9 Things I Don't Buy as a Minimalist That Help Me to Save Money

1. Trendy clothing

When I was younger and worked really hard at a cafe, all that money I made went to buying clothing at a trendy boutique nearby. I would only wear those things once or twice.

I’ve learned that there are certain clothing styles that I love and colors that I gravitate to. Before I purchase an item of clothing I ask myself three questions:

1. Will I wear it more than once or twice?
2. Will I wear it a year or two from now?
3. Does it pair up with anything I own now?

If that item checks off all the boxes, I’ll consider buying it.

2. Cheap jewelry

I used to own a bit of cheap jewelry because I thought it would make my outfits look more pulled together. But after wearing a piece a few times, it would tarnish or turn green. I now stick to pieces that are classic and meaningful pieces that look good for the long term.

3. Plastic water bottles

I drink a ton of water and I was going through plastic bottles of water like crazy. I now have a larger stainless steel water bottle that I refill as needed. 

4. Magazines

I used to have subscriptions to magazines that I’d get in the mail, flip through for inspiration, read a few articles, then let them all pile up in a stack. Now information is at our fingertips and we don’t need stacks of magazines collecting dust. With Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for inspiration, I don’t have a need for magazines. 

5. Uncomfortable underwear

I no longer buy uncomfortable underwear and push-up bras. I have a small chest, so I used to wear push-up bras when I was younger, but they always felt so uncomfortable. As I’ve grown up, I’ve learned to love my body so I don’t need to show any cleavage or look any more endowed than I really am.

6. Shaving creams and razors

I used to get laser hair removal in my 20s. I’m in my 30s right now. Ever since getting laser treatments, I don’t have to shave my legs every day anymore. Now I shave about once a month. I just use my husband’s shaving cream and one of his disposable razors.

7. Dryer sheets

I use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. Wool dryer balls make your clothes dry a lot faster. You can get them anywhere, such as in-home goods stores.

8. Nail polishes

I used to buy so many bottles of nail polishes to try them out. But once I put them on, the polish would come off because I’d bite or chip my nails, which made my nails unhealthy and look terrible. Because I have that bad habit, I stay away from nail polishes. One exception: I had a manicure done for my wedding!

9. Pads and tampons

I own reusable pads that are washable. These washable pads work the same way as regular pads. I just wash them separately after they are used. They have helped me save a lot of money and a lot of trips to the store.

I am curious about using Thinx sustainable menstrual underwear and a menstrual cup, too. If anyone has used any of these, please let me know how they are by leaving a comment below!

Things I don't buy as a minimalist

I hope you enjoyed this list of 9 things I don't buy as a minimalist. Let me know what things you have stopped buying that you don’t need anymore. Thanks for joining!