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10 Things I no longer buy

In order to start living more minimally, the one thing you absolutely need to do, without fail is reduce your consumption. Buy less STUFF.

We have all grown up in a world where you feel obligated to 'hunt and gather' when you are outside of the home. When you are at meetings and workshops, who doesn't take the free pen or sales merchandise that is on offer? If it is something we can take and feel we now 'own' it gives us that immediate gratification we all crave.

To become a 'minimalist' it does take a conscious effort to reduce the purchases you make and what you bring into your household, however uncomfortable it can be.

My biggest tip for stopping a spontaneous purchase?? Ask yourself the following;

  • Will this item bring me joy and serve me for years to come?
  • Do I have a place for this item?
  • Am I ready to take this into my custody, to manage the item and love it like I do with all of my other belongings?
Sounds like vows, right? It is usually the last bullet point that makes me think twice about whether I want that item entering my home.

I have compiled a list of items that the answer to the above questions where a resounding 'NO' and therefore I have removed them from future shopping lists and have never looked back.

1. Candles


When I first bought my home I was obsessed with the Yankee candle. I always envisioned my home as being one that as soon as you walk in you are hit with the sweet smell of vanilla. 
It is funny how you just happen to accumulate candles. It seems to be without fail my most common Christmas gift and I have had a candle for every time I have been asked to be a friends bridesmaid. I must admit that I did used to LOVE receiving candles. Until I realised that I don't ever burn them and then I feel guilty about not burning them so I make a point of lighting a candle in the evening and then I get irritated by the glowing shadow that is distracting me from the show I am watching on Netflix. So I blow the candle out and then I am left with a far stronger smell of 'burn' than the sweet vanilla fragrance ever gave me.

Burning candles is no longer an event in my home. I won't purchase a candle again in the future and will continue to re-gift the candles I receive which as a bonus will save me money.

2. High heels

I am a tall girl at 5ft 8in - when I wore heels I always felt like I was doing it because everyone else was instead of my own enjoyment. Don't get me wrong - I think heels look gorgeous and they do accentuate an outfit but I don't find heels comfortable and they just don't go with my personal style.

I do however own two pairs of heels, one black mid point stiletto for any more formal event which also go with a nice pencil skirt as well as jeans and basic nude/pink pair which I will wear to a wedding if I am wearing a lighter outfit.

3. Perfume

This is another thing we seem to accumulate over time. Whether they have been gifted, passed down or you have no idea how you now own it. I seem to have bottles that I don't even know where I got them from, not to mention that it lasts YEARS! I haven't bought myself a bottle of perfume in around 6 years. I also don't think that perfume smells that great on me either - so once these bottles are finished, I won't be purchasing anymore.



4. Fabric Softener

I am really trying to reduce the consumable products I purchase and one day it occurred to me that I don't have a clue how using fabric softener actually helps my clothes in anyway? I stopped using it and have never looked back. In all honesty, I don't even notice the difference!

5. Handbags


Come on guys - handbags are so over-rated. The only reason to carry a handbag is if you want to accumulate CRAP! The bigger the bag the more unnecessary items you bring into your household. I do have one large beach/tote bag which I use if we are going to the cinema to carry snacks or if we are going to the beach but apart from that, I only carry my Cash wallet which is the perfect size as my phone fits in it too.

6. Fake tan

I am very fortunate to olive skinned so I no longer use it but I do question why it is even still a thing?? It stinks. It always fades quickly and 9 times out of 10 it comes out all blotchy. I used to wear it because it was just standard routine before the weekend we apply fake take on a Thursday, right?? We don't need it, just learn to love the skin you are in!

7. Souvenirs

When you are abroad or even on a local holiday, buying a souvenir to help remind you of it always seems like a good idea at the time. When you get home that then becomes another item you need to manage, look after and find a place for. I personally am not a fan of ornaments, or clutter in general. I like blank spaces on my walls and a counter I can wipe without having to remove 'said' items. 
Take some more time taking photographs when you are away - the memories will be stronger and you can look back and remember the time without feeling claustrophobic from all the stuff you bring back

8. Photographs


I know I said to take a photograph when you are away but you don't need to get them printed! I create photo books with the Once Upon app I have on my phone and I love them. They are small, compact and actually tell a story of where you have been, all in the same place. I feel like I can breathe a lot better around a photo book than I do with 50 individual photographs lying around.

9. Anything at the checkout

Don't do it guys! It is a complete con which has been orchestrated by the marketing companies. They know you are tired and fed up by the time you have reached the checkout - DO NOT GIVE INTO YOUR CRAVINGS! This is the one thing that winds me up more than anything, let me make the decision and don't trick me into thinking I need it. What is worse is that 9 times out of 10 you can only find sugary, unhealthy snacks at this point. I play a game with myself - If I do buy something because of its strategic placement when I am at my weakest - they win and I lose. 

10. Moisturiser/body cream



Let me introduce you to my new best friend - coconut oil! I buy a huge 1kg pot from Holland and Barrett and find it is so much more diverse. You can wear it and cook with it. It makes your skin feel so fresh and not as oily or greasy as you might think. It has taken the decision making off my case as there are just too many choices out there for nice smelling moisturisers. 

There you have it guys. These are just some of the items I no longer purchase which has in turn helped me to save money and given me a lot more 'space to breathe'. I have created a Youtube video for Things I no longer buy so please pop by and leave a comment so I know where you have come from!

Visit me on Instagram @sarah_budgets
Email me - sarahmey418@gmail.com
Youtube - Sarah Budgets



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Location: South Wales, Mountain Ash CF45 4DA, UK

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