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The Front Porch Blog

Education on all things homeownership

6 Simple Ways to Save Money Around The Home

October 03, 2017 Lifestyle

Whether you are saving for your next big move, a new car, or simply want some extra cash on hand, there are countless ways to save around your home – without altering your lifestyle. Consider these 6 simple steps to start saving today.

1. Cook with a Conscience

Groceries can become a big chunk of monthly expenses. The best way to save in the kitchen is to stay organized and plan ahead. Scan your pantry to see what you have and keep a running grocery list throughout the week, this will keep you from buying items you think you need on the next trip to the grocery store. In addition, cooking in bulk or meal planning can save you time and money. When planning ahead you avoid having to buy food at work or pick up food for the family when no one is in the mood to cook. When making meals in advance you can also use recipes that are compatible with the ingredients you already have, making the most of your pantry.

2. Rethink Household Commodities

People tend to buy the same household commodities such as cleaning supplies, toothpaste or shampoo because if they work, it makes life easier and doesn’t require a second thought. Did you ever think you could get a better deal online or like a similar generic product? There are many online resources, especially those that offer green products, that could offer better deals on the everyday items you use around your home. Search and see! Generic brands also offer lower prices for products that could come close to your current commodities, proving to be better than you’d expect.

3. Unsubscribe from the Unnecessary

Over time, memberships and subscriptions may accumulate and end up costing you for services you don’t even use. Look through your bills and mail to see if there are any services, memberships, subscriptions, or clubs that you forgot you were a part of or don’t use enough to get the benefits. And if you are really trying to cut back, unsubscribe to mailing and emailing promotions to avoid any unnecessary temptations.

4. Cut Back on Energy

Saving energy is great for your wallet and the earth. When doing laundry, use cold water for washing and if the weather permits, air dry your clothes. Make sure you aren’t wasting money by inspecting your utilities at least once a year to make sure they are running efficiently. Your energy bill may fluctuate seasonally, so make sure you are using mother nature to your advantage. In the summer, open the windows in the evening and consider these energy-saving tips. In the colder months, invest in thick blankets or a fire place to decrease heating costs.

5. Use the Power of DIYs

Do-it-yourself projects have become increasingly popular because of their ability to save money and unleash creativity. There is an abundance of DIY projects out there from homemade soaps to home decor. Before you head to the store on your next room redecoration, search online resources for “simple DIY home design projects”. They can offer creative step-by-step ways to repurpose old furniture and transform spaces.

6. Clean Out Clutter

Over the years, your home has the potential to collect some serious clutter. It can be time-consuming, but cleaning out your home can pay off. Try to reserve one day to clean out the closets and places where you tend to store unnecessary items. Your clutter could be another person’s treasure. Sell your old items like clothes, furniture, décor, and collectibles for some extra cash. This will make space for the future and give you the chance to reorganize and transform a room at zero cost.