Homemaking isn’t easy – and sometimes it feels like it’s near impossible to get it all done. But they always say to “work smarter, not harder,” right? So today I’m going to share three easy – and affordable – homemaking hacks!
All of these items can be purchased very inexpensively at Dollar Tree or Walmart.
#1: Clothespins for Bag Clips
I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time making those plastic chip clips last. They break – either because they don’t open wide enough, because my toddler gets ahold of them, or because they don’t hold up to the cold freezer for my frozen veggies.
I decided to start using wooden clothespins instead – they have a longer lifespan in my kitchen and if one breaks, they come in a pack of 50 or 100, so I’m not out 1 of 3 or 4 in a pack. They’re also SO much less expensive. I can get a pack of 50 for $0.97 or 100 for $1.78 at Walmart.
I use these for chips, frozen vegetables, animal crackers, and any other bag-packaged foods.
#2: Placemats for Fridge Liners
A clean fridge is so satisfying! I think one of the things that makes the biggest impact to me, when cleaning the refrigerator, is clean shelves. While you can get really cheap liners at the Dollar Tree, I find that they’re easy to tear or move in the fridge and you end up replacing them. However, more expensive liners that hold up can get PRICEY.
Instead, my solution is to buy Dollar Tree placemats and cut and fit them to sit correctly in the fridge shelves and drawers. To see the entire process, check out this blog post here: Affordable Refrigerator Organization.
I love how these look, how easy they are to pull out and clean, and how inexpensive they are in case I need to replace any pieces!
#3: Soap Dispensing Brush for Shower Cleaning
In my rental home, I only have a walk-in shower, not a tub. (I’ve added a toddler-sized tub that I can remove for my son to still take baths.)
Other than missing the occasional relaxing bath myself, I haven’t had any issues with having only a standing shower – but I have found that the bottom of a standing shower has a rougher texture. This is to keep you from slipping, which is helpful, but it takes a little different cleaning approach. Soap scum does tend to get caught in the texture.
To clean this shower flooring to the best of my ability, it takes some elbow grease. I’ve found that using a $1 Soap Dispensing Brush with a sponge head can really work! I spray a few sprays of foaming bathroom cleaner and using the sink to add a little cold water. Then I just scrub away!
What are your favorite cost-effective homemaker hacks? Comment below – I’d love to hear them!
Kate with a Twang 
We use real plates and cloth napkins and rags/towels instead of paper towels. I don’t know if this is a “hack” but we do save money 🙂 We do buy paper plates and stuff for birthday parties.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that! I use real plates too – except for parties. I think it adds such a nice touch to the table! I got some cloth napkins for Christmas and I’m excited to use them, but I haven’t made it a habit yet because my little is only 2 and he’s an extremely messy eater. I might need to let him use washcloths until he’s a little neater, as a friend of mine did with her girls when they were toddlers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like a good idea 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person