Borrow, Gift, Repeat: My Favorite Way to Simplify

Why You Should Join Your Local Buy Nothing Group

If you’re not part of your local Buy Nothing group yet, you’re missing out.

This past weekend, I threw a birthday party for one of my kids, who asked for balloons. I found myself scrolling Amazon for an electric balloon pump when it hit me: someone in my Buy Nothing group (which has over 1,000 members!) probably already has one sitting in their garage. I asked—and I received. That’s the magic of Buy Nothing.

What is Buy Nothing?

If you’re unfamiliar with The Buy Nothing Project, it’s a global movement of hyper-local gift economies where neighbors give, receive, share, and lend—no money involved. Learn more here: https://buynothingproject.org/

As a professional organizer, I often recommend Buy Nothing groups to clients—especially when they’re torn between keeping something and letting it go. I’ve been using the group for nearly a decade, and here’s why I love it:

I regularly come across things I still love but no longer need—baby clothes, toys, gifts that don’t quite fit my life anymore. Passing them along to neighbors brings me real joy. People are so appreciative, and when they send pictures of the item being used or tell me how meaningful it is to them, it’s deeply satisfying.

When my mother-in-law moved and had to let go of a house full of beloved possessions, she was hesitant to try Buy Nothing. But after just a few posts and the heartfelt responses she received—people sharing stories like “My mom had this same thing when I was growing up!”—she called me and said, “I had no idea giving things away could feel so good.”

Now let’s talk about “the closet.”

Every home I’ve worked in has the closet: the one where the guilt gifts go. You know the ones—gifts you don’t like, don’t use, and feel too guilty to give away. Here’s my rule of thumb: if Aunt Sally visits often and will notice it missing, maybe keep it. If not, remind yourself—she gave you that gift to bring you joy, not to burden you. If it doesn’t bring joy, let it go. Someone else will love it. Your Buy Nothing group is the perfect place to make someone’s day.

Now, if the item truly holds sentimental value—keep it. No one should pressure you to part with things that mean something to you. But try to find a space to honor it. Even the back of a closet door can be a great place to hang something meaningful but not “living-room-wall” worthy.

It’s not just for giving—it's also for borrowing.

I’ve loaned out all kinds of things through my Buy Nothing group: a suitcase, a vendor tent, a bubble machine. I always make sure not to lend anything I’d be devastated to lose, just in case. That said, I’ve always gotten everything back—just as I’ve returned anything I’ve borrowed. The trust and reciprocity in these communities is refreshing.

Here’s the bigger point: we don’t all need to own every single thing we might use once a year. Let’s be more thoughtful about what we bring into our homes. I’ve even been saved a few times by my Buy Nothing group when it came to last-minute school projects. The community support is real—and it’s powerful.

Do you use Buy Nothing?

I’d love to hear your success stories! Whether you gave something meaningful away or found exactly what you needed at just the right time, share your experience in the comments or send me a message. Let’s inspire each other to consume less and connect more.