my new approach to BUYING LESS & staying CLUTTER FREE in 2024 (NO BUY 2024)

Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Enter coupon code DECLUTTER for an extra 3 months free at surfshark.deals/declutter
📕 Stay up to date on the book & course launch: thesuitcasedesigner.aweb.page...
Want to share your DECLUTTER with us?
📧Send me your photos ➡️ [e-mail]
COLLAB:
📧 [e-mail]
MY MUSIC: Sign up for a 30 day free trial with Epidemic Sound here!*
🎵 bit.ly/3RWsSIH
*This is an affiliate link. I receive commission on any of your purchases using these links.
This is my new approach to BUYING LESS & staying CLUTTER FREE in 2024.#nobuy

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Enter coupon code DECLUTTER for an extra 3 months free at surfshark.deals/declutter

[@antiantipoda]

There are situations where backstock makes sense. If you live in a rural area, if you have a big family, if you have some health condition that makes it extra hard to go to the store. For singles or couples living in small spaces in urban areas, it does not make sense. I try to get one big shopping trip a month - where I get all the staples that have run out in the last month and then a few just veggies and fruit runs.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Oh yeas, absolutely! Id never want to run out of something important if I were living way out of town.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

Last Saturday I ran out of deodorant BEFORE work (because of course that happens). I usually buy the two packs but guess I didn't put it on my list when I grabbed the second one. Lesson learned, when grabbing the last thing, put it on the list

[@Nwladylaura369]

Having extra in case SHTF is more where I’m at. If the supply chain goes kaput, it is better to be prepared. Just my 2 cents.

[@QueenMegaera]

It's also more necessary to have backups of certain things than others. I usually think "what would happen if this ran out and I didn't have another one ready?" which means I want to be somewhat stocked up on toothpaste, soap and toilet paper, it's nice but not necessary to be stocked up on deodorant and face lotion, and it's absolutely unnecessary to have backup mascara or candy or paper towels.

[@antiantipoda]

@@QueenMegaera Love you examples! I don't own mascara. I buy candy when I when I want it and in a package that only has one serving. I have been out of paper towels for months now. I only realized when I decided to bake bread.

[@martaduarte3364]

I used to have a full bin of travel size and sample products that I would use when traveling. Now, I use up all travel size and samples as soon as I get them and have a good kit of toiletries travel bottles and containers that I fill up every time I travel. I also make sure to fully use up all the product inside those bottles when I get home so that every time I go pack my bags I have empty and clean containers to fill up. It takes a lot less space and the products I use are always fresh!

[@contempl8ive]

Great point. I have gone through this same thought process with travel and freshness. Especially things with oils in them. Oils go rancid so quickly.

[@shannonstroud2479]

I had a habit of buying things as back up after I had tried it once and thought I loved it (especially make up and skin care) - and then realised after a few weeks that I didn’t like the product / it didn’t work for me. Now I only buy when needed as I’m nearly out!!

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Oh man, been there too. It’s so easy to slip into that mindset when it’s on sale.

[@ritalynb7070]

I have been doing no-buy or low-buy since 2019. I buy essentials only. I do keep extras of basic hygiene items because I am a 2 hour drive round trip to stores (rural area). I have simplified my life, home and schedule drastically over the last 5 years. I don't wear makeup or use hair products or tools. I buy clothing only when needed & then thrift first. I don't use Amazon (they don't deliver here anyway and it is such a headache to drive to pick up parcels). We have simplified our eating and make all our meals at home & pack lunches. I don't wear jewelry or accessories or nail polish 🤷. I don't do seasonal decor or lots of interior decorating stuff (KISS). We don't have subscriptions or memberships.... I could go one, but you get the point. So what do we have? Extra time to play with our dogs (who are very spoiled 😁), a lot of outdoor space to bike, hike, kayak, etc. A simplified home that is easier to clean. Healthy, whole foods to eat. Time to sit and coffee with friends, have backyard BBQs, read, enjoy hobbies....

[@candylove1234]

I have been going a few trips and I noticed how comfortable I feel living with very little(out of a suitcase) on those trips. When I come home, all my stuff is so much work, to store, to clean :( :(

[@elizabethconley4996]

I feel this so deeply! I went on my first true vacation in YEARS, and I still overpacked! It made me realize how little we actually need/ use.

[@kathleenkaleookalanismith8724]

One thing I do is with lotion and toothpaste when I can’t squeeze anymore out I cut it open and keep pieces in a ziploc bag so I can use every bit from the tube. This has just been something I’ve done for 30 years. Imagine the amount of plastic and money I’ve saved from this habit hehe!!

[@sharonmakowsky172]

Hi, April! I have been doing a no spend for over a year now. I have a house and don’t have extra money to spend outside due to increases of things. I live on social security and have enough to make it thru each month. That’s for groceries and meds too. I have credit cards but stopped using them because of high interest rates. Trying to pay them off and stop relying on them. It was hard at first but it’s working for me. Decluttering along the way too. Hugs to Izzy! Hugs!🥰👍💜

[@arabianknights7391]

Frankly no one gives a damn about my nails. In fact, no one gives a damn or remembers what I wear either. Most liberating and a lot cheaper.

[@basmalaelbelbasey6653]

I am shocked that your followers aren't even hit the 100k you deserve the best I wish your channel be bigger and bigger ❤keep going

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Thank you so much!!

[@mandyhackman9740]

Love this approach! One of my favorite Marie Kondo suggestions was to have a “backstock celebration” (my paraphrase) where you use up all your backstock with the attitude of really enjoying each thing, like a party. It turns the idea of clearing your backstock into a creative way to reinforce pleasure and joy in your routine, which helps me out a lot. Also love the “use it for something else” approach. I probably don’t need that new lipstick with the cool ‘new’ color- I can usually layer two that I already have and get something similar that works well on my face, instead of gambling on a color swatch from a product photo.

[@alanbirkner1958]

Hi, I'm 74, a bottle of shampoo lasts about a year. A bottle of conditioner lasts even longer. A beauty school instructor told me many years ago that people use too much product, and wash their hair too often in the US. A dermatologist told me since my skin was dry, 2 showers/ week was enough. Tina, Al's wife

[@me4011]

Depends on each person. I have oily head like many people I know and need to wash it every other day where others once a week is fine

[@user-rv4pk4eu9i]

I live in brasil. Here 2 showers per day are normal. Its very hot.

[@rebeccarendle3706]

That is true.. i live "no spend" "low spend" day-to-day my whole life.. then save and buy quality over quantity. But always buy what I NEED. Keep what you WANT for Christmas, Birthday, Valentines, Easter presents only!... This way I save for the things I love... travel and experiences. I live by "if it works don't change"... so have been using the same skin cream, toothpaste, shampoo etc for decades. I only back stock when the stuff i ALWAYS use is on sale. But it has physical boundaries "containers, draws etc"... but not OTT. This way as a single low income mum we survive happily.

[@HeatherFonseca]

I have two small bins of backup beauty products. In there are my absolute favorite moisturizers, sunscreen and shampoo: the products I use up consistently. I buy them when they're on sale, and save quite a bit of money that way.

[@joiedevivre894]

I did this when I was pregnant for the postpartum period and I was so glad I did. 10 months later reaping the rewards. It is better for time efficiency because I had plenty of time then and very little now

[@MediaTribeUSAAus]

Using up things I have found what I call the never ending bottle. I discovered that by waiting until the bottle is truly empty before buying a replacement, the bottle lasts forever. 😉

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

This is SOOO true!!

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

This is SOOO true!!

[@emmadeloach8711]

It does feel really good to use an entire product! In the past I never did this. Now I do it all the time and it feels less wasteful and I only have the one item instead of backups.

[@jesschas5003]

I’ve whittled down my toiletries to a manageable amount as well. When I get freebies now, I give away what I won’t use. Any shampoo or body wash I don’t like turns to hand soap. 😂 Also, any makeup/skincare that doesn’t work for me, I trash immediately. (I ask family if they’d like to use if it’s new.)

[@noemisolano4748]

My daughter had a laptop for awhile and she stopped using it because it was slow with everything she needed to do on the computer. Well let me tell you, that laptop was on her closet shelf for like a year or two. Then we moved so the laptop that she wasn't using came with us in the move. My daughter wanted to get rid of it and I didn't know where to take the laptop. My daughter said she wanted the laptop to be recycled. I'm like great idea but where? So I went on Google and I found Dell's recycling program where they recycle people's old laptops. I was ecstatic!!! Finally I found a place and company that would take this laptop. I filled out a form on Dell's recycling program and I got a prepaid shipping label. All I had to do was find a box that fit the laptop 🤣 which I eventually found one. I was so happy to ship off that old laptop!!! No longer was that laptop sitting on a shelf taking up space. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your no buying tips!! I'm going to be moving into a small home this year and these no buying tips will help me.

[@Nwladylaura369]

Hope you reset it before sending it off! Wiping it clean of any personal info.

[@porkchop9024]

I’ve been doing the no-buy back stock method too since I really decluttered my linen closet last summer. I actually get excited when I finish a product and grab the back up to use. It’s also a great mental trick, once you use everything up, you get to treat yourself to buying a new item

[@3TXSisters]

I think we got into the habit of stockpiling when items were in short supply. I don't think I'll ever go without another big package of toilet paper in stock, lol. I didn't buy any clothes last year. I was trying to lose weight and was determined to buy only once I was two sizes smaller. I "found" two pair of slacks with the tags on them that were the smaller size. Yes, I need to organize my closet. It'll feel good to get rid of the large-sized clothes. Good luck using your stock! Take care, Linda 🦋

[@kathleenkaleookalanismith8724]

I’m obsessed with your channel. Thank you so much for all you do and all the inspiration you share for the world. This channel needs to blow up! It really makes the world a better place!!

[@ThereseDavidson]

Hello! I used to be someone who worked for H&M and i bought everything i found nice or cute. I haven’t bought anything that’s not necessary for the last year. It’s because i’m starting a business and i wanted to save everything i could for that. Now i need to really motivate myself to buy stuff 😅

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Good luck with starting your business! I completely understand the sacrifices that go into making it profitable. 🥰

[@ThereseDavidson]

@@SpaceMakerMethod 🙏🏻❤️😊

[@contempl8ive]

Love this kind of content. I’m not a capsule wardrobe type minimalist - I’m really into colour and pattern which don’t always go together, and I have eclectic taste and a taste for novelty and vintage. But I like seeing empty spaces around me, especially when it comes time to clean the house. I try to do the one thing in and then one or 2 things out rule, but I have a hard time tracking myself and before I know it, I’m out of hangers. I live in Canada so seasonal clothing is a necessity, but I try to think of creative ways to get more use out of off season clothing to increase space. It’s a constant struggle!😅

[@laura-miu]

Love your gentle approach (also with decluttering), it totally aligns with what I try to do: low buying and use up what I already have. Brings me happiness to watch your videos 🥰

[@montsec.vargas9945]

I have a list of products I give myself permission to buy regardless of the stock I already have: solid shampoo, toothpaste/toothtablets, bamboo toothbrushes , detergent sheets and food.However, I cannot buy more than 2 and it usually concerns a brand/ product I have never tried before. To keep things under control I avoid shopping at all costs and when I run out of something I go shopping and this is when the list comes in handy.

[@Majella-1995]

I’m trying to buy a lot less this year too, just when needed or to replace something beyond fixing! (Like my cat kicking off my pretty lamp from the bedside table yesterday😢)

[@julias.8236]

I decluttered small spaces with my mom. First two cupboards in her office and then (another time) a cabinet in the kitchen. She loved the transformation. I also said I'd love to visit them for some more decluttering (which we scheduled for August) and recently my mom called and said my offer motivated her and my dad so much, that they startet with several areas at home (but there will be enough to do in August 😅). And I also believe that decluttering things must be their decision, no need to force something on them although I might think "why 3 sets of roughly 20 plates if just the two of you live there?"

[@beancake]

My relief for you when I read TP was one of your exceptions. Generally extremes for anything are not good. Maybe change to a 'Low Buy' 2024. And have a 1 month wait period before you buy most things. And also keep a spreadsheet to track so you can be more intentional about it.

[@alomafoggo3239]

Are you still in Korea? Your bedroom looks different - did you move apartments?

[@dianerobertson7988]

I made the decision not to buy backups for my backups. It’s saved me time and money.

[@olivemaycards]

These sound like smart rules for your current situation :) Agree that quick shipping sites have made it too easy to just buy instead of coming up with a creative workaround. I love 2 day shipping when I really need something but I love using what I already have even more.

[@Simmers09]

PLEASE GIVE US YOUR NEW PLACE TOUR! It looks so much more roomy and I know you and Jackson have to thrilled for that

[@am63607]

Hi. Unfortunately your nails will take about 12 months to recover. Be patient 😊

[@vallimunari2527]

A few drops of jojoba oil on your hands and nails is very restorative.

[@SpaceMakerMethod]

Oh no 😟 it’s been a few months and they never seem to recover. I’ll try the oil, thank you 🙂

[@rebeccacartier153]

Orly makes a nail repair and strengthener.. I use it all the time, because at work I am frequently cutting or ripping my nails, and it works wonders.

[@roseisland8]

Coconut oil works really well on nails, I always use it after removing my nail polish and washing my nails with soap​@@SpaceMakerMethod

[@rebeccacartier153]

You bought new foundation 😂😂😂😂 you could’ve just asked Eunice

[@lindaroyal8161]

Eunice has so much skin care, I'm sure she'd be glad to share. Love Eunice!

[@katiahrvth8483]

These are all very thoughtful points! Thanks for sharing with us, please keep us updated a few months from now about this, it's a really interesting topic

[@GrowthBeyondSelfLimits]

Hi April, loved this video

[@SherriCalosso]

These tips are so helpful, I’m going to implement all of them ! Thank you 😀 The container concept is so good and simple. Also I’m going to grab all of my travel and small bottles of toiletries and put them in a box like you, straight to my bathroom counter !

[@amandalee280]

Totally share your experience on skincare/toiletries... have stopped hoarding them altogether

[@luvyatubers]

Is that a solar lamp I see? If yes, do u like it? I have a clothes steamer. Paid $20. I think its a Conair. Ive had it a while. I use it for sinus colds. It is wonderful. Lots of steam

[@pamd4068]

I love this method. I try to enforce this in my home. It's only me, but if I get out of hand I am like the equivalent of four people. Lol

[@misst2474]

Why were you thinking of buying make-up? You could just raid Eunice's stock ... ....and she'd never notice!!

[@Justbooksmusiccatsandapen]

Because I'm always on a strict can I move consistently probably every year and a half I don't buy excessive amounts of stuff. Everything that I have I make sure that it can be used in numerous apartments and not have to get rid of it. If I'm going to spend money on something I make sure that it has multiple. And everything tends to have multiple uses. I have mentioned before I use a lot of baskets and bins because of my balance issue and because I'm short. The people are always like oh you have a lot of baskets and bins for everything yeah because it's easier for me, I can find things I know where things are at within seconds, I don't overbite. Can I find that works easiest. I've had 17 tote boxes for the last 23 years. I have backup and food for winter because have a disability and live in Canada and can't get it's not an over excessive amount it's just enough to get me through I can't get out for let's say 2-3 weeks. Also raised two of my nephew's full-time this way. And it tendss to work kids had two boxes each. The youngest one was way more difficult to get into the habit of doing things and when I moved. I realized that because I wasn't getting help from my sister in that way is her home tends to be chaos and there's no judgment. But I physically can't live like that due to the nature of my disability. My oldest nephew is now 18 and he's not perfect but he understands why things have to be the were.

[@shegoeslightly]

I missed something.. is April back in USA again? Longterm?

[@raquel5401]

I buy back ups, but only for staples, never for anything that is a new product. And I buy the back up when I open the last one of whatever the item is.

[@DianneRawGirl]

Hey, Do you live in Seattle or Washington at all or did you move?

[@rebeckamattisson5083]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@karenhaire5451]

Mid-range products are my choice. No way I'm paying 500.00 for a hairdryer.