20 Things I No Longer Buy as a Minimalist

1. Duplicate items

This means I don’t buy similar items such as clothing or kitchen utensils, for example. It’s about reducing the number of items you have.

So when I’m buying things, I am very conscious about whether or not I already have something that does the same job or if am I buying it to replace something I can get rid of.

2. Things I can’t afford

I’m quite realistic with my budget. I don’t have very much and I know what is realistic for me. I can’t buy a piece of furniture or a piece of clothing that costs a lot of money. Instead, I spend within my budget. I only think about things I can afford.

If I want to buy a bigger ticket item that costs more money or travel, then I will save up first before I buy. I don’t ever think of borrowing money because I live within my means.

3. Things I can borrow

I no longer buy things that I can borrow. If I need tools for a project, I’ll see if I can borrow them first before I consider purchasing them. I think it’s wasteful to buy an item you’re not really going to use, store, or maintain.

I will give a gesture, like paying or giving a thank you gift to the person who has lent me the item. I’m not going above my means for an item I don’t really need.

4. Items I could buy second-hand

If I am looking to purchase something, I will see if I can get something decent second-hand. You lose value as soon as you buy something brand new.

Even with a phone or television, I try to buy a second-hand replacement that is as close to new as possible so I am not paying out unnecessarily on the item. I just don’t see the value of spending a ton of money on something new when I can buy something that still works fine from someone else.

5. Trendy clothing

Whatever clothing I buy needs to have longevity in my wardrobe, good quality, and be versatile enough to serve a multitude of purposes for different occasions.

6. New gadgets and phones

I don’t buy the latest and greatest items–older models are fine and I’ll use them until they die. I don’t feel the need to keep upgrading.

7. Magazines and newspapers

There’s no point anymore since I can access everything online. All the materials are a waste of resources and space. I don’t need a subject-specific magazine, for example.

8. Home decor items

I used to collect knick-knacks all the time, but no longer. These things would go on a shelf and I’d never clean them because I never wanted to move the items to clean them!

9. Bank fees

I make sure my bank account comes with incentives (like cash back) and no bank fees. I don’t want to pay fees for benefits I never use.

10. Apps

I will never pay for an app. I don’t see the value or point in paying for an app when I can get a free version, even if it’s a limited version. I don’t do everything on my phone, anyhow, so paid apps aren’t worth it to me.

11. Alcohol

I don’t really drink so I don’t see the point in buying it. I tend to be gifted with alcohol so I do have some that I can offer guests.

12. Calendars

I rely on my phone calendar now and don’t need a paper copy that I won’t look at every day.

13. Souvenirs

If I’m on holiday, I will only buy a nice piece of art if I see something I love. But I no longer buy keyrings, knick-knacks, or ornaments when traveling.

14. Things that won’t last

Quality over quantity is more important to me. Buying quality means I won’t have to keep buying things over and over again because it breaks.

15. Gym memberships

I prefer walking and practical sports and activities, like yoga, but there’s no point in a gym membership investment.

16. Seasonal decorations

I don’t need to buy new decorations every year. I use the same things yearly to save money. And, I don’t always change how my home looks from season to season.

17. Face creams

Fancy face creams are not worth it to me. I have sensitive skin so simpler is better for me, such as a basic moisturizer.

18. Phone accessories

I don’t have an endless supply of phone cases, and the one I have is made to last.

19. Furniture

I won’t waste money on new furniture unless I have to replace something.

20. Single-use items

I don’t buy items like plastic cutlery that can only be used for one occasion.

Things I no longer buy as a minimalist

Those are the 20 things I no longer buy as a minimalist. I wonder if there are any items that you have stopped buying? I’d love to know if you have similar thoughts so let me know in the comments.