Spread the love

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links which will reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases. This is at no additional cost to you.

15 Things Minimalists Don’t Buy

Minimalists do not buy things that they don’t find joy in. They steer away from trendy, impulsive purchases and focus on long-lasting items. Minimalism is a way to save money, shop more intentionally, and be more sustainable.

So, what should you cut out on your journey to becoming a minimalist? Here are 15 items minimalists do not buy.

Related content:

1. Paper towels

I stopped buying paper towels three years ago when I was broke. I was cutting costs wherever I could. Now that I’m financially stable I haven’t reintroduced them back into my life because I’ve found washcloths to be a more sustainable and cheaper alternative.

2. Paper napkins

When we were living paycheck to paycheck, we got by on napkins from takeout places and restaurants. I realized I don’t miss them and if I’m ever eating something messy I just use a scrap of toilet paper!

3. Doggy poop bags

What’s wrong with using grocery bags? I save every grocery bag I get and reuse it as a doggy poop bag.

4. Plastic water bottles

I don’t buy plastic water bottles and instead use a glass water bottle and Brita pitcher. Not only is this more sustainable, but it is healthier for you as well (BPA can be harmful on the brain)

5. Ziploc bags

Everything you put into a plastic sandwich bag can be placed in glass tupperware instead. This is a more sustainable option and ends up being cheaper in the long run.

6. Phone insurance

Phone insurance is a scam. I’ve used it before and they still made me pay a “deductible” when I needed a new phone. What’s even worse is that they send you a refurbished phone and mine was glitchy. I would steer clear of phone insurance.

7. Laptop warranty

My mom just got a new laptop and it took her weeks of calling daily in order to actually get through and process her claim. If you have the patience for this then a warranty could be worth it but I probably would’ve given up after a few calls…

8. Makeup brushes

My makeup routine is very minimalist so I do not purchase makeup brushes. To be honest, I find them less hygienic than using my clean fingers. Plus who wants to add “cleaning brushes” to their chore list?

9. Makeup remover

I take nightly showers so I remove all of my makeup with water and my cleanser. I do not buy makeup removing wipes anymore.

10. Extra skincare

I always wait to finish my existing skincare before buying new skincare. I love trying new brands and products but in order to avoid impulsive purchases I wait until I need a new product.

11. Shaving gel

I don’t buy shaving gel anymore. Now I just use soap or body wash!

12. New holiday decor

Most thrift stores have nice holiday decor you can find a few weeks before the holiday season. I don’t buy brand new holiday decor anymore.

13. Trendy furniture

I try to purchase most of my furniture from Facebook Marketplace or on furniture store sales. I currently need a new couch but I’m waiting until we move again so there are less items to deal with and so I can redesign my home for a new aesthetic. Just like there is fast fashion, fast furniture is an issue as well. Fast furniture has a horrible impact on our environment and by recycling and upscaling furniture from thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace you can be more sustainable.

14. Gift bags

I reuse every gift bag I get! Every once in a while I run out of gift bags so I have to purchase new ones but usually I can recycle a decent amount! Also, if you shop at local boutiques they typically have cute shopping bags that can be used as gift bags.

Another pro tip is that thrift stores sell gift bags around holidays so be sure to snag some next time you go!

15. Fast Fashion

Stores like H&M and Shein encourage fast fashion and poor quality clothes. I am making it a goal this year to shop more sustainably and focus on quality, timeless pieces over trendy clothes.

Minimalists don’t buy things they don’t need or that are wasteful. Start by cutting out these 15 things from your life and you’ll start noticing other ways you can declutter your home.