9 Everyday Things I Don't Own as a Minimalist

1. Vacuum cleaner

A vacuum cleaner is a great cleaning tool. Be it an ordinary one or a smart one, it doesn't matter. I used to own a vacuum cleaner, but I don't anymore.

Instead, I regularly wash the floor the way my grandma and great-grandma did. You might say it's pretty labor-intensive, but I prefer to think of it as part of my exercise routine and dynamic meditation. 

I also adore coziness and small rugs, and at the moment, we have about six of them in the apartment. We usually clean them outside or use our washing machine for that. It works just great. 

2. Kettle

My family has had a kettle or a similar appliance since I can remember. First, it was an electric samovar, then a stovetop kettle, then an electric kettle. It's an important part of my food culture. I drink tea at least four times daily, but usually much more. 

Now I don't have a kettle. Instead, I use a small pot and my stovetop, which works great. I have to be more patient and intentional with my tea time, but I think it's good. 

3. Hair dryer

Now that my hair has grown longer, a hair dryer might be desirable, but I still don't think I need this as much. Of course, a hair dryer is an excellent tool for styling hair, for getting ready to go quickly. Instead, I air-dry my hair and style it with my fingers.

With time, when it grows longer and maybe becomes more manageable, I will try to use some old-school methods for adding volume and waviness, maybe. 

4. Ironing board

We don't have an ironing board, but we do have an iron. It came with our apartment. I think the previous tenants left it. I'm very thankful for that iron because I use it for crafting projects.

Instead of buying an ironing board, I use some extra towels and throws, and I iron either on the floor or on the kitchen table, which is big enough. It works just amazingly. 

5. Blender

Just so you know, I'm a hummus and homemade pate person. At first, I was pretty miserable not having a blender. I was seriously considering getting it.

Then things changed.

I realized that I'm doing just great and found many other things I enjoy eating. A blender is a great kitchen helper but can be replaced with a grater, whisk, or potato masher in many ways. 

6. Toaster

A toaster is something that Brian misses a lot, but I don't. Instead, I use my pan for browning the bread. Of course, a toaster is a great tool for some easy and fast processes, but again, doing without it is all about patience, intention, and inventiveness. 

It feels like we are forced to do and make things as fast as possible, but for what? It's great if we can invest our free time into something meaningful and important. What if we don't? Do we know what to do with our spare time? I think it's a topic for another time. 

7. Ultrasonic face cleaner

I realize an ultrasonic face cleaner is not a very common household item. However, I used to own one as a woman with problematic skin who finds particular joy in skincare and self-care. Were the results worth it? Maybe.

Now I'm using a better alternative and much cheaper. It costs next to nothing. 

I'm using a particular evening facial routine, including self-massage, oil, and a warm damp towel. It cleanses, tones, and gives radiance, and I highly recommend it. 

8. Instant Pot

I used to love my Instant Pot dearly, and I think it's a perfect item for those without a stovetop or an oven. When I had my Instant Pot, I had a decent stovetop and a great oven.

Then why did I own that thing? Because it was easier, faster, and, I guess, kind of interesting and curious, at least at first. 

Now we have one pan, one bigger pot, one smaller pot, stovetop, and oven, and it's just enough. I don't need an Instant Pot anymore. 

9. Fitness bracelet 

I used to have one, and it was a gift from my brother, who is a lot into all kinds of gadgets and technologies. I wore the fitness bracelet for about a year, but then I got tired of tracking myself fitness-wise, and it's just my personal subjective opinion. 

I'm a self-employed creative, and it's already stressful every given day. I'm holding myself accountable for every action and every decision that I make.

Adding extra pressure with a fitness tracker is something that I don't really need. Instead, I make sure I exercise at least 30 minutes a day, and I walk. 

Also, modern smartphones have a ton of inbuilt functions, so, at the moment, it's just enough for me. 

Things minimalists don't own

These are all things I don't own as a minimalist. I don't own all these things for reasons beyond personal preferences and minimalism. It's also about money.

We don't have any certainty at the moment, and we have no idea where we will be by the end of the year. So investing money in things that we won't be able to take along with us is useless. I learned how to live without all those things. 

Every person has a different comfort level as to what they can do without. Share in the comments what you have, what you don't have, and why. It will be interesting to see what people don't buy.