Things I buy as a minimalist

Minimalist living discourages us from mindlessly filling our lives with the unnecessary, but encourages us to be intentional with what we consume. Though we want to simplify our household belongings, there's no denying that we will find ourselves in a situation that we'll need to purchase something, even after holding off for a month to make sure we need it. As a minimalist, I do my best to purchase things that fulfill a purpose. This video will go through some of the items I still buy and why I do, which you can find on the left and a summary below.

Though on the surface, minimalism appears to be only about decluttering and getting rid of all your belongings, it’s much more. It’s a more responsible mindset shift, allowing you to have a healthier relationship with your consumption, finances and more. I hope this video helps you navigate future purchases, so that you don’t feel tied to not being able to buy anything, but that you are more empowered to shop responsibly and mindfully. Thank you to Shoptagr for also sponsoring this video, which you can find more details about on at the bottom of this post.

Seven things I buy as a minimalist

Here are a few items I continue to buy more mindfully in my home - check the list below for some ideas of how to shop more consciously if you’re on the minimalist journey.

Necessities and consumables

Most of expenses are spent on rent, utilities, food, cleaning supplies, and toiletries - these are the basics we all need to get by every day

Buying less has allowed me to focus on buying better - locally sourced foods, eco-friendly home goods, for example

If you're more conscious about all your purchases and living minimally, you may have some more room in your budget to get a few more sustainable goods or locally made items

eBooks

If I find myself wanting to reference a book or flip through more than once, I will consider getting a physical copy, but digital copies are usually cheaper and take up less physical space if I’m unable to find books at the library

Notebooks

Physical notes take up more time and space, but it creates a particular intentionality and awareness that helps me process

When I do buy a notebook or planner, I look for recycled content in the pages, and easy recyclability - spiral-bound notebooks or notebooks coated in plastic or other materials aren't often recyclable

Secondhand goods

If we need something in the home, we always check if we can purchase secondhand first - it's often more affordable

When looking for used clothing, sites like Poshmark are great, and used furniture can be found through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local thrift shops

Products with warranty

When we need to buy certain products that we can't find used in our area, we do our best to save up to buy products with a warranty or repair program

Buy me once is a great resource to find products with warranty or are built to last

Vintage, handmade, or thoughtfully designed products

Human beings were created to create, and though we've gone to the extreme of mass manufacturing so many products, we can appreciate the design process and what goes behind the scenes of crafted pieces

I love looking for vintage pieces that have some charm or browse sites like Etsy or local boutiques for handmade ceramics, planters, and more to support artists and makers

Experiences

If we're looking to celebrate a birthday or special event, quality time spent with loved ones in a new or favorite experience is a great, non-physical gift option

This could be a meal at a new local restaurant, a trip to a nearby beach town, or perhaps an item off a bucket list

About Shoptagr

Shoptagr is a free browser integration that helps you save money and time while shopping online. It can be a super helpful tool if you’re waiting for a good deal on something from your wishlist, and integrates with some great places to shop online, such as EarthHero, Poshmark, or Etsy. If you love supporting sustainable small businesses, it can be expensive to buy new pieces, so tracking pieces with Shoptagr is a great solution. Use their mobile or browser application to create wishlists, find coupon codes at checkout, and get cash back from select retail partners.