30 Things I Don’t Buy Anymore (And Am Thriving Without!)

In creating a clutter-free space, I’ve realized that there are a lot of things that I used to buy that I just don’t buy anymore. I’ve found that I don’t need these things, and since I’ve stopped using them, I don’t miss them. So here are 30 things that I am better off not buying anymore! 

1. Label Makers

I’ve actually never owned a label maker. It’s not something that I’ve ever felt I needed in my life. I know that some people get really into creating labels; it’s part of the enjoyment of organizing their stuff. 

But after working with so many people to help them go clutter-free, I’ve found that sometimes people focus too much on making things pretty and organized (see myth #5 here) and end up keeping more stuff than they need-. The stuff’s still there, it’s just labeled now. 

2. Printing Paper And Ink

I don’t have a printer. In today’s techy/DocuSign world, most people don’t need one regularly. At least, not at home. On the rare occasion that I really need a physical copy of something, there are places I can go to print. But today, most document options are digital, and there are easy, convenient scanner apps that you can download to your phone. 

3. Filing Systems

Paper can be one of the biggest sources of clutter! As we move closer to being paperless, I’ve found I don’t need any sort of filing or organizing system to keep hard copies. Every hard copy I need fits into a single binder that zips up (yes, seriously 😉). 

Inside the binder are regular manila folders separated by person- mine, Matt’s, and my kids’ documents. Everything else is digital, so there’s no need for a filing cabinet, accordion folders, or anything like that. 

4. Plastic Water Bottles

Of course, it’s super important to stay hydrated but buying bottled water by the case is so wasteful. Not only does it take up space in your home, but it’s also terrible for the environment. 

In my family, each of us has a reusable water bottle that we carry around all day and rinse out as needed. 

I’ve mentioned the amazingness of having individual water bottles many times. It’s even made it on my lists of gifts for minimalists for both adults and kids. Super low-maintenance, clutter-free, and environmentally friendly. 

5. Sponges

We keep things pretty simple with our dishwashing routine. So, we use the sticks that have the scrubbers on the end. They work great for cleaning out cups and bowls and last a lot longer than sponges. I hate reusing sponges because they get so gross. 

6. CDs And DVDs

Okay, this is generational, but it’s rare to need a CD or DVD anymore. All our media is stored digitally or we stream music and movies. I can’t think of any physical media that I would carry around aside from a USB to store and transport movies. (This is the one I use and it’s awesome).

7. Media Boxes

I haven’t had cable in many years, even streaming boxes. We’ve gone the smart TV route, which is all-inclusive, with streaming services built-in. So, we can access Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, anything we want. Best of all, we don’t have to worry about having dusty boxes stored underneath all of our entertainment spaces!

8. Coffee Filters

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I am an avid coffee drinker. I love my caramel macchiatos and espressos that I make here at home! But I haven’t bought coffee filters in a long time. I use a Keurig and an espresso machine. They both use reusable filters which are super-convenient and low-waste.

9. Souvenirs

I’ve never really been into souvenirs and trinkets, in general. I do have an upcoming honeymoon, so when I’m in Mexico don’t expect any souvenirs! 😆 Seriously though, the types of “souvenirs” I purchase are things that I would use or wear regularly in my everyday life.  

I might buy something like a sundress to wear on the beach that has a nice style to it. Something to remind me of the trip, but that I can use or wear.

10. Room Sprays

I”m not going to lie, we went back and forth with this one this past year. With ALL of us being cooped up for a straight year (pandemic), things started to get a little less than fresh. So I tried a bunch of different options: Febreze, different room sprays, candles…But after not having purchased those things for a while and going back to them, I was disappointed. 

Candles burn out so quickly and sprays come in these cans that can’t be recycled afterward. A better option for us is essential oils, which not only come in smaller packages but have a longer-lasting scent–and they’re organic. 

11. Picture Frames 

Just like my documents and entertainment media, I prefer to keep our pictures digital. This cuts down the clutter–I don’t like the way frames take up space on tables. If anything, I would use a wall frame but, honestly, I’m just not a mounted-pictures person. We have one horizontal frame that has a picture of myself, Matt, and the girls. Everything else is digital and we’ll pull them up and go through them together. 

12. Nail Polish

I have a pair of nail clippers and a nail file that I keep in my purse, and that’s it! I’m not purchasing glue-on nails, acrylics, cuticle cream, nail polish, none of it. 

13. Random Jewelry

I am never enticed to buy random pieces of jewelry. I did do a video recently on decluttering my jewelry and pieces of jewelry that I got for my wedding. Most of them were inherited from Matt’s mom. One of them is my engagement ring that we bought the band for, and then a couple of pieces that we got to go with my wedding gown. But that was for a very special occasion.

14. Hair Products

The only hair products I use are shampoo, conditioner, and hair dye–I love a great color. Otherwise, I’m not buying any hairsprays, gels, pomade, or any kind of things that you would spray or rub onto your hair. 

15. Pantyhose

Does anyone wear pantyhose anymore? I know they’re still sold in stores. I remember wearing it as a kid, the white tights on Easter Sunday. But I haven’t worn it since then and I don’t miss it! 

16. High Heels

No thank you. I don’t enjoy standing in heels, walking in heels, working in heels–it’s not for me. I’m a flats (or maybe a little bit of a platform) type of person. I can’t think of a reason to subject my feet to heels. Even with my wedding dress, I will be wearing flats. 

17. Flip Flops

On the other end of the spectrum, I don’t buy cheap flip-flops, either. You know, the $3, $5 foam ones with the plastic that goes between your toes. They are not cute and not comfortable. I have a pair of hiking sandals that are great, not only for hiking but for the beach and other summer activities.  I would rather buy something that will hold up well over time and use it on different occasions.

18. Tanning Spray

Speaking of summer stuff, I don’t buy any kind of spray-on tans. I have come to terms with my skin tone! Sure, I’d love to have some more color, especially over the summer, but it’s not worth the time, effort, and money, only to end up with stained hands and a streaky finish. 

I’m also not doing tanning oils. I would rather have healthy skin than risk skin cancer and sun damage just to get slightly more bronze for a couple of months. 

19. Cheap Winter Accessories

While we’re on seasonal stuff, we don’t buy the cheap gloves, hats, and scarves that you see in every store as soon as it starts getting cold. Usually, they are super cheap and won’t last the season, and they don’t even keep your hands that warm. You certainly can’t use them in the snow. I would rather invest in something that’s good quality that will last for a few years. 

20. Pins

Pins do not exist in my home. Bobby pins, safety pins, clothespins…this is just clutter. 

21. Teeth Whitener

I don’t see the need for anything more than whitening toothpaste. I used to buy the whitening strips but I don’t know if they were more effective or worth the money. They just added to the clutter in the bathroom drawer.

22. Shaving Cream

We’re also not buying shaving cream. It’s just shampoo, soap, or conditioner for us. I’ve been shaving my legs for years without shaving cream and have had no problems! 

23. Filler Meds

I’ve stopped buying some things that I consider to be “filler meds”, like Visine, peroxide, Vaseline, those types of things. I’ll buy what I need if I specifically need it, but I don’t see a reason to keep this stuff around the house. For any kind of wounds, we just wash with anti-microbial soap and water, then use Neosporin and a bandage. We keep it simple. 

24. Baskets

Getting rid of baskets has gotten rid of SO much clutter! Wicker baskets, woven baskets, and decorated baskets. When you have baskets, you just want to fill them up with stuff. So, we don’t do that anymore. We do have bins, but they fit into designated spaces. Like a cubby/bin setup where everything fits perfectly and stays where it belongs. It has helped to cut down on the clutter. 

25. Handbags

I’ve never really been into handbags. I keep one purse at a time. I don’t need more than that, and it’s annoying to have to empty all my things from one bag to another if I’m trying to switch all the time to go with my outfit or whatever. It’s just never been my cup of tea. I see it as a functional item, so if the one I’m using gets the job done, I don’t need another one. 

26. Jewelry Boxes

I don’t keep a lot of jewelry, as I mentioned before. I have a little crystal container that holds all my jewelry, and I keep it in the medicine cabinet above the sink. And that’s it! Nothing extra to collect dust and counter space.

27. Makeup Cases

Do you remember the big multi-tiered cases that were all the rage in high school and college? I used to love them but now it’s a small zipper bag for me and it’s awesome. This way, I can just throw it in my purse if I’m going away for a weekend, no need to sift through everything and decide what to take with me. 

28. Makeup Mirrors

I also haven’t purchased one of those makeup mirrors with the lights all along the border. My makeup routine is really simple, so I just don’t need something like this. 

29. Ribbons And Bows

I don’t purchase ribbons or bows of any kind. No bows for the hair, no metallic bows that you stick on Christmas presents…no archery bows 🤷‍♀️.

30. Car Accessories

Save for the cell phone holder that I mentioned last week in my list of favorite purchases of 2020, I don’t buy any car accessories. I used to buy seat covers, and steering wheel covers, I even had an amp and subwoofer. Now, aside from my cell phone mount, everything else came with the car. 

These are all things that stood out to me because I think of the time, money, and space I used to waste, thinking I needed all of this. But now I no longer buy any of this and I am doing perfectly fine without it! What are you thriving without?