22 Things to Stop Buying Minimalism Style and Save Money

Subscriptions & Digital Spending

1. Unused Gym Memberships

Many people sign up for a gym membership with good intentions, but eventually stop going. Despite not using it, the monthly bill still gets paid, becoming wasted money over time. This small but steady expense drains your budget without providing value.

A smarter solution is to switch to home workouts or free online classes. A yoga mat and a pair of dumbbells are often all you need to stay consistent. This not only saves you money but also makes fitness more convenient and stress-free.

2. Extra Streaming Platforms

Streaming platforms are easy to sign up for, but harder to manage. Many households end up paying for multiple services while only watching one or two. The unused subscriptions quietly chip away at your finances each month.

Choose your favourites and cancel the rest, or rotate services every few months for variety. This approach keeps entertainment fresh without overspending. It also helps you practice intentional spending and avoid digital clutter.

3. Paid Apps You Don’t Use

It’s easy to forget about apps that auto-renew in the background. Even if each one only costs a few dollars, the total adds up quickly. Keeping apps you never use is one of the simplest ways to waste money.

Take time each month to check your phone and cancel unused apps. Keep only the ones that genuinely help or bring you joy. This habit saves money and ensures your digital life stays clean and minimal.

Beauty & Fashion

4. Excessive Makeup Products

Fast fashion makes it seem affordable to refresh your wardrobe constantly. But poor quality and short lifespans mean you end up replacing items again and again. Over time, this habit costs far more than you realize.

Build a capsule wardrobe instead, focusing on timeless and versatile clothing. Choosing fewer, better-quality pieces keeps you stylish without overspending. It also reduces closet clutter and supports a more sustainable lifestyle. Beyond the money savings, Good On You highlights how fast fashion harms the planet, which makes a minimalist approach both financially and environmentally smart

6. Jewellery You Rarely Wear

Buying jewellery on impulse often leads to drawers full of unworn pieces. These items take up space and rarely bring lasting satisfaction. The money spent could have gone toward something more meaningful.

Keep only a few versatile or sentimental pieces you truly love. Wearing what you already own makes your style feel simpler and more personal. This small change saves money and keeps your collection intentional.

7. Special-Occasion Outfits

Many people feel pressured to buy new clothes for weddings, parties, or vacations. These outfits usually get worn once before being forgotten. Over time, they become wasted money and closet clutter.

Instead, shop your own wardrobe, borrow from a friend, or rent when needed. Choosing versatile clothing that works for multiple occasions also helps. This approach saves money, reduces waste, and keeps your style minimalist.

Food & Drink

8. Daily Takeaway Coffee

Grabbing a coffee on the way to work feels like a small treat, but those cups add up faster than you realize. Spending a few dollars each day often turns into hundreds, even thousands, every year. On top of that, disposable cups and lids only add to the clutter and waste.

A better option is to create your own coffee ritual at home. With a simple French press or espresso maker, you’ll enjoy the same cozy morning habit for a fraction of the cost. It’s a shift that not only saves money but also makes your mornings calmer and more intentional.

9. Smoothies & Juice Bar Drinks

Juice bars often charge $8–$10 per drink, which quickly adds up. While they seem healthy and convenient, they’re far more expensive than making them at home. Relying on this habit quietly drains your budget.

Buy a good blender once and make smoothies yourself. You’ll save money, choose your own ingredients, and cut down on unnecessary packaging. This small change supports both a minimalist lifestyle and healthier eating.

10. Food Delivery Fees

Delivery apps make ordering meals easy, but the fees are shocking. Mark-ups, service charges, and tips often double the price of food. Doing this regularly eats into your budget far faster than you realize.

Cooking at home or picking up meals directly is a better alternative. It saves money, gives you more control over ingredients, and avoids extra charges. This simple switch also helps reduce waste from packaging.

11. Processed Snacks

Prepackaged snacks are convenient, but they come at a high cost. They clutter your pantry with wrappers and often provide little real nutrition. Buying them week after week turns into an expensive habit.

Stock your kitchen with fruit, nuts, or homemade options instead. These choices are cheaper, healthier, and last longer. A minimalist pantry saves you money and keeps your eating habits cleaner.

Tech & Gadgets

12. Constant Phone Upgrades

Phone companies release new models every year, tempting you to upgrade. While the newest version may look appealing, your current phone often works just fine. Replacing it too soon wastes money and adds to unnecessary electronic waste.

Keep your device until it truly stops working or no longer meets your needs. Waiting a few extra years before upgrading saves you hundreds of dollars. It’s a simple way to practice intentional spending and avoid the upgrade trap.

13. Multiple Headphones or Speakers

Buying multiple pairs of headphones or extra speakers feels like upgrading your lifestyle. In reality, most of them sit unused after the first few weeks. Owning duplicates clutters your home and drains your wallet.

Choose one high-quality option that meets all your needs. This way, you enjoy better performance while avoiding unnecessary spending. Minimalism is about quality, not quantity, and this applies to tech just as much as clothing.

14. Unnecessary Smart Devices

The market is full of “smart” gadgets that sound useful but aren’t truly needed. Many end up collecting dust after the novelty wears off. Spending money on these items takes away from things that matter more.

Stick with devices that make a real difference in your daily life. Choosing function over novelty saves money and reduces clutter. This mindset helps you build more intentional tech habits that align with minimalism.

Home & Lifestyle

15. Excess Home Décor

Decorating your home can be fun, but overdoing it creates clutter. Too many items make cleaning harder and reduce the calm feeling of your space. Instead of cozy, your home can start to feel overwhelming.

Keep décor simple and meaningful. A few carefully chosen pieces make your home stylish without being crowded. This creates a peaceful environment and supports the minimalist principle of “less is more.”

16. Weekly Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers look beautiful, but buying them every week becomes costly. They only last a few days before wilting, leaving you with more clean-up than joy. Over time, this habit quietly drains your budget.

Swap flowers for potted plants that last much longer. They add greenery, purify the air, and are a better investment. This change saves money and brings lasting calm to your home.

17. Plastic Tupperware

Plastic containers stain, warp, and break easily. They don’t last long, which means you constantly replace them. This cycle wastes both money and storage space.

Switch to glass containers that are durable, safe, and reusable. They keep food fresh longer and look cleaner in your kitchen. Choosing long-lasting storage supports a minimalist lifestyle and reduces waste.

18. Trendy Kitchen Gadgets

Single-use gadgets like avocado slicers or popcorn machines may seem fun, but they quickly end up unused. They take up valuable space and rarely justify their cost. Most kitchens don’t need these extra tools.

Rely on versatile basics like a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a good pan. These tools handle almost every task without cluttering your counters. A minimalist kitchen is easier to use, easier to clean, and much more affordable.

Luxury & Money Drains

19. Designer Bags & Shoes

Luxury brands are tempting, but the price tags often leave people in debt. The excitement of buying fades quickly, yet the financial impact lasts much longer. Filling your closet with these items can also encourage constant shopping.

A better alternative is exploring affordable luxury-inspired styles. At LuxeBagVilla, you can find handbags and shoes inspired by top brands like LV, Gucci, Hermes, and YSL. This way, you enjoy timeless style without overspending, while keeping your wardrobe simple and elegant.

20. Expensive Phone Plans

Phone plans with features you don’t use often cost far more than necessary. Many people stay locked into contracts without realizing the extra charges. This leads to higher bills every month with little added value.

Switch to a simpler, affordable plan that meets your actual needs. Options like prepaid or budget carriers can save you hundreds yearly. This change is one of the easiest ways to cut expenses and support intentional spending.

21. Duplicate Household Items

Owning multiple versions of the same thing is a common but costly habit. Having duplicates not only wastes money but also fills your home with clutter. It becomes harder to stay organized when you have too much of everything.

Keep just one high-quality version of each essential. This makes it easier to manage your belongings and keeps your home minimal. Fewer items mean less stress and more financial freedom.

22. Seasonal “Must-Have” Décor

Buying new décor for every holiday or season is expensive and unsustainable. Items are often stored most of the year, taking up valuable space. Eventually, the cycle leads to wasted money and a crowded home.

Choose timeless decorations that work year-round. You can add small seasonal touches without buying full new sets. This habit saves money, reduces clutter, and helps you embrace minimalist living.

📌 Key Takeaways

Minimalism isn’t about giving up everything you love. It’s about being intentional with how you spend and surrounding yourself only with what adds value. By cutting these 22 expenses, you’ll save money, reduce clutter, and create space for what truly matters.

Start small by removing just one or two habits from your spending. Each step will bring you closer to financial freedom and a calmer, more focused life.

Cutting expenses is just one part of financial freedom. If you also want to boost your income, here are side hustles for stay-at-home moms.