Last week, I shared how I’m once again doing the No Buy July challenge, along with this year’s three simple goals. (You can read that post here.)

If you’re new to the idea, this challenge means spending the month only buying what’s truly necessary—and finding creative ways to use what you already have.

One of the most practical (and surprisingly fun) ways to do that? Shop at home.

No, not from QVC or Amazon Prime—I’m talking about shopping from your own closet, pantry, or bathroom cabinet.

Here’s how to “shop at home” in two helpful areas this week:

1. Shop your closet.

This time of year, clearance racks are calling, with summer sales tempting us to pick up “just a couple things.” But before you head to the store, take a fresh look at your own wardrobe.

Challenge:
Spend time in your closet this week and do a quick reorganization.

• Sort clothes by tops and bottoms.
• Set aside anything that no longer fits.
• Pull forward anything you haven’t worn yet this season.
• Create five new outfit combinations from what you already own.
• Hang accessories like bracelets or necklaces with outfits so everything’s ready to wear.

You can also sort by color to see new styling options and identify items that no longer fit your style—perfect for donating or passing on.

2. Inventory Bathroom Storage

Let’s be honest—bathrooms often become the stash zone for half-used products and impulse purchases. It’s time to take inventory.

Challenge:
Take 30 minutes to organize and simplify your bathroom supplies.

• Group items by category: skincare, haircare, makeup, etc.
• Toss expired products (use this expiration guide for reference).
• Combine almost-empty bottles if safe and similar in scent.

For example, I like to pour the last of body wash into a hand soap dispenser—sometimes the results are even better than store-bought scents!

If you’ve stocked up recently, now’s a great time to switch out that old loofa, razor, nail file, or makeup brushes.

Reminder: Don’t run out and buy new bins or baskets! Use what you have: shoe boxes, shipping boxes, or small kitchen containers work just fine.

Bonus Ideas: 2 More Ways to Shop at Home

Here are two additional ideas shared by creative friends who joined the challenge:

No Book Buying Month –
Instead of browsing Amazon, shop your own bookshelves!
Make a new TBR (“to be read”) stack from titles you already own. If you come across books you’ve been avoiding, it may be time to donate or pass them along.

No New Projects Month –
Have half-finished crafts, sewing, or home DIYs?
Dig out those forgotten projects and commit to finishing them using supplies you already have. It’s a great way to rediscover joy in the “already started.”

Make It Easier to Avoid Temptation

Still tempted to click “buy now”?

Try this tip: delete shopping apps from your phone or remove shortcuts from your desktop. Having to log in again gives you time to think and often deters impulse buys.

Next week: 4 easy ways to save hundreds on your food bill.

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Disclosure: Photo courtesy of CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

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