Keeping your home clean and tidy is already a chore—but it shouldn’t be a financial strain, too. As it turns out, there are a few simple ways you might be wasting money around the house without even realizing it. While we could wax poetic about things like making your lunch or clipping coupons, it’s the small things like swapping out lightbulbs, switching to reusable cleaning supplies, and even unplugging items you’re not already using that can make a big difference in your monthly costs—all with minimal effort.
1. Change Lightbulbs
This is quite possibly the easiest trick to save big in the long run. Most older homes run on TK lightbulbs, but it’s fairly easy to switch them out with energy-efficient LED lights. They may cost more to buy, but in the long term, they’ll cut down on electricity costs. As bulbs burn out in your house, make the switch.
2. Buy Concentrates
We started making some of our best-selling products in concentrate form, both because it’s easier on the environment than buying an entirely new product, and also because it’s more budget-friendly if you’re willing to take the extra step in mixing it with water.
3. Cancel Subscriptions
I used to subscribe to half a dozen print magazines only to realize they’d pile up before I even had a chance to read them. I canceled most of them (or reduced the frequency) and now I have less clutter, too.
4. Unplug
Unplug AC units, chargers, and other small appliances that passively suck electricity.
No, I’m not about to convince you to unplug your stove when you’re not using it. But you *can* take note of things like phone and laptop chargers, heat tools, and other appliances that you don’t use all the time and leave them unplugged until you need them. And if your AC is an eco-friendly setting, use it!
5. Invest in Reusable Washcloths
Small changes like replacing your paper towels with a microfiber or cotton cloth can make a real difference not just in your budget but also in your environmental footprint. Swap out as many single-use items in your home as you can: It’ll be more expensive up front, but you’ll end up wasting a lot less money over a year.
6. Get a Water Filter
Instead of wasting money (and resources) on bottled water, invest in a water filter. Most will run you about $150 to start, and water delivery services usually cost about $30 per month depending on where you live. Not only can you fill up without having to worry about running out, but you can use it to make your own coffee at home, too.
7. Grow Your Own Herbs
Growing vegetables and herbs at home can be a great activity for the entire family. Many vegetables like tomatoes, squash, and radishes, are easy to grow in containers, and most herbs are easy to keep alive with some water and sun. A good compact composter is a must!
8. Wash In Cold Water
Unless you have serious stains or odours you're trying to remove, most clothes can wash cold without an issue. Plus, Garment Groom can help with that. (While you’re at it, try lowering the temperature on your water heater—it doesn’t need to be higher than 120 degrees.) You can also install a water heater timer that allows you to program the times when your water heater activates and deactivates during a 24-hour period. It’ll save you tons of money in the long run.
9. Hang Some Soap
Bear with us: Instead of buying expensive citronella sticks or paying to screen-in your porch, keep flies away from any outdoor area by putting a bar of soap in a mesh or nylon bag, then hang it wherever you want to keep flies and rodents away. Most pests, including larger animals like rabbits and deer, hate the smell of strong soap, so this trick should keep your social gatherings and garden pest-free all summer. (If you have an actual infestation, please don’t hesitate to call in the pros.)
Have other ways you like to save? DM us on Instagram and we just might share it!
xx L
