In this day and age, where minimalism is now a thing as compared to the past, it’s time to declutter!
Disclaimer: I’m not trying to impose or preach these practices or make you feel bad for buying these items. I would just like to share my opinions on things that you can potentially cut back on buying.
Now let’s dive into more details!
1. Stationery & Notebooks
I don’t purchase any of these items that some people may consider necessities because as a student, I seem to receive tons of these as gifts? Birthday gifts, Christmas exchange gifts, etc. or even as souvenirs from friends.
I have lots of these things piling up at home, and most of these can actually last a really long time. I have also been trying to adapt and shift towards going digital, reducing my paper consumption in an effort to be more mindful of the environment.
Hence, buying more of these just because they look nice or think I should buy some “just in case” or “for the future” is not an option. It will just add up to more expenses, and continue taking up storage space in my room until I find the need for them.
2. Makeup, Perfumery & Nail related goods
I don’t consume or use beauty products often. The big question is why? Find out more here.
- I dislike the additional and artificial smells lingering over me. I have a sensitive nose and when there are too many smells surrounding me, I would enter into a fit of sneezes, which would likely last the whole day, and it’s pretty uncomfortable.
- I can live without makeup, so I don’t own much. I have sensitive skin that limits the products I can use. Common products make my skin itch and breakout, plus they are expensive. What I own, which only consists of lipsticks, is all given to me as gifts, or souvenirs from others.
- I’m not fond of the idea of painting my nails. It is time consuming, and unhealthy for your nails. I actually like my natural nails so much better. As a matter of fact, I dislike long nails, being hard to maintain and they trap so much dirt & bacteria. Similarly, all the nail polish I own are also given to me by others.
3. Multiple Phone cases
“Why do you need so many phone cases when you only have 1 phone?”
“Buying so many takes up space, and it’s not like you change your phone covers daily like you change your clothes.”
All you need is 1 good quality phone cover that is durable and can last you a long time. The switching costs you incur buying so many covers might even cost more than the 1 pricier and more durable cover that could serve you so much longer.
4. Face & Haircare products
Disclaimer: I’m not claiming that these products are ineffective/ boycotting any of them.
There are just too many brands out there, and most are offering to solve your skin concerns, etc. Of course, I’m not doubting the ability of these products with solving or reducing certain skin concerns you might have, but these products are usually very expensive.
Just some food for thought: People in the past could live without these products, and still achieve nice complexions. What is different now that we need the help of these external products?
Factors such as our diets, exercise, gut health, lifestyles, etc are important contributors to skin health. I’m not a dermatologist and definitely not trying to preach for you to stop consuming these products, but rather sharing my view of first trying to change from the inside rather than relying on external stimulants. Hence, I don’t purchase these expensive products.
5. Excessive accessories/jewelry
I like to keep things simple and looking clean, so I steer clear from excessive products such as these. Sure, some people like the style, and jewelry, but to me, too much time is needed to put them together. I would much rather save my time and money as compared to purchasing these materialistic items.
There’s nothing wrong with owning many of these items, just like how if I receive them as gifts, I would keep them and wear them out when I feel like it. But I wouldn’t go out of my way to shop for them for myself. This could be something to consider cutting back on if you’re on a tight budget this month!
6. Artificially scented products: Air fresheners, Candles, etc.
Similar to perfumes, artificially scented products do more damage than good to a person with a sensitive nose like me. It has also been backed by science that synthetic scents bring about dangers that many are unaware of. This lack of awareness is usually taken advantage of by companies to market their products.
Isn’t the danger posed to your health enough to get you to think twice using these products?
7. DVDs, CDs, Magazines
Nowadays, most editorials and magazines have an online copy, be it the same articles on their website, etc. As for CDs and DVDs, there are so many alternative ways to obtain the e-copy. There’s video subscription sites, youtube, etc.
Why spend more to collect and store these items at home? This is definitely a personal opinion because in Singapore we don’t have big living spaces, and external storage space is expensive and out of the way.
8. Trendy/ Trending items
Trending items definitely can’t stand the test of time. Many of these trends fade off within a year or two at most. To constantly keep up with trends is so costly, tiring, time-consuming, impractical, unproductive, and the list goes on.
Unless of course, this trending item has a practical use, and is a necessity, or improves/increases the efficiency of performing daily routines, if not I don’t see a need to purchase them.
9. Bottled Water, Sugary Drinks
- I always carry a personal 1L water bottle with me wherever I go, so I won’t have to worry about having to look for a drink stand when I can just refill my bottle. It is also a more economical and environmentally-friendly choice in the long run.
- The same goes for sugary drinks. I just don’t have the preference and dislike fizzy drinks in general. I found this out when I was younger, that I can’t get through even a small cup of coke. One sip and I couldn’t take more because of all the gas, making me feel really uncomfortable when drinking it.
10. Beauty Services: Lash extension services, Manicure, Pedicure, Facials, etc.
Surely you think that most women look forward to and love these beauty service appointments that they might have monthly, but I would like to offer a differing opinion.
- Instead of going to a nail parlor and paying to receive “meh” services in return, why not just DIY at home? You get to customize what you want, anytime you want which of course comes at a price which is your time in return.
- As for facials and last extensions, although you may not be able to do them at home by yourself, what’s the point of them? I find these services excessive and trying to promote an image of women that we should all conform to. They play huge roles in influencing women to look a certain way, which I don’t support, and hence don’t pay for them.
Final Thoughts
These are just some of my opinions on things that you can reduce spending on, in taking steps to a more minimalistic lifestyle, or if you are trying to reduce your expenses to hit a certain savings goal.
If you are trying to make progressive changes to your current lifestyle or aiming for a certain financial goal, do share them in the comments if this article has helped you to be mindful of some things that you can potentially cut out of your current spending habits! 🙂