Shoo! Life is getting more and more expensive by the month.
Thank goodness South Africans are resilient, creative and willing to do what needs to be done to survive. Keep reading for 4 epic money-saving DIY projects that will keep you saving every month.
Improving and managing your home doesn’t have to be a financial strain and can actually be a good monthly budget and saving. With the right mindset and a few practical strategies, you can transform your living space, stay within your budget, and even enjoy the process.
Read further if you want to find out more about our 4 money saving DIY projects…
1. DIY Cleaning Products: Don’t Splash on Cleaning Costs
Are you tired of the ever-increasing cost of cleaning products eating into your budget? Does the long list of unpronounceable chemicals on the labels concern you? You’re not alone.
It’s time to reclaim your power and your budget with homemade cleaners. Making your own cleaning products not only saves money but also allows you to control the ingredients you use.
Begin by understanding the basic ingredients needed for homemade cleaning solutions. These typically include baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, Castile soap, and essential oils. These are generally inexpensive and can be used in various combinations to clean different parts of your home.
Once you have your ingredients, start mixing them to create your cleaning products. Here are a few simple recipes to get you started:
All-Purpose Cleaner: Combine 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water, and a few drops of your favourite essential oil.
Glass Cleaner: Mix 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water, and a little lemon juice for a streak-free shine.
Bathroom Cleaner: Combine 1 part vinegar and 1 part dish soap for a powerful cleaner that can tackle soap scum and hard water stains.
2. DIY Body Care Products: Revitalise Your Skin and Your Wallet
Struggling with finances but craving quality body care products? Making your own is a fantastic way to save money, control the ingredients you’re applying to your skin, and reduce waste. It’s also affordable, effective, and easy to make at home.
Before making any DIY body care products, make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients. Do a patch test on your skin with each ingredient to ensure it doesn’t cause any irritation.
Here are some DIY body care recipes you might want to try:
DIY Liquid Body Wash: Mix ½ cup liquid Castile soap, 2 tbsp glycerin, 1 tbsp olive oil, 20 drops essential oil, and 1-2 tsp raw honey. Pour into a bottle. Shake before use for an amazingly lathering, homemade body wash.
DIY Lip Balm: For a basic lip balm, you need 1 tablespoon of beeswax pellets, 1 tablespoon of pure shea butter, and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. You can also add a few drops of essential oils for a nice scent. Melt these ingredients in a double boiler, then pour the liquid into small containers or empty lip balm tubes and allow it to set.
DIY Deodorant: Mix together 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of arrowroot or cornstarch. Then, slowly add in 5-6 tablespoons of coconut oil, mixing until it has a firm but pliable texture. You can also add a few drops of essential oil for scent. Store it in a small, airtight container.
3. DIY Homewares: Craft a Budget-Friendly Home
Looking to save money without sacrificing the comfort and style of your home? With creativity, a bit of effort, and some basic supplies, you can undertake projects that not only enhance your living space but also lighten the financial load.
DIY Microwavable Rice Pouches: Budget-Friendly Warmth
As winter tightens its grip, stores are brimming with hot water bottles and heating pouches costing a hefty R100-R200 each. Why not choose a thriftier, creative solution?
Grab some old natural fibre material, stitch a rectangular pouch to your preferred size, fill it with rice, and voila! You’ve crafted a cost-saving, microwaveable rice pouch. Just 2 minutes in the microwave delivers comforting warmth. Remember, they can get quite hot, so swaddle your pouch in a small blanket before use. Embrace the chill with this budget-friendly, DIY warmth.
DIY Olive Oil Lamps: Cost-Effective, Safe, and Eco-Friendly Illumination
Olive oil has been used for centuries to light spaces indoors. Olive oil is a safe, odourless, and cost-effective lighting solution. Perfectly suited for those unexpected bouts of loadshedding, these lamps won’t endanger your home if toppled, unlike traditional candles.
You’ll need a glass container, olive oil, a cotton wick, and a wire. Bend the wire around the wick’s top, ensuring it’s secure. Pour olive oil into your container, leaving a small space at the top. Submerge the wick in the oil, leaving its top exposed, and rest the wire on the container’s edge. Allow the wick to soak up oil before lighting. Infuse your lamp with 3 drops of your favourite essential oil for a scented glow.
4. DIY Indoor Herb Garden: Sprout Savings With Living Home Décor
Looking to save money and bring life to your home at the same time? Imagine having a vibrant indoor herb garden that not only adds a touch of green to your space but also saves you money on store-bought herbs. Fresh herbs at the grocery store can be expensive and often come in larger quantities than you need, leading to waste.
You’ll need small pots or containers (you can even repurpose old cans or jars), potting soil, herb seeds or starter plants (basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, and parsley are all good options). Fill your containers with potting soil. Plant your seeds or starter plants according to the instructions on the seed packet or plant tag. Generally, you’ll want to plant the seeds just below the surface of the soil. Place your pots on a sunny windowsill and water them regularly, according to the needs of the specific herbs you’re growing.
Remember, the key to successful DIY is creativity, patience, and a willingness to learn. You’ll save money, add personal touches to your space, and gain the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands.
If you’re struggling with debt and can no longer maintain the monthly instalments, get in touch with our expert debt counsellors. Start your debt-free journey today.
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