30 Things I’ve Stopped Buying to Save Money and Simplify My Life

Comments

1. Tameeka

   September 10, 2018 at 12:14 am

   I just stumbled on your blog and I love reading the list of things you no longer buy because these align with my list of things as well. For my toddler girls I only buy them practical clothing for them to have fun and play and drag themselves all over the place which they enjoy doing. In our home we only drink water daily and don’t buy juices or sodas unless it’s the holidays and we have guest.

   I still need to work on not buying the girls too many toys. I’m so weak and I pay for it everyday when my floors are coated with toys.

   • Jane

     September 10, 2018 at 12:59 am

     Hey Tameeka! Thank you for stopping by. As a mom , I understand the feeling of wanting to give our kids every toy they want. I feel the same way too, but I also have many good reasons why I shouldn’t do it. Good luck to you and hope this little post inspired you in some way !

   • Leisa

     March 13, 2020 at 2:41 pm

     As an educator for 23 years I have been to many parenting and classroom management classes. You child should have as many toys as he/she can INDEPENDENTLY clean up in 10 minutes. When my kids were toddlers that meant they each had a storage tub (the size of a file box) that their toys were in and they could clean up after themselves

     • Miss Shirley

       February 13, 2022 at 7:10 pm

       That is a great idea. I will try to put this into practice with my two toddlers! Thanks for sharing!

   • Tina

     June 10, 2020 at 5:12 pm

     My kids are 39, 43 and 46. They all work. When they were young we made holiday decorations and the kids who they played with made stuf f, too. The kids had a few action figures/dolls some blocks, toy cars, but no huge plastic houses or toys. Cardboard boxes became houses, ships, cafes or palaces. Egg cartons made furniture or storage. Toothpaste boxes, soap boxes, and other small boxes were also used. Most toys and books were secondhand.. When I was young, we.made paper dolls, paper boats, and dolls out of pipe
     cleaners. We made a lot of things out of scraps.

     • Rose

       April 02, 2021 at 6:09 pm

       I hear you! Same here. And now I start to declutter and give away things to make it easier when I have to leave this world.

       • Blanca

         August 19, 2022 at 12:27 am

         I love your post. I am doing the same thing. Why leave my junk to others to throw away.
         I have also purchased a mini scanner. Scan important documents to thumb drive throw out the papers. Decluttering feels great!

   • Sari kem

     June 28, 2020 at 2:50 am

     I love your blog. I’ve been going towards that direction. Thank you

     • Jane

       June 28, 2020 at 10:55 am

       Thanks Sari! You might want to read this post if you need help: https://thismamablogs.com/how-to-start-a-blog-and-make-money/

   • Holly Whiteside

     November 11, 2020 at 3:32 pm

     hi Tameeka,

     I sympathize with your wanting good things for your children. May I make a suggestion? Toy borrowing and swapping is becoming increasingly popular. I also have a friend who rents her child’s clothing! Kids often grow out of clothes or toys before they are worn out. Perhaps you can pick a number of toys that seems reasonable for your home, and then, with your child, select the ones they wish to keep. The rest can be donated or swapped. For our family, I also made a keepsake tub for each child. We’d keep some art, school ribbons, favorite toy, even shirts… as keepsakes, but once the box was full, they had to edit. This way they have a box of their childhood history… not too much… just the right amount. Our kids loved swapping when they got older, because they could exchange books, movies, or games for credit or swap it for something new to them. You can also organize exchanges yourself with parents of other children, or often through your local library or school. Here are a couple of links to get you started, and you can also try facebook groups and Freecycle.. I don’t know about these next companies personally, so you’ll have to look into them.

     https://toyswap.app/web/
     https://www.shareable.net/check-out-toy-cycle-a-new-platform-for-families-to-swap-toys/

2. Melissa

   September 12, 2018 at 5:42 pm

   I LOVE THIS! I can’t tell you how awesome this is for me and my family! My husband and I are houseparents at a children’s home and we have our own living quarters. We have minimal decor and minimal furniture (we have space for guests and things like that), but neither of us likes to clutter up the walls!! I also make my own laundry detergent. It’s cheaper and lasts SO MUCH LONGER than the stuff on the shelf at Walmart. I’ve had my DIY detergent last from October until June! This time around we just doubled the recipe and it’s about $.02-$.05 per load with just a teaspoon (or tablespoon if it’s towels or bedding). I’m a huge minimalist and wouldn’t change a thing!!

   • Jane

     September 13, 2018 at 1:52 am

     Thank you Melissa, you’ve just made my day! I’m interested in making my own detergent too. That has been in my to do list!

     • Holly Whiteside

       November 11, 2020 at 3:38 pm

       I’ve been making and using homemade detergent for a few years now. I’ll never go back. One of the pluses… my family has sensitive skin, and even I broke out from one “free and clear” store detergent. No more skin irritations, now.

   • Kristina

     November 06, 2018 at 5:02 pm

     Hi Melissa! I’m interested in making my own laundry detergent also. What is your recipe?

3. Chelsy

   September 19, 2018 at 12:20 pm

   I usually skip these lists because the suggestions seem outlandish – this list was the exact opposite! I follow the majority of these minimalism tips so this article made me feel good about myself. 🙂 Thanks for the post!!!!

   • Jane

     September 19, 2018 at 1:12 pm

     Thank you, Chelsy!

4. Pepemilan

   September 28, 2018 at 2:20 pm

   Amazing! Thhis blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a entirely different subject but it has pretty much
   the same layout and design. Outsanding choice of colors!

   • Jane

     September 28, 2018 at 4:58 pm

     Thank you!! 🙂

5. Linda

   October 18, 2018 at 11:26 am

   I went through my closet and realized that I owned a lot of black blouses and t-shirts I chose my three favorites and got rid of the rest. I then went through the house choosing favorites and donating the rest. The purge felt really good. Getting dressed and cooking is much easier now.

   • Jane

     October 18, 2018 at 11:46 am

     Linda, that’s amazing! I felt the same when I let go of many things I didn’t use!

   • Jane

     December 13, 2018 at 8:00 pm

     I felt the same!

6. Susan

   October 29, 2018 at 7:08 pm

   Am even cheaper option than buying ebooks—visit your local library! Books, downloadables, magazines, movies and awesome children’s and adult programming! All for taxes you’re already paying!

   • Jane

     January 23, 2019 at 4:40 pm

     Great idea!

7. Sharon

   November 25, 2018 at 1:39 pm

   When my son was little and he wanted something new or an upgrade of something, he would have to give the old toy away to someone who could not get that toy. I have one child and wanted him to learn how to give back and this is another good way for children as they are growing up the importance of giving back. My son’s toys we’re always in excellent condition.

   • Jane

     November 25, 2018 at 1:45 pm

     That’s so inspiring Sharon! Thank you so much for sharing! I hope every parent who reads this article will also read your comment and be inspired to do the same

8. Georgi

   November 25, 2018 at 5:02 pm

   Wow I didn’t realize there was anyone as frugal as me…
   I love saving money. I would add to your list
   *cut your own hair, I’ve been doing this 20+ years
   *no bottled water, no soda, no expensive coffee, I make my own tea from Lipton tea bags
   *reuse ziplock bags , if u need them
   *old socks work great to cover sponge mop, makes it last forever
   * do laundry on cold when you can, never use softener
   * my personal favorite – BUY THRIFT/DONATE, what I do need , want, I buy thrift… most of what I own was purchased second hand. This way you are being green, helping a charity and keeping your costs minimal
   * AND don’t go to Target at least have a list and stick to it, I see so many women with a cart full of crap there, Lord knows they don’t need all that stuff!
   Thanks for the tip about the shampoo bars , I never knew that existed… I am very product frugal like you.
   All these bottles of stuff are polluting our planet and the products in them polluting our bodies.

   • Jane

     November 25, 2018 at 5:26 pm

     Thanks for stopping by and for your frugal tips ,Georgi! I never thought of using old socks for sponge mop! Great idea! I also have another post on the 14 things I quit buying to save money : http://thismamablogs.com/2018/04/15/14-things-to-quit-buying-to-save-money/

     • Emily

       June 26, 2020 at 10:31 pm

       Further to the socks on mops, I specifically use microfiber fleece socks in place of swiffer cloths. Captures dust and hair much better!
       Also, I stopped buying paper towels. I purchased a package of car cleaning cloths for $5 and have been using them to clean up messes. I knit my dish cloths and they don’t clean up a toddler milk spill as well as the car wipes.

9. Susan Stephens

   December 03, 2018 at 5:44 am

   A great list! I have been minimalist living about 3 years and follow all of these. Clothing especially has become so stress-less ! I would just add substituting cloth napkins for paper, there are lots of fun cheap ones out there too!

   • Jane

     January 10, 2019 at 7:45 pm

     Thank you!

10. Dululu

    December 15, 2018 at 7:05 am

    I have also adopted this and managed to pay installments for my residential stand within 1year 6 months yet it was intially scheduled for 5 years. Am hoping to start saving for construction next year so am still a minimalist

11. Liz

    December 21, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    Thanks for your list, I enjoyed reviewing it. I wanted to share a trick that we do in my family. We bought all our holiday decorations about 5 years ago on Dec 26 (75% off) with the intention of not buying any thing new for a while. In order to spruce up our tree it is our family tradition to put up all our Christmas Cards on the tree. This keeps them al in one place for all of the family to enjoy. 🙂

    • Jane

      January 10, 2019 at 7:47 pm

      That’s a great tip! and a meaningful Christmas tradition

12. Kat Ward

    January 03, 2019 at 1:02 am

    I’m not commenting to hate but when I look at your list, I realize how much of a minimalist lifestyle I already live! It could be because I’m a broke 21 year old but I always looked at life like “I will never have enough!” or “I wish had things like other people!” But seeing how you and others want to live minimalistic, it’s opened my eyes to how much I have and should appreciate! I’m writing this with the most positive vibes and this article really helped me. Thank you so much! xx

    • Jane

      January 03, 2019 at 11:16 am

      You don’t know how much this means to me! A lot of people think that minimalist living is deprivation. It is NOT. It is about focusing on what’s truly important to you and getting rid of those that don’t. I’m really glad to hear that this post helped you. That means so much to me!!!!

    • Holly Whiteside

      November 11, 2020 at 3:58 pm

      Kat, I’m turning 60 soon. I just had a conversation this hour with my 20 year old and my 23 year old, and I told them I remember how much I spent on things at their age, particularly silly things, and wish now that I hadn’t. Be selective, Kat! When you are tempted to get something, ask yourself how long it will be with you. Now at my age, I try not to get anything temporary, and rarely do I get anything unneeded. Things should be useful and hopefully last at least as long as my life. Even technology and appliances I buy intending to keep it working twice as long as the national average, and I look for quality, not “more.” And at my age, I have the chore of “un-shopping,” which is to say, getting rid of STUFF. If I was going to get rid of it anyway, and didn’t need it, why on earth did I get it in the first place?

      Save up for your future and your security, Kat. Having savings winds up becoming your freedom to choose what you do or have what you need when a problem comes up unexpectedly.

13. Tracy

    January 12, 2019 at 11:51 pm

    I will say I never really have to do the one in one out rule as we are kind of breakers and last ones to use. We wear hand me downs until they have the sleeves that look like mice have started nibbling the edges or holes wear through at the seams.
    I seem to break 6 or 10 pieces of dinnerware just by dropping every year, when I buy a mug I don’t need to worry about crowding. We use the last 100,000 miles on a car and limp it to the donation site.
    I have seven kids, when the elastic is showing on underwear it goes in the bin.
    The squirrels eat the fabric flower pots, we blow picture tubes on old tv’s, the couch gets down right collapsed in 7 or 8 years. Computers won’t update software, kitchen towels get stained and bathroom towels get so worn they tear. I don’t make wash clothes, they are plain worn out.
    Am I the only one who goes through stuff?

    • Jane

      January 25, 2019 at 5:28 pm

      Hi Tracy, the 1-in-1-out rule does not work for everyone. We all have different needs and priorities so what “minimalist living” means to me may not be the same for you. You have a bigger family than mine so obviously your needs are different. While getting rid of stuff is an important phase in simplifying life, I personally don’t focus on the stuff. Rather I look at the benefits of not having them. If you don’t worry about crowding and you use and need everything you have, then I believe there is no need to let go. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

14. Sameh | Doyourblogwithme

    February 04, 2019 at 5:07 pm

    I love saving money so this is really a very nice post

15. Kirin

    February 20, 2019 at 1:47 am

    Great post! Incorporating minimalism into my life has saved me a lot of money. Not to mention that it helps me truly see value in the things I enjoy!

16. Pamela

    February 26, 2019 at 4:00 pm

    Just found your blog via Pinterest. I am always looking for ways to simplify. One of the best ones I use is to reuse those items that are ‘worn out’. For instance, old towels/ washrags/ dishrags become dust clothes. How do I tell the difference? I take them to the sewing machine and sew them to a good size for me. Scrubbies? I cut them in to 6 pieces. I don’t want to have to hold on to those 4 x 4 squares. I get a lot more life out of one and it fits nicely in my hand. Need some fun kids crafts? My grandsons love stringing plastic bottle caps to hang up as wind chimes or decorations. I usually burn a hole for the string prior to their arrival. Christmas tip: Buy a large hole punch. I have three – a heart, a circle and a rectangle. I never buy tags, just punch out Christmas cards or cardstock and use it. I’ve had my three large hole punches for 20+ years and they cost me 10 each.

17. Heather

    May 31, 2019 at 12:48 am

    I simply place a drop or two of lemongrass essential oil on every toilet paper role, and the bathroom smells lovely always.

    • Jane

      May 31, 2019 at 12:31 pm

      I love this tip! Thanks Heather!

18. SMF

    June 30, 2019 at 8:08 am

    Just a thought. I don’t use a diffuser. I buy larger bottles of eucalyptus and lavender oil and mix with water in a spray bottle to spray into shower stream or into the air. These can also be grabbed to use as a quick cleaner, especially of the toilet and bathroom (perhaps not on painted surfaces). Eucalyptus is of course great for killing germs and clearing blocked noses during these winter months. Yes I do live in the Southern Hemisphere.

19. Nicol

    July 08, 2019 at 2:25 pm

    When you listed Kids as one of the things you stopped buying I was confused for a second.

    • Jane

      July 08, 2019 at 3:19 pm

      LOL. It’s just a category for things I stopped buying

20. Sharry

    July 11, 2019 at 6:28 pm

    Thank you! You’ve changed my life and inspired me to get it together. Excited to start my new phase of life.

    • Jane

      April 03, 2021 at 1:07 pm

      HI Sharry! Thank you too. Your comment means a lot to me.

21. Ludie

    July 28, 2019 at 6:56 pm

    I love to go shopping and when I really want to buy something that I’m not sure that I’ll need I tell myself “I just saved myself xxx amount of money!” And walk out of the store without it to sleep on it and brag to my husband how much money I’ve saved him that day . 9 times out of 10 I end up not needing it.

22. Novri

    November 03, 2019 at 4:20 am

    since i learned about eating clean and my dad gets diabetes, i try to stop buying sweet drinks (such as tea in bottle, soda, syrup, cow milk, bottled juice or drink / food made from factory ) when i visit supermarket or minimarket or local shop, i still sometimes buying mineral water. and also i dont buy in bulk for groceries. just buying a small portion.

23. Lee

    November 05, 2019 at 2:32 am

    I’ve always been a minimalist. I value people and experiences, not stuff.
    In anticipation of retiring, I’m always looking for lower cost, environmentally friendly things. I switched my cat litter to equine wood pellets. A 40lb bag costs $6 and lasts much longer than regular litter. I use a 50/50 mix of OxyClean and washing soda (1Tbs/load) and cold water for laundry. It works great, gets stinky smells and (most) stains out, and is dirt cheap.

    • Jordan

      October 25, 2022 at 8:30 pm

      I love the horse pellets for cat litter idea!!

24. Brooke

    January 27, 2020 at 5:04 pm

    Love how simple you’ve made everything sound. I think for us consumers, the idea of throwing everything out seems overwhelming, but it really doesn’t have to be. Great article and it’s really changing my mind into how I used and purchase things. I love that you’ve made it a priority to only use things that add value to your life. Such a beautiful point!

25. Megan

    February 15, 2020 at 9:28 am

    I really enjoyed your list of ideas for things to start doing.. buying etc.. I’ve read other peoples versions and I like yours the best it is always good to read over things throughout time to remind yourself about while you’re doing things for the better you….
    It is a three day weekend and I am going to be working on getting rid of things that don’t do anything for me i.e. I’m just storing them…. If I can sell them I will if I can’t I will donate and I enjoy having more space…There are things I want to do in my life and I have to get rid of the clutter That stops me from moving forward….

    Look forward to seeing more of your posts.

    • Jane

      February 27, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      I am sorry for the late response but this means a LOT to me, Megan! Good luck on your decluttering and I am sure you would enjoy the extra space 🙂

26. Julia

    May 25, 2020 at 12:06 am

    Hi there! I am currently designing my tiny space and have plotted out an extensive bookshelf, I loved all the suggestions on your list; I don’t use cosemetics either and thanks to your list I now know what bar shampoo is, but I really wanted to know, especially as a Literature major, how you were able to give up your books?

27. Maria

    August 15, 2020 at 12:08 pm

    Once I year I do a financial purge! I did this last year and my friends and family thought I was crazy and wouldn’t manage. I did actually and decided to do it again this year. I asked my friends and family if they wanted to join me? It’s not easy but it’s very liberating to know you can do it. After 6/1 I don’t purchase any shoes, clothes, make up, accessories, hair products extra for my self. Basic things to keep good hygiene is all. The savings are great but also, you become more aware of things you have and don’t just buy something because it’s on sale.

28. Theresa landon

    December 27, 2020 at 12:09 pm

    I just found this blog and love the ideas. I retired two years ago budget is very tight. I try to make everything at home, I had a small garden,I even made pickles… I try to buy clothes second hand and I have only bought four items in two years, At Christmas I ask for stuff that I use so I’m stocked for soap, shampoo and deodorant for a year. I love online auctions which is my downfall,but I am determined to reduce my debt big time in 2021. Suggestions are always wanted and accepted. Ideas to get my husband in the act would be helpful.

29. miki

    December 30, 2020 at 5:49 am

    Such a useful blog post, I really want to start a minimalist life. It’s my 2021 resolution!
    Miki x

    https://www.littletasteofbeauty.com/

30. Florence

    January 05, 2021 at 2:57 am

    Hi,
    Really like your blog…
    For the shampoo soaps etc.,, I would never buy off Amazon.
    There are many Bulk Barns and other home made product spots..

    I personally believe Jeff has already got more than an elegance of sufficiency..

31. Sara

    April 02, 2021 at 3:45 pm

    Hi, I just wanted to say that this kind of stuff are only bought in the US, the rest if the world (with some exception) cant afford those thing that you intensionally dont buy anymore.
    But we dont call us because of that minimalists, it is just our way of life or if you prefer I can call myself minimalist too but from birth
    Sorry if this is not a positive post or Im not writing that this what are you doing is amazing , but I want you to know how the majority of people is living and is not natural for one country to have so much while others dont. This is sadly the truth.
    My regards to you

    • Jane

      April 03, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      Hi Sara, I grew up in the Philippines, what people call a third-world country and we also didn’t buy many things people buy here in the US. I wrote this post from my own experience living here in America, so I must agree that this is for US readers and this may not be relatable to others. I believe minimalism is a way of life and it means different things to different people. I believe it’s just not quantifiable with what you have, what you buy or not. We all have different ways of life, we don’t have the same aspirations and situations. So my minimalism may be different to yours or to anyone. P.S. I never delete comments unless they are spammy. I now see why you said I deleted your comment. You commented here and on another post on “things to stop buying” thinking they are the same post and you didn’t see your comment there since you were looking at a different post But thank you for dropping by and for your comment. I love hearing what people have to say, negative or positive.

32. Carla Diokno

    May 28, 2021 at 5:03 pm

    Great ideas! I also have a tiny home and been doing little things to save the planet (minimizing use/recyclying of plastis) In our country we don’t have government recyling facility, buying special kind of soap and shampoo not in plastic containers are super expensive and scarce which is why the thought of using the traditional soap shampoo.
    My daughter is the youngest among cousins. She normally gets hand me downs whcih saves me tons of money. But the thing is they are not her style and couldn’t use them. We couldn’t throw them away and i have bought huge boxes for that. I was told not to donate them for the next generation ( that would mean about 2 centuries or more in my house)
    If you could give me other options how to deal with these clothes i would really appreciate it a lot!

    • julie green-culley

      January 24, 2023 at 5:23 pm

      you are not their storage unit. Simply say you are planning to consign the clothing and anything they family considers a keepsake needs to be out of your house by a certain date.. then let the other people be responsible for storing the stash of out of style clothes that will yellow with proteins in a few years

33. bobcooker

    October 06, 2021 at 12:36 am

    100% agree. I’m throwing everything out now. Age may have something to do with it. I see my friends doing the same. I almost didn’t comment because i have to put my name and email and all that extra stuff……..

34. Rachel

    December 09, 2021 at 7:59 pm

    This is a great list, thank you. We started several years ago and we have changed so many aspects in our lives. This lifestyle changed how we plan vacations, holidays and other holidays as well, food supply, cosmetics and kitchen supplies. We have saves thousands of dollars a year while not having to buy but just re-use.
    Thanks again.

    • Jane

      December 15, 2021 at 12:18 pm

      That’s amazing! I hate organizing stuff I don’t really use so I don’t like buying more stuff. It has saved me a lot of money and time…and space. But still working on getting rid of things. It’s a lifestyle.

35. Sage

    September 22, 2022 at 4:27 pm

    Love this post! I noticed when I cut back on my spending, I had more money for things that really add value to my life. I recently decided to hire local carpet cleaners to deep clean my carpets for the first time. It made such a big difference and was totally worth it!