Simplify My Life
For a long time, I thought having more meant being more put together. More skincare products, more home decor, more options in my closet — I figured it would make me feel secure, prepared, maybe even a little happier.
But instead, I felt cluttered. Physically, mentally, emotionally. There was too much stuff, too many decisions, and not enough space to actually enjoy any of it.
So, I started cutting back. Not drastically. Just slowly letting go of the things that didn’t add real value to my life.
Here are 12 things I stopped buying — and how it’s helped me feel lighter, clearer, and more content.
1. Trendy Home Decor
I used to buy a new throw pillow or candle every time I walked through Target. It added up fast — both in cost and clutter. Now, I stick to a few timeless pieces I really love, and my space feels calmer.
2. Cheap Jewelry Sets
They tarnish, tangle, and end up sitting in a drawer. These days, I invest in just a few simple, quality pieces that go with everything and actually last.
3. Backup Beauty Products
There was a time when I had three backups of everything — shampoo, body wash, moisturizers. I always told myself I was being prepared. In reality, it just made my cabinets chaotic. Now, I only repurchase when I’m running low.
4. Seasonal Decor for Every Holiday
I used to feel pressure to decorate for every single holiday, even the minor ones. But honestly? It stressed me out. Now I just decorate for the ones I genuinely enjoy — and it feels more special, not less.
5. Fast Fashion Impulse Buys
Cheap tops I wore once. Dresses that didn’t fit quite right. They filled my closet but left me feeling like I had nothing to wear. These days, I focus on versatile pieces that I actually love to wear.
6. Specialty Kitchen Gadgets
I once bought a pineapple slicer. I used it twice. It took up drawer space for two years. Lesson learned: I stick to the basics now, and my kitchen feels way less cluttered.
7. Fancy Notebooks I Never Write In
There’s something so tempting about a beautiful notebook. But I used to hoard them, never writing in them because they felt “too nice.” Now I keep one or two I love — and I actually use them.
8. Overly Specific Cleaning Products
I had sprays for glass, counters, wood, stainless steel, the list goes on. Now I use a couple of multi-purpose products, and cleaning feels way less complicated.
9. Duplicate Tech Accessories
Extra phone cases, extra chargers, that third pair of earbuds I didn’t need… I’ve stopped collecting tech just-in-case items. One of each (maybe two) is more than enough.
10. Books I Know I Won’t Read
I love books, but I used to buy them faster than I could read them — and many sat untouched. Now, I use the library, read samples first, and only buy the ones I truly want to keep.
11. Subscription Boxes
They were fun for a while, but eventually I realized I was paying for stuff I didn’t really need or even want. I canceled them, and surprisingly, I don’t miss them at all.
12. Anything That Starts with “Maybe I’ll Use This Someday”
This one has been the biggest shift. If I catch myself saying, “maybe someday,” I pause. If it’s not a yes for right now, it’s usually a no. That simple mindset shift has saved me so much space — and money.
Final Thoughts
Cutting back doesn’t mean living without joy. For me, it’s meant choosing the things that actually bring joy — and letting go of everything else.
It’s not about being minimalist or perfect. It’s about making space for what matters. And I’m still learning, still simplifying, one small decision at a time.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your stuff, try looking around and asking: “What have I been buying that doesn’t really serve me anymore?”
You might be surprised at how freeing it feels to stop buying what you don’t need — and start appreciating what you already have.
