Whether you’ve moved into a new place or you’re looking to renovate, we all want a pristine home. The thing is, pristine doesn’t have to mean expensive! In fact, you may be spending money on household items that are just as useful as their cheaper counterparts—and we’re here to break down which ones deserve the splurge and which don’t.
1. Kitchen Accessories
Sponges, tablecloths, and even basic utensils shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Dollar stores often have these items for affordable prices and they don’t sacrifice quality—you can always grab a good pair of tongs or microfiber cloths for a few dollars.
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2. Storage
Fabric storage boxes or drawer separators are fairly affordable, which is how it should be. Since they’re mainly for organization (or aesthetic purposes in some cases), you don’t need to dump a paycheck on something you can easily find for a few bucks.
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3. Decor
There’s nothing wrong with the odd splurge on small artists, but for those looking to quickly decorate their space, affordable art can be found in everyday stores. Those canvases may not be as fancy but they liven up a space for anyone on a budget.
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4. Backsplash Tiles
Not everyone has the money to redo their kitchen or bathroom. Enter peel-and-stick tiles. This DIY project is a great way to save some money and decorate your space the way you want. Best of all, common hardware stores have all kinds of options so you can get the exact look you’re after.
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5. Curtains
Curtains can cost a pretty penny, but plenty of cheaper options exist for those unwilling to spend hundreds of dollars. If you just need to block out light or score some privacy, you can easily find drapes in hardware stores or your everyday Walmart. They work in a pinch for anyone who wants to spend money elsewhere.
6. Towels
To be fair, a good set of hand towels is a game-changer in any bathroom. The good news for anyone who can’t splurge on a set, however, is that there’s a happy medium between fluffy towels and ones that fall apart in the wash—and you can easily get away with more affordable towels.
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7. Cleaning Supplies
Walmart and dollar stores have all sorts of affordable cleaning supplies available, and they’re the kind of household items to buy cheap. Look for disinfectant wipes, dish soap, magic erasers, and sink cleaners to ensure you’re stocked with a little spending money left over.
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8. Skincare
Skincare can be tricky because some people swear by an expensive routine while others get away with drugstore brands. Depending on your skin type and needs, you might be able to get away with common brands instead of selling an organ to buy Sephora brands.
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9. Toiletries
Items like floss, bobby pins, and cotton swabs can be found anywhere—and you don’t need to splurge on the name brands. You may have a deodorant or toothpaste brand you trust over others, but plenty of toiletries can be bought cheap for the same result.
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10. Some Food Items
When it comes to non-perishable food items, you can probably get away with the house brands. The same goes for OTC medications! Oftentimes, stores offer further discounts on their own brand, meaning you can score even more for products that achieve the same thing.
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Some household items deserve the splurge, though. Let’s dive into which ones earn the price tag.
1. Mattress
It makes sense to splurge on an item you spend so much time on. The right mattress makes all the difference between joint pain and a proper night of beauty sleep—a good one also lasts up to a decade. If you’re going to save for anything, put down the money on a sound mattress, good pillows, and proper linens.
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2. Vacuum
Not all vacuums are created equal and the cheaper ones tend to leave more mess behind. You might be able to get away with a smaller model but it’s worth upgrading sooner rather than later. Good vacuums get into the nitty gritty of carpets, have detachable parts that clean pesky spots, and last longer, too.
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3. Cookware
Good cookware costs several hundred dollars, so it’s not always feasible to splurge. However, even if an entire set is off the table, it’s worth building a good set in pieces! Good cookware is non-stick, lasts way longer, and cooks food more evenly.
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4. Furniture
A hearty sofa is much better than a cheap one. You don’t need to buy an entire furniture set in one go, but consider a new sofa at the very least—the right couch takes care of your body the same way the right mattress does. You’ll be far more comfortable and won’t have to worry about grabbing another one anytime soon.
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5. A Proper Area Rug
Area rugs are surprisingly expensive, but you can tell the difference of a good one. Proper area rugs don’t shed or rip, and they can tie an entire room together. Of course, it also boils down to your lifestyle; if you have kids or pets, then you might want to skip the splurge.
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6. Kitchen Knives
Dull knives are one of the biggest annoyances—they slow down prep, don’t give an accurate cut, and are just unsafe. You might not think the average home cook “needs” a good kitchen knife, but they’re absolutely worth the money. They’ll last longer, too.
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7. Coffee Maker
Coffee lovers deserve a good machine, even though some models come with hair-raising price tags. The initial cost is a lot, but a proper coffee maker saves you money in the end because you can make good brews at home and won’t have to worry about replacing such a reliable brand.
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8. Desk Chair
A solid desk chair is more than worth it if you work from home. The last thing you want is to park yourself in a chair that hurts your back or is obviously cheaply made, especially for eight hours. The right chair is more durable, supports your joints, and provides the comfort you deserve.
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9. Doorbell Camera
Doorbell cameras are worth it for the peace of mind. They’re relatively easy to install (though you can always call someone to do it) and protect you from any porch pirates. They often let you communicate from the comfort of your own home as well, so you don’t need to greet anyone you don’t want to.
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10. Blender
Smoothies, soups, juices, bread crumbs—the possibilities are endless with a good blender. High-end models certainly cost more upfront but they also save you money in the long run. Kiss expensive smoothies goodbye and embrace creamier at-home blends.
