Eliminating Extra Trips To The Store
Awhile back, I found myself having to take an extra trip to the store more often than I wanted to to buy household items like razors blades and mops. Before I knew it, I was going to stores like Target or the drug store every month and slapping down around $60–that’s $720 a year–for these items.
Not only is that expensive, I found the whole trip annoying and time consuming. So I started examining everything I bought on these trips and began looking for alternatives.
Fast forward to now, and I can say that I very rarely have to take that shopping trip anymore. I have systematically eliminated the things I bought on this trip by switching to alternative options, reducing what I use, or buying in bulk. This saves money, time, and energy.
Here’s a sample of what I used to buy on this trip and how I stopped needing to buy them:
- Household Cleaner–I switched to making my own cleaner, which costs about $.25 a bottle instead of $3-$5 a bottle.
Scrubbies and sponges–I switched to rags and onion bag scrubbies, which are free.
Mops refills–I bought a mop with a washable sponge, which can be used repeatedly.
Toilet paper, Laundry Detergent, and Dishwasher soap–I started buying all these in bulk, which is cheaper and means I don’t have to go to the store as often.
Paper towels–I switched to rags, and buy the remaining paper towels in bulk.
Razors–My husband switched to an old-fashioned safety razor, which costs about one-tenth what brands like Gillette want you to pay. He also bought the razor blades in bulk online.
Shaving soap–My husband uses a brush and soap, which lasts much longer than canned shaving soap and costs a fraction of the price.
Shampoo and Conditioner–I reduced the amount of shampoo I use and find that a bottle now lasts me about 5 months, which means I don’t have to buy it as often as I used to.
I still have to go to the store occasionally to buy things like a new toothbrush or make-up, but it is only once or twice a year instead of every month. It’s one less annoying chore I have to do, and it saves me money too.
How has frugal living reduced your shopping trips?
