For some of us, money is a little tighter than usual due to coronavirus-related financial changes. It seems like everyone has an opinion about how you can save a quick buck, and most fall into one of two categories: the obvious or the low returns. So how do you find ways to save that can actually improve your quality of life and don’t make you feel like you’re sacrificing? We have found three easy replacements for common household expenditures.
Get into Gardening
There’s something so satisfying about growing your own food, and herbs can be expensive! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need much space to grow your own food. Obviously, it depends on what you would like to grow, but indoor gardening can eliminate your need to buy herbs and smaller produce! Yes, there is an initial investment for the supplies (seeds, tools, etc.), but certain plants like chives, garlic, green onions, and basil thrive in a home environment. For items you can’t grow, consider buying the generic (off-brand) items.
Growing your household staples cuts down on your monthly visits to the grocery store, which we’re all trying to reduce right now. Check out HGTV’s helpful tips for starting your own herb garden: HGTV.com
Reduce Your Energy Consumption
Dads are notorious sticklers about the thermostat, and maybe it’s time we took a note out of their book. Springtime brings some of the loveliest weather, why not take advantage and open your windows instead of relying on your AC or heater? Keeping your shades and curtains open allows sunshine to warm your house, and anything dark colored like pillows, walls, and flooring will retain that heat for a good while.
Turn off your appliances when you’re not using them. Fans, coffee machines, and computers are all electronics that consume energy if left plugged in. Energysage.com states that about 75% of the energy used to power household electronics is consumed while they are switched off!
Try Your Hand at DIY
The Shelter-In-Place orders have given everyone more time at home, meaning either you find a project to stay busy or you go insane. Before you shell out cash to pay for that new backsplash, think about doing it yourself! Most of the time the cost of materials and a quick Google search will save you a ton of money. Now, if you’re not particularly well-versed in construction or design projects, start small! Dye some white pillows for a new living room look or find a purpose for those empty mason jars collecting dust.
For the more adventurous, check out these DIY furniture ideas from the Rouge Engineer: Rougeengineer.com
Covid-19 has impacted everyone, and these tips serve to cut back on unnecessary expenses and alleviate quarantine boredom that is driving us all mad. The nicest part about these activities is that you can do them with your family and make fond memories to look back on.