5 things I won’t buy again as a minimalist

It’s interesting to witness our own perspectives change throughout the years. When I look back to those days when I had many more possessions and desires than I now do, It’s breathtakingly clear from this newer angle that there are things that I had that actually weren’t serving me the way that I had thought or hoped that they might have been. Hindsight and a minimalist perspective has certainly allowed be a new perspective on what I want (and don’t want) in my life going forward. So I compiled a little list on things I can’t imagine getting again.

So here is that list of those things that I had then, but I don’t need anymore. But before I get going, let me just say that this is merely my own personal list attained from my own personal experiences. It is not a judgment and my choices are merely that. And the reason that life is so fun is because we are so darn different. 

So here are a few things that my own journey through minimalism has taught me that I personally no longer choose to have in my life…

1) bookshelves

This might sound odd, but when I think of the period in my life when I had the most - things and discontent in particular, That time just before I stepped into a minimalist life… I also had more bookshelves than most average non librarians could ever need. And yet I was always, at least vaguely on the hunt to get a new one. Because shelves are for the things, and oh did I have the things… 

But as I started and then continued down the road of ridding the extra possessions in my life, all those old rickety bookshelves slowly became empty and obsolete. The books, the knickknacks, the random papers and random peculiarities that filled every one of them slowly departed my home. And all those shelves became silent and barren. They were a memory of a life that I no longer desired. A life of excess, of perpetual storage and constant rearranging (in the hope of creating space that just didn’t exist). Once they were empty though, it was easy to see how unattractive, overtaxed and unnecessary they now were. And as I gladly got the chance to get rid of them, my home became a very different place. The space that they once held became open and clear, not only could I move around easier, but I felt calmer and freer! 

my collection of bookshelves was a powerful sign of having more things than I could handle. and so I know now that I won’t need to buy any more to pad my walls and shrink my home in my foreseeable future. And I don’t miss them.

2) fast fashion

In case you are unsure, the definition of fast fashion is, rapid production of inexpensive, low-quality clothing that often mimics popular styles of fashion labels, big-name brands, and independent designers

So back before I stepped into a more mindful minimalist life, fast fashion was my bread and butter. I wanted something new constantly, and whether I was in need of that something or not had no bearing on those insatiable desire. I also really would have no idea if I actually needed something. In my mind I needed all of it. As I scoured malls and websites, the sales and low prices were what turned my overstimulated, unsettled and delusional head. And so that is what I gravitated towards: the new ‘it’ thing with a price tag that I could get behind. It wasn’t the quality of each piece that pulled me in. It was merely the fact that this bright shiny new thing was a price that I felt I could ‘afford’ and that I’d have something new to wear. The thing about these clothes though is that they are basically created to be consumed like a cigarette, set on fire and used up in one go. Not to mention the other obvious comparisons… like the fact that both of these things are desperately unhealthy to us and to the earth, and that they leach our bank accounts and leave us with nothing. Now the clothes that I buy are purchased with thoughtfulness, and with the intention that they will last me a long time. And when I don’t need something, I don’t buy anything. 

3) Books/notebooks

As a person who has always written and read a lot, books, notebooks, and journals have continued to take up an ever increasing amount of real estate in my homes throughout the years. And when my own personal big declutter hit several years back, it was so very apparent to me that all these books and papers were slowly drowning me. Not to mention that there was no system, or way to find the books or the writings if I ever needed or wanted something from times past. I knew, in my fresh decluttering clarity that something had to change. The first step that I took was to declutter most of my books. I kept only what I knew that I intended to read again or shortly. Which was surprisingly very few books. Shortly after that, I looked into and purchased an e-reader. This little gadget was a life changing experience for me. To have every book I could possibly want in my hands at all times is absolutely amazing. Also, I ended up reading more because it was so easy to bring my reader along wherever I went.

But with my constant writing, and morning pages - I just kept filling up more and more journals, notebooks, and general paper clutter. That was when I heard about and looked into e-notebooks. I then became amazed by the fact that I could have that one little notebook for every sing thing that I could possibly write for the rest of my whole life! I ultimately got myself a Supernote (which has also become my e-reader too). Now all my books, my journals and notebooks are in one little digital book. And I am so happy that I made that change. It is absolutely astounding how much space, organization, and ease it has offered me, my home, And my life. No more paper pages for me. 

4) interim products (or things that won’t last)

I used to purchase things with the idea that it would do until I found something better. I needed something now, like a hoodie, or some spatulas, or a pair of winter boots. And well here I was, next to the object in question at the store, or online, and thinking, “it’s not exactly what I want, but I could used it now and it’s a good deal, so I’ll just get it and then I’ll find something better soon.” In living this way, not only did I depleted my funds, but I also strengthened my disrespect for possessions and things and filled my home with clutter. 

Going in knowing that I don’t really like it that much and that it will be replaced in due time, is a good way to cultivate a disrespect for what we own and a ‘throw away’ mentality. Interestingly and sadly, often times, I never even ended up using this interim item, and I could have held out for the things that I actually felt would do. These days, though, I keep a list of the things that I would like to acquire or feel like I need to acquire. And I let the idea ripen or whither with time before I do anything.  And if I do decide to buy something new, I do a meticulous search for just what I want if I plan to spend my hard earned money on it. That way what I do buy has a much higher likelihood of being just what I want, and lasting me a long time.

5) the newest version when my version is perfectly fine

I like the things that I have to get used as much as I possible can use them. So I like to wear things to the ground. Be that a cell phone, a pair of pants, my glasses, throw pillows, or my frying pan. Not only does that help me save money, but it teaches me genuine appreciation and to choose wisely when it’s time for a replacement. Because I am particular in my choices I don’t tend to have the need to replace my things quickly, because when I buy something, I tend to do it with great thoughtfulness. I have come to really quite enjoy having the older version of my possessions or tech because it shows me that I chose and purchased well for myself. If these pants and this phone are still being used and appreciated then my purchase from years ago must have been done well for me. And of course, I get it wrong sometimes and end up buying something that just doesn’t work for me or that I just don’t enjoy or like the way that I thought I would, but I’m human and I learn from things that don’t work for me. Those mistakes balances out with the things that serve me for years and years.

If you are interested in watching the video that this article was inspired by on my YouTube channel, please have a look.

And thanks so much for listening, reading,

And for going on the journey with me.

Have a wonderful day my friends,

-Lyndsay