Over the past several years, I’ve learned that most of the things I own I only have because someone or society told me I should own them. It took me a bit, but I finally realized that I don’t actually have to own anything I don’t want or need. Thus, I started to gradually lighten my load and it has changed my life drastically. Less stuff to manage, clean and spend money on! So today I’m sharing 32 things I realized I could live without. Why 32? I’m turning 32 tomorrow, so the number seemed fitting;) Some items are likely to be expected, but a couple might surprise you. Let’s dive in…

Water Bottles – This one is #1 for a reason. The amount of waste caused by plastic water bottles is atrocious. I have one reusable bottle that I wash and use every day. Notice I said one. I’d rather not waste valuable cabinet space in my tiny kitchen on reusable water bottles. 

Paper Towels – Three years ago I made the pledge to stop using paper towels and haven’t looked back since. Washable dish towels pretty much replace all uses in our household.

Sandwich Baggies – Again in my efforts to be a little more eco-conscious, I replaced ours with reusable Stacher bags. My husband actually loves them because “they don’t make crinkly sounds while I’m out hunting in the woods.” A VERY unexpected bonus, ha!

Paper Goods – Call me boujee but I actually prefer linen napkins over paper ones. It’s a fun way to elevate your meal time, and be more environmentally friendly with less waste. Same goes for paper plates and plastic utensils.

Party Supplies – Forgot all the themed party decor for every celebration. I have one neutral, linen tablecloth and a couple rattan glass pitchers I use for every occasion. I even used both at my wedding!

Glassware – Space is limited in our tiny kitchen so we stick with the basics: A few wine glasses, coffee mugs and multi-use, high ball glasses for water, cocktails or anything else.  

Serveware – We prefer to fix plates from the kitchen counter versus setting the table. Less platters to buy, less dishes to do, and more room on the table for your actual dinner plates!

Random Kitchen Utensils – My chef’s knife is the all-star of our kitchen and pretty much replaces all of these: pizza slicer, apple corer, garlic press, mandoline slicers, spiralizer and choppers. Hi-ya!

Small Kitchen Appliances – Used once a year and take up way too much space in my kitchen. No thank you!

Ingredients I’ll Use Once – Complete waste of money. I stick to simple recipes that don’t require foreign ingredients I can’t even pronounce.

Cleaning Supplies for Every Random Thing – I invested in one multi-use cleaner that pretty much does the job for everything and ditched the rest! Don’t underestimate the power of a little soap and water. 

Kleenex – Toilet paper works great!

Cotton Balls – Again, toilet paper 😉

Hair Products & Tools – Blessing or a curse depending on who you ask, I was born with straight hair that really doesn’t do much besides, well, stay straight. So I nixed the curling iron and hairspray years ago. Not worth the hours spent in the bathroom. 

Creams, Lotions and Potions (aka ALL the beauty products) – I’ve found over the years that my best beauty “products” are a healthy diet, being conscious of sun exposure and sufficient sleep. Instead of constantly trying the newest item on the market, I now stick to a consistent, simple regimen of staples I can count on one hand.

Nail Polish – I treat myself to a pedicure about three times a year (normally the start of spring, summer and fall). And I’m constantly working in the garden so I don’t waste my time or money on my fingernails.

Expensive Beauty Appointments – Besides my three annual pedicures, I steer clear unless I’m gifted with something. Over the years I’ve found these to be a waste of money. I’ve realized my consistent, daily skincare routine keeps my skin looking fresh and healthy much more than random treatments that break the bank.

Buying Books – The public library is my best friend! And guess what, it’s FREE!

Magazines – Typically there is only one article I actually want to read, so buying the entire magazine is a big waste.

Journals – I’ve tried for years to be someone who journals, but I just can’t get into it. No biggy, moving on.

Office Supplies – Once the global pandemic hit and I started working from home, I digitized everything, both professionally and personally. I really have zero use for any tangible office supplies anymore. Everything is stored on my phone or laptop.

Tech Accessories – When it’s time to get a new phone, I buy one, durable case that will hold up for the phone’s lifetime. All other tech accessories I view as clutter.

Tech Upgrades – I upgrade my phone or laptop when it no longer functions, not when the latest and greatest version comes out. Currently rockin’ an iPhone 11.

Gift Wrap – I got tired of buying themed paper for every occasion, so now I just use butcher block paper with some white ribbon. It’s easy, looks pretty and as a bonus the paper is good for multi-uses like food prep or even coloring with my niece when she comes over!

Gifts to Have “On Hand” – Instead of giving someone a generic gift they likely won’t even want, I like to be intentional about who I’m buying for and get them something I know they will love. Plus it frees up a lot of storage space.

Material Gifts for Loved Ones – With exception of baby registries, I try to stick to consumable/experience gifts for other people. The last thing I want to do is bring clutter into someone else’s home that they don’t want.

Blankets – My husband and I each have one that we store in a basket in the living room. If we want to bring downstairs to watch a movie (which rarely happens), we carry it with us, then put it back when we’re done. What a concept, ha!

Bath Mats – People with long, dark hair can relate. They are impossible to keep clean! I dry off in the shower before getting out so water on the floor isn’t really an issue.

Door Mats – Same with bath mats. Mine never looked good because they were always soaking wet from my sprinkler or covered in leaves, so I ditched them years ago. Guests just remove shoes at the door during the snowy months. Not a big deal. 

Seasonal Decor – Personally, I think it’s tacky. Don’t hate me! I stick to a couple simple decor items for Christmas that coordinate with my existing decor. Or bring in seasonal fresh flowers to signal the season. Think mums or tulips. 

Home Decor – This one is going to be the shocker for some of you. I used to be very into decorating my home. Then I realized I would get tired of an item after three months and wanted to buy something new, thus a complete waste of money. I now stick to staple, timeless pieces in my home and if I want something new I normally just treat myself to a new candle. Creating those calming, hygge vibes all day everyday! Who’s with me?

Trendy Clothing – 99% of the time they don’t fit so I don’t even bother anymore (tall girls can relate!). Plus I like to invest in high quality items that I know won’t go out of style next season.

That’s a wrap folks! I hope my list inspires you to rethink the items in your home. What are you hanging on to simply because you feel like you have to, or because someone told you to? It’s time to ditch those societal rules and live life on your own terms. Here’s to embracing the essentialist lifestyle!