Old Fashioned Frugal Homemaking Tips Guaranteed To Still Work

In a world where convenience often comes at a high cost, there’s something comforting and empowering about returning to the basics of old-fashioned frugal homemaking. The tried-and-true methods our grandparents used are not only effective but also sustainable and budget-friendly. By embracing some or all of these timeless practices, you can save money, reduce waste, and create a warm, nurturing home environment.

This post will walk you through the essential steps to becoming an old-fashioned frugal homemaker, helping you enjoy the life’s more simple pleasures and financial benefits of a more mindful lifestyle.

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Cook from Scratch

One of the cornerstones of old-fashioned frugal homemaking is cooking from scratch and it’s what you have to learn to do if you really want to save money on food. That’s why preparing your meals using whole ingredients (instead of convenience foods) is not only healthier but also more economical.

• Plan Your Meals: Dedicate time each week to plan your meals. This helps avoid last-minute takeout and reduces food waste. Use seasonal produce and weekly sales to guide your meal planning. If you’d like to learn how to Reverse Meal plan, you can check out how I save money on groceries: Reverse Meal Planning: Easy Solutions To Save Time And Money.
• Bulk Cooking: Spend a day cooking large batches of meals that can be portioned and frozen. Soups, stews, casseroles, and pasta sauces are great options. This ensures you always have a homemade meal ready to go, thereby saving time and money. This is a huge deterrent for those days when you’re tempted to run through the drive through. Just take a few hours each week to prepare and you can eat for several days, if not weeks.
• Grow Your Own Food: Even a small garden can provide fresh vegetables and herbs, reducing grocery bills. Start with easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, lettuce, and basil. If you’re limited on space, container gardening is also an excellent option. We have a small garden and also use a couple of 5 gallon buckets (with holes drilled in the bottom) to add a couple more patio tomatoes. These actually did as well if not better than the plants that were put in the ground.

Make Your Own Cleaning Products

Homemade cleaners are a hallmark of old-fashioned frugal homemaking. Commercial cleaning products can be expensive and full of harsh chemicals. On the other hand, homemade cleaners are effective, eco-friendly, and much cheaper.

• All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar with a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance. This solution can clean countertops, windows, and more.
• Baking Soda Scrub: Create a paste with baking soda and water for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and other surfaces. For tougher stains, add a little vinegar to create a fizzy reaction. Check out this post for more ways to use baking soda: 25+ Uses For Baking Soda Around The House
• Lemon Freshener: Use lemon peels soaked in vinegar for a natural air freshener and degreaser. The acidic nature of lemons helps cut through grime and leaves a fresh scent.

Line Drying Your Laundry

One of the simplest and most effective ways to save money and energy in an old-fashioned frugal home is to line dry your laundry. This method not only cuts down on electricity costs but also extends the life of your clothes by reducing wear and tear from the dryer.

• Outdoor Drying: If you have a yard, set up a clothesline or drying rack. The fresh air and sunshine naturally sanitize and freshen your clothes.
• Indoor Drying: For those with limited outdoor space, indoor drying racks are a great alternative. Position them near a window or in a well-ventilated area to help clothes dry faster.
• Clothespins: Invest in sturdy clothespins to securely hang your clothes. This prevents them from falling and getting dirty again.
• Reduce Wrinkles: Give each piece a good shake before hanging to minimize wrinkles. You can also hang shirts and dresses on hangers to maintain their shape.
• Weather Considerations: Be mindful of the weather. If it’s going to rain, opt for indoor drying. If it’s a sunny day, take advantage of the natural drying power of the sun.

Line drying is a small step that can lead to big savings and is a hallmark of old-fashioned frugal homemaking. Plus, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about seeing clothes fluttering in the breeze!

Practice Smart Shopping

Strategic shopping is a key component of old-fashioned frugal homemaking. By being mindful of what and how you buy, you can significantly cut household expenses.

• Buy in Bulk: Items like grains, beans, nuts, and cleaning supplies can be cheaper when bought in bulk. Ensure you have proper storage to keep these items fresh.
• Use Coupons and Discounts: Always look for coupons, sales, and discounts. Apps and websites dedicated to couponing can help you find the best deals.
• Thrift Shopping: Thrift stores and garage sales are treasure troves for frugal homemakers. You can find clothing, furniture, kitchenware, and decor items at a fraction of the cost.  Check out: Best Tips For Thrift-Store Shopping: Secrets You Need To Know

Preserve Food at Home

Food preservation is a classic and highly effective practice in old-fashioned frugal homemaking. By preserving food, you can take advantage of seasonal abundance, reduce waste, and ensure you have a supply of delicious, homemade goods throughout the year.

• Canning: Learn the basics of canning fruits, vegetables, and homemade sauces. This method allows you to store food for long periods without refrigeration. Start with simple recipes like pickles, jams, and tomato sauce.
• Freezing: Invest in a good freezer and use it to store bulk purchases and seasonal produce. Freeze fruits, vegetables, and even pre-cooked meals to save time and money.
• Drying: Dehydrating food is another excellent way to preserve it. Use a food dehydrator or your oven to dry fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Dried foods take up less space and can be used in a variety of recipes.

By preserving food at home, you can enjoy the taste of summer fruits in the middle of winter and ensure you always have healthy, homemade options available. This practice not only saves money but also adds a delicious variety to your meals.

DIY Household Repairs

Learning to fix things yourself can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. DIY repairs are a fundamental aspect of old-fashioned frugal homemaking. With a little practice and some basic tools, you can handle many common household repairs. YouTube is also a great source when you’re wanting to learn how to do just about anything. It has saved us hundreds of dollars (if not more) by showing us how to do things on our own, and the best part is it’s FREE!

• Sewing Skills: Invest in a basic sewing kit and learn to mend clothes, sew buttons, and make simple alterations. This extends the life of your wardrobe and saves money on new clothes.
• Basic Carpentry: Learn to repair minor furniture issues like loose chair legs or scratched surfaces. Simple projects like building shelves or small tables can be rewarding and cost-effective.
• Plumbing and Electrical: Handle basic plumbing tasks like fixing leaky faucets or unclogging drains. For electrical issues, changing light fixtures or replacing outlets can be done safely with proper guidance.

Conserve Energy and Water

Lowering your utility bills through conservation is both financially and environmentally beneficial. Energy and water conservation are integral to old-fashioned frugal homemaking.

• Energy Efficiency: Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models. Use power strips to easily turn off multiple devices when not in use. LED bulbs consume less electricity and last longer than traditional bulbs.
• Water Conservation: Fix leaky faucets and running toilets to save water. Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Collect rainwater for gardening to further reduce water use.

You might be interested in: Revealing The Best Ways Save Money On Utilities, Painlessly

Embrace the Art of Reuse

Before discarding items, consider how they can be repurposed or reused. Reusing items is a key practice in old-fashioned frugal homemaking and here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Glass Jars: Repurpose glass jars for food storage, as vases, or for DIY projects like homemade candles and scrubs.
• Fabric Scraps: Use fabric scraps to make cleaning rags, quilts, or craft projects. Old clothes can be transformed into new garments or home decor items.
• Old Furniture: Refurbish old furniture with paint, new upholstery, or minor repairs. This can give a fresh look to your home without the expense of new pieces.
• Plastic Containers: Reuse for leftovers, organizing small items, or starting seedlings. Plastic bottles can be used for garden watering systems or DIY projects like bird feeders.
• Old Clothing: Transform into cleaning rags, quilts, or new clothing items.
• Grocery Bags: Reuse as trash bags, storage bags, or even as packing material.
• Paper Products: Recycle newspapers, magazines, and cardboard for future use or crafts.
• Cans and Bottles: Recycle for cash refunds where applicable or use in DIY projects. I do this ALL the time and have been fortunate enough to create a business from using items like this. As the old saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.
• Electronics: Recycle old gadgets through e-waste programs or repurpose for parts.

Create a Budget and Stick to It

A solid budget is the foundation of old-fashioned frugal homemaking. It helps you track your expenses, identify areas for improvement, and achieve financial goals. Without one, your finances will have a hard time staying on track.

• Expense Tracking: Use apps, spreadsheets, or a simple notebook to monitor your spending. Categorize your expenses to see where your money goes.
• Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Aim for three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved.
• Debt Reduction: Prioritize paying off high-interest debt to reduce financial stress and free up money for savings and investments.

You may be interested in: How To Do A Zero Based Budget

Make the Most of Free Resources

Many valuable resources are available for free if you know where to look. Utilizing free resources is a hallmark of old-fashioned frugal homemaking.

• Library: Borrow books, movies, and music instead of buying them. Many libraries also offer free workshops, classes, and internet access.
• Community Events: Take advantage of free local events, such as concerts, festivals, and farmers’ markets. These events can provide entertainment and educational opportunities at no cost. You can also check out your local Chamber of Commerce for events taking place in your area.
• Online Resources: Utilize free online courses, tutorials, and DIY guides to learn new skills and hobbies. Websites like Coursera, Khan Academy, and YouTube offer a wealth of information.

Wrapping it up with a frugal bow…

Incorporating old-fashioned frugal homemaking into your daily life can be incredibly rewarding. I think many of us long to go back to simpler times. By cooking from scratch, making your own cleaning products, practicing smart shopping, and learning DIY skills, you’ll not only save money but also create a more sustainable and nurturing home that helps to bring back the “good ole days”.

Conserving energy and water, line drying your clothes, preserving your food, reusing items, sticking to a budget, and taking advantage of free resources will enhance your frugal lifestyle even further. Embracing these time-tested methods brings so many financial benefits and offers a deep sense of accomplishment and well-being.

So, start small, and gradually build your skills and knowledge. You don’t have to do all of these at once! Rome wasn’t built in a day, you know. Soon, you’ll become a master of old-fashioned frugal homemaking, that will in turn, help you to find joy in simplicity and the satisfaction of living intentionally.

Enjoy the journey towards a more frugal, fulfilling life and return to the simple pleasures in life.

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