I Just Moved and Bought NOTHING From Amazon. Here’s How.
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Hi, I’m Makenna! I’m Commons’ marketing assistant, I’m 22 years old, and I just moved from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, to Burlington, Vermont.
This move took me out of my family’s home and into a small apartment with my partner. Though I lived on my own a couple of years ago, it was a fully furnished studio, and I’m discovering there are a lot of homely accoutrements that do not magically come with a grown-up abode.
I’ve turned to Amazon many a time over the past month. The last thing I wanted was to line Bezos’ pockets — I was just overwhelmed, and it seemed like the easiest option. Each time I filled up my cart, guilt took over and I closed the tab. After the third round of this, and the house feeling emptier still, I made a list.
What did I need so desperately that I couldn’t take a day to look for locally? Reusable cold brew filters, lamps, multi-purpose cleaner, paper towels? Is there as much benefit to zero-waste laundry detergent if you buy it from Amazon?
I made the decision to be conscious, slow, and intentional with my purchases. It helps that Burlington is a college town, and I got here right before move-out, which means one thing: free stuff everywhere! Many of our friends were graduating and giving away bookshelves, lamps, and nightstands.
We already had some old furnishings from our respective houses (a couch, desks, a bed, kitchen cookware, extra storage), so our list of needs wasn't very long. Here's what was on it and where I ended up finding it:
Living Room
Coffee Table
- We found this solid wood coffee table on Facebook Marketplace for $25.
- The closest one I could find on Amazon is $219.99.
- Amount saved: $194.99
Shelf Lamp
- This was left on the street. We just had to buy replacement bulbs for $6.99.
- It sells on Amazon for $99.99.
- Amount saved: $93
Throw Pillow Insert
- For my favorite pillow cover, we needed a 12” x 16” insert. I found the perfect one at a nonprofit thrift store near me, ReSource, for $3.
- Amazon has an insert of the same size for $18.65.
- Amount saved: $15.65
Kitchen
Paper Towels
Though I’m an avid user of linen reusable napkins and cotton dishcloths, some spills just need to be taken care of by something disposable. So, the next best option is paper towels, sans dyes and plastic packaging.
- My local co-op, City Market, sells Caboo's tree-free paper towels at 11.99 for a 3-pack, or $23.98 for 6 for non-members.
- On Amazon, a pack of 6 costs $28.69 (pre-Prime Day)
- Amount saved: $4.71
Oven Mitts
- Kiss The Cook, a family-run small business near me, had the perfect ones for $11.99 each ($23.98/set).
- The same ones are $22.19 each ($44.38/set) on Amazon.
- Amount saved: $20.40
Office
Rag Rug
- Homeport has one location, which has lived on the main street of my town for over 40 years. They have an amazing selection of rugs, and I needed a tiny one for our office. I found one for $39.99.
- Amazon has a very similar one for the same price $39.99.
- Amount saved: $0
Total Savings
Purchasing these home goods at local stores costed me $115.95. If I bought everything from Amazon, I would have spent $451.69. The total amount I saved was $335.74! I truly didn't realize how much I was saving until I made this list, and I'm super proud of myself, honestly.
I live in a fiercely anti-Amazon state, where there is space for artisans and local businesses to thrive. I am speaking from a place of privilege and luck, as I know first-hand that this is not the case everywhere. But, there is more local craft available than you think. Check out your Buy Nothing groups, Facebook Marketplace, and thrift stores! Try hosting a swap night with friends, or ask anyone you know who is moving if they have anything you need.
The way we spend is our power, and using it to support our neighbors instead of billionaires is a wonderful way to put our money where our ethics are.
This month, we're skipping Amazon as a community. Join us on Commons!
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