I used to think minimalism meant giving up everything I loved. Instead, it taught me to be intentional about what I buy — and as a stay-at-home mom, that’s saved time, sanity, and money. Below are 20 everyday purchases I stopped making, with simple swaps and realistic setup steps so you can try them too.
1. Daily coffee shop drinks
Description: Buying coffee out every day adds up fast — both in money and in time spent waiting in line.
Practical setup steps:
– Choose a simple at-home brew method (French press, pour-over, or an automatic drip).
– Buy whole beans and grind weekly for freshness.
– Prep a travel mug so you can enjoy coffee while wrangling the kids.
Estimated startup costs: $15–$120 (beans + grinder + French press or basic coffee maker)
2. Disposable paper towels
Description: Paper towels are convenient but wasteful and expensive long-term.
Practical setup steps:
– Buy a set of microfiber cloths or repurpose old t-shirts.
– Keep a small stack by the sink and one in each bathroom.
– Wash cloths weekly in a mesh laundry bag.
Estimated startup costs: $8–$30
3. Single-use cleaning wipes
Description: Prepackaged wipes are handy, but you can make reusable alternatives that work as well.
Practical setup steps:
– Make a spray bottle with water, a splash of white vinegar, and a few drops of essential oil.
– Use cloth squares or microfiber for wiping.
– Store wipes in a small container for quick access.
Estimated startup costs: $5–$25
4. Bottled water
Description: Bottled water is costly and creates plastic waste.
Practical setup steps:
– Install a filter pitcher or an affordable faucet filter.
– Use reusable water bottles for the family and a labeled jug in the fridge for easy refills.
Estimated startup costs: $20–$60
5. Takeout several nights a week
Description: Regularly ordering food is expensive and often less healthy than home-cooked meals.
Practical setup steps:
– Create a two-week rotating meal plan with 3–4 quick recipes.
– Batch-cook on Sundays and freeze portions.
– Keep a “rescue meal” (frozen quesadillas, DIY pizza) in the freezer for crazy nights.
Estimated startup costs: $20–$80 (food storage containers and basic pantry restock)
6. Multiple specialized kitchen gadgets
Description: A drawer full of single-use tools that rarely get used.
Practical setup steps:
– Audit your gadgets and keep only multi-purpose essentials (good knife, cutting board, blender).
– Sell or donate unused items.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$40 (selling may even make you money)
7. New seasonal kids’ clothes every year
Description: Kids grow quickly; buying brand-new seasonal wardrobes wastes money.
Practical setup steps:
– Build a capsule wardrobe with mix-and-match basics.
– Use thrift stores or swap groups, and accept hand-me-downs graciously.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$50 (if swapping/thrifting)
8. Excess decorative items and seasonal decor
Description: Buying trendy decor for every season leads to clutter and storage headaches.
Practical setup steps:
– Keep a small box of neutral seasonal items you truly love.
– DIY simple items with the kids for memorable decor.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$25
9. Expensive skincare “miracle” products
Description: Many pricey items promise the world but a pared-down routine often works better.
Practical setup steps:
– Simplify to cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF.
– Choose multi-use products (moisturizer with SPF).
Estimated startup costs: $10–$50
10. Brand-new books for every read
Description: Buying every new book adds up; libraries and swaps are gold for moms.
Practical setup steps:
– Join your local library and use holds to get new releases.
– Start a neighborhood book swap or digital book club.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$20 (library card is usually free)
11. Single-use baby gear and gadgets
Description: Many specialty baby items are used briefly and then stored forever.
Practical setup steps:
– Opt for basics that have multiple uses (wrap carriers, convertible car seats).
– Borrow for short-term needs from friends or local parent groups.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$100 (depending on what you borrow vs. buy)
12. Fancy school supplies and planner systems
Description: You don’t need a color-coded bullet journal system to stay organized.
Practical setup steps:
– Use a simple planner or a shared digital calendar.
– Create a family command center with essential items only.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$25
13. Magazine subscriptions
Description: Physical magazines pile up; most content is available online or via the library.
Practical setup steps:
– Use library digital magazines or track favorite blogs.
– Subscribe to one or two digital editions if you still want magazine content.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$15/month
14. Formalwear for rare events
Description: It’s tempting to buy a “just-in-case” outfit for events that happen infrequently.
Practical setup steps:
– Rent outfits for very occasional events or keep one versatile dress.
– Coordinate with friends to borrow pieces for special occasions.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$50 (borrowing or renting vs buying)
15. Single-use party supplies
Description: Balloons, paper plates, and disposable decor add up and create waste.
Practical setup steps:
– Build a small stash of reusable party platters, cloth napkins, and simple decor.
– Make a few DIY activity kits for kids’ parties instead of themed junk.
Estimated startup costs: $20–$60
16. Expensive pre-packaged snacks
Description: Pre-packaged snacks are convenient but pricier and less healthy.
Practical setup steps:
– Prep snack bins with homemade granola, sliced fruit, and portioned nuts.
– Use reusable snack bags for easy packing.
Estimated startup costs: $10–$30
17. Cable TV subscription
Description: Traditional cable is costly when you only want certain shows.
Practical setup steps:
– Cancel cable and use free streaming services, library DVDs, or an inexpensive antenna.
– Share paid streaming accounts with family if possible.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$50 (antenna or selective streaming)
18. Overpriced office supplies and desk gadgets
Description: You don’t need a perfect home office setup to be productive.
Practical setup steps:
– Prioritize ergonomics: a supportive chair and good lighting.
– Declutter and keep essential tools within reach.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$100
19. Paid social media scheduling tools
Description: Many paid scheduling tools offer features you might not need as a casual poster.
Practical setup steps:
– Use free tiers or native scheduling inside platforms.
– If you do schedule regularly, evaluate affordable options and schedule in weekly batches.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$15/month (social media scheduling)
20. Small freelance tasks that I can learn to do
Description: Hiring out every little task (graphic fixes, small website updates) can be pricey.
Practical setup steps:
– Learn a few basic skills (photo resizing, small edits) using free tutorials.
– Use freelancers for bigger projects and hire through marketplaces when needed.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$50 (or use freelancers on Upwork or Fiverr for one-off tasks)
A few practical cross-checks that helped me stick with minimalism:
– Replace purchases with habits (brew coffee, batch-cook, library trips).
– Outsource selectively — use freelancers for projects you can’t or don’t want to learn.
– Keep a “waiting list” for non-essential purchases to avoid impulse buys.
If you’re looking for creative ways to bring in a little extra income without buying more stuff, check out resources for starting your blog or joining events that help you explore side hustles — like the Side Hustle Summit. For free-to-low-cost traffic tips, I often turn to Pinterest and affordable website hosting when I need a site. Small changes add up quickly — and as a mom who juggles the household, the smartest savings are the ones that give you back time as well as money.
