Things I Only Own One Of | Minimalism
Nov 07, 2023So this week I thought that I’d share the things that I only own one of in order to make things a little more tangible for those who are working toward minimizing their stuff. I share a lot about concepts and processes but this post gives more insight into what that can look like. Some of these may seem a little…unconventional and, of course, this is in no way saying that you need to do the same. It’s really just to share a bit about what I’m using inside of my home. Maybe you can get ideas or a bit of inspiration.
If you’re interested in any of the items listed in this article I’ll have a list at the bottom with links!
#1. So The First Thing That I Only Own, One Of Is A Purse/Handbag.
Matt actually calls it my “backpack” but it is my purse. I know a lot of people collect different color purses to go with different outfits. There are a lot of handbag collectors out there. I prefer to keep one and have a more permanent spot to store the stuff that I need in it. That way it’s always a quick grab-and-go process. I really like the one I’ve got- got it at Target.
#2. Speaking Of Purses, Another Thing That I Only Own One And Use One Of Is A Credit Card.
This particular credit card is an Amazon credit card (so I get my Amazon points). That’s how I selected the one that I was going to use. If I’m being honest, I have multiple credit card accounts that have been opened over the years that are still open because of my credit report. I want my credit report to have a high score and part of that rating is how long you’ve had accounts open and in good standing. So, I would never go through and just cancel all of my previous lines of credit or all of my previous credit cards but I only keep one card and my wallet and I only use this one card.
#3. Another Thing That I Only Own One Of- That Might Freak Some People Out- Is A Bath Towel.
I have ONE! Matt has a matching one and we just continuously use our one bath towel. I’ve found that bath towels are something that takes up a lot of room in the laundry. And many of times people just grab a new one every time they take a bath even though you’re only using it on your clean, recently washed body. I don’t even take a bath every day- more like every two to three, depending on my hair and what I’ve been doing. I hang it up to dry and I use it the next time and then wash it about once a week.
#4. I Only Own One Comforter/Bed Set Per Bed.
We have a total of three beds in our house- one for each of the girls and then Matt and I share a bed- and we have one bed set for each of those beds. I don’t keep extra comforters in the closet. We don’t keep extra bed sets just to occasionally change out the design. I find that it’s perfectly easy and simple just to keep the one bed set. Mine has a duvet cover. So, I can take off the cover and wash it but I never really feel the need to just change the entire bed set.
#5. Another Thing I Only Own One Of Is Sunglasses.
They’re not super expensive sunglasses but they’re a style that I’ve found that works for me. I’m really particular on the tint. These have a nice orange-peachy tint when I’m looking through them and that’s truly one of the biggest factors for me. I got these when we were in Sedona, walking around in the desert and realized that I really needed some sunglasses before we did any kind of major hiking.
#6. I Only Own One Nail Polish
I don’t wear nail polish very often but I do love this color and would love to eventually wear it (at least on my toes). However, I actually bought it to touch up the rim of a pair of glasses. I bought some glasses at Zenni Optical that were a little bit too transparent for me.
It just looked like something was wrong with my eyes because they were so transparent. So, I used nail polish on the inside of the rim. Now they have a little more color to the edges and it doesn’t look like I’m just wearing something transparent on my face.
#7. So Let’s Talk Pants. I Only Own One Pair Of Black Pants.
I very rarely use these but, you know, there’s always that occasion that pops up requiring you to wear something besides jeans. So, that is the purpose of these bad boys here. They’re comfortable enough. I’m just more of a jeans or yoga pants type of person.
#8. Speaking Of Yoga Pants, I Only Own One Pair Of Yoga Pants Too.
I really love these because they’re so soft and giving. They are not the “tight, restrictive, holding everything in place” type of yoga pants. It almost feels like they’re not even there. This is something that I probably would like to get another pair of at some point in the future- maybe in pink or purple- but for the time being, I just have the one pair.
#9. Also, I Only Own One Pair Of Earbuds/Headphones.
I don’t actually own any headphones, I just use these earbuds. They’re wireless and I had to try a couple of different options in order to find some that worked as well as these do. They’re SO comfortable. The previous ones that I had purchased were more expensive but they hung out of my ears too much.
The ones I have now fit so perfectly in my ears and the sound is really good. I seriously use these things every single day. I think when you find something that works- even just one thing that works- then you just stick with it, right? You keep using that one thing over and over again. So that’s my philosophy on most of the things that I own.
#10. I Only Own One Semi-Formal Dress / Black Dress.
Many people have a whole closet full of black dresses for different kinds of events and occasions but I only have one. If I were to go to any kind of event- wedding, funeral, or event of anything like that- this is what I would wear. It’s a very rare occasion that I need to dress up for any reason.
#11. While We’re On The Subject Of Clothes, I Do Own A Pair Of Clothing That Maybe You DON’T Own Which Is My Trusty Overalls.
Okay. I’m originally a small-town Texas girl and I’ve always had a love for denim overalls. I don’t know. I rocked him when I was 12 and I still feel like they do pretty good. Matt is not a fan 🤷♀️.
#12. Let’s Talk About Some Face Products. I Only Own One Makeup Bag.
#13. And I Only Own One Foundation.
I finally found something that really works well for me, coverage and texture-wise. So, like I said, when you find something that works! So, I don’t keep a whole bunch of different tones and colors. Honestly, my tone is always super translucent white. There’s not a whole lot of fluctuation there that I need to accommodate for.
#14. I Also Just Have One Blush,
#15. One Mascara,
#16. And One Face Moisturizer/Face Lotion.
I did have another that I was using underneath my eyes but it ran out and I haven’t replaced it. Now, I don’t necessarily always use the same moisturizer but I do always wait until the moisturizer is empty before I purchase another one. Although, I do really like this one- it has a really nice kind of plumping effect to its moisturizing abilities, which I enjoy.
#17. Another Thing That I Use For Everything-Hair, Nails, Face- Is Rosehip Oil.
I use it on my face multiple times a day because I can’t stand having any kind of dryness on my face. I only have one of these as well. This is something that’s a go-to for everything. I keep it pretty simple with my skincare regimen and don’t even use body lotion.
If I start getting a dry patch or just want to really moisturize, I use this Rosehip seed oil. I can put some drops on my sponge when I’m taking a bath or I can just rub it directly on. When you find things that are super multipurpose or that you really do their job well, it’s just easier to keep that one thing. I’m able to even spend a little bit more money on them because I’m not buying other stuff.
#18. I Was Trying To Think Of Kitchen Stuff That I Only Used One-Off. For Example, I Only Own One Cutting Board.
But honestly, I had trouble coming up with something because we have ‘zero’ of a lot of things. You know, we’ve got some pots and pans, but we don’t have a lot of the extra types of appliances that many folks have.
#19. BUT I Did Find One Thing That I Just Have One Of And That Is A Pan Lid!
I have this giant pan lid. So, regardless of what size pan we’re using – our big wok, flat pans, egg pan, skillet- whatever kind of pan we use, this will fit on it. I mean, like, it’ll swallow some of the holes but it still fits securely on the top. We have two pots that have their own lid but when it comes to frying pans, skillets, or any other kind of pan, we have ONE go-to giant lid.
I almost decluttered this (when we were in the midst of moving) and I’m so glad that I didn’t because this thing has so many multi-purposes! I probably use it most days. It’s constantly in the dishwasher. Because of this, I don’t need to have five or six other lids to go with each individual size pan which is kinda cool.
That’s really all of the significant things that I could come up with that I just have one of, but I’m curious, what are some things that you have one of? Or maybe there are things you saw me mention that had you thinking “Whoa, I have way more than that!” I’m curious where everybody stands on this having one iconic piece versus having multiples and some of these types of things. If you need some help, de-cluttering your stuff. I’ve got this 4-Step Checklist to Declutter Your Stuff right here 👇.
LINKS to items listed in the video:
- iLuv earbuds
- Nail polish, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel (Frill Seeker)
- Bedset: Cariloha bamboo sheets
- PUR Foundation (amazing)
- Moisturizer. Etude Moistful (good stuff)
- Rosehip seed oil (shown)
Other items mentioned:
- Duvet cover: Ikea
- Handbag and Wallet- Target
- Black pants: Ross
- Yoga pants: Ross
- Black dress: Ross (I think)
- Overhauls: gifted
- Sunglasses: Sedona 🤷♀️
- Giant pan lid: thrifted
If you liked this, then you should go check out these 10 questions to ask about your clothes!
FTC Disclosure: I was not sponsored for this video. Using affiliate links in the description will give a small percentage to support my channel.