Minimalism: 10 Desk Items I Don't Buy or Own Anymore

Some of the below-mentioned items might not resonate with you, and it's completely alright to own or buy them. Over 4-5 months, I have realized that I don't use these items to their optimum if I end up buying them and hence have given up on them. Let me know your top picks.

1. Multiple Diaries or Journals.

       

I was personally a hoarder of journals, diaries, and notebooks. I would buy them for their pretty covers or the quote written on the top. I never used them to their potential and have stopped buying them. I still own one which I got gifted, and I make sure that I use it to scribble anything and everything.

2. Stationery items that appeal to you, but you don't need them.

I was obsessed with stationery for the longest time in my life. Forget using them, the satisfaction of owning them pushed me to buy more. I have finally reached my bliss where I don't own anything just for the sake of owning it, and I think de-cluttering this section was the most satisfying yet difficult experience ever.

3. Knick-knacks.

I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it. That's pretty much how I bought knick-knacks. I have gifted so many to people as well, and trust me when I say that they are the most unreasonable gifts ever. You have a sentimental attachment to it but don't have much use for it, so you are always in this confusion of losing it or keeping it.

4. Paper.

We all fall prey on buying them for either printing or scribbling and always end up either leaving them behind or wrapping items in them. I use my notebook if I need paper rather than buying and creating a mess.

 

5. Magazine or Newspaper Subscriptions.

We all have had a subscription at some point in our life. Be it our nostalgia with Tinkle or the bundle of TOI's in the corner of that shelf. But, 'what do we do after reading them?' is a question we never want to address. Let's agree that we are bad at disposal. So, I would rather have a mobile application or read the news on the web.

 

6. DVD, pen-drive, or any external storage.

We have such wonderful cloud-based solutions now that we can easily replace our physical storage devices and the most satisfying part is 'if you don't own them, you won't ever lose them'.

7. Fresh Flowers.

I love flowers; they are instant mood boosters. But, I hate when they dry off, and I have to throw them. I buy plants instead. The satisfaction of watering them, seeing them grow, and flower is blissful. So, the next time you think of buying an expensive sprig of flowers buys a plant instead.

8. Humidifier or Scented candles.

It might be a bummer for a lot of people, but hear me out. I have tried and tested these things, and they are not worth the money you spend on them. You can save a lot if you use essential oils instead. Make your freshener of your own and indulge. Pro-tip - oils last longer and are natural antihistamines.

9. Photo frames.

I feel they are just another knick-knack that you keep because of sentimental values. I love a good picture but is spending your money on frames justified, quite questionable. I love the DIY's on Pinterest instead.

10. Multiple premium subscription.

Like me, if you also have fall prey to multiple subscriptions, its time for a digital declutter. I currently use Amazon Prime and Spotify, and they serve the purpose for me. In case I need to see something on Netflix or any other platform, I ask my friends. It's better to borrow some time, then just buying it.