Tips for Saving vs. Investing When It Comes to Your Home

 

 

This past year we’ve spent more time than ever at home. Our houses have turned into classrooms, offices and movie theaters and it has never been more important for our homes to feel cozy, clean and comfortable. 

 

Decorating and maintaining a home can cost a fortune – but it doesn’t have to. Instead of breaking the bank with every purchase, prioritize spending a bit more on things that will last-longer and make your home life easier and more enjoyable. 

 

Here are some tips on when to save and when to splurge when it comes to your home. 

Buying Used Desks Can Help Save Money 

 

You may be reading this while working from your kitchen counter because like many of us, you’ve had yet to purchase a Work From Home (WFH) desk thinking you’ll be back in office soon. However, the National Association for Business Economics predicts that only about 1 in 10 companies will expect all employees to return to their pre-pandemic work arrangements. While it might be time for you to purchase a WFH desk, it doesn’t have to be expensive! 

 

When it comes to office furniture, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are great for purchasing used and refurbished desks that are in great condition. Look for used desks that have plenty of surface space that you’ll need to get your work done, plus desks that are in a durable finish like reclaimed wood (they also look nice!) Pro tip: if you’re tight on space, consider purchasing a used folding desk, corner desk or wall mount desk. Each option provides the ultimate space-saving versatility and looks the least bulky. 

Why You Should Invest In Your Sleep by Purchasing a Good Mattress

The average person spends about a third of their life in bed so it only makes sense to buy a mattress worth investing in rather than getting a cheap one. When purchasing an inexpensive mattress, you risk buying one with lower quality foam and springs that won’t last over time, which means more aches and pains when you wake up. Mattresses like the Avocado Green Mattress priced at $999 and The Purple Mattress priced at $1049 may seem steep but are worth it long term as they come with guaranteed support, comfort and even warranties. And with tax season upon us, investing your tax refund in a new mattress is a great way to get your money’s worth and treat yourself. 

Save Money With These DIY Cleaning Tips

We know how time-saving a multi-purpose bottle of cleaner can be for those moments when you just need to quickly spritz a dirty mess, but save money (and plastic!) by creating your own cleaner. It’s very easy, just mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and you’re good to go. Your newly created natural cleaner can tackle oil splatters on the stove, mirror streaks, and even those stubborn toothpaste smears. 

 

And for all of our parents out there struggling with a stinky preteen football player or smelly furry friend, we got you covered! Quit wasting money on Febreeze bottles and make your own homemade fabric freshener. Mix 1/2 cup vodka with 1/2 distilled water into a spray bottle and add in 50 drops of whatever essential oil you prefer. Then shake it all together and voila, you have your own homemade fabric refresher. 

Invest In Your Time by Purchasing A Vacuuming & Mopping Robot 

Mopping and vacuuming an entire home is time consuming and requires so much energy. That’s why purchasing a robot equipped with vacuuming and mopping not only gives you the biggest bang for your buck, but also gives you back time to your day, with a completely hands-free experience. Unlike a traditional robot vacuum or a stick vacuum, investing in an exceptional robot vacuum with some necessary bells + whistles, is money well-spent. 

 

However, it is important to invest in a robot vacuum wisely – choose one that will save you the most time, give you the most convenience and requires the least supervision. Pro tips on what features to look for: mapping (so you know that it cleans faster and more efficiently with less missed or repeated areas), obstacle avoidance (so you don’t have to clean before cleaning and avoid the pain point of your robot getting stuck on shoes or cords), and long-lasting battery (no one wants their cleaning session to be interrupted mid-way through!) 

 

 

And for those who want to add even more value, robots sold with auto-empty stations like our DEEBOT OZMO T8+, offers months of maintenance free-cleaning with the ability to hold dirt and debris. Lastly, look out for robots that are smart-home compatible which are even more advantageous. You can manage everything from your phone, including the creation of virtual boundaries for areas you may want to skip, or even telling Alexa to turn on the vacuum without having to lift a finger. 

Save – Decor 

We’re making 2021 the year of DIY, and what better way to put your creativity to work than making your own home decor! Since decor elements don’t have much purpose aside from aesthetics, there’s no need to spend money on them. From making your own candles and soaps to revamping a boring wall with peel and stick wallpaper, there are plenty of DIY projects that will not only keep you entertained, but also save you money on home decor. 

 

For example, instead of spending $45 on fancy candles you can make your own at home for less than $5. Next time you’re at Michaels or Joann Fabrics, pick up two taper candles and then soak them in warm water for 25 minutes. Once soaked, you can bend them as you’d like. To get the twisted look, simply burn the bottoms of two taper candles and then mold the melted ends together until hardened. 

Invest – Home Plants

 

If you’ve been living under a rock (no pun intended), you’ve likely seen that at home plants are blowing up on Instagram and Tik Tok. As we spend more and more time indoors, having pops of greenery inside and outside can make a huge difference. Not only are large, potted plants (fake or real!) aesthetically pleasing, greenery has a noticeable impact on your state of mind and can boost your mood. Investing in a beautiful Spider Plant of a Fiddle Leaf Tree, can bring a home together. If you do not have a green thumb, artificial plants are a great way to “feel green” – without a watering can. If you go this route, make sure to invest in one that looks as real as possible and has been made with silk. 

 

Overall, a good rule of thumb when shopping for your home is to ask yourself three questions to determine if you should save or splurge : Does this serve more than one purpose?  Will it make my life better, easier or happier?  Will a less expensive option be just as good, or will investing make it last longer or be better in some way?