Products

I no longer purchase so many beauty products. I was obsessed with makeup and bought a ton of cosmetics in my 20s. High-end makeup brands and skincare products, makeup brushes, fragrances, etc. were all my favorites.

I’m in my 40s now. Over the years, I have experimented, learned, and found my own style. I know which makeup suits me best and realized that I don’t need so many beauty products. 

When I was holding 2 or 3 sets of eyeshadow palettes that had over 20 colors there, I just kept using 2 colors. 

Simplifying my makeup routine and downsizing the beauty products make my life easier. I only buy quality products that I genuinely love and use.

Cosmetics brands like Shu Uemura Pressed Eye Shadows,  Chanel Lipsticks, MAC Foundations, and Dior Lip Glow are the staple makeup items that I keep using year after year.

Don’t waste money on beauty products that you don’t use. They just clutter your spaces. Also, they all have a shelf life and you’re just wasting your money by not using them.

It is time to get rid of the beauty products that you don’t use. Keep an amazing quality stash that you truly love and use.

4. Watches and Jewelry

I stopped buying watches in the past 10 years. Now, I have 1 watch for daily wear and 1 watch for special occasions.

Though I know many people don’t wear watches these days, I still like to have my watch with me when I go out.

And I have a weird habit that I wear a watch when I sleep. I want to know the time when it’s dark.

I’ve always bought jewelry when I was in my 20s. Most of them are gold and platinum jewelry. Earrings, bracelets, chains, and rings are all my favorites. I was so obsessed with them.

I stopped buying any jewelry when my income drastically dropped. I didn’t have extra money to spend on that luxury. Plus, I don’t think I need more.

Did I regret spending so much money on jewelry? No, I’m not. Because I bought pure gold jewelry. What I bought can be sold for good money nowadays when you compare the cash value 20 years ago.

5. Plastic Food Containers

I stopped buying plastic food storage containers for years. I know, plastic food containers are much lighter and cheaper when compared to glass food storage containers. However, the potential health risk is the concern that stops me from using them.

Keep in mind never microwave food and liquid in plastic food containers. And never put hot food into plastic food containers.

Though some plastic food containers are marked microwave-safe, I don’t feel comfortable using them. I don’t like the plastic smell onto reheated food.

I love using glass food storage containers to store, freeze, and reheat the food without worrying about any potential chemicals leaching into the foods and liquids.

You might think glass is more expensive than plastic. Yes, sure it is. But it is a one-time investment that can bring you convenience and save money in the long term.

For me, glass food containers are essential to meal prepping. Use them to store the veggies and they stay fresh longer. And the glass is the perfect solution to store the food from freezer to refrigerator to stove or microwave to table without transferring the food.

Glass food containers are usually safe for the freezer, oven, and microwave. They are super easy to use and clean. You can also put them into the dishwasher at high temperatures.

Related Minimalist Money Tips:

16 Things I Stopped Buying as a Minimalist

 

6. Single-Use Items

As a minimalist, I’m making every effort to be less wasteful. I don’t buy single-use items for convenience purposes.

Single-use items like disposable utensils, coffee cups, plastic straws, bottled water, plastic shopping bags, plastic take-out containers, etc.

Plastic waste can take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose. They are killing the environment. Study shows that not all plastic has been recycled. Most of them finally end up in the environment, ocean, and landfills.

To reduce waste and save money in the long term, I buy reusable items. There are tons of alternatives to disposable plastic items that suit your lifestyle.

Bring a travel mug when you go out for a coffee. Keep a set of durable grocery bags in your car. Have a cute reusable shopping bag in your purse so you’ll never need a plastic bag when you go shopping.

We have this water filter pitcher at home and have our own reusable water bottles so that we don’t have to buy bottled water. Using reusable produce bags can eliminate plastic use which can save you money and it also helps the planet.

There are a lot of reusable alternatives to single-use items. You might spend a little more money in the beginning but you will save money in the long run. And, you’re helping to reduce waste and protect our environment.

7. Seasonal Decors

We don’t buy seasonal decorations for our home. I think it’s a very personal choice and there’s nothing wrong if you’re a minimalist buying seasonal decorations.

I don’t do most seasonal decorating because I like to keep things simple and I’m lazy to store those decorations after the season. We only decorate for Christmas and we simplified the Christmas decorating.

More Articles about Minimalist Living:

How to Have Less Stuff

5 Ways to Simplify Christmas and Enjoy this Holiday Season 

18 Minimalist Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas

Instead of putting up a bunch of Christmas decorations, we have minimal decorating during this festive season. We reuse the decorations from past Christmases. We repurpose and DIY Christmas decorations.

8. Souvenirs

I no longer buy souvenirs when I travel. When I traveled in my 20s, I always bought souvenirs. I bought the souvenirs for family, friends and myself. I thought I cared about them, I had to buy something for them when I travel.

Honestly, I think most of the souvenirs I bought might not be useful for them. It might be a city’s signature souvenir, but who cares about it when it’s a decorating item and my friend is trapped with nowhere to display it?

Since I’ve simplified my life, I purged a lot of souvenirs that I received in the past and I bought them for myself. I felt guilty but I know I need to let go of them.

In rare cases, I still buy souvenirs for families if they ask me to buy them, and I’m always happy to buy them.

Today, I would love to spend money on some memorable experiences rather than those overpriced souvenirs.

Since I’m trying to reduce waste, save money, and avoid clutter, I’m very intentional about my purchases because I know I’ll bring them home.

9. Craft Supplies

I don’t buy craft supplies anymore to avoid accumulating clutter. I used to spend money on my hobbies. I’ve always loved to buy stationery, craft supplies, craft books, and magazines.

I was so addicted to the Japanese beading. I kept buying Swarovski crystal beads, seed beads, glass beads, Japanese beading magazines, tools, and supplies every month. I bought most of them online because they were unavailable at our local stores.

After my daughter was born, I barely had time for all of my favorite hobbies. I realized that there’s an unfinished beading project that’s been sitting around and I never have enough time to sit down to finish them.

I stopped buying craft supplies since I didn’t have time for the beadwork. I still keep the craft supplies and craft books at home as I have space for them. I may not have time to read the whole book again but flipping through pages randomly brings me joy.

10. Candles

I don’t buy candles anymore. Be careful that most scented candles are made of paraffin wax that releases harmful toxins into your home.

If you want to place candles to make the home feel cozier, look for 100% pure beeswax candles.

There are so many natural ways to make your home smell good. I like using essential oils in a diffuser to add all-natural and calming fragrances to our home. While oils are considered not safe for some people and pets, always do your research first.

Final Thoughts 

The above things I stopped buying or owning helped me save time and money.

With a minimalist mindset and purchasing with intention, I only buy what I need or things that bring joy or add value to my life.

When I own less stuff, I have less to clean and organize. And I’m always trying to reuse and repurpose the old stuff.

Mindful shopping not only helps you save money, reduce waste, and minimize clutter but also live better.

More Ideas about Minimalist Lifestyle:

5 Laundry Habits as a Minimalist

Develop a Minimalist Mindset – Minimalist Lifestyle

How to Keep a House Clean

What are the things you’ve stopped buying to save money? Please share them in the comments.
 

 

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