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

[@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! :)

[@stitchesandjesus]

Agree! I need my bookshelf mini library 😢😝

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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?)

[@CosyTeddybear]

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!

[@yahayanatasha]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@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! 😊

[@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

[@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!

[@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 😊

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 💚

[@mammusic12]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@Acts-hw1zs]

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

[@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! ❤️

[@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.

[@SuperSardinos]

You dont need make up your skin looks flawless!!

[@jennifermainor8176]

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

[@lisalisa3515]

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

[@Aftynwatkins]

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

[@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 🥺🥺

[@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. ☺️

[@Nicole-jo6vz]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@birdsrainforest429]

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

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@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 .👍🥰🌟

[@jacklynlaperriere8212]

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

[@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 🇿🇦

[@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.

[@mullins809]

I have not had a microwave or computer in 9 years

[@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🙂

[@surfnyolly]

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

[@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.

[@lmmbchampion]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@lolmakeup5786]

Where do you usually shop for clothes

[@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.

[@kerryryder6357]

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

[@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.

[@nerminaagovic541]

where did you buy that little cute purse

[@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!

[@marinethgonzales]

Your an inspiration

[@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.

[@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)

[@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....

[@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😘

[@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.

[@michellesabourin4761]

You’re always so sincere, I love it 💕

[@shalinithirukeswaran3557]

Great one Megan 🙌🏽

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@cocomuhly]

Pop! ❤️ Hi from MN

[@AlittlelostinReverie]

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

[@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.

[@robyn3083]

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

[@adeletechavenger]

Good day Family. I was not feeling this video because of the advise for feeling sexy, perfume. Makeup. Wigs. Anything to give my Lion what he needs to not go to the neighbor. This could have been done with more empathy for other busy wives, mothers, daughters. Ty

[@tamiwithani]

We call 'pop' soft drink in Trinidad and Tobago

[@hol8642]

Is it safe to not change your blade for that long? I thought it had to be changed regularly!

[@larasoardo6126]

Only the plastic ones must be changed regularly

[@jawbreaker8125]

If you unscrew, clean and air dry the razor and blade after every use, it is totally safe to use the same blade for months. You can also soak the blade in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes and let it air dry for extra safety and hygiene. Also you should never share blades with anyone else, it's a strictly personal item just like a toothbrush.

[@rupalikiduniya6583]

Real beauty is in natural thing.👍

[@ashleyhudson6888]

Do you use sunscreen? What are your thoughts on sunscreen?

[@mugdhapp]

Sunscreen is like preventative medicine as it can block harmful UV rays, so it makes sense if you are going to be out in the sun . So I wouldn’t treat that as cosmetic

[@kimkirksey562]

I do not buy liquid fabric softener anymore

[@jingwenwu9412]

lots of inspiration for not buying anymore stuff for myself

[@aswathysudevan333]

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

[@ingenuity168]

Very good inspiring list.

[@equipo1557]

love it

[@arodd75]

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

[@anjumanwar31]

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

[@DeeStoppa]

Haha we’re so similar!

[@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

[@alexandreacosta8228]

As a registered massage therapist, I highly recommend therapeutic massages for general tension and regular maintenance on your body. There are many benefits for therapeutic massage. I am also a resident of Ontario and just so you know some spas only have estheticians so they are not registered and don’t have the knowledge or skill level as an RMT. With that being said you can also bill for insurance with a RMT, so your massage can be free depending on your insurance!

[@sarahr5513]

I am interested in getting regular massages but I am SOOOO ticklish. Is there anything that one can do to stop this?

[@alexandreacosta8228]

@@sarahr5513 I have a few patients that have this issue, regular massages (to build that tolerance) and deep breathing is the bway too go I think! Sometimes you may be ticklish from hypertonic muscles causing the muscles to respond in a tickling manner instead of a pain manner. This is not good and more treatments would be my recommendation. I am going to also say that I haven't treated you before therefore I don't know for certain but this is based on my experiences. Hope this helps

[@sarahr5513]

@@alexandreacosta8228 Ok! Thanks for answering 😊👍

[@MandyGood]

I have to buy plastic razors because I shave all of my downstairs and I don’t think that razor you showed will do the work… idk maybe? Btw you are like the most low maintenance girl I ever heard

[@agustinlozano6392]

In argentina we call the pop a "gaseosa" :)

[@mommakat7361]

Heyyyy another curly girl!! Would've never known. Can you share what product you do use for your curls? Thanks in advance

[@meghanlivingstone]

I have a jar of the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie! :) I've also used just plain gel before and it works pretty well for my curls too. My curls do well with the curly girl method - I actually have a video on my channel of me trying out the method for the first time!

[@CosyTeddybear]

@@BessK Not everyone is good in English or grammar. Let them breathe

[@CosyTeddybear]

@@BessK I personally don't think you should just correct someones grammar if they aren't asking for it. It is rude in my eyes. Besides it's a youtube comment and not English class.

[@justjules2029]

@@BessK. You should reread and correct your comments if that’s the case since you clearly have errors. Take your own advice and set the example. Don’t be hypocritical.

[@BessK]

Since my comment was creating unnecessary back and forth..I have deleted it ...peace..

[@8randomprettysecret8]

Heartwarming

[@arpitabiswasroy5385]

Love it❤

[@garybone1337]

Hello 👋👋 dear

[@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 don't buy straws anymore...I use reusable...I love drinking out of a straw