As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, I have come to realize that I have accumulated a lot of stuff that I never actually use or need. And this year, I have decided to take a step back and reevaluate my shopping habits. I want to focus on mindful consumption and not just blindly buying things because they are on sale or because everyone else has it. So, without further ado, here’s my anti-haul list for 2023.
Special Occasion Wear
Let’s start with the most obvious category – special occasion wear. Every year, I would go all out and buy a new dress for every vacation, dinner date, wedding, baby shower, or any other formal event. But do I really need a new dress every time I have a party to attend? I don’t think so. And truth be told, I would only wear it once and then it would sit in my closet collecting dust. It’s not just a waste of money, but also a waste of resources. Besides, I have a few dresses that I love, and they always make me feel confident and beautiful. So, instead of buying a new dress every time I have an event, I’ll just wear one of my favorites. This year, I am vowing to wear what I already own, or if I absolutely need something new, to opt for a versatile piece that I can wear multiple times. Plus, this will save me money and reduce my carbon footprint. Win-win, right?
Makeup
The next category on my list is makeup. I have to admit, I have a slight obsession with makeup. I loved trying out new products, experimenting with different looks, and feeling confident in my appearance. But as I’ve gotten older and become more mindful of my spending habits, I’ve come to realize that there’s a limit to how much makeup I actually need.
Plus, let’s be honest, applying makeup is a real hassle. It’s like a never-ending cycle of priming, concealer, foundation, powder, bronzer, highlight, and don’t even get me started on eyeliner. It takes me longer to put on my makeup than it does to actually get dressed in the morning. With less products and only the essentials I would be saving time applying my makeup.
This year, I want to focus on using up what I already have and not buying anything new unless it’s a replacement for something I have run out of. I have a few favorite brands and products that I love, and I’ll stick with those. I won’t be buying any new makeup products this year, unless I run out of something that I use regularly.
Neutral Handbags
As a woman who loves fashion, I have always been drawn to handbags. I have come to realize that buying neutral handbags in 2023 just isn’t for me anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I love the simplicity and versatility of neutral handbags. They go with everything and are perfect for any occasion.
But I would like to start expressing my personality through my accessories. Neutral handbags may seem like a safe choice, but they don’t allow me to showcase my individuality. I prefer to have bags in bold colors or unique patterns that reflect my mood or outfit. Neutral handbags may blend in with my outfit, but they don’t make a statement.
Another reason is that I am already overwhelmed by my collection of neutral bags. I have too many black, brown and beige bags that I barely use, and adding more neutral bags to my collection would not make a significant difference. Instead, I would rather invest in a colorful or patterned bag that I would use more often and enjoy carrying.
Journals and Notebooks
As a writer and avid journal keeper, I have a serious love affair with journals and notebooks, and have accumulated countless journals and notebooks over time. However, I don’t need a new journal or notebook every time I see one that I like.I’m putting a stop to my hoarding and only buying what I actually need.
Here are some reasons as to why just adding another journal to my collection isn’t feasible:
1.Environmental impact – The paper industry is one of the largest contributors to deforestation, and I want to do my part in reducing my carbon footprint.
2.Digital age – With the advancement of technology, I can now easily store and organize my ideas and thoughts on my phone or computer. I no longer need to rely on physical journals to keep track of my musings.
3.Unused pages – I have far too many journals and notebooks with unused pages, gathering dust on my shelves. This realization made me realize that I don’t need to constantly buy new journals and notebooks in order to keep writing.
4.Expense – Let’s be real, journals and notebooks can be quite expensive, especially if you’re drawn to fancy, high-quality ones. I don’t want to waste my hard-earned money on something that I may not even use.
I am now using digital alternatives for my journaling and note-taking needs, which not only reduces my carbon footprint but also saves me money and space. I have found that there are many great apps that offer features similar to physical journals, and I can easily access my notes and thoughts from anywhere.
Overconsumption
So there you have it, folks. My list of things I won’t be buying in 2023. I won’t be buying into the culture of overconsumption this year. Instead, I’ll be focusing on buying things that I really need and that will bring me joy. I know it may seem like a small change, but I believe it will make a big impact in my life. This anti-haul list is not just about what I won’t be buying, but it’s also about being mindful and intentional with my purchases. I hope this list inspires you to reflect on your own shopping habits and make a change for the better. Let’s make 2023 the year of less consumption and more meaningful spending.
What about you? What are some things you won’t be buying in 2023? Let us know in the comments below!
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