If you’d like to live frugally, making a list of the items you can do without is important. You may spend a lot of money on unnecessary things that are wants instead of needs. If you start cutting back on those expenses, you’ll end up with more cash in your pockets. As a result, you’ll have an easier time building a hefty savings account that can come in handy on a rainy day.
1. Cable Television
No matter what shows you like to watch on television, you can do without the cable. If you cut the cord, you’ll find plenty of affordable alternatives. Use these alternatives to watch the shows you’d typically watch, and you’ll quickly save hundreds of dollars each year.
2. Hotel Toiletries
Sure, it might seem like a good idea to save hotel toiletries, but what are the odds that you’ll use them? Those tiny bottles of shampoo and conditioner may sit around and collect dust inside the home. If you have many hotel toiletries you’re not using, consider donating them to local shelters to help others in need.
3. Costly Perfumes
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to smell good. Instead of buying expensive perfumes, you can purchase body mists, and body sprays from department stores. You can check out the scents and grab a few bottles when they’re on sale. Why bother paying hundreds of dollars for a single bottle of perfume when you can get several body sprays at a much lower cost?
4. Expensive Spa Services
A trip to the spa is therapeutic and relaxing, but it’s not essential. You can always do some at-home spa services, including putting on a face mask, soaking your feet, and giving yourself a pedicure. While you’re the one doing the work, you’ll feel refreshed and save money by doing these things at home.
Check Out: Free Self-Care Ideas
5. Name Brand Clothes
The brand of clothing you decide to wear isn’t important. Most people only wear name-brand clothing because they want to impress others. If you couldn’t care less, buy affordable clothes that are comfortable and make you feel good. You won’t regret the decision to do so.
6. Gym Membership
Even if you’re trying to lose weight, you can skip the gym membership. Working out at home is free and fun. You can do aerobic exercises, dance around, or even go jogging in your neighborhood to burn calories. You don’t need costly equipment or a membership to access that equipment to get in shape.
7. Clothes Dryer
While having a dryer for clothes is convenient, you don’t need it. If you’re not in a rush to get your clothes to dry, you can hang them on a clothesline. It’s even better to hang them outside when the weather is nice. You’ll have clean clothes with such a fresh scent.
See: How to Line Dry Like a Boss
8. The Most Expensive Smartphone
Some people rush out to buy the latest and great smartphone, but it’s not a necessity. If you have a reliable smartphone that takes good pictures and has plenty of storage space, keep it. The price of those latest smartphones will eventually drop.
9. Costly Cleaning Products
Never spend too much money on cleaning products for the home. You can make an effective cleaning solution using vinegar, dish soap, and hot water. While there is nothing wrong with buying a few different cleaning products, don’t get tricked into feeling like you need those name-brand products.
- DIY Lavender and Lemon Cleaner
- 10 Ways to Use Castile Soap
- Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Homemade Jewelry Cleaner Recipe
10. Expensive Mattress
Buying a mattress was once frustrating for shoppers. Most mattress stores sell these mattresses for thousands of dollars. However, you can go on Amazon and find a comfortable, spacious mattress for a much lower price. You’ll save big time on an essential item for your bedroom.
11. Acrylic Nails
Don’t waste your money on artificial acrylic nails. Instead, invest in a gel manicure set. Once you have the set, you can paint your nails and cure the polish. The gel manicure will last weeks, and you won’t have to worry about paying anyone else to do your nails for you.
12. Dishwasher
Washing your dishes by hand isn’t the worst thing in life. You’ll save money by soaking them in a basin full of water with a soapy sponge or rag.
See: How to Knit a Dishcloth for Beginners
13. Expensive Vacations
You deserve to go on vacation and have a good time. However, you can do without the most expensive vacations. While traveling around the world may seem ideal, you can save money by checking out some areas closer to home. If you need to go on a getaway, try to choose an all-inclusive resort that offers affordable pricing on some great amenities.
14. New Car
Why deal with a car note? Instead of buying a new car that depreciates as soon as you drive it out of the dealership lot, buy a used vehicle. You can find high-quality used vehicles in excellent condition.
15. Desktop Computer
You don’t need a desktop computer. If you have a laptop, you can do all the same things on it. Most importantly, you can travel with your laptop, something you can’t do with a bulky desktop computer.
16. Designer Handbag
A designer handbag isn’t a necessity. You can find beautiful handbags that will hold all your items without costing you a small fortune. Target has a ton of affordable, high-quality bags available for those who love to carry these bags.
17. Trip to the Hair Salon
Going to the hair salon is something you can do without. You can keep it natural or do your hair at home with high-quality coloring products sold at different stores, such as Sally Beauty. If you need to go to the salon for a haircut or something else of importance, consider checking Groupon to get a deal on the service.
18. Costly Skin Care Products
Don’t get suckered into spending hundreds of dollars on skincare products and other gimmicks. All you need is a facial cleanser, moisturizer, and toner. If you have the essentials, you can keep your skin clear.
See: DIY Tallow Balm for Face and Body
19. Jewelry
Although it’s nice to have, jewelry is something you can do without. If you have pieces that you’re not currently wearing, consider pawning them or selling them directly to others to get extra cash.
20. Junk Food
You don’t need junk food. While it’s tempting to eat, it’s not good for you. It’ll cost you more money and contribute to weight gain. Save your money and stay healthy by avoiding junk food as much as possible.
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21. Landline Phone
Landline phones are becoming a thing of the past. If you have a smartphone, you don’t need it, and you can do without it.
22. Household Decor
Decorating the home is a good thing to do because you want it to have a welcoming, comforting vibe. However, you can do without those expensive pieces of art that some people like to hang up on the walls of their homes.
23. Fast Food
Like junk food, fast food is something you don’t need. Sure, it’s convenient to grab and go when you’re in a rush, but it’s not healthy. It’s also going to cost you hundreds of dollars each month if you get it a lot.
Make Your Own at Home
- Copycat In N Out Burger Recipe
- Pizookie Recipe for Your Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (Chick Fil A Copycat)
- Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
- Homemade Pop Tarts Recipe
24. Fabric Softener
You don’t need to use fabric softener when you’re doing laundry. While it smells good, it costs extra money and contains additional chemicals. Skip the traditional fabric softener and use vinegar as a replacement. It works just as well, and it won’t leave your clothes smelling bad.
Make your own at home: Homemade Fabric Softener
25. Dryer Sheets
You don’t need dryer sheets, even if you think you do, to keep your clothes wrinkle-free. Instead, make or buy some dryer balls that you can constantly reuse. You’ll save more of your money when you skip the traditional dryer sheets.
Make Your Own: DIY Wool Dryer Balls
26. Gift Wrap
Stop buying gift wrap. You can easily and quickly wrap presents with the comics section of the newspaper. Save all the comics and store them for when you might need to wrap something special.
27. Pet Clothing
Pets look cute when they’re wearing clothes, but the clothes aren’t an essential expense. Your pets might not even like wearing the clothes.
28. Car Air Fresheners
If you want your car to smell good all the time, you might buy lots of air fresheners. You don’t need them! Roll the windows down and go for a drive to let the fresh air into the vehicle. It’ll start smelling better in no time.
29. Cigarettes
You don’t need cigarettes. Not only are they expensive, but they’re also terrible for you. It’s a good time to quit smoking!
30. Inflatable Pool
An inflatable pool might seem like a good investment now, but these pools tend to break easily. If you don’t want to constantly deal with slow leaks and problems, avoid buying an inflatable pool.
These are 30 items you absolutely can do without. If you’d like to start saving more money, these are the items you truly don’t need.
What would you add to the list of items you can do without for saving money and getting rid of clutter? Tell me in the comments!