Making room for what matters most includes letting go of what is no longer serving us. We can declutter every room in our home, however, and turn around one day to be surrounded by clutter again. Why? Because unless we have changed our purchasing behaviors, our decluttering efforts will be in vain.
Acquiring less is the first step in what I call the cycle of minimalism. When we recognize we have more than we need and learn to be content with owning less, we can start to reap the benefits of minimalism. We realize that material possessions can’t solve all our problems, or fill the voids of loneliness, boredom, or low self-esteem. Our purchasing behaviors often shift because we aren’t filled with the desire to consume like we once were.
This has definitely been the case for me. Since discovering minimalism in 2014, I have shifted my purchasing behaviors significantly. I’m not allergic to buying stuff, but I am much more intentional in asking relevant questions before I purchase something in the first place.
Here are five things I no longer buy since becoming a minimalist:
1. Clothing – Just Because It’s On Sale
Since becoming a minimalist, shopping is no longer a recreational activity for me. I used to go to the outlet mall to “look around” and would inevitably purchase way too many cardigans and dresses at Ann Taylor. I would tell myself the deals were too good to pass up, but many of the clothes and accessories remained unworn in my closet.
Unsubscribing from retail e-mails and turning off app notifications has had the biggest impact on my clothing shopping habits. I also have an informal capsule wardrobe which means that I usually just replace something that has worn out instead of looking for extra clothes to buy. Shopping is something I do when I need something, not when I want entertainment or a dopamine hit.
2. Books
I am blessed to live in a metropolitan area with a robust library system, so I borrow hard copy books directly from the library or use the Libby app for e-books. I may purchase a book to support a specific author, but get the Kindle version to reduce book clutter. Since becoming a minimalist, I am much more likely to be willing to wait to read a book from the library, even if I have to wait several weeks, rather than purchasing it immediately on Amazon.
3. Single-Use Items
I wouldn’t say that I’m a minimalist primarily for environmental reasons. I am, however, more aware of my consumerist footprint and reduce single-use items. My family uses reusable stainless steel water bottles and cloth napkins. Since I do laundry on a daily basis, I don’t mind a few extra napkins to wash every day. We use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets, and I have shifted to reusable menstrual products rather than disposable ones. Before purchasing something, I now weigh convenience against the environmental impact.
4. Close-Ended or Trendy/Character-Driven Toys
It is almost Christmas, which means that my boys and I have been busy working on their wish lists. The open-ended toys that have more than one function are always the go-to’s for my boys on a daily basis. These include blocks, Legos, train tracks, Hot Wheels cars and tracks, and arts and crafts, among others. We steer clear of close-ended toys (think of a toy where you press a button and it does one thing) or those with specific characters from shows or movies.
5. Subscriptions and Memberships
While I enjoy streaming subscriptions like Netflix, I have said goodbye to extraneous subscriptions and memberships. These include ones that I told myself I would use (hello, gym membership) but never did. Part of my minimalist journey has involved understanding what I truly have the time and energy to pursue, instead of my aspirational self. I am now more confident than ever that I know what matters to me, so I’m less likely to feel like my life could be improved by a subscription service or membership.
What We Consume Matters
Consumerism is often the missing piece of the conversation about minimalism. We focus so much on what we are decluttering from our home, we don’t stop to think about the behaviors that keep bringing stuff into our home in the first place. Being more mindful of why we are shopping, and whether we could do without an item before we purchase it, are the first steps in disrupting the acquisition/decluttering cycle.
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