Things I NO longer buy MINIMALIST 

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Hi Benita! Enjoying things without purchasing them is one of my favourite things to do. I once heard someone say that they consider admiring shop displays of pretty things as akin to viewing things in a gallery. I tried it and it works!

Another thoughtful and thought-provoking message! I have a lot less' just in case' stuff in every catogory. Funny how I used to find such comfort in all those 'back up' items. Now I prefer the simplicity of just what I need, and the visual of empty space.

This is the most beautiful and inspiring minimalism video I’ve seen. I just found your channel today and I love it. I’ve been slowing shifting toward minimalism over the past 10 years. Not buying is my new superpower. Thank you for sharing your lifestyle!

What a lovely home. I am inspired by the beauty of it. For books I visit the library to read hardback books I cant afford. For nice smells I drip essential oil on a nice piece of wood I keep by the bed instead of scented candles which in a block of appartments has a fire risk. I bought a yamazaki silicone soap dish from amazon so the soap can dry and started using good quality hand soap instead of lots of plastic bottle with soapy stuff in them. I have an old tea pot which was heading for the dump and now use it as a watering can for the pot plants. Once I started getting rid of the surplus things I owned I started to enjoy the things that remained much more. with respect, mark from london

Very inspiring! I used to buy duplicates of favorite clothes and I, too, have stopped doing that because owning duplicates made the original item less special--except, like you, for daily-use pieces like underwear and socks. 🥰❤️⭐️

Another great video, thank you. I can't remember the last time I bought fabric softener, I use vinegar to soften towels. Since March 2020 (our first lockdown here in NZ) I haven't bought or worn make-up and my skin is looking better than it has for years - I'm 57 - and I don't think I'll ever go back!

Hi, I was just reading through the comments and thought I might leave one as well. I wanted to share that as a writer I enjoy listening to stories, fiction or nonfiction. I come to your channel to listen and view the non fictional story you produce. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. A deep bow of respect to you.

I agree with all your no buys, I also don’t buy any home decor, the few pieces I own are enough 👍🏼

You have such a calming voice,I could listen to you for hours.

Benita I love your comment “I don’t shop for entertainment but I do window shop for entertainment”. That was such an eye opening comment for me. A trap I have fallen into probably my entire life !!

I'm not sure what store you are showing us in the beginning but I love it!

I am a midi-maximalist who's becoming simpler and simpler in my habits as I age. I buy SO much less than when I was younger. I enjoy your videos as relaxation and a good influence! --I no longer buy mass-produced disposable items. For instance, I now have had one razor forever, and I just change the cartridges. Same as you with nail files, too, and face cleaning pads. --No bottled water: I do have a few large containers for emergencies but I use tap water with a really good filter. --No more perfume for me either. I did keep a set of about ten beloved ones and I wear those, but got rid of all the rest and no longer buy any. --No more tchotchkes. If I buy something, it must have a use, preferably practical. I have enough pretty things (and have purged many.) --I no longer buy clothes that don't fit, which I used to do because my weight fluctuates a lot (metabolism issues.) Now I just have a box of each size range in the back of my closet, and pull out whatever set fits currently. I will only buy new items within that range--items I can wear now. --I don't buy duplicates anymore either, save, like you, underwear and socks--oh, and white t-shirts because I ruin them easily LOL. --No clothes that are not made of natural fabrics. I don't wear them and just end up giving them away. --I don't buy certain colors of clothing at all. All my wardrobe contains besides black and white is gray, dark or cinnamon brown, periwinkle, indigo or teal blue, deep red, ballet pink, and occasionally lavender or dark green. --I don't buy 99% of cat toys anymore because my cats ignore them. They ONLY like catnip bananas and cardboard boxes. And my shoelaces. --No more books, unless I find something amazing in a thrift store for 50 cents (and then I'll give away when I am done.) Anything else I want to read goes on the Kindle, or Audible for audio books. Or I get them out of the library! --No more records, especially 78s. I love very old music, but 78s are heavy, fragile and difficult to store. I kept a few rare favorites and sold or gave away the rest, and I have one shelf of my favorite LPs that I actually play. I don't buy CDs either, since I finally have a newer car which can play digital music off my phone. --In general, I don't buy new things unless it's the best/only option for something I really need (e.g. a new refrigerator.) --No new jewelry. I have a lot of pieces I made myself and occasionally buy an antique item. Of course jewelry is so small and easy to organize and store, so I don't worry about that too much.

I love my glass nail file. I’ve had it for well over 15 years now. One nice thing is that, unlike other files, you can go both directions (back and forth) without damaging your nails.

This was such a helpful and enjoyable video! Gave me lots to think about in terms of my own shopping.

Hi Benitta. Your tip of window shopping for fun, without buying anything has worked so well for me. Thanks a lot. Love and hugs xxx

Benita, such a great idea! I have been declaring so much and only keeping what I really need or like. Still a long way from minimalism but it feels so good to have things that we can actually actually access easily. Thanks again for the motivation!

I have gotten so many good ideas from your videos, like the laundry bag to contain microplastics and now the wool laundry balls. Things that both simplify and cut pollution are just what I look for! Thanks so much =)

Thanks for sharing Another great video! I really enjoy watching your videos, it’s so relaxing 😌

I enjoyed your video! I stopped anything perfumated when my daughter was a newborn. She’s 10 now, never looked back. My cats thank me as well!

Watching your videos is always soothing for me. Thank you.

An inspiring video! I am learning to control my impulsive shopping habits and minimize my stocked stuff. Thanks a lot.

Hi Benita, your organisational skills and calmness are impressive. Love your lifestyle. Thank you.

Oh my, Benita, you’ve uncovered my secret obsession- scented candles. They can be quite pricey so I rarely burn them because once they are gone, so us the scent! So they sit in my hutch while, like you, I burn cheaper candles. I know longer buy dressy clothes, batteries for a watch I never wear, Starbucks coffee and shoes with heels.

I love your videos, sister! I figured out years ago what are my favorite colors to wear: red, purple, royal blue, emerald green, black, and white. My only neutrals are shades of grey, from medium to deep charcoal. Browns, tans, beige, etc., make my skin look sickly. Your home is gorgeous and very warm and inviting. Thanks for sharing!

I know it's not minimalist but I like yellow and green way too much to stop wearing it, it cheers me up 🙈. But above all, I love books and my bookcase makes me happy. I declutter regularly but I can't seem to get as little as you. I still have a long way to go to be a real minimalist!

This video is so calming and your cat is so cute

Just discovered your channel Benita - have watched so many of your videos this weekend and am so happy to see a new one today. Great content and so calming. Thank you!

Hello Benita, a tip for 'sharpening' your glass nail files... run them under cold water 😊

Thank you for sharing : so with you on the fabric softeners (and other detergents) they are amongst the most allergenic stuff !!And i wish I had a good friend who would be of some similar size to swap clothes with when needed. Haven't given up paper books but I now buy them second-hand and re-sell so they don't have to sit on a shelf and catch dust anymore :) So many things we don't need and can be more conscious about

Very inspiring! I think I may start culling stuff from my life. Extraneous stuff.

I love that you are so practical yet stylish at the same time. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward your next video. 🙂

Love from Arkansas💗 I really enjoy your videos. They always motivate me. I also rewatch them while I wait every other week for the new one. Great content!!

I don't buy scented candles. I only buy an ordinary candles which is more cheaper and will only use it incase on emergency or power outrage.

I just discovered your channel and I am enjoying it so much! Thank you for the inspiration. Just recently it has sunk in that I don't need to necessarily have multiples of belongings that I use and enjoy -(candleholders, dishes, books, clothing). I can just have one or few and that is enough. This has been very freeing.

So many home youtube videos show people using scented laundry detergent, fabric softener and scented beads all together. I think it binds to the fabric and doesn't allow to clean the garmet thoroughly. Also they contain chemicals and are bad for the environment. Another one, is people using paper plates on a daily basis. Love your ideas!

This inspired me to compile my own list of things I no longer buy (or buy far less of than I used to) 1. magazines (used to buy 5+ per month !) 2. music (remember CDs ? 🤣) 3. jewellery 4. occasion wear/ workwear 5. ornaments/crafts (still love to browse though) 6. random beauty products 7. new perfumes (my signature scent is Liz Earle No.1 botanical fragrance derived from 97% natural ingredients) 8. cushions 9. bedlinen (have 2 quality sets) 10. artwork (always end up donating to charity) I love colours and printed fabrics though so I do prefer a wider variety of clothing options HOWEVER I do stick with navy blue as my classic 'neutral ' as it is kinder on my skin tone than black, is practical and works year round. It also pairs well with my other favourite shades of fuchsia pink, indigo and teal 💕

Your videos always inspire me. Thank you for sharing a little sneak peek into your life.

Good morning from New York as I get more seasoned I’m doing the exact same thing you’re due eliminating all of the things I no longer used down to a minimalist setting thank you washing you helped me even more

My wardrope is brown-grey-light pink and dark green. They go so well together and adds color.

I love that you kept the silver heart necklace. I don’t buy heeled shoes anymore. It’s flats all day, every day for me 🙌

Thanks for the video Benita! Hope all is well with you! Take care

Thank you for the video Benita. For me the biggest impact was going paperless. I have all my favourite books in my reading apps. My business went fully digital, so no more papers or folders lying around. No more stationary. If feels really good.

Helpful video, Bonita. Hope your health continues to be strong. Happy day from California!

Thank you. Benita. Such an inspiring post. It is good to re-focus how we live and enjoy a simple life.

I did a book purge a while back. I left them on the table in the lobby of my apartment building for anyone to take. I only kept the books that I like to re-read from time to time. I always find something new in there no matter how many times I read them!

Thank you, I really enjoyed this video! Just looking and not buying, and only buying what you need, is really the key!!! By putting this into practice, I have the funds to treat myself to fresh flowers once and a while!

This video really gave me food for thought. I am a point of purchase shoppers, but from now on I’m going to change that habit into one of just window shopping. Thank you for this. I love your channel.

yess new video from Benita, my day is better!! PS i recently noticed the Muji cleaning system in one of your videos and i ordered it immediately, im so impatient for my package haha! looks so practical and has a beautiful design, so glad i saw it on your channel:)

Thank you for sharing the reusable makeup pads!! I will certainly be investing in these for my daughter and I!! Have a wonderful day!!

Un énorme merci pour la traduction française... Un énorme merci pour ce partage ... J adore vos vidéos et votre mode de Vie... Mille merci

Window shopping, yay! I've been practising it for years now. Also, I love your videos, Benita, because your style, be it minimalist or whatever, is so honest. Honest minimalism at its best.

Agree with window shopping. I can spend 2 hours in Sephora but buy just one item. I just love being surrounded by those products hehehe.

Thank you Benita for another great video and for the link to your blog about your cleaning routine. I am using eco friendly chemicals for cleaning but those are expensive and occupy space on my shelves. So now I am thinking to substitute most of them with soda and vinegar. Will work on that starting tomorrow!

Thanks for the rec on Morning Brew. I’ve enjoyed it for weeks .

Hi Benita , your videos are always amazing, but this has been my favourite so far. Window shopping for entertainment- that is brilliant ! I have been missing going to the shops as I am a new minimalist on a no buy year . But I could totally enjoy just looking at things without needing to purchase them (and regretting it later .) What a wonderful idea . I was happy to see that most of the other items you mentioned I have also stopped buying . It is just such a refreshing (and money saving ) way to live . Thanks so much and regards from Melbourne , Australia 🇦🇺

Once more loved watching the video. I just love the way you present it. ❤ to both you and ur 🐈.

It’s always a good morning when there is a new video from you. I stopped buying scented candles or anything scented because it was irritating my sinuses. I stopped wearing perfume years ago for the same reason. All great tips. Thank you for another great video.

Benita I’ve been using a glass nail file for years. It was a bit of an investment to begin with, but it’s still as good as new!

I feel the same way shopping. It can be overwhelming. Sometimes just nice to window shop and get ideas and use what I have!

So inspiring and motivating!

You give me such great ideas. Love your life💛

I heard the expression 'admire not aquire' and it has become my mantra, especially when I am tempted to buy.

love you videos! thanks for all the advise and tips to a live a less cluttered life

Hi Benita! It was a touching and inspiring video, I needed a reminder that what I do is enough. Thank you for that! Apart from several you mentioned I never buy tissue as I cut off some old T-shirts and wash them with underwear. I will though buy some textile ones soon because these are getting worn off and need to be replaced. I enjoy your videos. 💖

Enjoyed learning new things and the simplicity of this video! =)

Benita, I really love your vids. I, in turn, have gone minimalist. I am also helping my daughters join. All a work in progress, and so freeing!

I've always been a simplistic person. It really lightens your soul when you let go of what you don't NEED. I can't even remember the last time I've worn any jewelry besides 4 good pieces. I filled 3 shoeboxes full of costume jewelry and donated them. I won't buy anymore. I truly look forward to your videos.

Your video popped up just in time to start my day right! 😀

Good video Benita. I am slowly getting to the same point. I am not forcing myself to get rid of anything, it's happening naturally. I am not longer buying: (-) Paper towels for the kirtchen (+) kitchen fabric towels, (-) cotton for removing make up (+) mini fabric towels.

Watching your videos after a very long and exhausting day is just what I need to relax and calm my body. Thank you.😍

Your videos is so relaxing.

Thank you for a great video Benita! I think these are all really practical and steps I will take too👍🏻 We have stopped using paper napkins and I am now also using cotton rounds as you do…it seems to work perfectly 😉less waste makes me feel better

Benita, You are the sunshine to my morning. Perfect way to start my day while sipping some coffee. Signed up for Morning Brew. Thank you for the suggestion. There is a long list of items I no longer buy but drinking water is at the top. Here in America it is a huge, ridiculous source of pollution. Be well and stay awesome.

Wonderful video like always Benita! I have done a bunch of minimizing since covid began as a way to spend my free time, and it has become a lifestyle for me. Thanks again for sharing your tips x

Lovely to have another video from you 👍all thought provoking and I'm already doing some of the same. Recently switched to a glass nail file and love it! Wish I'd discovered it years ago. For me, it leaves my nails with a beautiful smooth finish, no ragged bits. Do persevere, it's worth it. Also, I never use scented candles now after discovering that some scents are toxic for pets (we have a Border Collie.) White candles look just as beautiful 😍 thanks for your inspiring videos and it's lovely to see you looking great 👍 xx

I'm still in process of minimalism and your videos inspire me to go on. Greetings from Brazil

Dear Benita 🌻 🌞 Your videos motivate me to sort out, tidy up and clean. 👍👍👍 Thank you very much for your help. 🙏🌹🌹🌹

Sending greetings from Czechia! I love your videos, they are so inpiring and calm to me. I no longer buy a lot of disposable items - kitchen paper towels, woman pads, razors, diapers, straws etc. Instead of them I used clothe ones or metal ones ( in case of razors). We are building our house now by ourself, we will move there in few months so I started to deutter and minimize the all inventory in our rental apartment. But it is quite hard because of children staff.

Hi 😊 I love your videos. Your house transmits tranquility. Greetings from Mexico. 👋😘

We're almost 100% on the same page, Benita. :-) However, I've always been a jewelry freak and bought too much during the first year of the pandemic as "retail therapy" (the worst kind of therapy there is, IMO). Now I'm considering selling some pieces, even though I'll lose money. And I'm trying not to buy any more. But in general it does make me happyish. Thanks for the great video.

I use the cotton reusable rounds instead of cotton pads, I have glass files for my nails and also sold most of my jewelry.

thank you. your video's are very calming and inspiring. i have to minimalize, even when doing that its still not minimal, but perfectly balanced so your video's help me. Here in an overcrowded Netherlands, minimalizing fits the culture since there's much pressure from the outside world. ;-)

I am a recent subscriber, and find this channel to be so comforting, homey and cosy... I appreciate your thoughts, especially as a woman of a 'certain age', when you've been through other phases and can speak from experience, it's so valuable, I think...😊 I also want to say that I think your 'boring' wardrobe is actually a such a chic style that I think is 'practically elegant' -- practical, and such that you can still work and move, but if you have to go out, you look put together and confident. The 'legging with top' look we've seen a lot over pandemic has now become a look that I'm grateful we can transition into public places with not only acceptance, but with appreciation. Thanks for the awesome content, Benita...!

Dear Benita. Please make a video of your favorite home decor\appliances\furniture\plants\organizers etc stores you like the most! Thank you

I think your clothes are fantastic. Love the vintage items. I am really enjoying your videos. They are calm and peaceful and beautiful. Hello from Iowa in the US.

same as you since i gave away 80% of all of my belongings i dont buy or own any of those things you mentioned anymore i also dont buy seasonal decoration 🙂🥰 life is much better with less stuff .....love from Athens Greece

I love dryer balls, I have had mine for years and use essential oil sometimes on them, I don’t buy fabric softener but use 2 tablespoons off vinegar with essential oil for the rinse cycle. I just switched to laundry detergent “ sheets” no more liquid bottles in plastic for me.

Hello Benita! 😀 I love window shopping! Your video came at a perfect time - we have just switched over to wool dryer balls (waiting for them, and I'm excited to try)! I am not buying (or stocking up) on anything that I don't need right now, currently going through everything and using what I have and when something runs out, I am planning on trying something new! ❤ I do enjoy books ~ I think what I love the most is turning the page, lol. I love the feel of books and enjoy going to the library. I don't wear jewelry either - I have (3) pieces that were given to me, I have them, but only wear if I go out. I do have a collection of purses that I am working on slimming down - I really don't need all of them, just love purses and bags. To help curb some of my impulse buying, I have unsubscribed from emails that I have with shops and stores that I like - I think this has really helped me because I am a sucker when it comes to an great deal from an email offer. Enjoy your day, and as always I really enjoy your content. ❤💞❤

I make my own cleaners too and I dont buy processed food anymore. Loving your videos 💜

Thank you for your useful videos.

I'm sitting here enjoying your video while a scented candle is on and, right before you mentioned scented candles, I was thinking the scent was too strong. I always thought tapered candles made a mess, but maybe they don't? Thanks for the video, Benita. Always a nice, relaxing time.

First thing that came to mind.. Haircuts (service). I have an electric hair clippers I've been using for 10 years and with a scissors that's all I need to cut my hair. Buying something, in this case, actually made my life simpler. I don't buy shampoo, soap is enough to wash my head / shorter hair. I don't buy fast food, everything I eat comes from a weekly grocery store visit and weekly going out to eat for Sushi on Saturday with friends! I've a digital minimalist for 15+ years. Besides a nice PC setup and Nintendo Switch most my entertainment is digital or free, like day hiking with friends, so there is no need to buy gear.

Wow i have never heard of a glass nail filer. 🤔 liked this vid...thankyou 😇

Its so nice waking up to a new video:) thanks

Thank you!

I love your videos & was excited when I got the notification for this one! I’m in the process of minimizing, but I have a long way to go. Your videos greatly reduce my anxiety, and I know if I could get my own space decluttered, it would have the same effect! Take care 😀❤️

New subscriber. Love your content! Very good points!

Hmmm, things I no longer buy.. Nail polish, home decor, hair styling products, makeup, disposable straws, working on finding reusable alternatives for other disposable things, dryer sheets, coffee out,... I mean I think maybe there are enough things that I could make a video like this too! It won't be as beautifully filmed as yours, however. Your videos are inspiring to me on many levels! ❤️

Your cat is so adorable, what a sweetheart!