https://www.reddit.com/r/minimalism/comments/1izndwh/i_need_reddits_help/
created by ikebears on 27/02/2025 at 18:55 UTC
16 upvotes, 22 top-level comments (showing 22)
I have not purchased anything for my house in a long time. No new clothes. No shoes. Really nothing and I’m getting the itch to get something new. I don’t want to do that. How do you all stop from buying? Any techniques??
Comment by Balustrade_ at 27/02/2025 at 20:37 UTC
21 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Do a thorough spring cleaning of your home.
Comment by usernamejj2002 at 27/02/2025 at 19:09 UTC
12 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Do you have a yard? Maybe put a garden in. You can add new fruits, veggies, and plants when the time comes. For now if it were me putting the the actual garden and planning everything would stop that need to buy with no intention
Comment by Pollywantsacracker97 at 27/02/2025 at 20:38 UTC
11 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Just looking at all the crap I’ve accumulated over the years stops me from buying anything new.
Stick things in an online shopping basket if you ever feel the urge to browse or window shop, and then not follow through to checkout. A few months later you’ll wonder why you even thought you’d want it.
You mentioned you haven’t bought shoes. If you walk a lot I’d invest in a pair of really good trainers. Likewise a decent waterproof jacket -this kind of purchase is essential imo and an investment in your quality of life.
House ornaments are a big no no - they just gather dust, as for books you can borrow them from a library.
I’ve accumulated more than 15,000 books over the years and I’m drowning. Charity shops don’t even accept them anymore.
Comment by heretoadventure at 27/02/2025 at 20:08 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I also get this itch at this time of year, not quite out of winter but hungry for spring and the outdoors. Wanting my clothing and space to reflect that change.
Can you swap around decorations, artwork, plants, blankets, pillows? Even if it's just for a few weeks and you like how things are right now, the novelty of a different arrangement might scratch the something new itch.
Also if it's been a very long time since you've bought something you may genuinely need something and that's not a minimalism failure. Maybe reflect on what would enrich your life and decide if there's genuinely some thing that will serve you, if so give yourself permission to buy that thing from a thoughtful intentional place, rather than vague impulse.
Comment by Corduroy23159 at 27/02/2025 at 20:53 UTC
7 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I go to the library, and bring home every book I want.
Comment by Jaxcatson at 27/02/2025 at 21:21 UTC
6 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Paint a wall!
Comment by LaKarolina at 27/02/2025 at 21:53 UTC
6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Is there anything specific you are considering, or are you just randomly pulled into those thoughts here and there by advertising/ what you see on the street/ in other people's houses?
Like sometimes we do need some stuff, especially shoes tend to just wear out. Of you do authentically need something it's completely fine to get it.
Now on the other hand if you are being influenced to shop I like to treat this like a little battle. Corporations and governments want my money, time and attention. I'm fighting for it to be mine. I'm not about to be the loser that ends up stuffing the pockets of rich guys and funding their lifestyles. Even second hand shopping now usually happens through some platform that takes it's cut or at least puts ads in front of our eyes. Not buying is an act of rebellion in a way. This is what helps me.
Comment by longjumpingbandit at 27/02/2025 at 20:59 UTC
4 upvotes, 1 direct replies
For me it's always 1 in 2 out
Could be small stuff. New shirt, out goes that fork I never liked and a pair of old shoes
Comment by QueasySherbert6137 at 27/02/2025 at 22:12 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Do you have something specific in mind or are you just wanting something new in general? If it's a desire for something new then you should consider where this feeling comes from, think about why you have this desire if it's not coming from a place of need. What is your motivation? Figuring out why you want something could help you with your itch for something new because you can get at the root reasoning for your desires. Once you know why, you can decide if you want to buy something or not.
Comment by Responsible_Lake_804 at 27/02/2025 at 22:44 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
If you happen to have a gaming system already and you have a fun game to play you can spend in-game currency to upgrade your character. I love dropping a couple septims in Skyrim to armor up!
Comment by kyuuei at 27/02/2025 at 22:25 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
What is a long time? Do you need to purchase something to have a new thing?
For example.. if you have worn the same running shoes for over a year now and run avidly, you likely DO need new running shoes.
But, if it's been a month and you want a cute crochet succulent you saw online advertised to you... then... Maybe you don't need it, and you could instead look into free or other options. I have a fun game where I try to remember the thing I want without any reminders for 1 week. Anything that reminds me? the week has to start over.. I have to remember it all on my own after a week's time before I can decide I actually want it. Lots of stuff falls out of my head.
Comment by JacquiePooh at 27/02/2025 at 23:04 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Figure out if there are any books you want to buy then borrow them from the library. Putting holds on books online and then checking out kinda feels like buying something.
Comment by FriendlyEbbFlowed at 28/02/2025 at 04:59 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
“Buy” yourself some savings. Maybe go window shop for something, take that amount and add the tax, then put it away for a rainy day. You’ve “spent” the money.
Comment by mataramasukomasana at 28/02/2025 at 05:32 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Screenshot it, look at it every day, and watch your excitement slowly fade like a crush you got over.
Comment by Makosjourney at 27/02/2025 at 20:29 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I actually don’t. I just bought two new shoes at the same time I took 2 pairs to second shop lol
Comment by wandering-doggo at 27/02/2025 at 23:46 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Ask yourself if it’s something you need. Can you truly live without it? Will life go on without it? If yes, you don’t need it.
Comment by local_gear_repair at 28/02/2025 at 01:14 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Would this itch be satisfied with a donation to, say, Heifer International?
Comment by reclaimednation at 28/02/2025 at 01:44 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
You could upgrade something you have that's maybe not great? One in one out?
Comment by Boring_Potato_5701 at 28/02/2025 at 07:57 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Remember that it’s Buy Nothing Day
Comment by Timely_Froyo1384 at 28/02/2025 at 15:03 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Write a weekly list of things you need/want to purchase.
Kinda like an old fashion grocery list, I put things I want to buy on there. Let’s say the bathroom rug pops in my head. I just write it on the list and 99.99% of the time when it’s time to get the stuff on the list the feeling of wanting it is gone.
Spring cleaning or organizing helps too because you get the why do I even need this which leads to why do I need more stuff!
Comment by ikebears at 28/02/2025 at 20:04 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Thanks everyone for your comments. I ended up cleaning everything lol
Comment by mezasu123 at 01/03/2025 at 14:15 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I organize my closet and drawers, making them look all nice and neat. Didn't buy anything new but makes it feel all new in those drawers since it's "different". Scratches that itch for me.
One drawer at a time, dump it out on the bed and get your hands on each item you have.