Ladies, let’s be real. We’ve all been there—scrolling through social media, seeing that influencer with her perfectly curated life, and suddenly thinking, “I need that designer handbag, those killer shoes, and that fancy kitchen gadget I’ll probably use once.” Welcome to the world of overconsumption, where one innocent Instagram scroll can send you down a rabbit hole of unnecessary purchases.
But wait—there’s a new trend in town, and it’s here to save us from our own online shopping sprees. Enter underconsumption, the movement that’s flipping the script on our buy-all-the-things mentality. It’s about cutting back, consuming less, and living more intentionally (yes, even if that means fewer impulse buys on Amazon).
What Is Underconsumption, Anyway?
Underconsumption is like minimalism’s cooler, laid-back cousin. It’s not about depriving yourself of everything fun, but about being more mindful of what you really need (hint: it’s probably not another pair of heels you’ll wear once). This trend encourages us to step back from the constant cycle of buying and accumulating, and instead, focus on what truly adds value to our lives—without maxing out our credit cards.
8 Hilariously Simple Ways to Start Underconsuming
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Unfollow the Influencers
- If your favorite influencer is making you feel like your closet is a sad excuse for a wardrobe, it’s time to hit that unfollow button. Out of sight, out of mind—right?
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Shop Your Own Closet
- Remember that dress you bought last year and never wore? Yep, it’s time to rediscover your own wardrobe. Shopping your closet can be just as satisfying as hitting up Zara—minus the buyer’s remorse.
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Start a “Do I Really Need This?” List
- Before making a purchase, ask yourself: Do I really need this? If the answer is no (and let’s be honest, it usually is), walk away and spend your money on something more meaningful—like brunch with friends.
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Declutter Like a Boss
- Channel your inner Marie Kondo and start decluttering. As you toss out items that no longer “spark joy,” you’ll realize just how much unnecessary stuff you’ve been holding onto. Bonus: you’ll have more space for things that actually matter.
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Embrace the Joy of Cooking (More Than Once)
- Sure, that air fryer looks cool, but do you really need another kitchen gadget? Instead, use what you already have and enjoy the simple pleasure of cooking a meal from scratch. Trust us, leftovers are your new best friend.
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Borrow, Don’t Buy
- Need a dress for that wedding? Instead of buying something new, borrow from a friend or rent it online. Sharing is caring—and it’s way easier on your wallet.
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Get Creative with Experiences
- Swap out shopping sprees for experiences that don’t involve your credit card. Go for a hike, have a picnic in the park, or try a DIY project. Memories last longer than that trending top you’ll wear twice.
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Make Social Media Work for You
- If you can’t quit the ‘gram, at least follow accounts that inspire underconsumption. There are plenty of savvy women out there sharing tips on how to live more with less—and you might just find yourself jumping on the bandwagon.