It's Time to Make a Do-Not-Buy List

Summer Life Edit Challenge Week Two

Welcome to The Summer Life Edit Challenge, an 8-week series from The Life Edit! Each week, I’ll share a simple prompt or quick win designed to help you live with more clarity, ease, and spaciousness this season.

Last week was school graduation (I now have two kids in high school!) and we're starting to find our rhythm with a new kind of summer schedule. Last week I wrote about creating a simple, intentional summer bucket list, and this week I thought I'd share a prompt to help curb clutter before it hits your front door.

This post was inspired by a reader who requested more tips on curbing consumption vs. decluttering once we have already over-consumed. SO on board with this!

Challenge Two: Make a Do-Not-Buy List 🚫

The idea: The most powerful purchases are the ones you don't make. Create a running list of items you either already have plenty of or simply don't need or want in your home. Think of it as your personal shopping guardrail.

Why it works: Having a visual reminder helps you pause before impulse purchases and stay aligned with your actual needs (not marketing messages telling you what you "should" want).

Here's what's on my current do-not-buy list:

• Plastic food wrap

• Ziplock bags

• Food storage containers (all good here)

• Camping or overnight gear (we rent or borrow)

• More sunscreen (we have enough - why is this a panic buy?)

• Electronics (don't want or need anything beyond my phone, airpods, and laptop)

• Sun hats (my girls simply don't wear them and I already have two I love)

• Wine (I barely drink and Jordan has a stash in the basement)

• Panic purchases from Amazon (I cancelled Prime!)

• Office supplies of any kind (just don't use or need them)

• Travel-sized toiletries (I refill my reusable capsules)

• Travel souvenirs

• Candles (must use what I have first!)

• More vintage jeans and white blouses (this may be impossible for me but putting it out there)

Your Turn

Step 1: Take 5 minutes to jot down your own list. Consider:

• Which purchases are driven by guilt, boredom, or social pressure?

• What do you buy repeatedly but never actually use?

• What purchases do you regret from the past year?

• What do you buy out of habit rather than need?

• What do you want to use up before you consume more?

• Tip: consider common clutter culprits like toiletries, water bottles, candles, gift wrap, tea, craft and office supplies.

Step 2: Make it visible! Post it on your refrigerator, save it as your phone wallpaper, or tape it inside your wallet. The key is putting it somewhere you'll actually see it when tempted to buy.

Bonus tip: Review and update your list monthly. Your needs change, and so should your boundaries. You can also use this as a values-clarification exercise or conversation starter with a partner or spouse.

Guaranteed this will save you money and help you consume more intentionally this summer.

💬 READER PROMPT: What's the one thing you really want to stop consuming this season? Share in the comments - I'd love to hear what made your list!

Let's Make a Summer Bucket List

P.S. My new book LifeStyled is packed with practical tools and inspiration to help you streamline your space, schedule, and mindset all year long.

San Francisco Event: Thu 6/12, 5pm - Liberty Road Salon Series: Join us for a panel discussion, light bites and bubbly. Tickets Here.

Watching: Mike Birbiglia's new Netflix special The Good Life - a deeply personal, sweet, and poignant exploration of fatherhood and family.

Making: Watermelon popsicles! Recipe here. 🍉

Fewer, Better Finds: this very cute popsicle mold, the sweetest letterpress thank you cards, these outdoor serving essentials (plant-based, not plastic!).

Work With Me 1:1: No-fluff strategy and support to help you tackle your large and small goals. Get support here

Get Organized Master Class: Learn how to edit, organize, and elevate your home like a pro. To the course

Curated Product Recs: My fewer better faves for your home, life, and wardrobe. To the recs

Get the Books: Actionable strategies to clear clutter, get organized, & elevate your home and life. To the books

Order LifeStyled now from your favorite bookshop! bookshop | target | amazon | barnes and noble | signed copies - now available in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand