50 Things I Don't BUY or OWN | Minimalism & Simple Living

Here are 50 things I don't buy or own to save money, reduce clutter, or live simpler. Do you buy or use these things? Share below!
ITEMS MENTIONED
→ Safety razor: amzn.to/2VsWpRR
→ Carina Organics face wash: amzn.to/3joYLcA
→ Skin Essence serum (use code MEGHAN for 15% off site-wide): bit.ly/3Cvvbea
→ Bamboo toothbrushes: amzn.to/3fzW1rD
→ Small stainless steel pot: amzn.to/3Ci31mF
→ French press: amzn.to/3yruwI4
→ Stainless steel straws: amzn.to/2WR1YtA
→ My glass water bottle: amzn.to/3Cf0Ct3
→ Glass food containers: amzn.to/3A9Oc3E
→ Perfume: www.givescent.com (I have the scent Azure)
→ Resistance bands: amzn.to/3s0aNwW
→ Kindle e-reader: amzn.to/3ysEEQW
→ My phone case: pelacase.com/
Check out my online courses: bit.ly/3Ayz5C8
FIND ME HERE
→ Website: www.meghanlivingstone.com
→ Instagram: / meghanlivingstone
→ Facebook: / mlivingstone11
→ Twitter: / mlivingstone1
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→ Lens: amzn.to/2k5Gmow
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Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only and does not substitute or replace medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own. This description contains affiliate links, which means that if purchases are made when clicked, I’ll receive a small commission. Thank you!
Meghan Livingstone, CNP
Certified Holistic Nutritionist

[@lauraramosdelgado]

Love your approach to owning stuff because it contradicts a lot of societal "must haves". I'm slowly but surely trying to be more on the minimal side because, honestly, the more things I have, the more things I need to clean. hahaha

[@monikakamila]

I can’t Not buy books. There’s something about reading physical books and the smell of new books. E books don’t compare .

[@sandrastephens217]

Yes!! I am the same way. However, I have Kindle on my tablet which I do use occasionally, but it's not the same a physical book. LOL I also love getting books at the library so I don't have to spend the money to buy them...obviously this was pre-COVID, but the libraries are starting to open again! :)

[@dallasmeganmcintyre7302]

Agree! I need my bookshelf mini library 😢😝

[@Smartys11808]

I assume you could probably add things to this list like Saran Wrap? Aluminum foil? Also for your tree you could do the popcorn strings too :) I also wonder what you do in situations where family goes to a place and brings back a t shirt for you? Or sentimental shirts/hats of passed loved ones? Quilts that your grandma makes (50 or so quilts), or things from high school (cap and gown, trophies?)

[@ruchashah7783]

Life can certainly go on very well with owning less things ❤️ Less clutter around the house, less time spending to declutter the things in future.

[@meghanlivingstone]

Absolutely!

[@mariutzica]

Great list! Right there with you on most of these items. I like physical books, so I just borrow from the library! Our library actually prints out a receipt each time you check out that tells you ‘you saved $xxx today’. It feels so satisfying!

[@Tinytinytintiny]

I thought I was not a minimalist. My biggest passion in life is art, books and skincare so I buy a lot of books, art supplies and skincare products but I found out that a lot of the things in this video I also don't have or buy!

[@joyostrom7252]

I have bullet journaled since 2018, and it is a really helpful system! Highly recommend. I really like your videos, they are so helpful and uplifting.

[@newp848]

I would def recommend an electric toothbrush to anyone. My dentist urged me to bc I don't floss daily. (I floss. Just not every single day). It makes such a difference and my receding gums have healed. Seriously. I know you're not asking advice but I can't help myself !!

[@karasanderson8910]

Mine also recommended it, and I have seen such a huge difference in my teeth/gum health!

[@MsHazza73]

I am with you. I am almost 50. I guarantee by this age, she’ll wish she’d been using an electric toothbrush. A regular toothbrush just isn’t enough. Your bank account will thank you also.

[@beavadakkoot]

Many dentists actually only recommend it to people that don't brush well with a normal tooth brush. Mine said I brush my teeth very well with just a normal toothbrush 😁

[@MandyGood]

I been using a spin brush since I was a child I’m 31 now and never had a cavity

[@janeolinger8038]

At 72, and having lost quite a few teeth, my electric toothbrush is not an option. Also not an option is my Waterpik! This in addition to herbal mouthwash, daily flossing and interdental cleaning brushes. Thanks, Nix, for this comment!

[@yahayanatasha]

Thank you for sharing Megan. Living simpler making me humbled, peaceful and I am able to save money.

[@naomisandoz3448]

I also don't have a TV and I don't wear nail polish, I don't have belts, I don't wear perfume, I don't dye hair either. I also do not go to a beauty salon . I don't have any cookbooks either, and many more things don't, nice video

[@thesmartfoodie4304]

I can relate to SO much of what you said-thanks so much for all the time and effort you pour into these videos Meghan! 😊

[@katrinawilkins1985]

This was so inspiring in more ways than one! Can you do the same video (categories) of the 50 things you do have?

[@garybone1337]

Yeah , that will be super epic dear 😊😊

[@garybone1337]

Nice to meet you here, Katrina

[@sparky9839]

These are almost all the same things that I no longer buy! Something else I don’t ever purchase or use are animal products of any kind. 💚

[@jennifermainor8176]

Loved this. Very inspiring. You gave me a couple good ideas of areas I can re-assess. Thank you!😊

[@lesleyjackson7691]

Thanks for a lovely video. If you have a methodical/organised mind then bullet journalling may well be for you. I started doing this last September and never looked back. I wouldn't be able to organise my life without this system now!

[@SuperSardinos]

You dont need make up your skin looks flawless!!

[@Acts-hw1zs]

Inspiring video, I’m listening to this as I’m decluttering.

[@SandyzSerious]

I'm older now and stuck with a ton of stuff i never used and wish i had never bought.

[@maylisatik7647]

I was à lot like that and when our home caught dire à year and à half ago, I had to declutter a lot and it helped on this way, but there is still a lot around…

[@kimkirksey562]

Start selling it all...

[@mohair57]

You just brought back how it was when I was growing up. Most of those things we didn't have either. Unfortunately we do now and I wish it could go back to the simpler life we used to have. Love your channel ❤

[@shannon.murphy]

This is a great video, but in my opinion a French Press is a type of a coffee maker. You use a pot on the stove to pour the hot water into the French press. It makes coffee.

[@srishtytheuniverse]

Wow! I never thought I'm a Minimalist. Except for the 4 things you mentioned here. I actually don't spend money on a lot of these things.

[@ChloeKangas]

So many ideas! Am watching this video while I make a coffee with my French press :) The only item that sounded "controversial" to me was the comment about using hands in the shower. I couldn't live without a nice exfoliating glove to lather up and scrub my body. In addition to the hygiene benefit, it makes the skin soft and smooth. I use mine with bar soap; highly recommend!

[@mammusic12]

My partner and I have a projector that hooks up to our laptops - we love it!

[@shalinithirukeswaran3557]

Great one Megan 🙌🏽

[@DianeLeifer]

The silver lining of not buying is having more money in the bank!

[@garybone1337]

Nice to meet you here Diane.

[@kimkirksey562]

My 2022 goal!!!

[@viktoriatravelvlog]

Hi, thanks for the video. I feel much better knowing there are people who also don't buy certain things as myself. I've been feeling sometimes as I'm out of touch with modern world but what I'm trying is to keep life simple and live healthy.

[@garybone1337]

Hello 👋 Viktoria, Glad to meet you here. I felt the same way you feel after watching this epic video.

[@christinat.7264]

Hi Meghan;). I recently found your channel and have been binge watching. I think the IBS one popped up in my feed. I agree with many of the items you don't purchase (like air fresheners, things that are full of chemicals, etc. For health reasons). Something you might want is 1 or 2 crock pots. Especially if you do a lot of home cooking. They are invaluable to me as I cook almost every day. Pretty inexpensive as well. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@doloczkidalma]

You just said: “my husband”. Awww 🥰 I’m loving it. Maybe you have said it before in a video, but this was just so natural and lovely to hear.

[@meghanlivingstone]

Haha it's nice to finally be able to call him that! ❤️

[@michellef4645]

I don't own a lot of the things you mentioned either, but we do have a TV that gets used by my 8-year-old son mostly :) I don't have Netflix, if I want to watch something I just go on KZbin! What I love is reading physical books that I borrow from the library, so much better than reading on a screen!

[@michellef4645]

Oh, I do have a Fitbit that I got secondhand and I find that it does help a lot in keeping me on track with my daily steps. And a couple small weights for arm lifts

[@SailingTeez]

Excellent video. Definitely inspiring 😎

[@christinkc706]

I do bullet journaling, and love it!!! It inspires more creativity and I also feel more motivated doing that than digital planning. I highly recommend. ☺️

[@lyndarossi933]

We used to have a ton of Christmas ornaments but now we purchased a very pretty lighted ceramic tree and put out a few favorite items along with it on a table.. Can take everything out and put them away in about 10 minutes!!

[@fnma21]

Same here! I've decluttered our decorations last year. Now it's only our Christmas tree with lights and some bulbs, a Christmas wrench and two led candles. That's it! More than enough.

[@lyndarossi933]

@@fnma21 ☺️

[@biancahertog-vromen1924]

We also don't use or have a lot of the items you mention. However, a few we do. My husband and I have a lot of books from our study and our childhood but we tend to buy e-books now. It's easier but also better for the environment. We try to eat organic as much as possible and stretch this also to our household so we try to buy natural items for our home. I also like the atmosphere of them. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@hollyashton7009]

Would love to see your curly hair! This video gave me lots to think about. I immediately went to declutter some items from my closet after watching it! My husband & I used to go to a lot of dinner parties & other fancy events but we no longer do. I was hanging on to evening bags & stuff I just done use anymore. Will donate it.

[@rrrubiii]

Love all your content! I recently came across your channel and I've been binge watching all your other videos as well. It's always great finding someone with a similar lifestyle 💛

[@debrastewart6714]

Hello Megan , Thankyou so very much ,your ideas are so good !!! You know how to save money ,live can be so good and simple loved your video .👍🥰🌟

[@sarahr7279]

Hi Meghan! I share a lot of the same do not buy items. I think the few I'm still most happy about is using glass containers instead of plastic, no dryer sheets and just buying things I know we use instead of trying out new things. It has saved us so much money. Thanks for doing this video. It always gives me something to think about.

[@fuchssusanne7736]

Other than just decluttering and saving I also grew my savings through wise investments .I recently made $30k from Investing my savings .

[@duranamaris8476]

I hope you don't mind sharing what investment you are into . I also want to start a $70k budget through saving,I feel it is the best way to grow my money and have a good portfolio.

[@sundetrachell7915]

I am so happy I opened this comment. I've already sent John Augustus Godfrey Jr an email through his website. But it's been a week and still no reply 😞.

[@sundetrachell7915]

@ben bill Does John Augustus Godfrey Jr have a social media,I could reach him , for a quick response?

[@beavadakkoot]

I don't use/ own most thing you don't as well, but for me that's also normal, I just grew up to be like that 🥺🥺

[@mariajessica513]

I love your video, Meg😍 I’m proud to say I’m in line with minimalism by natural🥰 it’s the perfumes, shoes and bags that i can’t get rid of LOL. I have a few humble collection, thanked God! But it’s slowly growing!! So, this video is a good reminder for me. Take care😘

[@lisalisa3515]

Love how you address as "we" and not "I" after marriage. Shows that he supports minimalism concept as well.

[@aftynwatkins4589]

A lot of people actually share these items with you as far as not owning them, at least half of these I am right there with you. I really see no need for certain items + our apartment is tiny

[@cupcake2023..]

I love love your minimalism I only wish I could be like that. Unfortunately I love to spend and buy things I don't need. Great video!

[@ingenuity168]

Very good inspiring list.

[@mullins809]

I have not had a microwave or computer in 9 years

[@Nicole-jo6vz]

Aside from the mental clarity this results in, it also is much better on the environment for future generations.

[@sarahadams9985]

You can do bullet journaling digitally. If you have an iPad with an apple pencil, it is easy, digital, and zero clutter. You can also make your own stickers and stuff by drawing them and importing them. You can import sheet templates like daily planners, weekly planners, etc.

[@birdsrainforest429]

This really keeps me like a Minimalist! Thanks! 🤣🤪🔥

[@marinethgonzales]

Your an inspiration

[@8randomprettysecret8]

Heartwarming

[@emilysmith2784]

I replaced my belts with a shoe lace type tie. I find it easier to adjust how tight or loose I can have it plus I can just undo it and let it hang while on the couch etc. Belts can dig into my belly when trying to relax in my jeans.

[@michellesabourin4761]

You’re always so sincere, I love it 💕

[@jacklynlaperriere8212]

Could you share the brand and style of your small green purse? Thank you.

[@orandjad5868]

hi I also prefer glass containers to plastic and thank you for mentioning using them in the oven. I was wondering if I could do that with mine but there is nothing that says it on the box. is any glass safe? how did you know you could use yours? thank you) I am scared mine will crack or explode in the oven lol....

[@arpitabiswasroy5385]

Love it❤

[@garybone1337]

Hello 👋👋 dear

[@arodd75]

Very insightful thank you for giving me a good roadmap of how to de clutter a bit

[@Bloquita5]

1. I don’t buy greeting cards, I like to get plain card-stock and make simple cards. However, I do like to take the time to write personal sentiments, greetings or notes to people dear to me. 2. I love holding an actual book so I get them from the library. The audio books I get them from the Libby app which are free audio books. 3. I don’t have a nightstand so instead I have a 5” x 8” floating shelf which holds a glass of water and a hand lotion which is all I need next to my bed. 4. I don’t have pillows on my couch.

[@carriefry8847]

Inspiring! TY💛

[@equipo1557]

love it

[@cocomuhly]

Pop! ❤️ Hi from MN

[@anjumanwar31]

U hv such good ideas at such a young age....... 🥰

[@kerryryder6357]

Can you do a what’s in my wardrobe video x

[@carmenalabat8425]

I would love for you to do a video of those Christmas ornaments you prepare as I found it super interesting and would love to try

[@paulinaowczarek5667]

Very good list. 🙂 I don’t own and buy almost everything what you said except gym equipment I exercise 3-4 times a week and use drumbells and other staff a lot.

[@LoboLady2007]

Yes the safety razor are DA Bomb!!! Especially when you can buy the blades on Amazon at a rate of 100 blades for $10. But I can’t live without the shaving cream. If I attempt to shave my legs without shaving cream I miss patches of hair and get cuts on other parts. I am a bar soap gal as well. I like lever2000 or Ivory soap. Not big on loofahs either but I do use wash cloths that you can put in the laundry wash and use again.

[@lesliedaubert4250]

I don't have most of the items you mentioned. Technically, I have a small mini Christmas tree with miniature ornaments in it that I never take off. I put the tree in a trash bag when it's not Christmas time. Maybe 4 books. Educational. One is about natural plants and herbs, how to use them for certain reasons.

[@deborahmeyers7839]

Thanks for sharing Meghan almost all of the items you listed I do not own except for bags I have more than one bag love and light 🌺

[@garybone1337]

Hello 👋 👋 Deborah

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Hi Meghan I don't buy any makeup, we buy soap bars, and we use cloth napkins just to name a few things we do.

[@monikakamila]

I don’t own a scale . I don’t weigh myself because when I do I have a problem

[@meghanlivingstone]

I hear you. It can definitely becoming something to fixate on!

[@jingwenwu9412]

lots of inspiration for not buying anymore stuff for myself

[@thearbitrarylife]

Interesting about the microwave- I’ve never heard anyone say they don’t own one. I agree with the softener.

[@alicsakurai]

My parents don’t own one either. Their kitchen is very small.

[@ThePixidust333]

It’s common in Europe or at least used to be, not sure how it is now. But I grew up without one, it’s more of a US thing. However they do come handy.

[@monikakamila]

I don’t own one anymore

[@westerngull]

My brother got rid of his after it broke and has no plans to replace it, and it’s been a few years now! It’s admirable!

[@yoursocialmoth]

I went 10 years without a microwave. I find no use for them

[@robyn3083]

What perfume did you get? I love coconut scents and would love a natural one

[@ashm4738]

I was surprised by how many things you don't have/buy that I also do not have/buy. Several I do, but they're things that give me joy every day so that is why. The most difficult part of keeping stuff to a minimum for me is actually from family and friends who don't share my feelings, so I tend to get a lot of things I don't need or even really want that way. Less so now, but it's taken many years to get there. And of course I feel terrible getting rid of them so I keep them.

[@ingridmarsden8866]

We call soda or pop - fizzy drink in NZ.

[@jessieelliott3157]

Soft drink in Australia, which makes no sense at all. Actually ....when I think more on it it's not hard drink ....eg whiskey, gin....no alchohol. I'm 47 and only just now worked that out! How embarrasing.

[@mariasliwinski6210]

That was a very nice light video to watch! Love how inspiring and nonjudgmental you are, thanks for that! Btw I love my bullet journal, been doing it for four years now, and it's so flexible, the system grows and evolves with you. I would encourage you to give it a go🤗

[@garybone1337]

Hello 👋👋 dear.

[@Ashley-vi9pu]

How do you manage the static on your clothes and bedding in the winter?? I'm in NB and I find it unbearable to go without dryer sheets 😩

[@denisemarrero5250]

I use wool dryer balls they work great..I use 6 for a large load

[@nerminaagovic541]

where did you buy that little cute purse

[@AmbersSweatyChoker]

We are very similar... but I use Q-tips every day lol and I grow loofah in the garden!! :)

[@AmbersSweatyChoker]

How do you clean your ears/earwax?

[@lmmbchampion]

I can see how this would make your life so much les stressful. ☺️

[@lolmakeup5786]

Where do you usually shop for clothes

[@rupalikiduniya6583]

Real beauty is in natural thing.👍

[@auni2955]

Hello im new and am loving the vibe of your channel. This vido specifically, I struggle with cuz I feel like she said I don’t own this thing, But i do. Probably just me tho

[@shehnazahmad5213]

Hi, My grandpa had this razor, lasted life time. I also don't use shaving cream. I wax Make up don't thril me I don't go to beauty salon for nails, etc. But, I go wax twice a year I cut my hair tips once a year I don't paint my nails I don't keep cotton No electric tooth brush No shower gel No coffee maker No delivery foods I dont have plastic. I have s/steel No use straw No cook books No air freshner No vacuum bags I don't buy books No calendar, no diaries, no planner. I do it on my phone. I do my own journal i just buy normal clear and I write and make my own style I don't like nicknacks No belts for me No multi bags for me Swim wear i have 2 No straps braa for me I don't clothes for special occasions I don't have much shoes Black, brown & navy my colours I have my wedding bend and 13 silver rings all gift from my husband and I love it No gym equip. I go to gym I buy on sale if I need. But, I don't buy just bcs on sale Only 1 phone case for me I don't celebrate xmas I don't buy savouniers. I have pic as savouniers Thanks Shehnaz Ahmad Tour Guide Johannesburg South Africa 🇿🇦

[@AlittlelostinReverie]

Almost everything she mentioned we don't own too 😅 oh and I do bullet journal. It's fun!

[@jessieelliott3157]

I have been keeping a big chunky exercise bike because of covid and the chance of being house bound and unable to get out and exercise. Then I discovered the shop where my son has a casual job hires out exercise bikes for people in home quarantine. They are doing very well. I'm thinking it's time to say goodbye to this stationary bike.

[@aswathysudevan333]

This is so nice .. very relatable.. reasonable.. Help full.

[@surfnyolly]

Qtips?! And nope, my sonicare has saved me from so many cavities. And yes just a bar soap!

[@CoffeeandInsight]

I love love love bullet journaling (it’s what my channel is mostly about haha!). It’s so cool to be able to customize a journal to fit your needs. You can make it as simple and fancy as you want. I also use mine for actual journaling when it comes to my memories spread. As far as jour along thoughts and feelings, I have a separate journal for that. Thanks for sharing!

[@waterfallpeace8057]

No air freshners/deoderizers for me either. Migraines & asthma doesn't allow it. Plus, it saves money & it's healthier not to use. I enjoy your videos.

[@sandrastephens217]

This is perfect timing for this video!! I am minimalist (transitioning still) and will be decluttering again next week while I am on vacation. I am really looking forward to it. This will be my third round of decluttering!! Sadly, we used to love stuff... so over it now. More stuff = more stress. My personal experience anyway. Thank you for sharing such meaningful content with us!!! :) Be well. xoxo

[@kimkirksey562]

I do not buy liquid fabric softener anymore

[@discoanna7578]

I have the pela case too! They are great! Thanks for the tips!

[@tamiwithani]

We call 'pop' soft drink in Trinidad and Tobago

[@54frances]

I think everything you mentioned I am 100% opposite 😫 and I’m consumed by it! Honestly don’t know where to start downsizing we are moving into a new house in a matter of months and hoping to let a lot go! It’s going to be very hard

[@sarahr7279]

I've found The Minimal Mom channel here on KZbin has helped tremendously with my decluttering journey. Maybe it could help you too? Good luck with the move🙂

[@DeeStoppa]

Haha we’re so similar!

[@kimkirksey562]

11 items I will be working on not buying....socks, black pants, black flats, black boots, hair scrunchies, pajamas, house slippers, cups/glasses, body spray, decorative napkins (until they run out), body wash/ bar soap (until it runs out)

[@LMKani]

hey how do you clean your ears? I would like get rid of q-tips, but do not know how....

[@nicoleziegler1486]

I’ve seen they make silicone reusable ones

[@LMKani]

@@nicoleziegler1486 i tried those but they are not as "cleany" as the original ones

[@garybone1337]

@@LMKani Hello 👋👋 dear

[@jawbreaker8125]

I wash the external part of my ears in the shower with soap and water only, then I'll dry them up with my towel or a small piece of toilet paper. It works just fine, I never have dirty ears. The inner part of the ears is self cleaning just as other parts of our bodies, it doesn't need cleaning and actually lots of physicians will tell you that using q-tips (or even worse those burning cone things) is dangerous as you might push too hard/deep and cause damage to the eardrum. If your ears are healthy, earwax will liquify and become transparent when it comes out of the ear, leaving a thin layer that you can remove by just washing and drying the exterior.

[@stefffie78]

I can't get over how much you look like Erin from The Waltons

[@rchirico1]

Totally!

[@meghanlivingstone]

So funny! I haven't heard that one before - I often get told I look like Victoria from How I Met Your Mother

[@hollyashton7009]

Oh wow I see that now, yes she does!

[@mariamihova]

I love your videos :-) You are an amazing person! 🥰 Do you have time to make a video for what you have in your bag, again? I loved the previous one.

[@garybone1337]

Hello 👋👋 Maria

[@mariamihova]

@@garybone1337 Hello, Gary ;-)

[@garybone1337]

@@mariamihova Hello 👋👋,how are you doing today, hope you had a wonderful day.

[@mariamihova]

@@garybone1337 yes, I hope you, too

[@garybone1337]

@@mariamihova How are you doing today , been a while I heard from you Maria

[@carmenalabat8425]

Love your valuable videos and your calm soothing voice very natural way of presenting topics thank you 🌸