When you find something you want but already own an item that does the same job, do you buy it or leave it?

I first check if it improves my life, then swap the existing one. This way keeps my space (both physical and mental) minimal whilst improving my life with fresh approaches.
I make sure I’m not just accumulating things and forgetting their original purpose.

Here are 5 special swaps that have worked wonders, and I haven’t looked back since.

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SWAP 1: From Various Ear Muffs to One Best Pair

In London, construction is the norm, and it’s not always the quietest neighbourhood. Many beautiful historical buildings have no soundproofing or insulation unless you’re rich enough to afford proper renovations.

I had a variety of earmuffs and plugs to survive noise distractions, and after trying many options, I finally found the best earplugs that work wonders and fit snugly.

So I ditched all the other options I had, and kept ONE. I’m more content than ever.
Peace and quiet at last, maintaining wellbeing and productivity.

SWAP 2: From Organic To Conventional (With A Simple Tip)

To handle the cost of living in the UK, I switched my meals from mostly organic produce to more conventional options.

It ended up cutting my grocery budget nearly in half!

How to remove pesticides at home:

Food-grade bicarbonate of soda is the most effective way to remove pesticides.

1. Wash veggies first.
2. In a bowl, mix warm water with baking soda.
3. After soaking the washed veggies for 10 minutes, rinse them thoroughly.

SWAP 3: From Ordinary Pot to Heat-Retaining Pot

I used the same pot for 10 years, and it was a good pot, but then I found a pot with remarkable heat-retaining technology. Since I live alone and rarely have guests, I only need one pot, so I decided to swap.
The new pot holds heat well enough to keep cooking without extra heat.

Extreme Minimalist Meal Prep Recipe:

1. Leave it for 30 minutes (meanwhile, you can leave the kitchen to get other things done).
2. Add rice, beans and veggies all in one pot.
3. Once it lightly boils, turn it off and add some protein, like an egg.

A healthy, fluffy one-pot meal is ready, cooked with low heat whilst I’m out of the kitchen. This saves time and cuts bills!
This cooking method is also non-stick, which saves washing-up time.

SWAP 4: From Salon Hair Colour to Henna Colour

I no longer spend over £100 at salons for colour and treatments since I switched to henna colouring at home.

It’s natural, so I don’t have to worry about chemical smells or skin irritations. Henna also has hair treatment benefits.

How to dye your hair naturally:

1. Apply shea butter around the edge of the face to prevent staining.
2. Warm up water (before it boils) and mix henna powder well with hot water to make a Greek yoghurt consistency.
3. Apply from the roots of the hair to the ends.
4. Cover with cling film or a shower cap and towel, then leave for 2-3 hours (longer gets more colour).
5. Wash off with warm water and conditioner. The colour naturally builds up over time.

SWAP 5: From Bulky Hangers to Lightweight Stackable Hangers

Organisers are supposed to save space, but sometimes they just take over. I had several oversized hangers that were far larger than what they were holding, like small scarves.

I swapped chunky hangers for lightweight, slim, stackable ones.
It’s a small change, but it has made my wardrobe feel neater, and the improved ventilation means I’m less worried about pests lurking around.

Why These Swaps Work

My goal is to keep my routine simple and satisfying. And the minimalist style naturally comes along with it.

Each of these swaps has made my daily life easier whilst also saving money.

The beauty of swapping is that…

you’re not depriving yourself, but you’re simply choosing better options that serve you well.

If you come across a situation where you wonder what to do with something you want but already have, consider swapping instead of adding.

Try one swap at a time and see how it works for you.

Small changes can make a big difference over time.

See these swaps in real-life action, including bonus swaps: Top Tiny Changes That Made My Life Easier | Minimalist Swaps That Save Time and Money

Step-by-step demonstrations and real-life minimalism make these changes effortless to implement.