Making improvements to your home doesn’t necessarily require you to spend thousands of dollars. Sometimes simple, budget-friendly projects can result in significant returns in terms of both time saved and money saved. Here are some points to consider when making home improvement decisions.
One way to start is to create a system for organization. An organized home saves time and keeps costs in check by eliminating duplicate purchases or having to search for items and documents. Use an inventory system to identify items that need to be purchased, and return any items that you no longer need, such as half-used cans of paint or sets of tools that are never used.
Focusing on energy efficiency is another way to save both time and money. Swapping out old incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs can result in up to 75 percent savings in energy costs over the bulb’s life, and they last up to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs, so over time you’re saving time by not replacing the bulbs. Installing programmable thermostats is a great way to save money on energy bills, as well as time you would have to spend manually changing the temperature throughout the day.
When it comes to cleaning, invest in robotic vacuums. Cleaning up spills and messes can take some time, and if you’re busy you’re likely to put it off until you have the time. But with a robot vacuum, it’s done automatically and quickly and you don’t have to lift a finger. A robot mop can also be a great way to save time and keep your floors looking clean and shiny.
Finally, schedule regular maintenance. Keeping up with small repairs and fixes as they arise can save you time and money in the long run as major repairs can be costly. Seasonal maintenance includes inspecting and replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as cleaning out the dryer vent to prevent a dangerous fire hazard.
Improving the quality of air in the home is immensely important. Using air purifiers and humidifiers can help to keep the air circulating properly, avoid dust buildup, and lower the incidence of illnesses due to air pollutants. Not to mention, they save time by not having to clean any air ducts!
Having an efficient kitchen is also key to saving time and money on food. When grocery shopping, make sure to buy in bulk and to buy plenty of food storage containers. Having a good stock of food and containers make prepping food quicker. An efficient storage system like a spice rack or airtight containers makes cooking easier and more pleasant.
Also, appliances with smart technology can save energy and time. Smart refrigerators come with apps like Alexa to help you order food, access recipes, keep track of expiration dates, and even order groceries. With proper research, you can find the appliance that fits your lifestyle and save time and money shopping.
Organize your laundry and keep up with it. Have an easy access spot for all laundry supplies and keep it in one place so that you can tackle washing and drying quickly. Invest in genuinely useful products, like Method Dryer Sheets, that can double as fabric softeners as well. This can save you from having to purchase two separate products to get the job done.
Maximizing space is another great way to save time and money. Use wall units and ceiling shelves to make use of vertical spaces to store items that you may not need often. This gives you quick and easy access when you need the items and eliminates the need to purchase more storage furniture.
Along with fixing up a home, modernizing it is equally important. Smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets have a number of uses and ways to make our lives easier. Install smart outlets to connect items such as lamps, televisions, and fans to your smartphone so that you can control these products remotely. This will save energy costs and enhance the convenience of your home.
Finally, pest control is one of the key areas when it comes to home improvement. This can be taken care of in small steps such as keeping your kitchen clean of crumbs that may attract pests. A simple habit of doing the dishes as soon as possible and taking out the garbage every day can help. This little effort can lead to a big difference in rodents and insects in your home, and this in turn can save you time and money.
Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of doing home improvements that save time and money. By doing simple maintenance and taking preventative measures, your home will be improved and you’ll save time and money for years to come.