In order to cut costs so we could embrace this slower lifestyle I started to look around and find the things that we were buying that could be cut out. There were some obvious things, but there were also some things that we had bought or continued to buy that we were able to cut out and it didn't make as big of a difference as I thought it would.
1. Dryer Sheets. I throw our clothes in the dryer, they smell clean when they come and they aren't filled with static. I haven't bought dryer sheets for years. I don't use any other dryer ball, or have any other tricks. It's literally just the hot air and my clothes.
2. Specialized cleaners. For the most part, baking soda and vinegar do the trick.
3. Shaving cream. Body wash or conditioner work just fine. Use homemade moisturizer when your done and you're set. Perhaps I'll share my recipe in a future post. I've shared my home made lip balm already if you are interested. It's way cheaper and works so well.
4. Paper towels. I must admit I didn't even really mean to cut these out. I didn't think we'd be able to if I'm honest. They are really convenient. We ran out once and I never bothered to get more. I have a stack of flannel rags that I use instead of paper towel, I just throw them in the wash and they've been working fine, better than I would have thought. We have been doing this for over a while now. Those old flannel pj's have a new use.
5. Bottled water. The cases of plastic water bottles. Unless your water isn't potable (even then there are other ways to get clean water) just get a good reusable water bottle for everyone in the family and refill. We each have one on the go at all times. My kids are not coming to me every time they are thirsty, only if they need help filling their water bottle, but they are getting better at that already. It's their responsibility to keep track of it and take care of it. It works quite well.
6. Garbage bags. I hate buying things that are literally just being thrown away. We still get the big black ones (I don't know how to get around that), but the ones we use in the individual cans around the house, that's where you can make use of all the ones you end up collecting from stores. Go one step further and try to eliminate as much waste as possible. The less garbage you make, the less to deal with, and it's better for the environment. We compost which really helps reduce our waste as well.
7. Prepacked food. Mostly this is just not good for you and it's more expensive. It's not too much more effort to make things from scratch.
8. A landline. That was one bill we haven't missed.
9. Cable. It's another expensive bill that was easy to say goodbye too. You may miss your favourite show for a couple weeks, but you'll get over quicker than you think.
10. Magazines & Books. Instead of magazines look online. There are so many amazing things online and portable ways to view them, like a tablet or smartphone. The library is a great place to get books (and magazines if you still want something tactile to hold), and don't worry if you're not a fast reader, they let you renew. They will also bring in books you request if you can't find it there already. Now, we love books here, so this was a cut back, not cut out. I'm sure we will continue to buy books, though not as often.
What have you cut out or cut back on to save on your monthly bills?
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