Things I Only Own One Of: Simplifying Life and Reducing Clutter

We all tend to accumulate things, don’t we? A lot of times, we end up with more than we really need. But there’s something so nice about going the other way and trying to own less. It can make your space feel cleaner, your life simpler, and your mind less stressed. In this blog post, I want to share with you some things I only own one of, and why I made that choice.

In this day and age, it’s super easy to just buy a replacement if something breaks or goes missing. So, there’s not really a need to keep multiples of the same thing ‘just in case.’ The more stuff you have, the more time and energy you need to spend on looking after it all. And let’s not even get started on trying to remember where everything is!

So, are you curious to find out what you can limit to just one? Let’s dive into my list and see if it sparks any ideas for you.

Less is More: The Benefits of Owning Less

Owning fewer items has many benefits, some I have found to include:

Less clutter: Fewer items mean less mess and a more organised home.
Easy to find: If there’s only one, you always know where it is.
Less maintenance: Owning fewer items cuts down on upkeep time.
Simplicity: Fewer choices lead to quicker decisions.
Cost efficiency: One quality item often outlasts multiple cheaper ones.

Things I Only Own One Of

Here are some of the items I choose to own only one of, along with my reasons:

Hairbrush: Having one quality hairbrush makes it easier to keep track of and clean. I always know where it is, and I only have one to clean.
Face moisturiser: Using a single product that suits my skin simplifies lengthy skincare routines and saves both money and space.
Bathing products: Everyone in our household uses the same shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, this reduces clutter and saves money.
Purse and Handbag: Owning just one bag and purse simplifies life, as it eliminates the hassle of transferring items or deciding which bag matches best. Sticking to a neutral palette and having only one of each means there are no decisions to be made, which reduces decision fatigue.
Notebook: Using a single notebook for all my notes keeps me organised. I loosely follow the bullet journal method, which means everything I need to know, remember, or reference is in one place. There’s no need to worry about where I’ve stored something across various notebooks, diaries, or apps – it’s all in my one notebook.
Water bottle: One water bottle, cleaned regularly, is always ready for use.
Blue jeans: One pair of blue jeans can be matched with various tops for a versatile wardrobe. I used to have many pairs in different washes and styles, but found that I always preferred one particular pair. So, I now only keep one pair of well-fitting blue jeans.
Exercise Trainers: I only need one good pair of trainers for my exercise routine. Making exercise a part of my daily routine is something I’m still working on. I only plan on getting a new pair when the current ones are worn out.
Swimsuit: Having one swimsuit means it’s always ready when needed. I always know where to find it, and since swimsuits wash and dry quickly, I feel no need for more than one.
Watch: One versatile watch eliminates the need for matching with outfits.
Winter coat: A high-quality winter coat can last for many winters. As with all my clothing, I stick to a neutral palette, so I don’t have to worry about matching. I simply have one that works for the season and everything in my wardrobe.
Cookware: A single pan set and a frying pan are sufficient for all my cooking needs. Given that our hob has four rings, the maximum number of pans I can use at once is four. Therefore, we only keep one set of three pans and a frying pan. If I need another pan while cooking and none are clean, I would have to wash one.
Kitchen Utensil Set: A single set contains all essential utensils, such as a ladle, potato masher, and fish slice. We only keep one item of each type and have let go of the items in the set that we don’t use.
Pillow: One high-quality pillow ensures a good night’s sleep and reduces bed clutter. While preferences vary, using only one pillow can save on bedding costs and time spent changing and making the bed.
TV: We’ve chosen to have just one TV in our home to meet all our entertainment needs. I know it’s not typical for everyone, but we find it nice to gather together in our living room for family TV time. Plus, we’re not big fans of watching TV in bed, so one is plenty for us!
Buggy: A single buggy has been sufficient for our family. We use it for all trips and terrains. We selected a model that is compact yet comfortable, so it’s easy to use on public transport, in and out of the car, and storing it at home poses no issue.
Travel Bag: All I need for any travel is a single, durable, and spacious bag. A few years ago, I invested in a high-quality backpack/case. It’s carry-on size, waterproof, convertible from backpack straps to wheels, and includes a detachable day bag. This is the only bag I use for traveling. It’s the perfect size for any length of stay, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry or roll. Plus, it eliminates decision-making associated with large luggage sets. I have one bag and that’s the one I use, every time.
Car: One car is enough for all our family. As I’m currently home caring for our daughter, only my husband needs a car for his commute to work. This setup suits us well. Living just outside the city provides us access to a great public transport system. The savings we have from not owning and maintaining a second car affords us more quality family time together and helps us save for the future.

The items I’ve mentioned above simplify my life significantly, primarily by reducing daily decision-making. Owning just one of certain items can dramatically streamline your life. It can also reduce clutter, save money, and even time. While my list may not suit everyone, I encourage you to identify areas in your life where you could benefit from owning less. The objective isn’t deprivation, but creating space for what truly matters. So, evaluate your possessions and determine what you truly need. The freedom gained from owning less may surprise you.

Do you have items in your life that you only own one of? How does this decision simplify your life? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your journey towards minimalism and simplicity 🤍