2022 was peak buying season for me. That was probably the last year I was impressed by shopping for fashion and buying stuff in general. A lot of my favourite items were purchased that year and I'm still using them on a regular basis.

2023? Not so much. With my growing awareness of my money habits coupled with the effects of overconsumption on the environment, I slowed down. The quality of items in general also began to decrease with rising prices, dampening my excitement for new things.

I spent the second half of 2023 buying far less as a result.

I want 2024 to be my low-buy year. I only want to buy essentials and avoid unnecessary splurges. I like spoiling myself once in a while, but it's not worth losing the space and creating future rubbish. I want to save money and fund my future.

I spent most of December decluttering and writing down about my low-buy year. I took inventory of essentials, most-used items and items I will need later on, and based all my purchases around them.

Decluttering was the most difficult to do, due to the sentimental value. I did not like seeing pieces of my personal history go in the trash. I really did not need them anymore, so got rid of them.

I also became wary of picking up brochures with non-essential items like make up and perfume. I learned a hard lesson with the kind of make up I would like to have versus the make up I actually use, so I no longer tempt myself by looking at things I know I won't use.

The same applies to stationery. A lot of my pens and pencils are still in great condition, so I don't need to get more until I am sure of it. I have a lot of paper that can be converted into notebooks instead of going to the store for a new one. I have kept new stationery items to a minimum.

I purchased a sewing machine to keep up with body changes. Instead of buying new clothes, I will work with what I have and make them enjoyable to wear. I also want to practice making new clothes from scratch (old clothes and fabric).

I want my money to fund experiences and opportunities instead. I want to get more education and move up work-wise, so money would be a huge help for me. I also want to do these things in a better organised space, so buying less will help.

I can't wait to see how my low-buy year will turn out.

*have you considered low-buying? How do you think it will impact your lifestyle?