If you feel overwhelmed by the never-ending list of chores at home or are worried about your finances, help is at hand. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and we think that these 25 genius life hacks can help you save money and time and rid yourself of stress:
DIY Cleaning Solutions
Store-bought cleaners may claim to work their magic in your home, but they can be expensive. You can use vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to make effective cleaning solutions to save money. Mix 1 part baking soda, 2 parts vinegar, 1 part lemon juice, and 2 cups of hot water in a spray bottle and shake well. You can use your solution as you would your store-bought sprays and feel proud that you have saved money and reduced your use of chemicals.
Schedule Your Day in 50-minute and 10-minute Time Blocks.
If you procrastinate browsing the internet instead of writing an urgent report or always give yourself “five more minutes” before you start cleaning, we have a solution for you. Following a strict routine of 50 minutes of work followed by 10 minutes of rest will increase your productivity.
Deep Clean Blitz
If cleaning is an issue, dedicate a specific day or hour each week to a focused cleaning session. This concentrated effort keeps things manageable and prevents small tasks from snowballing. To make cleaning manageable, you can create a schedule where you clean one specific room each day.
Set up Auto-Delivery
If you regularly overspend at the grocery store or spend too much money on takeout because you need something in your fridge, scheduling a regular delivery with your most commonly purchased food can help you out. You can ensure you always have food at home, and there’s no temptation to overspend at the store or restaurant.
Utilize The Dishwasher
Dishwashers are an integral part of everyday life as they free up time and clean your dishes while you finish other tasks. But did you know you can use your dishwasher to clean other items? You can put your fridge shelves, hairbrushes, kids’ toys, and much more on a dishwasher cycle so you don’t waste time hand-washing them when you could be working on something else.
Declutter Regularly
Regular decluttering sessions are great for removing unused items and will ease the stress of a messy home. You can donate unwanted items to charity, sell clothes that no longer fit, or recycle to free up space and make some extra cash.
Get Creative With Containers
If you have decluttered and your home is still causing stress, it’s time to get creative with containers. You can repurpose old containers, such as shoe boxes, empty sauce jars, and gift baskets, as storage solutions for pantry items or craft supplies.
Label Everything
Labeling is your friend if you constantly look for items in your home. Clearly labeling shelves, drawers, and containers will make finding things a breeze. Adding labels can also prevent overspending if you think you’ve run out of something when it’s hidden among your mess.
Multitasking Furniture
Furniture can be expensive and space-consuming, so if you’re stuck for money and space, you will want to use as little of it as possible. If things are tight for you, opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes, like ottomans with storage compartments or beds with built-in drawers. This will help maximize space and minimize clutter.
Set an Agenda for Meetings
If your work life is stressing you out, it is time to get more organized. Long meetings can feel unproductive and lead to other tasks running over, so it’s best to set an agenda to keep things on track. Include specific action items for each agenda point, including who is responsible for what. This ensures clear accountability and keeps the meeting moving forward.
Power Down Electronics
While the exact amount varies depending on the device and usage patterns, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that standby power can account for 10% or more of a household’s electricity bill. Even when electronics are seemingly turned off, many devices draw a small amount of power, often called “phantom energy” or “standby power.”
Natural Light Power
Opening curtains and blinds during the day to maximize natural light is also a great way to reduce energy bills. Using natural light reduces dependence on artificial lighting and saves energy and money.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats learn your daily routines and preferences, automatically adjusting temperatures when you’re away or asleep. This eliminates wasted energy spent heating or cooling an empty home. Studies suggest potential savings of 10-15% on heating and cooling costs.
Check for Leaks
Hidden leaks in your plumbing system can be silent money drainers. If left unaddressed, they can cause significant damage to your property. Even small leaks can waste hundreds or thousands of gallons of water annually, leading to higher water bills.
Air Dry Your Laundry
Dryers are one of the most energy-intensive appliances in your home and, therefore, one of the most expensive. Air drying eliminates this energy use and lowers your electricity bill. Additionally, air drying is gentler on fabrics, which will help your clothes last as there is no risk of heat damage.
DIY Maintenance
While you may want to wait to install a new plumbing system, you can learn basic home maintenance skills. Fixing a leaky faucet or replacing a light switch can save you the cost of hiring a repair person for minor repairs.
Plan Your Meals
Meal planning is one of the best ways to save money, time, and stress. You can take time at the weekend to plan your meals for the week ahead, create a grocery list to buy what you need and avoid impulse purchases. This helps you stick to your budget, reduce food waste, and limit when you feel stuck on what to cook and eat out.
Transform Leftovers
Don’t waste the effort you have put into making delicious food by throwing leftovers in the trash. Repurposing leftovers can allow you to create new dishes, save time on cooking lunch, and save money.
Embrace Reusable Bags
Ditching single-use plastic bags and investing in reusable shopping bags will save you money in the long run. While disposable bags are cheap, every dollar adds up. Reusable bags are also more reliable and environmentally friendly when carrying heavy goods, which is a plus!
Entertainment at Home
Dining out and watching shows are fun, but they can quickly eat into your wallet. Instead, explore free or low-cost entertainment options like visiting local parks, libraries, or museums. You can also enjoy movie or game nights with friends and family at home.
Mornings Made Easy
If mornings are stressful, prepare your outfit and pack your lunch the night before. This eliminates morning stress and lets you hit the ground running. It will help if you encourage your family to do the same so that the kids are not running around looking for their books or shoes in the morning.
Multitasking Master
When we lead busy lives, we can often miss out on fun tasks, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Listen to audiobooks or podcasts while doing chores like folding laundry or prepping dinner, or call your friends on the way home from your daily commute.
Batch Cooking
Cook large batches of food on the weekend and portion them out for the week to save time on daily cooking during the week ahead. This also ensures healthy meals are always readily available.
Delegate and Automate
You don’t have to do everything yourself, so if there is an option for help, ask for it. If money is not a concern, you can delegate chores among family members or hire occasional cleaning help. You can also consider automating tasks with smart home devices like robot vacuums.
Schedule Relaxation
Please remember to schedule downtime, as it is just as crucial as the hundred other tasks for the week. Relaxation is critical to avoiding burnout, as trying to do things when tired is counterproductive. When you plan your diary for the week, please organize activities you enjoy and make time for self-care.
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