8 Things Minimalists Probably Won't Buy for Fall and the New School Year
My husband Jon and I are both teachers. In fact, he just retired this June after teaching 6th grade for 42 years. We've lived by the school calendar since we started kindergarten more than 60 years ago. So this year it's quite different. In our house, no one's going back to school.
That doesn't mean we're immune to the changes taking place around us. It's still blazingly hot and bone dry here in the Sacramento Valley, but harvests are happening – peaches first, and then plums. Home gardens are bursting with tomatoes, zucchini, and melons.
So, yes, changes in nature make us long for changes everywhere else. And getting reoriented to the school routine has us wanting to get organized and cleaned up in our homes and offices, too.
And that might lead us to the store.
New clothes. New shoes. New décor. New organizing solutions. New tech. New tools. And all of those end-of-summer sales! The doors are open, and the marketplace beckons.
But a minimalist probably approaches things differently.
8 items you can refrain from buying to keep your home simple
Instead of asking, "What should I buy to refresh my home/office/wardrobe?" a minimalist might consider, "What can I simplify, use up, or let go of?"
After all, a refresh doesn't have to rely on adding stuff. It could come from paring down and making more space and time. Instead of gearing up, we could slow down and get ready to think and observe. Ready to learn.
If you've ever brought things home from back-to-school shopping that you didn't really need, that later revealed themselves to be clutter, you're not the only one. But a simple shift in mindset can change that.
1. Big box store seasonal décor
Our bodies and minds respond to changes in light, temperature, and color, so we're especially susceptible to merchandise that draws us forward into a new season. Whether it's factory-made fall décor or items that remind you of the summer that's drawing to a close, you might feel like you need a few details to brighten your home and celebrate a new chapter.
But minimalists are mindful of how much they bring in for any season that is temporary (including Christmas). All of that stuff adds up to full bins that have to be stored later, or donated, or trashed.
I like to decorate my home, but instead of buying more, I might display
- a bowl of beautiful garden vegetables or new-crop apples, or a vase of autumn-toned zinnias (They're hypoallergenic!)
- shells collected at the beach this summer
- a vignette on a tray with an old school photo (I can change out a small frame I already have), a small stack of classic children's books, a "bouquet" of sharpened pencils, and a bowl of wooden Scrabble tiles*
Keep things fresh by opening the windows, letting in natural light, dusting, sweeping, and cleaning with baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice.
* I know – these are shopping links. However, your purchases may earn me a commission, so if you choose to buy, I appreciate it.
2. Trendy clothing that doesn't fit your lifestyle
New seasons bring new fashion trends. But a minimalist looks beyond what's popular and focuses on what's useful for their daily lives. Before buying new clothing, ask:
- Will I really wear this regularly?
- Does it work with pieces I already own (including shoes or a bag)?
- Do I feel comfortable and like how I look in it?
- Is this piece well-made and of reasonable quality?
This helps keep closets from filling with pieces you never wear.
3. Organizing bins
Many people believe that organization begins with the right bin, basket, box, or bag. But a minimalist knows that you should always begin organizing by decluttering. Getting rid of what you don't need or use makes organizing so much easier! Once the excess is gone, the need for more storage may also disappear.
4. Duplicates
Just how many pens, paper clips, and notepads do you need? How many staplers or sticky notes? Just because office and school supplies are on sale now doesn't mean you need to go crazy stocking up. It may seem like a smart decision, but minimalists are thoughtful about what they purchase, even at a discount. Plan to take inventory first, and then decide what to buy. (This also applies to clothing, tech, water bottles, backpacks, and more.)
Using what you already own is one of the easiest ways to keep clutter from building up.
5. Hobby supplies for new interests
This season might inspire you to create or learn something new, and that's great! It's wonderful to do something that will use or extend your skills and talents. But once again, a minimalist behaves with intention. He or she is careful not to buy too much for something they haven't yet fully explored.
It's so easy to purchase something just because it looks attractive or piques your interest. But rather than buying everything up front, a minimalist tests the idea first. They start with very basic supplies or even borrow what they need. If the hobby actually takes root, they can add more materials over time.
Check out this list of minimalist hobbies that don't require a lot of supplies.
6. Unneeded furniture
'Tis the season to start thinking about redoing the kids' rooms (since they're getting older) or planning ahead for holiday entertaining and visitors. Knowing this, retailers design all sorts of sales and promotions to get you to buy furniture and tech.
Okay, maybe your 12-year-old couch really needs replacing. Maybe your tween needs a bigger bed or their own desk. Maybe a bigger dining table (or one with leaves) should be considered. A few of these pieces may be necessary, but you want to be sure they're necessary for you.
Does your child need their own computer, or would you prefer they keep using the computer in the family room, where you can help them and/or keep an eye on them as needed? Are more side chairs a good idea for the living room, or can you just carry in dining chairs when you need to seat guests? Do you want to add another big bookcase, or should you consider decluttering books that are no longer relevant to your life?
The great thing about owning less furniture is not just that you save money, but that you preserve more space to move around and relax at home.
7. Impulse purchases inspired by the season
There's a certain energy that comes with back to school. It can make us feel motivated, inspired, and ready for change. But that same energy can lead to impulse purchases. Somehow, that pretty journal, appointment calendar, or lunch box makes its way into your cart.
Minimalists make a habit of pausing before they buy something that's not on their list. They consider the difference between needs and wants. They think about how much value this purchase will add to daily life. They think about what they'll get rid of if they bring this new thing into their home. They may give themselves a day or two to mull it over.
This doesn't mean a minimalist never buys anything. It just means that purchases are thoughtful rather than emotional. Intentional practices are key to remaining uncluttered.
8. Things that try to replace rest and renewal
Sometimes, the desire to buy isn't about the item at all, but about how we want to feel.
As fall approaches, I want to feel refreshed and energized. Pumpkin spice weather is coming, and I can't wait! But as a minimalist, I recognize that those feelings don't come from things. Instead of buying something that attempts to strengthen or mirror my mood, I choose something else:
- I spend time outside.
- I light a candle as evenings slowly lengthen.
- I slow down for more conversation and connection.
- I simplify meals and add as many locally-grown fruits and veggies as I can.
- I listen to music that calms and uplifts me. (I hope you enjoy my playlist!)
A gentle reminder
If you feel the urge to refresh your home and your life this season, you don't need to start with a shopping trip. You can begin with an open window, a cleared-off refrigerator door, or by rearranging your furniture. You can help your kids declutter their toys, use up all the food languishing in your pantry, or take your morning coffee outside to the porch or patio.
Minimalism isn't about never buying anything. It's about being thoughtful about what you bring into your home. And instead of constantly managing more, you begin enjoying what you already have.
Sometimes the most meaningful changes are found in what we choose to live without.
This site is ad-free, AI-free, fully human and alive thanks to your support. I have no staff, no assistants – this is a one-woman labor of love. If it offers value and inspiration to your life, please consider showing your support by purchasing one of my books or buying me a coffee. Thank you.
I know you'll love this book, because your reading habits have already proved that. Making the Most of Less will inspire and teach you to create a better life.
Comments
Post a Comment