If your TikTok feed looks anything like ours, you’ve probably stumbled across an underconsumption core video. Influencers have taken to social media to share ways they reduce overconsumption in their homes, wardrobes, and lifestyles. With underconsumption core videos gaining more than 2.5 million views, we are prompted to reflect on how we spend our money and utilize the products we already own. The core TikToks on underconsumption range from minimalist home design to donating old items around the house. While the videos and ideas vary, they all center on being intentional and mindful with the products you already own, rather than buying more. Many videos (like this one from Sophie Hinn, which has over 4.5 million views) talk about purchasing items secondhand and repurposing items you already own. In her TikTok, Jessica Clifton shares that practicing underconsumption helps her live a more sustainable and intentional life, focusing on creating rather than consuming. Credit: Werner Straube
The rise of the “underconsumption core” movement on platforms like TikTok signals a growing desire for a more deliberate relationship with our belongings. This isn’t about deprivation; rather, it’s a conscious shift towards valuing what we have, extending the life of our possessions, and finding contentment in less. This approach isn’t a fleeting trend; it reflects a deeper yearning for a more sustainable and meaningful existence. The core principle of underconsumption at home revolves around evaluating our needs versus wants, fostering appreciation for existing items, and making thoughtful purchasing decisions. This translates to a home that feels less cluttered, more intentional, and ultimately, more peaceful. If you want to make shifts toward underconsumption while still having a home that represents your style, keep reading to learn some simple ways to reduce clutter and mindfully decorate your space.
1. Declutter and Take Stock
According to a TikTok by Raisa Reyes, a core influencer of underconsumption, one of the first steps to practicing underconsumption at home is to declutter and take stock of what you already have. Reyes suggests organizing like items together in groups. “The function of this is that you’re constantly taking stock of what you own in that category, and you can see where you have duplicates. You can see what you need, what you don’t need,” Reyes says in a TikTok. The next time you feel the urge to declutter and clean out your closet or garage, consider organizing by groups and decluttering where you have duplicates or don’t use a product frequently. Use the same principle when decluttering home and holiday decor. This initial step provides a clear overview of your current possessions, making it easier to identify areas where you can reduce and repurpose.
2. Decorate Slowly
Underconsumption core influencers like Shelby Orme on TikTok say one way to practice underconsumption in your home is to decorate slowly. Slow decorating means taking the time to evaluate your space and needs before making any purchases. While it may be tempting to quickly fill an empty wall with trendy prints and shelves, waiting to purchase certain pieces to make sure they fit your style and needs will save you time and money in the long run. One way to actively practice slow decorating is to set a time limit for shopping. For example, if you find an art print or side table you like online, put the item in your cart, but don’t automatically purchase it. Wait for at least seven days (or longer—the timeframe is up to you) before purchasing the item to ensure you still want it, and it wasn’t just an impulse buy. This mindful approach prevents the accumulation of items that don’t truly enhance your living space or align with your personal aesthetic.
3. Invest in Quality Pieces
Once you decide to purchase a piece for your home, whether that be furniture or decor, it’s essential to invest in quality pieces that will last for years. One way to ensure you’re investing in quality pieces is by purchasing furniture made from real wood, rather than particle or fiberboard. If a piece is made from solid wood, it will be more durable, long-lasting, and can be easily painted and transformed. Another way to ensure you’re investing in quality furniture and decor pieces is to consider whether it has multiple uses and forms. For example, a solid wood hutch could be used to hold kitchen supplies, display and store china, serve as decor, or be converted into a coffee bar. A wood credenza can serve as a TV stand, sideboard, or dining room buffet. If a piece of furniture has options and many uses, you’ll be more likely to use it in the future (and in different homes) compared to a piece that serves only one purpose. If a piece serves only one purpose, such as a chair or a couch, use the slow decorating rule to determine if you truly need or want that specific piece.
4. Implement a One In, One Out Rule
Another idea to consider if you want to practice underconsumption at home is the ‘one in, one out’ principle. This simple yet effective rule encourages you to get rid of something when you acquire something new. It’s a proactive way to prevent clutter from accumulating. For instance, if you buy a new sweater, consider donating an old one. If you purchase a new book, donate a book you’ve already read. This principle doesn’t necessarily mean getting rid of cherished items; it encourages a continuous evaluation of your belongings and a conscious effort to maintain a manageable quantity. This practice helps maintain a consistent quantity of items in your home without requiring drastic decluttering sessions.
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5. Embrace Repurposing and Upcycling
Before reaching for something new, consider the potential of repurposing or upcycling existing items. A vintage suitcase can become a side table, an old ladder can be transformed into a bookshelf, and fabric scraps can be used for crafting projects. Repurposing breathes new life into forgotten objects, reducing the need to purchase new ones and adding a unique, personal touch to your home. This approach not only minimizes consumption but also fosters creativity and resourcefulness. Websites like Pinterest and Etsy are brimming with inspiring ideas for repurposing various household items.
6. Decorate with Plants
Decorating your space with plants is one of the easiest ways you can practice underconsumption while still having a stylish home. Plants add life, color, and a sense of tranquility to any room. They require minimal upkeep and can significantly improve air quality. Unlike many decorative items that eventually become clutter, plants offer ongoing beauty and benefit. Plus, propagating plants allows you to create new additions without any additional purchase. This aligns perfectly with the principles of underconsumption at home, offering a sustainable and visually appealing way to enhance your living space.
7. Mindful Purchasing Decisions
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of embracing underconsumption is cultivating mindful purchasing decisions. Before making any purchase, ask yourself: Do I truly need this? Will it add value to my life? Do I already own something similar? Often, the urge to buy is driven by impulse or fleeting trends. Taking a moment to pause and reflect on your motivations can prevent unnecessary acquisitions. Consider the long-term cost of an item, not just the initial price. A higher-quality, more durable item might cost more upfront but will ultimately save you money in the long run. This deliberate approach ensures that every item in your home has a purpose and contributes positively to your life.
Ultimately, underconsumption at home is about shifting our focus from quantity to quality, from acquiring to appreciating. It’s a journey of conscious living that fosters a more intentional and fulfilling relationship with our belongings. By embracing these seven ways, you can cultivate a home that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also reflects a more sustainable and meaningful lifestyle.
