In a world driven by consumerism, it’s easy to get swept up in the latest trends and feel pressured to buy the next new thing. I believe in cherishing moments, not things. This philosophy has led me to adopt a lifestyle of underconsumption, focusing on quality over quantity and making mindful choices about what I bring into my life. Here’s how I do it:
1. Minimalist Wardrobe
I wear the same jacket, clothes, and shoes on rotation. Remarkably, I haven’t bought any new piece of clothing this year! I maintain a minimal-ish capsule wardrobe that works almost all year round. My few pairs of shoes are versatile and neutral-colored, ensuring they match everything. This approach saves time, money, and mental energy.
2. Simple Jewelry and Accessories
I don't buy jewelry or accessories. Most of my jewelry is gifted by my mom, and I wear the same pieces all the time. I have just two earrings, two necklaces, and a few rings. My accessories include two hats (a bucket hat and a baseball hat) and one pair of sunglasses. You won’t catch me buying anything else.
3. Selective Bag Collection
Although my mom loves gifting me bags, I’ve set boundaries and now only use three regularly: a gym tote, an everyday halfmoon bag, and a photography backpack. For special occasions, I have just three: a party bag, a dressier bag, and a summer/vacation bag. This keeps my bag collection manageable and purposeful.
4. Two Water Bottles
I keep it simple with just two water bottles: one with a straw and one metal one. That's it. This small habit reduces clutter and ensures I always have a clean bottle ready.
5. Minimal Beauty Routine
I don’t follow shopping trends for makeup, skincare, or clothes. My skincare and makeup routines are minimal, primarily because I’m always in a rush in the morning and don’t want to spend time learning about new products. Instead, I focus on taking care of my skin through a healthy diet and services like microneedling. I admire those who excel in beauty trends, but it’s just not my hobby.
6. One In, One Out Rule
To keep our home clutter-free, we follow a strict "one in, one out" rule. Each room has a donation bag, and once it’s full, we donate it. This practice helps us stay accountable for the number of items we own. Whenever we purchase a new item, an old one must go in the donation bag.
7. Mindful Spending Habits
I closely watch my spending habits. I’ve noticed that I tend to shop when I’m bored, going through something, or spending too much time on social media. Trends come and go, but I focus on timeless, unchanging essentials. By understanding my triggers, I can make more mindful decisions about my purchases.
Conclusion
Living a life of underconsumption has brought more peace, clarity, and financial freedom into my life. It’s about making conscious choices and finding joy in simplicity. By prioritizing quality over quantity and focusing on what truly matters, I’ve created a lifestyle that aligns with my values and supports my well-being. I encourage you to consider adopting some of these principles and see how they can transform your life too.