50 things I don’t buy as a minimalist

Life is SO MUCH EASIER when you buy less. It saves us money, makes our home easy to manage, and allows us to enjoy and appreciate what we have. Rather than focusing on finding the next best thing, we make the most of what we've got. So, here are the 50 things I no longer buy!
🎙 MENTIONED
Tempera paint sticks (my favorite art supply for little kids): amzn.to/3OX4KFd
Color wonder mess free coloring (worth it): amzn.to/3OXmQqm
Alba, Very emollient body lotion (for the commenter who asked 😉): amzn.to/46zVnme
👉 DISCLAIMERS
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Music licensed by Epidemic Sound.

[@debbiematthews981]

Not going to unsubscribe because you don’t do pets but mine bring me such joy and comfort in some very difficult times. I do have my husband and my boys but pets provide a different level of comfort for me. We are all different which makes life interesting.

[@papertownhome]

LOL, thank you! Please don't unsubscribe. 🤣 I think pets bring a lot of joy! And, I'm pretty sure my son will be begging me for a puppy in a few years. He's recently revealed an obsession with dogs.

[@debbiematthews981]

😂❤🐶

[@laraebrehman]

1 0:16 Non-fav clothes 2 0:41 Special Occasion Clothes 3 1:19 Cute Exercise Clothes 4 1:30 Impractical Clothes 5 1:39 Uncomfortable Shoes 6 1:47 Trendy Jewellery 7 2:22 Purses 8 2:27 Wallets 9 2:37 Clearance Items 10 2:46 Body Wash and Body Scrubs 11 2:55 12 3:09 Loofas 13 3:29 Lipstick 14 3:36 Highlighter 15 3:43 Contour 16 4:03 Blush 17 4:15 Multiple Eyeshadow Pallets 18 4:26 Hair Colours 19 Missed 20 5:47 Hair Products 21

[@aliholzberger2820]

Almost every single thing on this list resonates with me and most of the time people don’t get it when I try to explain myself 😂 Thank you for making me feel like less of a weirdo!

[@papertownhome]

Haha you’re welcome! We can be weirdos together!

[@michellehergenrether5018]

Lotion substitute: organic coconut oil from the kitchen. Been doing this for years. My skin loves it. Also, make sure to drink enough water.

[@papertownhome]

Yes! Thank you!

[@erinmorgenstern4686]

100% agree. Coconut oil is great for getting a good balance for your skin. Be sure to get fractionated and you can add different essential oils to it for other things too (e.g., aromatherapy/medicinal, natural cleaners, diy remedies, etc).

[@nikkigutman1397]

I use tallow from one of our cows. I tried to make whipped tallow and it didn't whip so I eliminated that step and simply use straight tallow.

[@bridge7528]

Yes, coconut oil! I’ve been using it for years!

[@wyattkv]

I must admit, I audibly gasped when you said you didn't get having pets... but I subscribed anyway! 😂

[@papertownhome]

Yay! Thank you! I know. There's clearly a screw loose in my brain.

[@trekkie-cat]

Me too but I'm still subscribed!!

[@asmith8529]

I understand about pets. We have 2 cats which keep snakes and field mice away from our house and they are very easy. We now have a puppy and it adds a lot to my plate. We have to train, constantly watch, and take outside no matter the weather. The kids have begged for a few years and I wasn't ready, until one showed up completely emaciated, so I couldn't say no.

[@papertownhome]

Oh my! Thank goodness you were there to help the poor thing! I grew up with four younger siblings and tons of pets. Even as a kid it seemed like so much work, so I've been wary of pets ever since. Though my husband and I are discussing chickens, lol. But we tell ourselves they aren't pets!

[@blessedlifewithlaura]

I don’t do crowd either. I went without lotion and my skin did just fine, as long as I drink plenty of water. I agree with you on a lot of these things. I do have a pizza cutter, but if it breaks I won’t be buying another one.

[@trekkie-cat]

I adore my cats and love pets!! I cannot imagine life without these wonderful companions!! I'm still subscribed though! 😊

[@papertownhome]

Thank you for overlooking my glaring character flaw in this area 😂

[@rayeof_light]

I have a pizza cutter but I agree. If mine ever breaks, I wont replace it

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

I agree with the themed and Disneyfied items. I am a mother of 3 married children with 4 grandchildren and I chose early on to make our home a sanctuary from those products. My home is not free advertising space for those companies

[@user-fe5gw5bk5u]

Thanks for being so real! Love your videos!!!

[@papertownhome]

You are so welcome! And thank you for saying that. It means a lot!

[@amymakesart]

I decluttered our pizza cutter and my hubby lost his mind and went out and rebought one 🤦‍♀️. Venus and mars, I tell ya!!!! 😂

[@papertownhome]

😂 haha, same!

[@francinehogsett3065]

Just found your channel….love it you are a wise woman 😊❤️😊

[@papertownhome]

Thank you, and welcome!

[@lani8722]

about the rice cooker: i eat rice almost every day and the rice cooker I use is like $15 at Walmart and has lasted me over 3 years now. AND when I was growing up, we had the same rice cooker and I can't remember a time we didn't have it. its the aroma 6-cup rice cooker and the pot comes out, so to clean it, you can just throw that and the lid in the dishwasher. i believe it's well worth the purchase, and it won't break the bank like some of the fancier rice cookers

[@papertownhome]

Thank you for sharing this! So good to know! Sounds much better than my previous experience.

[@marjoriewilkinson7814]

I have the smaller 1! 4 yrs going strong! Also I use culinary sizzors for pizza! I find them easier

[@papertownhome]

Okay, you guys may be turning me on the rice cooker. I'd love to have one that's not a pain to clean! @@marjoriewilkinson7814

[@IQSim]

I invested in an expensive rice cooker. I love it. Not only for rice but also for bulgur, one-pot dishes, soups… according to the manual you can even use it to bake. I love to use it to make rice pudding and also got into making Onigiri. Do you need a rice cooker? No. But it can be quite useful.

[@JastaAdventures]

A rice cooker is so useful. I got an inexpensive one 10 years ago and use it several times a week. I usually cook one cup at a time and it handles that small amount well, and it always turns out. Throw the bowl in the dishwasher . I also like my instant pot. I cook a lot of dried lentils, chick peas and beans, and the IP gives me the most flexibility to cook them on short notice. Sure I could plan ahead and presoak beans but realistically, that’s not always going to happen. The “set it & forget it” nature of these appliances is incredibly helpful in my hectic day.

[@niralimehta5039]

Loved it and got inspired Only i need is printable list so that I can join minimalist club😊❤

[@papertownhome]

That’s a great idea 🤩. I’ll let you know when I have one to share.

[@vcook9710]

How do you get clean without using soap?

[@papertownhome]

Haha 😂 I feel like water is typically enough. But, who knows, maybe I’m filthy.

[@BarbaraSwartz-hj2ub]

Mowing the lawn in summer. Doing outdoor activities in summer. Where we live people sweat a lot in the humidity. I wouldn't use water only.

[@carmensegattini]

Just use the scissors for the pizza 🍕 It’s the best!

[@papertownhome]

I've heard this from so many more people than I expected! I had no idea that was a thing! lol

[@bridge7528]

Yes!

[@kimberlyespinoza7970]

I love your channel, but I love my Pampered Chef pizza cutter too... use it every week!

[@papertownhome]

Haha 😂 please forgive me. We can still be friends!

[@ERICA850]

Jojoba oil!!! Or any natural oil is GREAT for skin. It actually hydrates your skin and heals it. I have always hated lotions since I've been little. It seems like it dries my skin out more then I have to apply more lotion... I'm a diabetic and I have to keep my feet hydrated and not cracked to prevent infections. Mink or any oil has healed my cracked heels applied once a day after shower. I love a couple drops of oil in my hair as well. I have 3 feet long hair so I use more then a couple drops on my ends but it allows my to run my fingers through my hair.

[@ERICA850]

olive oil works too

[@papertownhome]

Oils seem to be the consensus! And, I recently learned the importance of applying them to damp skin. Lol, wasn't doing that right at first. I'll have to look into jojoba oil. I hadn't heard of that one!

[@ERICA850]

@@papertownhome it works really well in my hair

[@KeishelleNichole]

I love your hair cut

[@papertownhome]

Oh thank you!

[@Kitty.Nocturne]

I can’t imagine life without my little furry friends, but I generally agree with most of the rest of your list! I have one designated dress that I like to wear for special occasions, it’s a beautiful dress. However a friend is getting married next year and she said we as guests cannot wear black. Guess what color my special occasion dress is 😒 now I have to buy something new to wear

[@papertownhome]

Oh no! That’s a bummer. I’ve heard some minimalists say they rent special occasion dresses. In case that’s a route you want to consider. 💃🏻👗

[@Kitty.Nocturne]

@@papertownhome good idea, I’ll look into it!

[@papertownhome]

@@Kitty.Nocturne 🙌

[@IQSim]

I’ve been wearing the same pair of shoes for every „dressy“ situation since I finished Highschool (I’m 37 by now). Pretty sure nobody noticed. I wore the same suit and shirt for my brother’s and my cousin’s wedding. Pretty sure nobody noticed. You really don’t need to buy a new outfit for every special occasion.

[@papertownhome]

Absolutely! I can barely remember what I wear from day to day, let alone others.

[@desareechalanick7564]

I used to use lotion daily but I’ve cut down a lot and try to use coconut oil when needed. I like a pizza cutter. Does not buying these things cause disagreements with your husband? My husband is not on board with many of the things on the list. I try to cut down and cut out where I can but it is often an area of contention for my husband and I. :( And i’m with you on pets! My fam on the other hand has been begging me to get a dog for years. 🙈

[@papertownhome]

Oh my goodness, I always wonder if I'll start getting the puppy pressure when my kids get older 🤣 I'm definitely not a pet person, but I would go for chickens that lay eggs. Practical! I think coconut oil as a replacement to lotion has been the big winner. One of my friends even mentioned it can be used a deodorant. Love that! Two birds! So... most of the things on this list Steve (my hubs) is okay with, but some of the things he buys for himself while I choose to abstain (e.g., body wash). My rule of thumb with things we disagree on is to default to his preference (e.g., the pizza cutter). I've also asked him to respect Dana K. White's "container rule." Basically, it means that you can keep anything just so long as it fits within the space it's meant to be kept. That's resulted in Steve having multiple "catch all" drawers/baskets throughout the house that he crams things into 🤣. But, that's just his personality and organization style, so it's something I have to be okay with, lol. Steve definitely isn't a minimalist, but he's also not much of a consumer. It's a tough question because all of our spouses (and relationships) are so unique and, as a result, what works for one couple doesn't always translate. But, I think it's worth a future video where I expand on the topic. I know the Minimal Mom did a video about simplifying with her spouse. Her husband took about 5 YEARS to get on board with what she was doing.

[@DavidDavisDH]

I stopped buying a lot of things, I'm just going to wait until I run out to replace. I use to buy in bulk, but its really not necessary.

[@lolmakeup5786]

How do you pick out what clothes you like? Where do you shop for clothes if you do?

[@papertownhome]

Great questions! And, sorry it took me a couple days to get back to you. I've found, through years of trial, that I like a "uniform" of flow-y/oversized dresses and tops paired with fitted leggings/jeans and a structured jacket (jean jackets or blazers). Basically, I'm pairing things that complement each other because they're different. Flow-y dress with a structured or slightly masculine jacket. Oversized sweater fitted pants. I think the process of developing a wardrobe one likes is complex and I'd highly recommend Christina Mychas' KZbin channel where she teaches about building a personal style (www.youtube.com/@Christinamychas). As for the clothes I shop for, right now I like Carly Jean Los Angeles and Blanqi. Both are designed with postpartum and mom-life in mind!

[@mariekielbasa3193]

Hi there! May I ask, what is that lip color you have on in this video? Love it...very flattering😀

[@papertownhome]

Hi Marie! That's so kind of you to say. Unfortunately it's nothing I can recommend, it's literally my natural lip color 😂. Though you are not the first person to assume otherwise. I do think I was wearing eos lip balm (vanilla). It doesn't have color, but is very moisturizing!

[@dianaray1470]

Did you not listen to the video ????

[@trekkie-cat]

No concerts, theatres, movies or festivals? I only go to ones I really want to. A few weeks ago I went to The Corrs and Il Divo concerts. I absolutely loved it!! I love the theatre too. I only go to shows I'm genuinely interested in though.

[@papertownhome]

I know! I'm so boring 😂. It might be my season of life. Two little kids that wake me up constantly. We might have some sleep issues over here, lol. I will say, an Il Divo concert would be pretty great!

[@marshaphonda7057]

I stopped using Body Lotion, instead I use Oil, Almond Oil or Olive Oil right after taking a shower. It locks the moisture inside your skin after the shower and it keeps it soft and smooth. Body lotions really makes the skin dry and rough.

[@papertownhome]

Does it help to do right after the shower? I've had issues with the oils not feeling like they absorb into my skin. Could also be I bought the wrong stuff.

[@marshaphonda7057]

@@papertownhome, yes, if you massage the oil gently into your demp skin after the shower then your skin will feel moist and flexible for the rest of the day or night. I would only use organic pure oils such as olive or almond. For my hair I use small amounts of Argan-Oil, also right after the shower when my hair ist still wet. Never put oils on your skin or hair when it`s dry, because it will make it even more dry.

[@papertownhome]

@@marshaphonda7057 Thank you! That’s definitely the piece of the puzzle I was missing!

[@erinmorgenstern4686]

HAHAHAHA, I love you so much!

[@papertownhome]

Love you!

[@georgeedward1226]

People work at jobs they hate to earn money for things they don't need and can't afford to impress people who don't care. The modern world in a nutshell.

[@papertownhome]

lol, let’s change that

[@faithhomeschool2789]

Fact

[@shannond5350]

Was not expecting you to mention you don’t use soap in the shower, I just gave it up a week ago and it’s been great!! I thought it was good enough to be using unscented vegan stuff but after going no poo I thought might as well just cut the soap out too😅

[@papertownhome]

Yaass! Soap free!

[@rexyvall]

I don't use lotion at all. I don't like them because they have preservatives and I just don't think they are good for our skin. The one lotion I use on my kids is "moo goo" amazing stuff! And on my face at night i use sweet almond oil and for the day I use rosehip oil (I also use it under my make up) and that is it. A little goes a long way too

[@papertownhome]

I think transitioning to oils seems like the way to go. I hadn't considered using them on my face though!

[@crystalcalvin7128]

The lipstick 😅 sammmeee!!! We don't use paper towels, just have a cleaning set of towels in kitchen along with the cloth napkins and the hand towels. If there's ever a really gross cleanup we use old damaged clothing from kids that's going to be thrown away anyway

[@papertownhome]

Great tip! I’m still getting used to not having the paper towels but holding strong so far!

[@Bornfree1010]

lol, I fell asleep at my first concert, too. Pat Benatar.

[@papertownhome]

Haha, I thought I might be alone on that one 😂

[@margaretl8851]

I don't use body lotion, however, I do use coconut oil. Or you could use any oil of your choice,

[@papertownhome]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

We live in a 450 square foot home we built, so I don’t have a rice cooker, air fryer, instapot, keureg, soda stream, food ninja, food processor, etc. Not having the space for these taught me that I can cook delicious food without purchasing gadgets. I do, however, enjoy my pizza cutter that I use for my homemade pizza, homemade crackers, and such. 😂😂

[@papertownhome]

Do you have any recipes you’d recommend for making homemade crackers without a food processor? The recipes I find all call for one.

[@mermaidscorpio7922]

I have the same haircut too, I tried different ones but I never liked the way it looked on me

[@papertownhome]

When something works, it just works :)

[@marjoriewilkinson7814]

Buy a Aloe Vera plant ,a big planter and soil. Repot yr aloe as it gets bigger in paper bags till its big enough for the pot U bought. Take good care of it and U have skin care lotion for the rest of yr life!😊

[@papertownhome]

Great idea!

[@sidneyfunck7198]

I am a pet owner but totally respect you not wanting to own one. 🐾💛 I have a 3 year old Australian Shepherd and his shedding is out of hand😅. We got a special brush vacuum and the amount of hair we get daily is 🤯 never ending... more still ends up on furniture, clothes, and the floor. He's the best boy and he's family until the Lord calls him home but... no new furry members that shed 😂 I can only handle so much maintenance. Also, I love animals but realized pets that live in cages are also a hassle to clean. I had a bunny growing up, hamster, fish, turtles etc. Easier as a teen when you don't manage a family and house ontop of that pet. It's really not for everyone as it's an added emotional, financial, and time commitment. Good that you know your limit. You have to be ready for the responsibility and want it. Better for people to realize they are pet people or not ❤ keeps animals from rehoming and abandonment.

[@papertownhome]

Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful comment! I completely agree. In this area, I just know my limits. I grew up with tons of pets and animals and always felt the responsibility over the joy. However, I have four siblings who all grew up to be animal lovers. The one exception is I'd definitely be up for chickens. If they're outdoors and contributing to the family, I'm down 🤣. I'm grateful for animal lovers. Someone needs to care for the pets and give them good homes!

[@tatyanalikerman6470]

You most certainly don’t need to use lotions. You skin will adjust. I don’t use any and certainly don’t feel that I need it. In fact, when I try to use it, it fills icky. It’s grease, has chemicals and preservatives, and blocks your pores. No matter how “natural” it is, the ingredient list will say the opposite.

[@devotacianci5489]

I use coconut oil. I see it as “healthier” for the skin.

[@trekkie-cat]

As someone with lifelong eczema, I most certainly do need moisturizer and will continue to use it. 😊

[@LTNZ1]

Use just coconut oil instead of body lotion. Its safe and effective.

[@loreeryan2348]

Instead of lotion you could try oils you use anyway. Coconut oil, olive oil.

[@papertownhome]

Nice!

[@adyl89]

I use shears to cut my pizza 😅never felt the need for pizza cutter

[@CarolenGrayToday]

yes your skin will adjust if you stop using it but you can also use castor oil/cocount oil on their own OR you can add an essential oil to it (i do vanilla essential oil) also sky organics has some great natural options as you phase out lotions. :-)

[@papertownhome]

Good to know! I think the coconut oil has been the biggest recommendation, so I'm leaning toward that!

[@amandahenry6117]

Thank you. I love coconut oil especially in the summer months. But winter months my skin is so dry 😩 I am still trying to find one that works. What lotion do you use?

[@papertownhome]

That's good to know! I've used Alba, Very Emollient Body Lotion for years. I'll put a link in the video description for you :) @@amandahenry6117

[@amandahenry6117]

@@papertownhome thank you. 😊

[@MichelleNovalee]

Yes, your skin will adjust after you stop using lotion and it will thank you for it. I never use lotion. After I shave I put olive oil on my legs and it’s divine. But I don’t do this religiously either.

[@midlife_minimalist]

I’m not very good about using body lotion and could get away with it living in humid FL when I was younger (56 now) but now my skin is dry even with the humidity and I’m still not good about using it so if you want soft skin, you’ve got to use it - I can tell you your body doesn’t adjust. I could fully relate to almost everything but the pets (have 3 cats) and the kids (have none) 😂.

[@papertownhome]

I’m glad there are pet lovers in the world. Someone needs to fill that role!

[@hanney91]

No … in general you need lotion at least on high friction spots such as ankles, knees and elbows. Petroleum jelly is sufficient.

[@anniehasting1133]

Depends on skin type. I never use lotion, because I don’t have dry skin. Not even on the body parts you mentioned.

[@hanney91]

@@anniehasting1133 well some people go ashy

[@anniehasting1133]

@@hanney91 Yes. And a lot of people don’t

[@papertownhome]

Yeah, I think ashy skin is my problem. I’ve never thought of petroleum jelly, but I’ve heard some good things about coconut oil.

[@wandacarr668]

Petroleum jelly isn't good for skin.

[@alliemackey6410]

Love this list. Also, has anyone ever told you that you look like Sarah Paulson? Bc you totally do.

[@papertownhome]

No one ever has, but I’ll take it!

[@patricias6673]

Finally found another human being that feels like me about pets!!! I don’t get it!! Why? Love you list! I’m working on the lotion as well I haven’t found a solution…I might keep using it 😅

[@rosed6058]

Like Laurie metcalf too!

[@papertownhome]

@@patricias6673 We're getting a lot of good advice about coconut oil as an alternative to lotion. I might check it out!

[@papertownhome]

@@rosed6058 If you want to see my truly dead ringer doppleganger, Google "The Girl with the Pearl Earring" painting. It's shockingly close.

[@donna1991]

Can i get the number of the single uncle? 😜 loved the video 😊

[@papertownhome]

😂 i love it! 🥰

[@lovelasnow]

I grew up with pets and currently don’t have any, my mental health is taking a hit but my apartment doesn’t allow pets, not having a pet is different depending on if you’ve had one before or not

[@papertownhome]

Oh no! I'm so sorry it's been affecting your mental health. Your comment reminded me that when I lived in L.A. many of my friends volunteered with local animal rescues so that they could have time playing with and caring for animals. It was hard for them to own animals when they worked long hours, so it was a good alternative. Wanted to mention it, in case you have similar opportunities in your area.

[@lovelasnow]

@@papertownhome thank you

[@angelamelum4304]

I had to ask my son who thinks pizza is it’s own food group if a pizza cutter is essential. He says yes. However my daughter said no. If my kids didn’t live at home I wouldn’t need to have one.

[@papertownhome]

I think Steve appreciates your son’s vote. He really thought he’d win this one. 😂

[@angelamelum4304]

@@papertownhome 🤣🤣🤣

[@tatyanalikerman6470]

No pizza cutter! I prefer kitchen scissors…

[@papertownhome]

I had NO IDEA cutting pizza 🍕 with scissors was a thing but sooo many people have said that!

[@amyd9821]

I don't understand pets either😉

[@papertownhome]

I’m not alone 😂

[@hanney91]

If you are single and don’t have family pets are essential

[@anniehasting1133]

@@hanney91hard disagree, I’m in this situation and have zero desire for pets

[@papertownhome]

@hanney91 I know! That's what many of my friends said when we were all single. Guess I just fall into the total weirdo category. 🤣

[@melaniegodwin8791]

Some people want children and some people want pets! I'm team pets and I don't judge those who arent.

[@Saforra99]

"She's young and cute -- she can look a little quirky" YES! (+ even if you're neither young nor cute, looking a little quirky is fine ;) ) Thanks for a great list!

[@papertownhome]

That is absolutely true!

[@judymccord871]

No! Do not quit using body lotion! I found using a body scrub and lotion helps so much with dry skin! Thank you for sharing your videos.

[@mytws]

Scissors instead of pizza cutter or chefs knife.

[@kristibrennan6232]

It makes me sad that you do not give a birthday gift to your kids

[@papertownhome]

I don’t think you’re alone! Don’t worry, if gifts end up being their love language I’ll pivot. And so far they’re too young to notice. 😂

[@tabletrca4292]

My ears can't take the high-pitched noises. The beep @ .07 actually caused pain. 😱Sorry.

[@papertownhome]

That emoji you used was so on point 😂 I’m sorry that happened! I’ll be more careful with my use of high pitched noises (or ditch them all together).

[@MonethSato]

I’m also nOt a per persOn😊

[@papertownhome]

We’re just not all meant for puppy parenting 😉

[@dianaray1470]

What’s a per person?

[@xyngchic]

I am anti pet as well. Totally feel you on this one.

[@trekkie-cat]

That's really sad...I adore my pets! Such wonderful companions.

[@21DesertRose]

Wait how is clothes for your husband something you don’t buy anymore? Do you mean gifting him clothes?

[@21DesertRose]

I really like how you described everything from your personal perspective instead of saying this is what *you* should stop buying

[@papertownhome]

He’s not allowed any more clothes! 😉 Just kidding. I think that one needs way more explanation. It’s too bad I missed it. I’ll keep it on the list for the next time I cover this topic.

[@papertownhome]

Thanks! Yeah, there’s no way I can tell others what they should or shouldn’t be spending on. This is just a list of ideas. 🥰

[@socorrorios8075]

I prefer to see squirrels and birds outside my window. Dogs and cats keep them away.

[@lisas2359]

No to pizza cutters! I have one because every time we get rid of one we're given one as a gift. Literally every single time. 😂

[@papertownhome]

😂😂 that’s hysterical!