25 Things You Probably Don't Need to Buy... at Least for a While

If you're reading this blog, there's a pretty good chance your home is stuffed with stuff.  Why else would you be interested in decluttering?  And with Christmas only 10 days away, you're probably going to add even more things to what you already own.

Even if you've already decluttered quite a bit, you want to learn how to stay uncluttered, as well as how to unstuff your schedule and streamline your budget.

I'm in the same situation, so I started thinking about how I can keep my home clutter-free, save money, plus save all the time, energy, and decision-making that goes into buying new stuff.

I already have enough.

So here in the middle of the annual Holiday Shopping Season, I'm going to challenge us to quit shopping, at least for a while.  How many of the following items can you go without buying for the next several months, or maybe all of next year?  Come on, be honest – don't you already have enough of these things?  I know I do.

1. Mugs and glassware (actually... dishes in general)
2. Tee shirts
3. Jewelry
4. Food storage containers
5. Water bottles
6. Throw pillows
7. Pot holders and oven mitts
8. Seasonal décor
9. Photo frames
10. Special occasion clothing
11. Clothes hangers
12. Bins, boxes, and other things to store stuff in
13. Tables
14. Chairs
15. Exercise equipment
16. Cooking utensils
17. Cutting boards
18. Tea kettles
19. Bakeware
20. Small kitchen appliances
21. Lamps
22. Lap blankets
23. Pens, paper clips, Post-its, and other office supplies
24. Wall art
25. Stuffed animals and other toys

If you live in the U.S., Canada, or one of many other countries in the world, I'm willing to bet you have plenty (maybe too many) of these items already, and don't need to buy more any time soon.  There are already enough of these things in your home and your country.

You can still support the economy.

You might remember that after 9/11, we were encouraged (ordered, really) to go shopping.  It was supposedly the best way to show that we were strong, successful, and unafraid.  Are you worried the economy will collapse if you don't buy stuff – even stuff you don't need?  There are plenty of things you can do for the economy besides going shopping.

Why not pay off debt, open a savings account, or even start investing?  Let others "use" your money to start a business or buy a house.  (That's why I like to save at my local credit union.)  I'd say that boosts the economy.

You could give money to charities that are helping people meet their basic needs for food, water, medical care, and education.  I like to give to Against Malaria Foundation, Charity:Water, and World Vision.  (You can even give toward disaster and poverty relief in the U.S., if you prefer.)  I also donate to my local food bank.  Providing funds so others can get what they need benefits the economy.

Support a local arts organization or museum by buying tickets and attending.  Or give to an animal shelter or environmental group.  When they use your money to implement their programs, that helps the economy.

Patronize family-owned restaurants and self-employed hair stylists and massage therapists.  You'll get the services you want while supporting a small business.  When you do need clothes, housewares, sports equipment, or something else, check independent thrift shops, consignment stores, or a Habitat for Humanity ReStore first.  That maintains the economy too, without the burden and cost of producing and shipping new items.

I dare you to go six months or longer without buying any of these items.  (I'm aiming for a year.)

What have I forgotten?  Use the comment area to make additional suggestions.