How Being Un-Consumed Leads to Intentional Living and Saves Your Family Budget
When I taught decluttering as a Professional Organizer, one of my most successful workshops was on becoming Un-Consumed. We consume way too much in this life. So much that it eats away at our free time. I’d like to re-introduce that, but on a different scale. Intentional living is going to be our new Consumerism. Who’s with me??
In a world that pushes us to constantly buy more, becoming un-consumed is a radical shift. Everywhere we turn, there’s an ad telling us we need the newest gadget, toy, or convenience to keep our families happy. But is that true? More often than not, consumerism is silently draining our bank accounts, cluttering our homes, and—perhaps worst of all—stealing our creativity.
Take a moment to think about it: How much of what we buy do we actually need? Convenience has a cost, not just financially, but mentally. We grab takeout because it's fast, we buy a plastic storage bin instead of repurposing a basket, and we fill our homes with things to keep up with the latest trends. This endless cycle not only eats away at our budget, but it robs us of the satisfaction that comes with creating and using what we already have.
“It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got”
On the homestead, this becomes even more important. Living intentionally—whether in a small city garden or on a few acres—requires clarity. When you’re bogged down by clutter or constantly reaching for “quick-fixes,” it’s hard to focus on what really matters: growing your food, teaching your kids to work with their hands, finding joy in the simple tasks. Being un-consumed allows you to break free from the noise and truly appreciate the value of what you have.
It’s not about never buying anything extra again. It’s about pausing to ask, “Do I really need this? Can I make do without?” The truth is, we often discover that the most creative and fulfilling solutions come when we challenge ourselves to live with less. By choosing to become un-consumed, we regain control over our budgets, our homes, and our lives. We learn to live creatively, not because we have to, but because it brings a deeper, more grounded sense of satisfaction.
So, as we shift toward a more homestead-driven, intentional life, let’s embrace the freedom that comes from stepping away from mindless consumption. Let’s teach our children to value creativity over convenience and cherish the things that truly matter. Being un-consumed isn’t just about rejecting consumerism—it’s about choosing a life that’s richer, more authentic, and deeply connected to what really counts.