Let’s be real: overconsumption is everywhere — and it’s gross. From late-night Amazon hauls to $8 lattes, we’re all guilty of it sometimes. But it’s not just the big splurges. It’s the slow drip of unnecessary stuff that eats up our money and our space.

Today, I’m sharing 30 weird (and maybe controversial) things I’ve stopped buying — and honestly? I don’t miss a single one. This isn’t about shame or judgment. It’s about asking, “Do I actually need this… or have I just been marketed into thinking I do?”

If you’re ready to declutter your spending, your habits, and maybe even your kitchen drawers — let’s dive in.

Here’s a list of 30 things I’ve cut from my shopping list — and not only do I not miss them, I feel lighter for it.

1. Kleenex

This one gets people riled up, but we’ve never been a tissue family. Toilet paper does the job just fine, even for allergies and colds. When guests ask, “Do you have any Kleenex?” the answer is no — and I’m okay with that.

2. Paper Napkins

We keep a few for company, but day to day? Nope. We eat with utensils and wash our hands if things get messy. Cloth napkins are for décor only  because we’re not that fancy  😆

3. Bulk Food

I used to think buying in bulk was a money-saver. Turns out, it just meant more waste. Stale snacks, forgotten extras in the back of the pantry — it wasn’t worth the space or the cost.

4. Trendy Diet Foods

Protein bars, keto snacks, gluten-free this or that… I tried them all. They’re expensive, often taste like cardboard, and half the time I never finished the box.

5. Juice

When my kids were little, I felt like juice was a must-have. But no one actually drank it, and we haven’t bought it in years. It’s sugary, takes up fridge space, and we genuinely don’t miss it.

6. Bottled Water

We use refillable bottles instead. It’s cheaper, better for the environment, and one less thing to haul home from the store.

7. Cooking Spray

I swapped it for a $15 refillable oil sprayer, and it’s been a total upgrade. I just pour in olive oil and go.

8. Mouthwash

I used to think it was essential for oral hygiene. But it never felt effective, and once I stopped buying it, I realized I didn’t need it at all.

9. Women’s Razors

Same blades, different price. I ditched the pink tax and just use men’s razors. They work just as well and cost less.

10. Shaving Cream

Growing up, we never used it. I still don’t. A little soap or conditioner does the job just fine — no foam required.

11. Antacids and Habitual Meds

I used to pop Tums constantly. Then I stopped. And guess what? I stopped needing them. Same with eye drops and nasal sprays — my body just adjusted.

12. Disinfecting Wipes

They don’t disinfect the way we think, they create waste, and they’re overpriced. A cloth and all-purpose spray is just as good — better, even.

13. Specialty Cleaners

Granite polish, stainless steel spray, tub foams — I’ve tested them all. Most are just overpriced versions of what a good glass cleaner or multi-purpose spray can do.

14. Fabric Softener & Scent Beads

At one point I was adding three different “scent boosters” to my laundry. Now I just use detergent — sometimes a dryer sheet if needed — and everything still comes out clean and fresh.

15. Beauty Gadgets

Jade rollers, red light masks, weird vibrating tools… I bought into the hype, but I never saw results. They just became more clutter.

16. Kitchen Gadgets

Spiralizers, avocado slicers, pineapple corers — you name it, I’ve tried it. And most of them just ended up collecting dust. A good knife does the trick.

17. Lottery Tickets

My dad once told me the lottery is “a tax on the stupid.” Harsh, but honestly? He wasn’t wrong. I used to buy them regularly. Now I save the money — and the disappointment.

18. Plastic Straws

Canada banned them, and at first, I was annoyed. But now? I don’t miss them at all. We use glass straws and haven’t looked back since.

19. Greeting Cards

I know they come from a good place, but I can’t justify spending $6 on a piece of paper that ends up in a drawer (or the trash). I show love in other ways now.

20. Planners & Calendars

Every December, I used to think the perfect planner would change my life. Spoiler: It never did. I’ve learned to stop falling for the promise of organization in a spiral-bound notebook.

21. Souvenirs (for other people)

If I went to Paris, I might want a tiny Eiffel Tower. But nobody else needs one. We can remember our own trips — we don’t need clutter from someone else’s.

22. Collectibles

I had one angel figurine. Then everyone decided I collected angels. Before I knew it, my shelves were full of ceramic cherubs I didn’t want. Lesson learned.

23. Extended Warranties

They sound smart, but they’re usually just upsells. I’ve said no to every single one — and I’ve never regretted it.

24. Temu and Shein Hauls

Cheap stuff feels like a bargain, but almost everything I’ve ordered from those sites turned out to be low quality, badly fitting, or just… junk. Never again.

25. Gimmicky “As Seen on TV” Products

Every time I see a viral kitchen gadget or cleaning tool, I pause now. Most of them are short-lived thrills that become long-term clutter.

26. “But It’s on Sale!” Buys

If I wasn’t looking for it before, I don’t need it just because it’s 90% off. I’ve learned to stop confusing a good deal with a good decision.

27. Subscription Boxes

FabFitFun, magazines, random boxes of surprise goodies — they always started out exciting, then turned into unopened clutter. I canceled them all.

28. Birthday Party Decorations

Streamers, balloons, themed plates… I used to go all-out. Now we keep it simple. The memories still happen, even without the Pinterest-worthy setup.

29. Workout Clothes

I used to buy leggings and sports bras like I was heading to the Olympics. Now I just work out in comfy joggers and a loose t-shirt — way better.

30. Things I Buy on Autopilot

This is the big one. A lot of what I used to buy was out of habit — not need. Taking a second to pause and question why I was buying something helped me save money, space, and a whole lot of mental clutter.

I’m not telling you to stop buying everything. But I am saying: take a minute and reassess. Maybe your version of “Kleenex” is subscription boxes or bulk groceries. Maybe you love workout gear — that’s great!

But when we stop buying out of habit, we save money, we reduce clutter, and we stop feeding the overconsumption beast.

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