50 Things I Stopped Buying (to Save Money & Waste)
Since discovering minimalism and decluttering my entire life I stopped buying a lot of things that previously cost me quite a lot of money. Saving some cash is a great side effect of minimalism as you simply don’t consume like you used to. I questioned a lot of the things I was buying, finding less wasteful and multi-purpose alternatives that fit better into my lifestyle. So here are 50 things (there may be more but this is what I could think of for now!), that I no longer buy!
Disclaimer: There are no rules to this list! A few of these things I may occasionally buy as a special treat, or if I feel like it (e.g. a takeaway). Also this is not to shame anyone if you do still buy any or all of the things on the list. This is just for advice and help and guidance, not a set of rules or instructions. And hey maybe you’ll save some money if you stop buying some of the things on this list too!
Things I no longer buy as a minimalist
Beauty
1. Conditioner
2. Post wash hair products
3. Makeup remover pads/face wipes
4. Ear buds/cue tips
5. Fun/gimmick makeup
6. Face wash, toner and moisturiser
7. Dry shampoo
8. Foundation
9. Shower gel
11. Mouthwash
10. Shaving foam
12. Plastic toothbrushes
13. Dental floss
14. Disposable razors
Household
15. Kitchen towels
16. Specific cleaners (toilet cleaner, window cleaner, mould and mildew etc.)
17. Plastic bags
18. Home décor/trinkets
19. Fabric softener
20. Air freshener
21. Disposable cloths/sponges
Clothing & accessories
22. Fast fashion
23. Single-wear items
24. On-sale clothing I don’t need
25. Overly impractical clothes/shoes
26. Jewellery
27. Handbags
28. High heels
Technology
29. DVDs
31. Poor quality technology
30. CDs
32. New tech
33. Gimmicky tech
34. Pricey games/apps
35. Batteries
Food & drink
36. Animal products
37. Bottled water
38. Alcohol
39. Multiples
40. Takeaway coffee/tea
41. Takeaway foods
42. Pre-prepared foods (sliced fruit and veg)
Other
43. Tampons/sanitary towels
44. Duplicates
45. Books
46. Magazines
47. Souvenirs
48. Multiple phone cases
49. Brand named items
50. Sale items/using coupon codes
I hope you enjoyed the video and post about what I no longer buy as a minimalist. I’d love to hear if there are things you’ve stopped buying in the comments section below.
11 comments
Audrey
Madeleine, I am dying to know your hygiene and maintenance tricks! My husband and I are on the road to becoming minimalists but I have to shamefully admit that I have quite the number of bottled hair products. It’s comical because I’m not high maintenance in the least bit. I don’t use a blow dryer and rarely do I ever use my curling rod. I have root lifters, dry shampoos, curling sea salt spray, and hair spray but they are all costing us a “fortune” in the long run. What are your tips/replacements and what natural products do you use for washing your face and cleaning your ears?
Megan
It would be super helpful if you could also let us know what you’ve replaced some of these things with! For example face wash, floss etc!
Karolina
My trick is to use a one product for multi purposes. For example, i use coconut oil to remove my makeup, as a conditioner, body lotion, face cream, eye cream, hand cream and i make a deodorant out of it. Face wash- i use castile soap which i use for the rest of my body, but subsequently, i put toner to restore natural skin pH. As a moisturizer- aloe vera.
Viatrix
Could you please also include what you use instead of these things that you do not buy? It would be so helpful 🙂
Luz Miranda
I was wondering if it is possible that you include a complete list for all the products you are using and some recommendations for them.
Liz
Madeleine, I buy 3 of the items on your list, however # 13 has me wondering what you use in place of dental floss, I go through quite a bit of dental floss.
Thank You in advance.
Marlene
Hello, Liz. She mentions it in this video she posted on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/ViAG8aNT_jY
I’ll have to go watch it again to get the name and buy it because I’m interested too!
Paige
You mentioned you don’t buy alcohol, as someone who wants to detox and become sober … what are your tips?
Pong
Dental floss is very important!My dentist told me it can even be more important than a toothbrush itself!
Sally
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Liv
would be helpful if you could respond – some of these questions are great.