My "no buy" year starts now, wish me luck!
3 rules and exceptions I'm living by for the next 365 days, which shouldn't be that hard since I often WFH in sweatpants.
Hi friends,
I’ve decided that I’m not buying a single piece of clothing (and a few other things) for the next 365 days because 1) I don’t have the space 2) I love a good challenge 3) I failed my mental load test and I’m hoping less physical clutter will lead to less mental clutter.
Why TF would you do that to yourself? You ask…
Why TF not? (I may or may not have just shouted that.)
Even during a regular year, I’m not a big consumer. I shop for new clothes a few times a year, usually when I need something specific, occasionally on impulse.
My collection of beauty products could probably use a face-lift. I have a Mac blush from more than five years ago, a round brush to apply said blush that is “I don’t remember” how old, and during a recent decluttering binge, I tossed the mascara and eyeliner that had been sitting in the cupboard collecting dust since I moved to Amsterdam in 2019.
I’m into the natural look, mainly because I’m lazy but also because I don’t love how makeup feels on my face. Not to mention, if you get stuck cycling through a downpour here in Amsterdam, you could turn up at your destination looking quite disheveled, with black mascara tears running down your face. Kinda like this.
I’ve always been most comfortable with a little glow on my cheeks and Carmex in my pocket.
So, a “no buy” year seems doable, especially because I’m always looking for ways to declutter our tiny Amsterdam apartment. I only have one IKEA closet for all my clothing, including jackets, scarves, bags, and anything else you can think of. My boyfriend has one, too.
We have a small storage room in our building attic, but every time I move something up there, it feels like I’m just adding to a stack of things that I’ll likely forget, so why not just get rid of them from the get-go? This is a reminder for me, too.
Anyhoo, I’ve outlined 3 rules and exceptions for my “no buy” year. I’m curious if you have attempted or succeeded at a no-buy year and what you loved, hated, and learned from it. So when you’re done reading, let’s meet in the comments!
3 rules
No new clothes, shoes, or accessories unless they’re related to my health or hygiene, like new Padel sneakers so I don’t break my ankle or new undies because, well, I don’t want this to be a “no sex” year too. (Or maybe it could be a good excuse? Ha!)
I’m allowed to buy my usual skincare products, which include CeraVe moisturizer and face wash, but falling for beauty fads and anti-aging hacks outside my nightly recently adopted Gua Sha and jojoba oil routine is forbidden. I was recently a victim of an Instagram ad for a micro-current face gadget. When I received it and read the pamphlet in detail, I realized I couldn’t even use it. It’s not recommended to use micro-currents if you have any subcutaneous metal implants in your body. The last thing I want in my attempt rub out (or zap) my 11 lines, is to have my two dental impants (at the top front of my mouth) fall out. That’s not a great look.
There is no limit to the number of books I can buy, but I’m cutting myself off when it comes to plants. I’m already a proud plant mama to over 15 plant babies, and my spider plant has had about five babies, so we’re good here for a while.
3 exceptions
My 40th is this September. I feel like I might want to treat myself to a gift. Chances are, it won’t be something material but an experience instead. Either way, I’m making an exception to buy myself anything I want.
Gifts are OK. So, anyone I know in real life, if you’re reading this, take note. Or, Readers, I might be inclined to share my address via DM. Lol. Online shopping makes gift-giving so easy these days.
I can’t think of a third exception. Maybe I can participate in clothing swaps if I get bored and want to wear something new. What do you suggest?
See you soon,
Alexis
P.S. If you liked what you just read and want to support me, please tap the heart and leave a comment below to help more people find it (and so I know what’s resonating). ❤️
P.P.S. This post was inspired by one that I recently read from Sinéad Connolly. I was already thinking about a no-buy year, but after learning about her experience, I felt ready to commit! Thanks, Sinead!
Comments
I’m curious. Have you attempted or succeeded at a no-buy year, and what did you love, hate, and learn from it?
In case you’re new here, hey! I’m Alexis—a Dutch-American writer from New York, now living my best life in Amsterdam. The Cool Aunt is where I share a mix of raw, honest, and funny words from the perspective of a kid-free woman approaching 40. Thanks for reading!
Good luck! It will be easier than you think. I'm sort of accidentally in a no-buy: I just don't need anything new, so until now 2025 has been shopping-free when it comes to clothing. I need underwear and socks though, so those will be the exception. But we'll see how long this lasts!
I admire your courage to go a year without! I have done a 3-month stretch of no buying clothes, shoes, and bags and it has worked. I realised how little I need and gave away things too. The only exception I make is for books and necessities. I use one standard eye liner and face oil so replace them when they run out. Thats it :)