20+ No-Buy Ways to Update Your Home

Little changes, big impact, and a way to flex our anti-capitalist muscles.

A styled bookcase from the home of Elle O’Neill, from The Little Book of Living Small.

With all the talk of “no buy” challenges lately, I decided to compile a list of my favorite ways to improve a small space without buying a thing (or buying very little). Because even if you don't want to buy things this year, you may still want to make your home more beautiful and functional. Part of the secret to reducing your consumption (and changing your habits) is to find other ways to bring you that same satisfaction of a new purchase. Doing it yourself, making and repairing objects, and sourcing them through alternate means can all bring you a sense of accomplishment that shopping never will.

These suggestions will not bring about an HGTV-style ‘before and after’ transformation, but they will make your space look and feel better. Making small improvements might help you resist the urge to buy that cute little something on your next trip to the store or while scrolling Instagram. And if you’re anything like me, tackling a small project inside my home can be an antidote to the overwhelming anxiety of what’s going on in the world outside.

GIVEAWAY: Feeling grateful for this little community, so I thought I’d do a giveaway to say thanks. My generous pals at Terrain gave me a gorgeous, gauzy, moss-colored throw from Johanna Howard Home when I visited their new shop in Brooklyn, but my apartment overfloweth with throw blankets, so I’m giving it to a member of the Living Small community. Details to enter below.

Now, on to the list:

Make some space

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: Decluttering is the fastest, cheapest way to make your home look more chic. I believe removing things is the most powerful styling tool at a homeowners’ disposal—and it costs nothing. I’ve been on a tear giving things away through my Buy Nothing Group and it brings me so much joy to give things I no longer need to people who will use them.

Plus, decluttering also helps you see your home more clearly. So, before doing anything else on this list, try getting rid of a few things first. You might be surprised to find your home needs less–not more.

Swap up your art around

After a while, you stop really noticing your art. Moving pieces around to new positions can help you reconnect with the pieces you’ve chosen for your home. And if you’re anything like me, you probably have some art that has never been hung–get it up!

Craft a curtain to hide something

I stole this idea from my pal

Rebecca | Your House Machine

. I hemmed a scrap of fabric I had on hand and hung it from a mini curtain rod to hide an unsightly bookshelf. Made a world of difference for $0! If you’re not handy with a needle and thread, this can be accomplished with iron-on hemming tape.

I’ve got more ideas for paid subscribers and the details on how to enter the giveaway at the end! I recently lowered the annual subscription to $48, and I aim for that the content I deliver will help you to save at least $4 each month.