43 Things We Don't Buy Anymore | Family Minimalism 

Thanks for starting the list right away instead of making us listen to 10 min of intro first! Our planet thanks you!

So proud to see more and more people not get sucked into all the marketing and culture that tells us we "have to" consume so much! Love it!

I'm 68, people think I in my late forties. Stay out of the sun, drink water, do not smoke. eat correctly by having fresh fruits and vegetables, if not fresh then frozen. Wash your face with non drying product and use a moisturizer with sun screen, Have decent sunglasses. A biggie is staying active, be interesting, and love yourself for who you are. Women do not get old we get wiser.

I’m so glad I watched this ! I’m 54, stayed home with my kids, and used minimal face and anti aging stuff and I look relatively young. I did what you’ve done. We didn’t go to Disneyworld, we went to our local lake for a week in a cabin. Priceless memories each summer. We lived in a smaller home and our girls shared a room. We opened a 529 college savings plan for all three children when they were little and automatically saved to them each month. When college came, we had the money and they went to state university also. We have a good retirement, but my husband plans to work indefinitely to keep busy. We chose a 15 year mortgage and will pay it off within 3 years. We always have bought used cars with low miles and driven them forever. I drove my 2005 Sienna van for 300,000 miles. It was still going so we donated it to a shelter. Some people smirked until I paid cash for my next car that was like new, but wasn’t. We bought a three family apartment building and used the rents to lay off the mortgage, and have rental income each month. This helped fund our children’s college funds. It’s all worth it is my point !

I applaud you for making the decision to stay home with your children and to cut back on frivolous spending it's the smartest thing anyone could do

In getting rid of various cleaning supplies I’ve found that dish soap is actually the best thing to clean a kitchen sink, it’s a de-greaser. My windex can clean just about any surface. I use various combinations of rubbing alcohol, white vinegar and baking soda for various things, all other commercial products are gone.

I am so glad I listened to this. Moving to a new house with my family and I want it to be as clutter free as possible.

I bet your children really benefit from the peaceful atmosphere in your home. Good for you.

Being a stay at Home Mom is the most important Job you will ever have - you are so fortunate to be able to do this but I know from experience you will reap the rewards 💕

There are a lot of things that I gave up buying a long time ago. It mostly started when I stopped buying Christmas gifts, which my husband criticized me for but I didn’t care. I told him that If he wanted to buy Christmas gifts for people that he could go out and buy them himself because I was done stressing myself every holiday trying to buying things that people probably didn’t even need. My wardrobe now consists of Tshirts, shorts and leggings.

Well done! I've done the same to be with my boys. Less presents, more PRESENCE 👍

I really appreciate the effort to reduce plastic trash..

Small but simple: I no longer buy rubber bands. A lot of fruit, such as celery come w/a rubber band. Just wash & repurpose. I no longer buy mason jars. I simply wash, sanitize and reuse glass food jars, such as a glass of marinated artichokes.

Here I thought I was just being frugal. Turns out I'm a minimalist!

Replace scented plug-ins, candles, etc., with a cup of rice and a few drops of essential oil.

I can tell you I am 46 this year and when I turned 40 is when you start to see the differences and how fast some people age. The best anti aging things you can do for yourself - drink lots of water - stay out of the sun and use sunscreen- don't smoke or vape. At 46 i have really good skin with just a tiny bit of smile lines around my eyes. my same friends who spent a lot of time in the sun or smoked at times in their lives look much older than me. So three easy things to do :)

I live in an apartment complex for older adults. We have a giveaway area where residents leave unwanted items. So much fun! I always thought that I wanted a full length mirror. There was one at the giveaway the other day....I brought it back to my apartment. After 4 days of looking at myself, I decided that I don’t need a full length mirror !!! I took it back to the giveaway. So glad that I could try it out and not have unwanted purchase guilt.

We in India are still in an era where we don’t buy these things anyway yet! Your home looks great without many things!

This is Gold 💛 I love how environmentally aware you have become after becoming a Minimalist. I’m with you 💪🏼💚🌎

Hi, This video is awesome. I have not had cable TV in almost 13 years, I have received free magazines, free birthday food, and free movie tickets. I am moving into decluttering and minimalism myself. Thanks for the video.

Amen to dressing to the way we want and what we feel good in! I’ve let go of the need to keep up with the trends too and IT WAS LIBERATING 💜

You have good priorities! Giving up stuff, to be home with your boys! You will never regret that decision.😊

This is actually really inspiring. We live in a culture where people are just addicted to buying things for no reason. I’ve been there and now I’m trying to only buy necessary things.

We agree. We cut out so many kitchen gadgets that we made a whole video about it. Who needs an Avocado knife? 😂

Way to go Shannon by putting your children and family first. I also made this choice 35 years ago. My boys often thank me for making that choice for them. We even had to home school for a year. Keep it up!

We are minimalists too but I love listening to new people and how they declutter for more ways we can cut down! Thank you! Won’t be buying candles anymore 😁

I stopped blow drying my hair approx 7 years ago. I own no heat appliances. I stopped coloring my hair approx 6 years ago. I get compliments every day. My hair is kind of platinum/ white. People think I spend $ to get this. Nope. My hair is so soft & healthy I have no split ends, because I don't damage my hair. I only have a few shampoos, conditioners. I just comb / brush my hair a few times a day. I really don't use styling products. I used to have excessive amounts. I used to color my own hair, but now don't worry about the mess. I used to think about my hair a lot, worry. I save money, time, space 😁😁😁 I didn't panic when salons closed during covid

Love that you are putting your kids before more money!! That's awesome!

I'd rather have a home with pictures on the wall and brighter color combinations. It's a fine line to balance decluttering with warmth and welcoming but it can be done.

The piles of kids toys and kid junk is a constant battle for me. We have some well meaning relatives who buy big plastic items and lots of presents for our kids. I've said so many times to please send small gifts or experiences but no one listens 🙄. So I've taken to clearing out old toys and donating them every time there's a holiday or birthday. I also decided a few years ago that at the end of the day their toys need to go back in their room so we can have adult time without tripping over a million Legos. It helps my sanity haha

I’m 68 now but as a child in Britain 🇬🇧 everything was recycled we had what was called a rag and bone man who came round with a horse and cart collecting old clothes brick a brake any thing really. Sometimes we get a ballon from him. They did a great service and we loved the horse even it’s poo 💩 was put on the garden for the roses

As a family we have a plan to be zero waste so we have started down this path as well. We are working to replace all one and done throw away items. No more Kleenex, paper towels, plastic wrap, water bottles, plastic bags, grocery bags, laundry detergent in bottles, shampoo and conditioner in bottles....you get the idea 💡

This video is an encouragement to me. I am gradually realizing that I don’t need so much. Also… each of us have different needs, so stick to your specific needs. For example, I have a citrus juicer. We squeeze lemons every day. I use to just use a paring knife to peel, but after breaking my shoulder and shattering it and the damage done to my arm and hand, the phy therapist told me to buy an XOX peeler to use. ( I can’t bend my fingers very well now after the damage) and I use an apple slicer also. Things that I thought were unimportant became so necessary for me. I don’t use fabric softener; we don’t have cable TV. Each person has to evaluate their needs, not wants and decide. Anyway, thank you for your videos. I also love seeing your Mom on the videos with you. I am 62 and know it is time to simplify.

Through our live we accumulate so many things, now is a good time to "up cycle" and share with others that still "need" those things we no longer do 🎈

A really good list of things not to buy particularly gym memberships. We only have one car and use public transport when necessary. Am gradually getting rid of photo albums which we seldom look at. Baking soda, white vinegar and essential oils are useful to use for various cleaning jobs.

I feel like this was a thing in a lot European countries already and now America is catching on. The clean lines are so good for your mind. ❤

Your home looks beautiful, peaceful, clean and loved. Mess to me equals neglect and a disorganized mind. I always work best when things are orderly and clean. Well done!

Loved this! So refreshing to hear! There is so much pressure from society to do certain things, look a certain way, always have the latest and greatest and honestly it's exhausting! I've been trying to become more minimal and have really noticed all the places we are being marketed to! Trying not to fall for this anymore. It's not easy but I'm making progress!

Seeing these video makes me realize im already a minimalist without even trying lol. Lots of great points 👍🏽

Oh my! I’m watching this 1 yr- 4 mos after it premiered and what’s wonderful is that everything is still so relevant. Lots of great ideas to give thought to. I’ve been binge watching since finding you, Shannon. Thanks so much for the great content.

I have given up artificial jewelery, washing machine, television, use cloth bags for shopping, only cotton kitchen napkins, steel vessels for cooking. I am on my way to decluttering. still a long way to go! thanks for your list! helps me to add more!

I’ve been decluttering for years. Recently moved in with new hubby, we decluttered lots more - and now he’s filling the house with plants! 20 and counting! 😂

Oh my goodness I love how clean and minimal your kitchen looks! This is super motivating for me as we pack up to move to a smaller home, despite having 5 kids! Thanks for the inspiration!

It's just nice and calming to see clutter free tables and and surfaces.

Thank you for getting straight into your topic, not wasting my time listening to blurb (or trying to move video on). Love it and so will subscribe.

You have made a fabulous choice!!! I was raised during times of stay at home moms and I’ve witnessed the decline and differences of society. It’s great that you came to this conclusion early enough to make a difference in yours and your family’s future. Only thing I would rethink is the future of your skin. I’m 60 now. I took very good of my skin starting at 15 and it has paid off. As I’m sure you know there are good inexpensive ways to care for it. Of course, what you put in your body is first. Then sun protection and hydration etc…..don’t forget your neck because I promise you as much as I’m not afraid of aging…..the turkey thing and crepe skin chest isn’t a dream of mine to have. It feels like we will never get old and then one day…I swear we wake up and go WTH? How did this sneak up on me? It makes us feel good if we are as good as we can be later because all the other things in aging can be a downer if we let it. Just my perspective. We are all different. THANK GOODNESS LOL

I gave up makeup. I never did wear much, but a couple of years ago I got permanent eyeliner and micro-bladed my brows. I do sometimes miss mascara, but I don't miss having to remove it every night. It's very freeing. Not saying I'll never wear it again, but day to day I don't. Loving it! And getting ready for work every morning takes maybe 5 minutes! My husband takes longer than me :)

Even though I’ve only ever used scent-free dryer sheets I just ordered wool dryer balls for when I run out of the sheets. And I thank you!! Great ideas!

knowing about minimalism helps me a lot and the environment. 23 years old no kids but I have a few furbabies. I realized that it's really a waste spending on stuff that is not needed and wont last longer. 🤗 I am really happy that a lot of people are into minimalism 🤗🤗

I'm far from being a minimalist. But I grew up in a very chaotic, messy house. As the years went along, my mom got sick, the house started falling apart, while addiction ran rampant among the rest of our family. It evolved into a hoarder environment and after my mom died, my dad and I were left to pick up the pieces. We sold the house as a tear down. It was that bad. Now MESS and clutter give me incredible anxiety. I'm trying to teach my kids how to live a clean, clutter free life, while also not depriving them of things or acting neurotic. Finding balance is hard. I have 2 under school age and my house does look like a daycare. Because essentially, it is. I was sorting through my 3 year old's toys and deciding what to keep for his baby brother, and what to give away. I don't have the time or patience to sell things to flaky people on marketplace. I'm either keeping or I want out of my face. My husband and I disagree about things like decorations. Especially Christmas decorations and JUNK that lives on the walls. Looking at it gives me a headache, while he seems to think the house doesn't feel like a home without junkity junk junk, junking up the walls. Some days I just wanna throw everything out.

Great list. We have made a lot of the same changes. The napkin change has been golden.

I love the traditional look of your clean home. You no doubt have more time to use as you wish now.

What do you as a family? Do you play board games or read together? No family DVD on a rainy Saturday? I was a school librarian and I notice you do not have a lamp on your children's bedside table to encourage reading. We have books in every room and on tables and bookshelves. I could give up a lot, but not my precious books I have collected. I have to admit they can get dusty. Shannon, your house is spotless. I am impressed!

I always use my rice cooker. Great list.

😁The mustard color is trending at the East Coast of US! I've been decluttering for two years and my son has started letting go of "baby" books and toys. I'm also teaching him about containers and to avoid collection hoarding.

so good your sharing all these pro marketing things!!!!! everybody should follow you and maybe none of us would be in the situation we are in now. no money,no retirment and no life to live because we spent it in the past to keep up with everybody else!!!! think about it. you dont even need it or want it and the people your trying to impress you dont even know!! love your ch and cant wait for more content from you.

I agree with most of your suggestions, however not with holiday decor. Come Christmas, I love having a Christmas tree and some decorations in my home.

Shannon, thanks for this set of reminders. I agree with you on 34 of them! We do like flannel sheets in winter/cotton in summer. Also, since I have MS I do have gadgets like an apple slicer, a lemon squeezer, an avocado slicer...mostly because my hand strength isn't the best. What lists like these help me do is be sure I have good reasons for the things I buy or don't by, and that I'm not just being lazy. ;-)

I just ordered 2 rolls of cloth paper towels off of Etsy. I switched to reusable napkins when Covid hit, and like u, it was so much easier than I thought. My kids would still grab the paper towels, even though I would tell them not to. I wanted to use them only for just gross things, but they weren’t listening, so I just got fed up. I really hope I like my new un paper towels

I have never bought clothes that are in style and the new colors for the,year. I always buy the style and colors that look good on me.

Great list! We have adopted a lot of these habits as well. We've also stopped buying convenience foods and ready made meals at the grocery store. Buying and eating whole foods and eliminating meat and dairy has been so much cheaper and healthier!

It's really appreciative that being a fulltime guide for your kids is more important than anything else. Love to you dear ❤.

I have given up most of these things! This has saved us sooo much money!! We live on one income, as well... I love the minimalist lifestyle🤗

Scented candles/ plug ins .. open windows, wipe things down, wash sofa/pillow covers, if you can. And bake something! That will make your home smell wonderful. ☺️

Your list of things is by far the best list I’ve found. I can tell that you took the time to really think about this! Thank you..

So agree on skin. My mother washed her face with water and used Oil of Olay and drank a lot of water. By age 85, she had minimal wrinkles!

I happen to love decorating for the holidays.

A few years ago I decluttered my kitchen, now I just use have the basics, I only use 1 frying pan now instead of 2 or 3, I don't miss anything I got rid of.

Thanks for spreading the word about how toxic artificial fragrances are!! Especially, dryer sheets, yuck! I'm with you on not buying cheap stuff, so wasteful of resources to save a little cash on things that don't last or work properly.

I also realised couple of years ago that minimalism saves money and it’s trendy.. I am on my way.. Thanks for motivating..

Bravo! Wonderful! I am a minimalist but my family isn’t, unfortunately! It is a wonderful feeling to feel ‘light’ without all that clutter. Don’t want to be a consumer!

I’m getting there with becoming minimalist. I would say moderate minimalist. I stopped going to Dollar tree because that’s where I spent so much money on useless junk. I stopped watching videos of people who haul because that didn’t help. Stopped seasonal decor, fake plants, candles and makeup. I will continue with eliminating other things you mentioned. However giving up satellite and purses will be a bit harder for me 😬😁

I really appreciate your efforts to cut plastic waste 🥺🥺

For anti-aging stuff ... you're right a lot of things don't work. You can have a cleanser, sunscreen, retinol & moisturiser. Your skin will thank you later

Bravo. My 26 yo daughters never were introduced (by us) to all the Disney princess movies or products nor Barbie dolls or must have plastic. They were given toys that inspired curiosity. And books and art supplies. They stand out from many of their peers. And they aren’t into the latest “hotdog cooker” type items. Good job to you! It’s hard to buck the system! Congratulations for your success.

that was interesting.....its amazing when you sit down and actually think about these things just how little one needs to have a happy life.....well done!

Your very presentation is minimal! An absolute TRIUMPH with the list! Thankyou SO much.

wool dryerballs!! Starting our minimal journey :) thanks for the great content

WHAT A TON OF GOOD ADULT SENSE! BRAVA!!! : )

See HOW WE DO SPEND MONEY HERE: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Hg90-IDT11A.html Thank you for watching! Check out the full, Things we don't buy, post here: shannontorrens.com/things-minimalists-dont-buy/

I have been giving our grandkids experience gifts, zoo tickets, art supplies, or money for savings,

Good list of items! I have to say, every time I watch your videos, I love your kitchen so much. So charming.

We think alike Shannon! 😀💗Thank you for sharing 😊🤗💟

These all made sense!!! I’m glad to watch this episode. Thank you for breaking each of them to us. Helpful tips Shannon. ❤️ I always watch your vids btw

You are awesome. You cut right to the topic without a lot of fan fare. Thank you so much for sharing.

Wow! I already don't buy any of these! I m so impressed with myself! 😄

I like the idea of minimalism but if you already bought something just use it… no need to throw it out…instead focus on not buying more stuff

Thank you Shannon! Loved this video! I am a kinda maximalist, not a hoarder, an organized maximalist, BUT, I have given up, minimalized, some of the same! Cable tv, candles, perfumes, purses, etc., and one of these days, I may give up even more! I am working on one subject at a time. Most recently, I am working on cleaners, detergents, laundry boosters. I think this is so motivating!! I don't feel comfortable in a minimalistic home, BUT I also don't like clutter! I'm a conundrum! Yes, it can be both ways! Right? Have a wonderful weekend! love and hugs, Jeanie

I just found out I am a minimalist ha ha. IFor instance I don’t buy souvenirs unless it is some thing I can use for instance a scarf that goes with a lot of my clothes, I was Never into fashion, I just buy what looks and feels good on me. And the list goes on thanks again.

I love this iv been doing this now for a few years if it’s not used get rid. You go into these shops and they are full of crap.

Wow I’m doing really well I have done most of these things my whole life. I’ve never fallen for trends too. I could improve on use of cling wrap and plastics.

This was a great video. Almost everything you mentioned I don't buy either. The amount of self care/indulgent items available is staggering and not needed. We only have Netflix and an inexpensive antenna that picks up some network channels (not cable). I find a lot of free shows and movies that are older to watch on youtube. There is a lot of money to be saved by not wasting it on the stuff you mentioned.

Thank you for mentioning the environmental and health consequences of using scents and plastic!!!! Love.

No impulse buying any more. I usually wait at least 24 hours until I klick on the „buy“ button when I purchase online. I don‘t go shopping anymore, I make a list, go in get the things and out.

Yes. Thanks for keeping to the point.

Great video, we are not really minimalist but trying to live with less and started our nontoxic journey 10+ years ago. Thank you for getting this message out. These toxic and scented products are terrible for our health and the air. Our son's shirt got left at a friend's house and she washed it and returned it. The scent was so strong it took at least 5 washes , some even with vinegar (and being left out in the sun) to get rid of that fake scent. I kept thinking how bad it is for people who expose themselves and their kids to those chemicals daily. As a cancer survivor this is super important to me. Side note , our grocery stores still aren't allowing reusable bags which makes me so mad!

1.cable TV. 2. Fake plant 3. Seasonal clothing 4.the latest trends 5. Dryer sheets. 6.tights nylon 7.jewlery 8.sand. bags. 9. Paper napkins. 10. Bottled waters 11. All one use items. 12. Air freshners. Scented candles. 13. Latest Toys 14. Seasonal themed items 15. Large Toys 16. Dvds . Cds. Gaming devices. 17. Sale items if not needed. 18. Latest phone 19. Chep products 20. Magazines . Books 21. Nail polish 22. Beauty products unnecessarily 23. Expensive hair products 24. Name brand things 25. Purses 26. Gym membership.

Hi Shannon...greetings from Canada :) I do agree on the fake plants...no longer buying those...

I have so much respect for you. We think a lot alike about refusing to be pressured by the marketing and everyday way of life that attempt to sap people of their freedom of choice in how they live and contribute to the world. Minimalism is actually living in a moderate balanced way. It is so much more peaceful than the other lifestyle options. Thank you for your channel and the information you share.

Wow! This is a wake up call for me! I need to declutter my house desperately!!! Thank You for the good points you have made in this video!