You probably heard of the TikTok trend ‘underconsumption core.’ With the rise in rent and the cost of living, we all must try this trend.
As someone with a simple, minimal, and frugal lifestyle, I hope this is more than just a trend; people should embrace underconsumption.
What is the underconsumption core?
Underconsumption core, a new TikTok trend, is not just about reducing unnecessary purchases. It’s about conscious consumption.
By using up products like skincare, makeup, or cleaning supplies before buying new ones, you can make more conscious and beneficial financial decisions that are also better for the environment.
Benefits of underconsumption core
- Save money—Avoiding buying products you do not need will help you save more money. This can help you achieve other financial goals, like paying off debt or increasing your savings.
- More space- Many times people think they need more living space. But if you stop buying more items and remove items you do not need you will see you have enough space.
- Less anxiety- A space full of clutter can make you feel overwhelmed and increase anxiety. A clutter-free home can boost your mood, increase productivity, and promote better sleep.
How to apply underconsumption core
- Declutter
The first step in embracing the underconsumption core is to declutter your home. This process helps you see the items you already have and realize you have more than you need.
Get rid of items you haven’t used in six months or more, clothes that don’t fit, and duplicates. By decluttering, you are creating a clutter-free space.
2. Donate
While decluttering, decide what you will keep and what you will donate. If you have more valuable items, you can try to resell them. Put a date of 30 days, and if they are not sold by then, go ahead and donate them to avoid clutter in your home.
Finding a nonprofit that can pick up items at your front door makes it easier to donate to a more significant cause.
3. Second hand first
When you need to make a purchase, try to purchase second-hand. You can find gently used items in garage sales or thrift stores. Gently used items include clothing, shoes, furniture, decorations, books, and toys.
Purchasing second-hand gives items a second chance and prevents them from ending up in landfills. You will also save money by buying gently used items.
4. Avoid fast fashion
Fast fashion is cheap, trendy, mass-produced clothing that moves quickly to retail stores or online stores like Shein or Temu. To mass-produce, brands will use cheap material, which leads to items being used and tossed away, ending up in landfills.
I was named an expert in a Rent. article. Check out the featured article Underconsumption Core: Redefining Minimalism | Rent. Blog
5. Capsule wardrobe
Creating a capsule wardrobe will help you with the underconsumption core. There are plenty of ways to create a capsule wardrobe. You need to have a few pieces of clothing you love and enjoy wearing, which can be mixed to create different outfits.
One of the best capsule wardrobes to do is Project 333. In this capsule wardrobe, you have 33 favorite pieces, including bottoms, tops, shoes, and accessories. You mix these pieces to create different outfits for three months, usually per season.
6. Minimal makeup and skincare routine
You will need different skincare items depending on your age and skin concerns. Instead of buying multiple items, create a basic skincare routine that works for you and your skin type. My skincare routine currently includes four items for daytime and three for nighttime.
The same goes for makeup. Find your favorites and stick to them, creating a minimal makeup routine.
7. Finish up before purchasing
Take time to declutter makeup, skincare, body care products, and cleaning supplies. Get rid of expired products. Now that you have unexpired items and items you enjoy, do not purchase any new products until you finish the ones you have.
The same goes for cleaning products. Keep the products you use and enjoy, and make sure you finish them up before purchasing more.
8. Eco-friendly products
These products include items that can be reusable and not one-time use—for example, washable dusters and paper towels.
Avoid using plastic straws and plastic water bottles. Brands like Mrs. Meyers also offer eco-friendly cleaning products.
9. One water bottle per family member
We keep one water bottle per family member in the refrigerator so it is ready for us if we need it. Having more than one water bottle will not make you drink more water, and even having an expensive one will not ensure you drink more. This will also avoid clutter and make finding your water bottle easier when you want to drink water.
10. Vehicle
A vehicle can last more than ten years if well taken care of. I recommend sticking with the exact vehicle for as long as possible and saving up for a new one only when needed.
Getting a car loan will come with high interest rates. Even if you make minimum payments, you will owe more than the car’s value.
11. Borrow items
Try to see if you can borrow an item from a family member or friend before purchasing it, especially if you use it once or twice a year.
For example, I do not own a beach bag, so I borrow a beach bag from my daughter for the two times out of the year we go to the beach. You can borrow items like a crock pot, folding tables, a canopy, or an ice chest.
Why you should embrace underconsumption core
Everywhere we look, we see ads telling us to buy this or that, that we need this item to look and feel better, and so on. When are we going to realize that we already have enough? This is the perfect time to try this trend, and chances are that you will enjoy the benefits and have a different mindset when it comes to consuming.
Embracing the underconsumption core can help you achieve your financial goals faster. It can help you value time over money. When you value time over money, you can spend more time with your loved ones. Work fewer hours and maybe start your own business.
Final thoughts
As someone with a minimal, simple lifestyle, I hope this trend helps people change how they consume items. By applying some or all of the tips above, you will make better choices to help keep items out of the landfill.
Comment below and let me know if you will try this trend. If so, check out my related posts to help you save money.
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