De-clutter Your Apartment (and Life!) by Buying Less
Don’t we all dream of living in a minimalist-inspired space where clean surfaces stand proudly bare, except perhaps for an ultra chic feature like a vase full of fresh orchids, or an ultra modern over-sized exposed light bulb? Something off the cover of an interior design magazine.
There are many articles around about how to de-clutter your apartment by getting rid of things you already have. And that’s great. But that seems to be treating the symptom.
Let’s get to the cause and chat about not buying so much unnecessary stuff in the first place.
Why do we buy so much stuff we don’t need?
If you don’t think you buy unnecessary stuff, try moving house. I guarantee that once you start packing you will at some point exclaim “how did I possibly accumulate all this stuff?!”. Yip, it happens to all of us. But why?
We think buying things will make us happy
But what we need to consider is that having less junk, more space in our apartments and more money to put towards things that will really make us happy (like a holiday or monthly massage!) might be better for us in the long run.
Advertising
It’s so effective. We get brainwashed by the media into thinking that certain products will make us thinner, more successful, more beautiful, more confident. The truth is that if we’re not working on these things on our own already, no amount of retail therapy is going to make a difference.
We’re competitive
We feel the need to keep up with the Jones’. If they have one, I want one too. Come on, how old are we? We should try to release the mistaken belief that our things are a reflection of our self-worth. Your things don’t define you. Your attitude, actions and words do far more defining than any of the things you own. And if people are judging you more by your things than who you are – that says a lot more about them than it does about you.
Tips to avoid buying things you don’t need:
- Don’t go shopping – An obvious first one, but if you don’t need anything don’t tempt yourself by going to the shops. If you don’t go, you can’t buy – unless you shop online – so don’t do that either!! And while you’re at it, unsubscribe from those emails that tell you about special deals as well.
- If you do have to go shopping, do it with a list. And stick to it.
- Do a clean out of your unnecessary clothes and home items – there is nothing quite like realizing that you wasted a lot of money on all the unnecessary stuff you bought in the last year or two to put you off buying more and wasting more. Put your unwanted items to good use – give them to charity.
Do you have any tips to share or advice for other readers on buying less? Share them below.
Information inspiration: http://www.ourlittleapartment.com
Image source: http://www.vwcamperblog.com
Thinking Inside the Box 
Horst Schobesberger I disagree with empty spaces in my flat. I am surrounded by hundreds of books, souvenirs from all over the world [ kitsch ! ] photos on the wall and other clutter, clutter… I feel happy and being a retired person it reminds me of interesting periods of my life. Empty walls and spaces – NEVER ! Old clothes, appliances etc. Yes get rid of them. But the original beermug from the October Fest in Munich – NEVER. But I accept that there are people , specific the younger generation, who are happy living in a MINIMALIST INSPIRED SPACE.
So true. After living in the same townhouse complex for 10 years we moved to another one. We gave away 2 x colour TV’s because we got a wall mounted flat screen. We gave away the wall unit, 7 x big refuse bags full of clothes, 3 x refuse bags full of bedding (no blankets) 2 bags full of shoes, hadbags, hats, caps and other stuff. We got rid of numerous kitchen appliance (3 x big boxes of items used once and never again), it was as brand new. We have so much space at the new townhouse and have no idea how we are going to fill it ;))
Hi Ewert, what an amazing de-clutter session! I’m sure you feel very light and free in your new space – well done and enjoy it 🙂