Why I’m Doing a Year of 5: Breaking Free From Overconsumption

Are You Caught in the Trap of “More”? Here’s How to Break Free and Find Clarity

Overconsumption is everywhere—social media, adverts, and influencer culture constantly tell us to buy more. For years, I’ve been limiting my purchases and embracing a more minimalist lifestyle. But even with this conscious effort, I sometimes give in to the temptation of buying things I don’t need.

That’s why, in 2025, I’m embarking on The Year of 5, a minimalist challenge designed to break the cycle of overconsumption and focus on intentional living.

Instead of avoiding all non-essential purchases, I’m giving myself permission to buy just five discretionary items for the entire year. Essentials like socks, underwear, and toiletries don’t count—I’m not here to make life harder than it needs to be. But everything else? It will have to fit into those five carefully chosen items.

This challenge isn’t about deprivation; it’s about living intentionally. It’s about stepping back from the endless cycle of consumption and reconnecting with what truly matters.

Why Minimalism is the Key to Living Intentionally 

At its core, minimalism isn’t about owning less for the sake of it. It’s about creating space in your life for clarity, focus, and purpose by intentionally choosing what you allow into it.

Overconsumption often promises happiness, status, or even confidence, but the reality is far different. The more we own, the more we have to manage, organise, and declutter. Living with less doesn’t just free up physical space; it clears mental clutter too.

Benefits of Minimalism

Here are some of the benefits I’ve experienced by focusing on owning less:

1. Less stress: Fewer possessions mean fewer things to worry about maintaining or losing.
2. More focus: Without the constant noise of “more,” I’m better able to focus on my goals and values.
3. Environmental impact: By consuming less, I reduce my ecological footprint, contributing to meaningful change.

Crushing the Pressure to Always Have Something New

One of the biggest reasons I’m drawn to this challenge is to push back against the societal pressure—especially for women—to constantly buy, own, and display something new.

The Problem With Overconsumption in Today’s Culture

Think about your wardrobe. How many times have you hesitated to re-wear an outfit to an event, worried someone might notice? Or scrolled through Instagram, feeling the urge to shop just to keep up with influencers and trends?

The truth is, we live in a culture that tells us repeating outfits is a faux pas. Women, in particular, are conditioned to feel like they need something new to be worthy, professional, or stylish.

Every time we shop for a new dress for a single event or comment on someone’s outfit with, “I’ve never seen you wear this before,” we reinforce this cycle. It’s time to break free from this narrative.

Decluttering Tips for a Minimalist Wardrobe

One way I’m breaking the cycle is by simplifying my relationship with my clothes. Instead of chasing trends, I focus on appreciating and fully utilising what I already own.

Here’s how you can do the same:

Step 1: Declutter Intentionally

Let go of anything that doesn’t fit, flatter, or spark joy. Be honest with yourself: if you haven’t worn it in a year, you probably won’t. By reducing the number of items in your wardrobe, you’ll gain clarity and make getting dressed a stress-free experience.

Step 2: Create a Style Library 

Every time you wear an outfit that makes you feel confident, snap a quick photo and save it in an album on your phone. Over time, this becomes a personal style guide, helping you reimagine your wardrobe and rediscover forgotten gems.

Step 3: Build a Capsule Wardrobe 

Focus on versatile, timeless pieces that mix and match seamlessly. Quality over quantity is the key to a wardrobe that works for you instead of overwhelming you.
This  👉🏻 article  at Who, What,  Wear has a nice little table of what to include as a starter. 

Conscious Consumerism: How to Escape the Overconsumption Trap 

For many of us, shopping isn’t just a necessity—it’s a habit or even a coping mechanism. We shop when we’re bored, stressed, or trying to fill an emotional void. But no amount of “stuff” will ever fix what’s missing inside.

Signs You Might Be Stuck in the Shopping Trap 

• You often buy on impulse and regret it later.
• Shopping feels like a way to entertain yourself or relieve stress.
• You’ve bought duplicates of items you already own.
• Clicking “Add to Basket” gives you a dopamine rush, but it fades quickly.
• You wonder why your money seems to disappear.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The good news is, there’s a way out.

Breaking Free: Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Here are the questions I now ask myself before buying anything:

1. Why do I want this? Am I stressed, bored, or trying to solve an emotional problem with a material fix?
2. Will it add value? Does this item truly enhance my life, or will it end up as clutter?
3. Do I already own something similar? If the answer is yes, I don’t need it.
4. Will I still love this in a year? If not, it’s probably not worth buying.

Decluttering is About More Than Stuff

What I’ve learned from my experience—and from helping clients simplify their homes—is that decluttering is about so much more than just physical belongings. It’s about creating space:

• Space in your home for peace and order.
• Space in your mind for creativity and focus.
• Space in your life for what truly matters.

Letting go of excess also allows you to let go of guilt, perfectionism, and the weight of “keeping up.”

FAQ: Common Questions About Minimalism and the Year of 5

Q: What if I fail?

Minimalism isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. If you slip up, forgive yourself and refocus on your goals.

Q: Can minimalism really make me happier?

Yes. Studies show that people who live with less experience reduced stress and increased satisfaction because they spend less time managing their belongings and more time on meaningful activities. 

There is a growing body of evidence that Minimalism improves overall wellbeing (such as this 👉🏻  study carried out on millennials )

Q: How do I explain this to friends or family who don’t understand?

Share your “why.” Explain that you’re prioritising clarity, sustainability, and intentional living over material things. Most people will respect your choices when they see the positive impact on your life.

Your Call to Action 

Breaking free from overconsumption and embracing minimalism is about more than just spending less. It’s about living with intention, creating space for what matters, and reducing your impact on the planet.

Are you ready to simplify your wardrobe and start living with less?

👉 Get my Ultimate Wardrobe Organisation Guide to learn step-by-step decluttering tips, create a capsule wardrobe, and transform the way you approach your clothes.

Exclusive Opportunity: Join the Waitlist for the Intentional Home Program (launching in March 25)

Feeling overwhelmed by your home? That’s why I’m creating the Intentional Home Program—to help families create spaces that feel intentional, aligned with their values, and easier to manage.

As a founding member, you’ll receive:
✅ Exclusive early access to the program at a reduced price
✅ Personalised support from me as you go through the course
✅ Bonus resources, including home organisation guides, life admin tips, and strategies for sharing the load

This program will guide you through:

• Simplifying your space with aligned decluttering strategies
• Creating systems that work for your family’s needs
• Designing a home that fosters connection and joy

👉 Click here to join the waitlist and be the first to know when it launches

What’s one step you can take today to create space for what truly matters?