Many of us have fallen into the trap of purchasing items that seem necessary or desirable but ultimately serve no real purpose in our daily lives. Chiana Dickson, a writer who struggled with clutter, realized that much of her shopping was driven by “performative purchasing”—buying things to signal success, style, or comfort to others rather than to fulfill a genuine need. To regain control over her home and finances, she identified three specific categories of items she needed to stop buying. By cutting out these performative purchases, she was able to reduce clutter and create a more functional living space.
The first category Dickson decided to eliminate was expensive clothing that she justified as “investment pieces.” While high-quality garments made from natural fibers are often worth the cost, Dickson found herself buying them not out of necessity, but under the influence of social pressure and brand prestige. She realized that many of these expensive items were purchased solely for their logos or because they signaled a certain level of financial security. “What else screams ‘I’m secure’ more than good tailoring or a well-known brand stitched onto a blouse?” she noted. Unfortunately, these delicate items often required expensive dry cleaning and were stressful to wear because she was terrified of damaging them. Instead of simplifying her life, they added a layer of maintenance and anxiety.
To combat this, Dickson decided to buy less and focus on utility. She turned to expert advice to reinforce this new mindset. Diana Moll, a professional organizer and founder of D’s Declutrr, suggests a practical litmus test for potential purchases. “Before buying something new, ask: Would I use this on a regular Tuesday? Does it make my life easier – or just look good? Your home isn’t a performance. It’s a support system,” Moll advises. This shift in perspective helps consumers distinguish between items that actually serve them and those that merely act as props in a curated lifestyle. Moll adds, “And when we choose function with beauty, not image alone, life gets noticeably lighter. If something adds hesitation, stress, or extra steps to your routine, it isn’t comfort, it’s work.”
The second category of items to avoid is decorative objects that serve no functional purpose, often referred to as “tchotchkes.” These include coffee table books that no one reads, abstract figurines, and trendy decor pieces that exist solely to fill space. Dickson realized that these items were the definition of performative clutter. The logic behind such purchases is often that if you have the money and space to display useless objects, you must be doing well in life. However, this mindset leads to a home filled with visual noise rather than peace.
Diana Moll explains that this urge to fill our homes with decor is often driven by external influences. “Performative clutter thrives on external pressure. Social media, trends, and ‘upgrade culture’ quietly tell us what our homes should look like and what success should feel like,” says Moll. When we succumb to this pressure, we stop trusting our own instincts and end up with homes that look “correct” by internet standards but feel cluttered and impersonal to live in. Moll emphasizes that we don’t have to choose between beauty and function. “Function doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty. A home can be both visually appealing and easy to live in. True comfort comes from spaces that support your routines, flow naturally, and don’t require constant managing while still reflecting your style,” she notes.
The third and final category is “cozy” items that are actually anything but comfortable. For Dickson, this manifested in an obsession with throw blankets. She found herself replacing a beloved, functional fleece blanket—which was warm and durable but not particularly stylish—with expensive, 100% wool throws that matched her color scheme perfectly. The problem was that the new, aesthetic blankets were often scratchy, difficult to clean, or too delicate for everyday use. She had sacrificed actual comfort for the appearance of comfort.
Cathy Orr, a professional organizer and co-founder of The Uncluttered Life, supports the idea that a home should prioritize living over looking perfect. “Homes are to be lived in, not showcases. They are there to support our families and our lives, no matter what they look like to others. As long as a home is clean, decluttered, and organized, any items can fit into the decorating scheme,” Orr states. This advice encourages people to keep the items that truly make them feel good, regardless of whether they fit a specific design trend.
Beyond the specific advice from Dickson and the experts, it is helpful to understand the broader context of consumer behavior that drives these habits. “Performative consumption” is a sociological concept referring to the practice of purchasing goods or services to signal one’s social status, identity, or values to others. In the age of social media, this has accelerated, as our private domestic spaces are increasingly documented and shared publicly. This can lead to a phenomenon known as the “curated self,” where individuals feel pressure to align their physical reality with an idealized online persona. This often results in financial strain and psychological stress, as the maintenance of this image requires constant expenditure and effort.
Furthermore, the shift towards “minimalism” and “intentional living” is a direct counter-movement to this trend. Minimalism is not just about owning fewer than 100 items or having white walls; it is fundamentally about removing the distraction of excess possessions to focus on what matters most. By adopting a more intentional approach to shopping, consumers can save significant amounts of money. For example, the average American spends thousands of dollars annually on non-essential items, a figure that has risen with the ease of one-click online shopping. Reclaiming agency over these decisions is not only good for your wallet but also for your mental well-being, reducing the “decision fatigue” associated with managing a house full of stuff.
If you have realized that you own items that are more for show than for use, share your experiences and tell us what you plan to stop buying in the comments.
