Inside: Learn common things minimalists don’t buy or own to simplify their lives and homes.
In today’s world, the temptation to buy stuff is everywhere.
If you’re trying to embrace a minimalist lifestyle, it’s important to resist the perceived need those advertisements create.
Instead, prioritize owning the essentials and knowing how to say “no” to the rest.
But how do you know what to indulge in and what to avoid?
While every minimalist has a slightly different vision of what’s truly essential and what isn’t, there are a few common things that most minimalists don’t own.
If you want to live a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle, here are a few guidelines to consider following.
What are some things minimalists don’t buy?
Even though I don’t consider myself a minimalist, I share many of the same values. Minimalism is all about simplicity and the idea that less is more.
By focusing on the things that truly matter and bring joy, and getting rid of the rest, we can live a less cluttered and more fulfilling life.
So, what are minimalists not buying to keep their lives and homes simpler? Here are 14 of them.
1. Minimalists don’t buy knick-knacks and needless decorations.
Some people find joy in decorating every square inch of their space with tchotchkes, knick-knacks, and other bits of home decor.
But minimalists? They would rather avoid the clutter that tends to accumulate when you take a “more is more” approach to home decor.
Instead of covering every shelf and surface with stuff, minimalists take a more thoughtful approach. They may opt for a single vase of fresh flowers instead of an assortment of picture frames and figurines.
And instead of collecting endless seasonal decorations to spice up your space and celebrate every holiday and shift in the weather, they choose to keep things simple, with versatile decor that’ll bring them joy all year long.
By resisting the temptation to excessively decorate, minimalists create a space that embraces calm and tranquility.
An added bonus? It’s much easier to keep things clean and dust-free.
2. Minimalists try to avoid buying fast fashion.
Over the years, fast fashion has become the go-to way to dress for many people.
And in some ways, it’s easy to see why. It’s affordable. It’s accessible. And it makes it relatively easy to keep up with the latest ever-changing trends.
It’s also an easy way to wind up with an overwhelmingly large wardrobe – and contribute needlessly to waste as that fast fashion rips, tears, and falls apart quickly.
Instead, minimalists extend their ‘less is more’ philosophy to their wardrobes and declutter what they no longer wear. They keep well-made, timeless pieces that offer versatility.
Minimalists are selective when buying new pieces. Those looking to save money and increase sustainability often shop at second-hand stores for clothing.
Minimalists opt for quality over quantity.
3. Excessive pairs of shoes.
A 2023 survey found that the average American will own 256 pairs of shoes during their lifetime, at a cost of $14,640 (source).
While various sneakers may be trending, most minimalists opt out of constantly buying new shoes just to change up their style.
Instead, they choose to declutter shoes that no longer fit or that they don’t wear and focus on their favorite pairs.
Does that mean that they don’t care at all about style? No. Again, it’s about focusing on quality over quantity.
4. Minimalists often don’t own physical media.
Many of us grew up in homes filled with physical movies, music, and books. Depending on when you were born, you had stacks of VHS tapes or DVDs.
Records, tapes, or CDs were the only way you could listen to your favorite songs without hoping you’d get lucky and catch them on the radio. And your bookshelves were probably full of books that you’d only read once, collecting dust ever since.
Now? All of that media can be saved and accessed digitally. We no longer need entire pieces of furniture dedicated to storing those CDs and DVDs.
Streaming services allow us to watch our favorite movies and shows and listen to our favorite songs with the touch of a button, and e-readers eliminate the need to keep stacks upon stacks of books around our homes.
And while some people still insist on buying physical media, it’s one thing that minimalists often categorically skip to have less stuff in their homes.
5. Minimalists don’t typically buy single-purpose kitchen gadgets.
There’s a kitchen gadget out there for virtually everything.
Avocado slicers. Apple corers. Garlic presses. The list goes on. For every task and item you can find in your kitchen, someone’s created something specialized that helps you prepare it.
But none of those things are really necessary. You can slice an avocado, core an apple, and mince your garlic with a single, multi-purpose tool – a good kitchen knife. So why buy all of those other things?
Instead of filling their cabinets and drawers with unnecessary kitchen gadgets, minimalists stick to the basics: versatile appliances, sturdy pots and pans, must-have utensils, and just enough dishes.
A minimalist kitchen that’s stocked with the essentials and well-organized makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
6. Minimalists don’t own many duplicate items.
Sure, you can have more than one of something… but there’s a fine line between ‘just enough’ and ‘way too much.’
Some people like to keep lots of extras on hand – an endless pile of extra towels and dishcloths, six different sheet sets, a box filled with duplicate cords and cables just in case you ever happen to need them someday.
A stack of ten plates in the cupboard, more pairs of jeans than you could wear in a month, four different lotions in the bathroom…the list goes on.
But why?
Instead of owning all that stuff, minimalists prefer to minimize duplicates and focus on owning fewer, higher-quality items – a couple of good bed sheets, enough towels to get through the week, quality dishware, and clothes.
While they could overfill closets and cupboards with extra stuff simply because the space exists, they choose not to because they know they don’t need to.
7. Minimalists don’t buy lots of cleaning supplies.
There’s a product out there that swears it’s designed to clean everything – your stovetop, your kitchen sink, your hardwood floors, your mirrors, your toilets.
But you don’t really need all of that.
Instead of splurging on endless sprays, wipes, and solutions, many minimalists know that you can stick to minimal, versatile products and great cleaning tools to tackle every area in your home.
Once you find what works for you, there is no need to continue trying out the new trendy cleaning products.
Minimalists focus on their favorites and don’t constantly feel the need to change things up.
8. Minimalists don’t purchase souvenirs on every vacation.
Minimalists tend to prioritize experiences and traveling to new places rather than acquiring more stuff.
One thing minimalists choose not to do when they go on vacation? Bring home souvenirs.
Minimalist travel focuses on packing light and being present in the moment. Taking pictures is a great way to remember places you have been and people you have spent time with.
But souvenirs? They can end up becoming clutter and are unnecessary baggage.
While taking something home once in a while may be nice, they focus on consumables rather than items that would sit out collecting dust.
9. Minimalists don’t make impulse purchases.
Another thing that minimalists do their best to avoid? They don’t get sucked into impulse purchasing.
Minimalists learn how not to get lured into buying something just because it’s on sale.
They’re intentional with shopping and are careful about what items they choose to bring into their home.
This saves them from experiencing buyer’s remorse often and helps keep clutter at bay while saving money in the process.
Minimalists put practices in place to help them avoid impulse purchases, such as waiting for a predetermined amount of time before deciding whether or not to buy something.
10. Minimalists don’t buy typical gifts.
Minimalists have learned how to be intentional with their purchases and are careful not to add clutter to their homes.
In doing so, they’re also aware when buying gifts that they don’t want to contribute to the clutter in anyone else’s home either.
Because of that, minimalists tend to give clutter-free gifts. They focus on consumable items or experiences that they think the recipient would enjoy.
Minimalists tend to want to receive these types of gifts as well, or may even opt not to exchange gifts during the holidays.
Does that mean they won’t buy you a different gift if that’s what you’ve told them you really want? No, but left to their own devices, people do tend to give the types of gifts that they’d enjoy receiving.
11. Minimalists don’t go overboard with skincare and beauty products.
We live in a social media culture where influencers are constantly trying to sell the latest and greatest skincare and beauty products.
Minimalists avoid getting sucked into continually buying the newest things out there.
Instead, they choose to focus on the products that work for them. While they may try a new product here or there, they tend to focus on clean ingredients and stick to their favorites.
They also don’t continually store products that they tried and didn’t like. Instead, they opt to give them away or throw them in the trash (depending on the product).
This keeps their bathroom from getting cluttered, making it easier to find what they need to get ready in the morning.
12. Minimalists limit one-time use & disposable items.
Another thing minimalists try to significantly limit is one-time use and disposable items. Some of the items in this category include paper towels, napkins, plastic wrap, single-use water bottles, paper plates, and plasticware.
Many minimalists are more eco-conscious and would rather use more sustainable alternatives.
Thankfully, there are a lot of great reusable options available, thereby reducing waste while also decreasing the amount of things that need to be stored in the home.
Opting for fewer one-time use and disposable items not only keeps more trash out of landfills, but it’s also a great way to save more money.
13. Minimalists don’t buy more storage containers.
Since minimalists focus on thoroughly decluttering before organizing, they don’t feel the need to buy many storage containers for all of their things.
They work with what they have first, and if a specialty storage container is warranted, they will purchase it, but it’s with planning and intention.
While it’s easy to get pulled into buying pretty containers rather than getting rid of more stuff, minimalists know that doesn’t solve the real issue.
Minimalists prefer to have fewer items to manage and therefore don’t feel the need for more storage containers, which can end up contributing to clutter.
14. Minimalists don’t rent storage units.
This may be the most obvious of the things minimalists don’t tend to purchase or own, but it would be a very rare situation for a minimalist to rent a storage unit.
When you’re intentional with the number of belongings you own and ensure that you don’t have too much stuff, the idea of renting an off-site storage unit is not likely to cross your mind.
Not only are they inconvenient, but they can be quite expensive and are typically unnecessary.
There may be a rare circumstance where it makes sense for a short period of time, but you likely won’t find many (if any) minimalists renting a storage unit.
Things I stopped buying
Decluttering was quite a learning experience for me. Through it, I learned how to be more selective with what I purchase.
I stopped buying these 15 things after simplifying our home, as they were creating clutter.
This year, I decided not to purchase these 27 things either because we already had enough or we simply didn’t need them.
Your lists will likely look a bit different from mine, which is completely fine.
The most important thing is to be mindful of what you buy. It will save you money and prevent clutter from accumulating in your home.
What would you add to this list of things minimalists don’t buy? Leave a comment and let me know!
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I just don’t understand this focus on not owning books, CD’s, movies on DVD, etc. Once you’ve bought something, it’s available at any time without costing more. Every time you buy a book online on Kindle or whatever, it costs. Every time you listen to some of the music you like, it costs. Ditto films, etc. Should minimalism be a way of spending money to reduce physical objects? Further, if some unforeseen catastrophe hits, you may not be able to pay for the entertainment you would like. I admit, I have something like 2000 books, and a further 500 or so on Kindle. This makes me happy.
I, too, have many books. some I have had since I was a child. I also believe that books available on line can be removed by a third party. Or if internet is no longer available, those books would disappear. I will hold onto my books and continue to acquire more.
I agree 100%!!!
be happy
books are our friends – i thoroughly enjoy just browsing through all my bookshelves.
I do, too, especially on rainy days.
exactly!
use the library. no cost!
If you use them more than once a year, great. The point of these ideas is to not have stuff cluttering your surroundings to make life less stressful.
Cheers to the uncluttered life!
And, friends don’t forget you can rent free books, music, and more (sometimes equipment, tools, kitchen gadgets, etc) @ your local library.
You can even find something new and fun in your free “Little Library” stand in area neighborhoods. Here you can take a book or leave a book. If you don’t have any in your surrounding area, make one. Instructions are fairly simple and your local habitat for humanity may help you make it.
Smiles,
Jen XOXO
A good interesting book is sure a pleasure to hold and read off grid off satellite.
It is what it is.
without contracts (strings,) or advertising .
Libraries.
The important thing in life is that our experiences are subjective and unique. It is important for us each to follow our own bliss, not anyone else’s.
I love bookss and CDs!
You own that many books are you an owner if a library or book store?
That would be way too many for me!
Gasp!
my mother didn’t buy books, except she had some with knitting patterns in. She got hers from Public Library and tool them back when she’d read them. I know some books go out of print. She was a lot tidier than me. Her brothers bought second hand books.
The problem with CD’s and DVD’s is the same as 8-tracks,cassette tapes, and VHS. The media needs to have the cassette, CD or DVD, VHS players. Without the appropriate appliance the item is useless. Right now I have DVD’s I own but can’t watch because my DVD player died. Streaming has its ups and downs also but it doesn’t collect dust or take up space.
I am a book collector but only keep my favorite authors. My local library charges me nothing to read books on my Kindle and I get free from Amazon monthly as well. I have an app that keeps track of owned or loaned so I don’t duplicate. I used to own a used bookstore and worked as church librarian. After all that hardwork with books I don’t want to have to deal with 2000+ books anymore. My 3 bookshelves hold my collection. My app tracks all the other books I’ve read, thousands. I’m all for holding a real book, but also have had to find homes for tons of books and magazines through decades of issues. Like every Life Magazine ever published. Surviving floods, tornadoes, worms and dust mites.
I keep those I know I’ll read and share the rest with others if not digital. My book room now has space for other purposes and I still enjoy my time in there.
Same here! Each to his/her own.
Ultimately, it comes down to what makes you comfortable and happy. Minimalism is not for everyone. You might have a collection of items beautifully displayed in your home that brings you joy, peace, and happiness. However, for someone like me who embraces minimalism, that collection could be seen as clutter. What one person treasures, another might view as a burden.
My mother had at least a thousand books. I decided the library was a better solution to all those bookshelves!! It costs me nothing and I order them online…. win-win.
My 300 albums make me happy, and I’m sorry that I tossed my cassettes. I pare down books every couple of years, but I love having my own library. I have wanted a book collection ever since I was a kid. I enjoyed having encyclopedias.
So instead of buying real books, you place empty boxes shaped like books on the table and wallpaper with printed shelves to create an ‘intellectual’ look at home. But why not invest in the real thing?
On Shoes Clothing Subject. Not spending on nice upper expensive shoes- all depends on what city and State you go to . I live in so California- and I usually spend 3 weeks in Chicago- when im in Chicago- Everyone Dresses up Women and men. Not Sloppy like California, yes if you’re in Chicago People will look at you like you Very Strange, and It’s Shows very disrespectful Dressed sloppy
Good to know that some areas in the US still dress up!
Here in California is indeed very slappy t shirts and flip flab’s not my style! Too bad !
really?
I’ve become minimalistic. With the intention of relocating and as I get older I think of the time my beneficiaries would have to waste sifting thru my possessions. The younger generation don’t want ‘our’ clutter. I’ve had to help do this twice. I was working 40 hours a week. it was a reality check that at the weekends I had to sort thru other people’s possessions. One that I don’t want to put my beneficiaries thru. Keep it minimal for the sake of those who are left behind.
when my husband and I are dead, our son will be older and I would hate to throw out something that might interest him…when we are gone, he can chuck whatever he wants in a dumpster!
I asked my late 20s son what he wants, from my stuff, just recently and he said ‘nothing’. He wants me to chuck it all out, before I die!
Why have it at all? If you have the books keep them. Do you need something on your shelf?
you are so right
So agree!,Amy currently doing what is called “death cleaning “. Sounds morbid bit makes a lot of sense. Get rid of what one truly does not need or can do without. After my Mom, Dad, and only daughter’s passing away it was very taxing going through soooo much stuff!!!
Yes! I’ve had the exact same thoughts! I became a minimalist years ago as a result of downsizing and relocating. I had 2-3 of almost everything like 3 sofas, 2 dining tables just too much stuff. It’s so liberating to get rid of all that stuff.
But you are sorting through them-your children or relatives might have one or two ‘somethings’ that immediately bring you to mind and bring comfort. How sad for them to find they are no longer around because you thought you were sparing them having to go through stuff.
My parents are sizing down 3 houses (2 grandmas). So my mom is all about getting rid of stuff.which is fine but then items we “cherished”, were thrown away. She sorted out all her pictures by who was in them
Then I noticed there were ones I was in but copies were given to others and not me, yet I was a primary person in it. It concerns me because my relatives are minimalists and I quit sending professional pictures because they throw them after scanning into computer. I took part in cleaning up those same households but I don’t go through every month trying to get rid of more stuff that isn’t clutter anymore. I’d rather enjoy what I have and not stress over stuff that isn’t there anymore after they moved and cleaned out 44 years of stuff. Its become an obsession in everything now.
I agree!
Perspective can change ANYTHING; look for VERSATILITY in EVERYTHING !!!
I have certain authors which I collect, and while I do have a large collection of digital books as well, for those authors that I collect, there is nothing like cracking the spine of a brand new book from one of your favorite authors, catching ths smell of the paper and ink, as well as having the weight and feel of an actual book in your hand. I also collect many DVD, Blu-Ray, and now 4K movies as well as owning or watching their digital counterparts. unfortunately, with these digital versions there are so many bonus features that are never available and they are often the selling factor for the physical disc rather than the digital. Some of my favorite ways to watch some movies is with things like the cast commentary, etc, on, but there are also other bonus features that I also love. There is also something to be said for having the physical copy. I often worry that if something were to happen to the site that I bought the movie from, I would have wasted my money, because you aren’t even given the actual digital copy of the movie to keep yourself. It is basically only giving you access to that movie on their site. I also often see that movies which were available at one time, now say that they are not longer even on their website. What would happen if they removed a movie that I had bought? Would I still be able to access it? If I lose access will I be reimbursed? I honestly don’t know what would happen. Those are a few of the reasons that I still keep by books and movies. As far as records go, they just sound better then digital, so I won’t get rid of those, and a lot of my CDs aren’t main stream, so I have put them on my computer, but I keep the hard copies just in case.
Having physical copies like dvds, blu-rays, games etc should be a personal choice as purchasing the digital copies mean sometimes all you own is the license but not the product, which means that with some sites and companies would replace the purchase some you have to purchase the it again.
Yes, multiple subscriptions clutter my mind and my wallet. They are a money pit!
I’ve read a lot of articles about minimalism and followed a number of minimalists. My take on this lifestyle is that you only have so much space in your house (or apt). And if you just keep acquiring more than you have room for, you have to figure out how to deal with it. Plus, lots of stuff can take a lot of time to keep organized and clean.
I’m a maximalist and a minimalist. It depends on what I enjoy. You can be both and be happy.
well said
So agree with that! It’s a very personal choice, what to keep, purchase, or discard, donate, or sell. It becomes tiring for people to try to put a minimalist lifestyle in a box.
this article is filled with ads asking us to buy things, what a irony
I am a minimilast and love it. I have also owned many physical books, dvd’s, tapes etc in the past. It intrigues me to hear that those who are collectors, state ‘what if something happens to [object purchased]’. The answer? Nothing. The world isn’t going to end. You will move on. You can’t take it with you anyway, and perhaps the people who come after you have no need for it so why hold on to ‘stuff’?
How often are those things we hold onto, really enjoyed? When its not about the things. Its about the people. We should be saving time and space for people, not things.
Enjoy while you can. you can bring a packed printer paper box to a nursing home and little else.
We do buy souvenirs that aren’t consumable, it just also has to be functional and most minimalist likely have a small collection of items that could fit in a single dresser drawer. I have a mug and umbrella from Japan and tea cup, Stein and umbrella from Austria. All of those items are functional if need be and that’s what matters.
…hotel rooms are minimalist, do minimalists cook every day or prepare difficult meals? From what I have seen, minimalist home is often anonymous, it feels like you aren’t allowed to know the hobbies or personality of the occupants. it seems uninviting and cold. Do minimalists have to spend extra money when the need to repair something at home arises? The article says that minimalist don’t own things they don’t use often. Tools? Are many minimalist home owners? Have garden? Are car enthusiast?
High end items like lavish cars and houses.
I was wondering what to do with my high s hook letter jacket ? I’m 58 years old and don’t need anymore . But I don’t know what to do with it
There are many more needy than there are minimalistic on this earth & even in your neighborhood. If you can walk to a school without seeing someone who needs a jacket before you get there, then I’d bet the office is aware of at least one child with none, & if that’s the case you can a crisp dollar bill in each pocket for their siblings 😉
Two suggestions: if your class has a reunion or perhaps an alumni Facebook page you could ask there, or contact the current administrator for the school to see if they’d like to have it for a school spirit display or even for use as a cool raffle item to raise money
Does the town you went to HS in have a museum? we have a tiny museum of historical things pertaining to our city here. they may be interested in it. some aren’t, and you may find if it’s in really good condition, it may actually sell. the lettering can be removed and berepurchased. .
I really don’t like buying all that overpriced wrapping paper and treats that the kids are supposed to sell for school fundraisers. (The candy bars are okay.) I would rather they had a good old-fashioned bake sale or yard sale.
I reward myself with a consumable. My favorite are cut flowers. Another is ONE special donut or pastry.
Everyone have different things that they cherish I’m a book worm! During the pandemic I purchased 500 books I’m halve way through reading them I store them in ziplock bags to protect my treasures! During the pandemic ( I created my stock market program which has made me financially free but time is the one thing u can never have enough of.
I have been a minimalist / essentialist for about 18 years…. I went through layers of pairing down and ‘blessed’ others with things that I gently used. I converted my book library to the Kindle app / BN app / Apple Books apps and mostly of them I got for $1 to $2. I uploaded most of my CDs to iTunes and donated to worthwhile charities so they could sell them and use the money to impact the lives of those they serve.
I love that even though we live in a 2000sf home… it resembles a nice resort, free of clutter and crowded cabinets, shelves and counters. It is peaceful and most people upon their first visit comment on how they need to create space in their home. I now coach folks on the joys of having more experiences (all the money we save allows us to enjoy more concerts, road trips, restaurants), and has greatly reduced our need for maintenance, repair, insurance, etc., on unnecessary items. Living my best life!
There is nothing about my home that suggests minimalist. Closets are filled with classic clothes, at least four plants are in every room, pictures of my twin godsons are on my writing table and bedroom dresser. Actually I have two writing tables. Three walls are lined with books. Original art is in every room including the kitchen. I use specialized eco-friendly cleaning supplies. There are four sets of organic French linen sheets for each bed and a dozen Turkish towels (I live alone).
What I rid myself of were throw pillows and blankets that were pretty but served no purpose, sets of china never used, small kitchen appliances that took up too much real estate, ugly furniture, baking tools as I can no longer eat baked goods, cheap bed and bathroom linen bought in the aughts, two yoga mats (I attended yoga class once), mugs (why do people have so many mugs – it’s like they breed in the cabinet), clothes with tags still on, office wear (when I quit my job I threw my business shoes down the garbage chute with much delight), literary journals that I felt guilty about ditching but knew I’d never read (no more subscriptions), and gifts friends and family gave me that didn’t match my aesthetic.
Everything now has its place and because I live alone, no one moves anything. I can’t remember the last time I bought something new outside a book and a pair of black boots. Surfaces are sparsely decorated, there’s finally enough kitchen counter space in my tiny galley kitchen to prepare an elaborate meal should I choose, making the bed each morning is quick with top sheet, duvet, and pillows, and there’s nothing like a good vacuum cleaner (thank you NYT Wirecutter).
I appreciate minimalist philosophy; I simply can’t adhere to all of its principles. One principle I do adhere to – experiences over things. Tea in a teahouse while reading a book, dinner at a new restaurant, watching a French film, spending two weeks at a writing retreat, taking Amtrak to visit a friend, spending an afternoon in a museum, screaming during a Sting concert, walking through a garden, reliving European vacations through pictures, or just spending an afternoon on the coffee shop patio entertaining myself by looking at cloud formations. A very simple life it is.