https://www.reddit.com/r/minimalism/comments/1j14vhh/less_bull/
created by ljcorti on 01/03/2025 at 17:33 UTC
15 upvotes, 16 top-level comments (showing 16)
i have recently started adopting minimalist practices but i'm not sure if i'm going in the right direction. my view was get rid of anything low quality that i don't like or use and keep the things i enjoy, but i have also started planning for things to buy to replace others (getting rid of 3 pairs of jeans to buy a nicer higher-quality pair). is this just another form of consumerism or is this something many others are doing in their life. i have so many things (not just cheap) that i don't use and wanna have few high-quality things, i feel a lot better having just essentials but i would like to upgrade some, please offer your opinions and don't hold back!
Comment by longjumpingbandit at 01/03/2025 at 17:42 UTC
22 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I require three things of my stuff: durable, versatile, I love it
It took a few years to find that stuff, and along the way I bought and sold a bunch of stuff that was durable or versatile but I didn't love. It's a process. Once I got there I have basically no will to buy things anymore
Comment by SilentRaindrops at 01/03/2025 at 18:04 UTC
8 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Keep some lower quality or things you don't care about that you can use to save your better quality items. Like keep some of your less than best panties for use on period days or not so great jeans for when you are fixing things and they may get oily or when painting. Not everything you have that isn't the best should be tossed if it is still likely to never use.
Comment by StarrrBrite at 01/03/2025 at 18:05 UTC
6 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I don't understand the point of getting rid of something for the sake of getting rid of it, just to rebuy a "better" version in order to adhere to some label. In my mind, it is just another form of consumerism. It makes sense to me to replace what I have with something nicer when what I have is no longer usable. But I also don't like to waste. To each their own.
Comment by summerberry1 at 01/03/2025 at 18:01 UTC
4 upvotes, 1 direct replies
High quality jeans will look better and feel more comfortable. High quality shirts will last a lot longer.
I’ve been wearing the same seven shirts since 2017 and they look and feel almost new.
Comment by Used-Mortgage5175 at 01/03/2025 at 18:28 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I believe the key distinction between minimalism and consumerism is being intentional. 🤷🏻♀️ So I think it sounds like you’re approaching minimalism in a thoughtful and intentional way! The core of minimalism isn’t just about owning less—it’s about making sure what you do own serves you well, both in function and in joy. Your mindset of removing what you don’t like, don’t use, or find to be low quality, while keeping and upgrading to things that truly serve you, aligns with minimalism, no? 🤔
Comment by Previous_Voice5263 at 01/03/2025 at 19:25 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Consumerism isn’t mutually exclusive with minimalism. You can be a minimalist consumerist. If you throw all of your stuff away and buy fewer better things you are both minimalist and consumerist.
I think consumerism is described by the belief that buying something new will solve your problem. That is what you’re doing here. You can’t consume your way out of consumerism.
You’ve already purchased these pants. they were already made. Using them for as long as possible is anti-consumption. Buying more when you don’t need to is consumerism.
The anti-consumerist approach would be to avoid purchasing new pants until you need to, then buy something used.
Comment by mataramasukomasana at 01/03/2025 at 20:03 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Downsized my closet to just the essentials—now I panic when my one "nice" outfit is in the laundry.
Comment by Anninfulleffect at 01/03/2025 at 20:09 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
It does seem Counterintuitive to buy jeans as a minimalist when you have three pairs. Maybe wait until those 3 jeans are unwearable/unusable and then Buy a new pair of a nicer quality
Comment by Sad-Bug6525 at 01/03/2025 at 18:51 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I think it’s fine to upgrade, replace, whatever. We want to love our things and for them to fit our needs. If you can pass on the others to people who need it they’ll be less cheap stuff that wears out faster too, and we don’t live to survive so we should like our things. As mentioned though be sure to keep some things you don’t mind damaging for things like repairs and gardening and other tasks
Comment by 370HZZVu at 01/03/2025 at 19:02 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I love this! I struggle with finding quality daily staple pieces on a limited budget and not enough hours in the day but I still come across one or two now and again which reinvigorates my desire to weed out the things I think I might need one day or my ‘fear’ of letting go of objects that mainly represent a memory but that don’t serve me or any function at all anymore. Thank you for sharing your story!
Comment by ScarsAndSmiles at 01/03/2025 at 19:05 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
The keys to contentment with less typically are high quality and multi-use items. Initially it may be jarring to pay $50 for a shirt or $80 for shorts/pants but trust me they will serve you *far* better than cheapo clothing that are a fraction of the cost that you will rebuy continually . I’m not talking overpriced trendy fashion stuff, but super durable, comfortable clothing. Think mil spec/outdoor/adventure gear that is designed for durability in harsh environments and comfort and dexterity. Regarding other items, compare your item with another than contains that capability alongside others. IE a multitool in place of a pocket knife, a toaster oven in place of toaster, etc.
Don’t be in a rush to get rid of things for the sake of having less, put thought into it and you’ll be much happier. All the best to you.
Comment by blobby_mcblobberson at 01/03/2025 at 19:38 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Honestly the emphasis on "high quality" is a form of consumerism. You want your stuff functional before you focus on quality.
This ratty tshirt? Functional. Not high quality. Good for sports, painting, cleaning.
This can opener? I almost sliced my hand open using it. Not functional or high quality.
This repurposed Pickle jar? Functional. Not high quality. I don't need to toss it just to buy a new empty Mason jar.
You don't need to replace everything with higher quality.
Comment by smarlitos_ at 01/03/2025 at 20:36 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
less WOKE BS!! as the boomers say
Comment by matchaknitter at 02/03/2025 at 11:45 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
The “high quality, less items” game was a consumerism one for me. I played it for years and while it is a good concept, I often took it too far and it made me want to shop more and more constantly obsess about my stuff, and when I did spend $$ on certain things, I felt more scared to let them go years later if I no longer needed or wanted them.
Comment by penartist at 02/03/2025 at 12:46 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I personally don't replace something unless I have to, meaning that the item is worn beyond repair. I will then replace with a higher quality item. I'm not replacing things before they have outgrown their usefulness.
Comment by Lifestyle-Creeper at 02/03/2025 at 14:33 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I think it’s easy to fall into the trap of over consuming via a constant cycle of upgrading/“perfecting” your possessions, however it is also a feature of minimalism that you begin to hone in on what is really important to you and how the things you choose to own should best serve you. Sometimes the right choice is to look for a replacement item, sometimes it isn’t. You just need to keep analyzing why you want to buy the new thing, and be honest with yourself.