A Low Buy 2026

As we step slowly into 2026 I am thinking more and more about what I want the year ahead to entail. Last year was very much a ‘let-go’ year. I decluttered probably 80% of my personal belongings. I went from being quite a maximalist to a full on minimalist in all areas of my life. Up until 2025 I feel like I’ve been living a fairly minimalist life… but my environment wouldn’t have confirmed this. In all honestly I never used to get rid of anything. Now I wouldn’t go as far as to say I was a hoarder because I wasn’t hoarding anything and everything. I just never let anything go. But, it felt right and I felt ready. I’m honestly annoyed that I didn’t do it earlier because I feel so much better for it now.

As I step slowly into the new year I’ve chosen a word for the years intention which I think defines how I want to live in 2026. The word is ‘Refine’. Because that is what I want to do. I want to refine every aspect of my life. Now that I have removed and let-go of the clutter in my life I feel as though I have room to grow. I feel as though I have the mental and physical space to refine my life into a life that truly feels like me.

I spent most of 2025 in a declutter and ‘let-go’ state. It was cathartic. Letting go of many of my possessions and removing excess items that no longer serve me. Things I was holding on to for no reason other than the fact that it was a porthole to my past. The past me that I wasn’t ready to let-go of. But I should note that this was just personal possessions as I also live with my husband and nine year old son. However, slowly my husband seems to be getting on board with releasing items and downsizing our things so that is something I’ll be working on in the new year with him.

As for my personal goals I really want to attempt a low-buy year. As I continue to refine my life and my belongings (there is still stuff to declutter) I feel like buying less is the next logical next step in my journey. With that comes less pressure to make more money to buy more stuff. Less pressure on looking after things that don’t get used and take up a huge mental load. As I head into my final semester of a four year stint of university and essentially stop bringing in any money (I’ve had a maintenance allowance from the government whilst studying) I really need to focus on not spending. So that is a big motivation but also just because I know I need very little. It’s surprising as I’ve been clearing the clutter how many times I’ve looked at items that I really wanted in that moment and have not looked at or used since I brought it. That instant hit of instant gratification needs to end.

And so I am allowing myself to buy one thing ‘I want’ per month and only spend money on essential things I need in 2026. By that I mean if products that I use run out I can replace them, or if a clothing items wears out and it’s something I rely on as a staple piece I can replace that. But that’s it. The only other things I’ll allow is money towards making memories. Things like holidays or family days out as they are what I want to focus on going forward. Less stuff more memories and experiences.

What are your intentions for 2026? Let me know in the comments.

Until next time,

Charlotte x