Make Things Last Longer

A simple way to make your money go farther is to make things last longer. The less often you have to replace stuff, the more money stays in your laughing wallet. Try these tips to squeeze a little more life out of the things you buy.

Buy well. Living frugally doesn't mean always buying the cheapest thing. Buy quality products to begin with, and they will last longer, meaning fewer replacements, saving you money in the long run.

Use less. The product manufacturer has a vested interest in you using up their product as fast as possible. So the amounts they recommend you use may be more than is really necessary. Obviously, it depends on the product, so use common sense. Take all of your medication, for instance, but don't be afraid to use a little less laundry soap or shampoo.

Repair instead of replace. From clothes to appliances, we've all gotten into the habit of just tossing something out when it breaks. But don't just throw away clothes that get minor tears or devices when a problem occurs. The repair may be a simple DIY project (a needle and thread is all that's needed to sew up a hole, and if it's on a seam, no one will ever even notice), or it may require a professional (a TV that goes out, or a couch that needs to be reupholstered). If you can't repair it yourself, get a quote and find out if it's really cheaper to get a new one or if the old one can be fixed for less.

Maintain things properly. Whether it's your car or your carpet, maintaining items properly will make things last longer. Keep items clean, read the owner's manual for recommended maintenance, and use items for their intended use. Using hair scissors to trim shrubs is going to put an end to the scissors pretty quickly.

Dry stuff off. Water can really cut down on the useful life of many items, particularly if metal is involved. Razor blades and garden tools, for instance, will last much longer if you dry them off after each use. But it's not limited to metal. Even items like soap will last longer when kept dry.

Cover it up. Covers can make things last longer in a lot of cases. Some covers are designed to protect items when they're not in use, such as a car cover or a barbecue cover. If an item lives outside, a cover can help protect it from the destructive power of the elements. Inside, covers can be helpful for maintaining the quality of items while in storage, such as winter sweaters. But some covers are designed for everyday use. Aprons for instance, are a classic example. But don't stop there! I'm not talking about covering your living room furniture in plastic, but a removable, washable mattress cover will help your mattress stay clean, extending its useful life, and even provide an extra layer of cushion.

Go easy on your clothes. Don't wash every piece of clothing you wear, every time you wear it. If you wait until clothes are actually dirty before you wash them, you can make things last longer. When you do wash, use cold water when you can to help the color last, and use as gentle of a cycle as is reasonable. The more agitation clothes are put through, the more they'll break down. Lastly, air dry clothes when you can. Dryers are hard on the fibers and will wear out clothes faster, especially if they shrink and you can't wear them anymore!

Use to the last drop. Don't just toss a product when it gets low. Use it until it's actually all the way gone before you replace it. I've thought a bottle of shampoo or a tube of toothpaste was pretty much empty only to find I got another week's worth of use from it! When bottles containing liquids, like ketchup or dish soap, get low, store them upside down so the remaining product is easy to get out. It's less of a temptation to toss a container when the contents are still easy to get to and use.

Do you know how to make something last longer? Tell us about it!

Got a secret for making a certain item last longer? Share your tips about how you stretch the life of the things you buy (and your dollars)!

Tips From My Clever and Frugal Readers!

Read tips on making things last from other visitors to this page.

Frugal Grocery Shopping

Frugal Exercise

Frugal Cleaning

Frugal Energy

Frugal Laundry

Do It Yourself

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