If I told you spring cleaning is beneficial to your wallet, would that motivate you to pull out a broom? Admittedly, spring cleaning is tedious, and I can certainly think of more fun things to do, but saving money is worth getting your hands dirty. How’s that for motivation?
Here’s how spring cleaning can save and even make you money!
Vacuum Refrigerator Coils
Your fridge coils are collecting dust as you read this post and this impairs the fridge’s efficiency. This means your fridge is working extra hard to keep things cool. This means you’re paying for this in your utilities bill. Yikes! To keep your unit running smoothly, make sure to vacuum the coils every few months.
Reduce Clutter
Not only will your place look bigger once you’ve decluttered the space, but completing this chore can bring in money! Making money from spring cleaning is easy as long as you’re willing to part with items you no longer need. Look for money makers in every room including your garage, attic, and basement! We’ve got a declutter plan that will make it easy for you to find hidden money-makers. Plus, knowing what you have will keep you from buy duplicates!
Dust Light Bulbs and Shades
Do your lights look a little dimmer? The bulbs may still have more life in them, but the dust collecting on them is the culprit. Instead of turning on more lights, keep bulbs and shades dust free to achieve your desired brightness. If it’s time to switch out bulbs, make sure to use the energy efficient ones.
Clean the pantry and fridge
Keeping a clean and organized pantry, freezer, and fridge means you’ll know exactly what you have and what needs to be used up. Food waste is costly! When everything is organized and visible, it gets used up before it goes bad. Consider making a list of everything in your freezer and in your pantry so you’re less likely to buy something you already have.
Clean out your car
Spring cleaning is not only for your home. Clean out your car to save money on gas costs! The extra junk in your car’s truck is weighing it down and lowering the fuel efficiency. Removing anything that you don’t need to carry will help you save money when it comes time to fill up. With the cost of gas right now, you are sure to save a bundle!
Clean the Oven, Stovetop Burners and Toaster Oven
Baked on goop can keep the unit from operating efficiently and heating evenly. That means no more burnt food going in the trash! A quick clean every night can help solve this problem. But if you haven’t cleaned these items in a while, you may need to use a little elbow grease.
Clean windows and doors
Not only will cleaning windows let more light in your home, but you’ll be able to check the areas around windows and doors for debris that may be keeping them from closing all the way. If there isn’t a tight seal, air leaks causing the heater or air conditioner to work harder costing you money.
Clean Dishwasher and Washing Machine
Run a load with just white vinegar to remove deposits and gunk and make them run more efficiently. As an added bonus, you’ll also eliminate any odors with this tip.
Clean the dryer vent
Build up on your dryer can pose a fire danger and lessens the unit’s efficiency. The dryer will run more efficiently when the vent is clean so that air can flow freely. This will reduce the need to suck up more electricity to dry clothes.
Computers
When it comes to spring cleaning, you may forget about your computers but it’s also important to keep it clean and updated. Many of us have important documents in our computers that need to be filed. Plus, you’ll also need your computer to spring clean your finances. The problem with forgetting to clean your computer on a regular basis is that it can shorten its life. If you can extend its life, you’ll be negating the need to spend hundreds of dollars too soon.
Besides all the money-saving benefits mentioned above, cleaning your home can reduce your medical bills as you’ll be reducing dust that can cause allergies.
What spring cleaning is on your to do list?
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
Yazmin,
My roommates and I split the cleaning duties and costs so it’s super inexpensive. In fact, I have several listings on Craigslist to sell things I don’t need or want anymore. This reduces clutter and makes me money. I don’t just do it during springtime though. I’m a year-round Craigslist seller.
-Christian L. @ Smart Military Money
@Christian L. That’s great! Any tips for selling items on Craigslist? I’ve managed to pick up and give out things for free, but have never sold anything.
Yazmin,
First, know your Craigslist market. I’m in a college town so I cannot price gouge. In a richer area, I’d get way more greedy.
Second, list a price that’s a little high. Leave room for the buyer to negotiate a price at which you’re still OK letting the item go.
Third, be as clear and concise as possible. When you list on Craigslist, you’re making yourself available to the general public. Give them all the details up front. Chances are they’ll contact you without reading the entire listing anyway, but this way you can refer them back to the listing when they ask all the questions you already answered.
Fourth, never list your phone number. You’ll get incoherent texts and phone calls at all hours of the day. Stick with the anonymous email option. If you feel comfortable with potential buyers once they’ve emailed you, ask for their phone number and contact them.
-Christian L. @ Smart Military Money
@christian I was going to ask the same question @Yazmin did, so thanks for sharing these details.
Whenever I have something I might be able to sell on Craigslist, I often don’t. The value is often small -$25 or so – and it seems like a lot of back and forth for a potential payoff. Do you have a minimum sale price to make Craigslist worth your while?
I don’t really because again, I’m in a college town. I’ve listed things as cheap as $1 (CDs that actually got bought in bulk for more) and as expensive as $4000 (car). To me, a few minutes of my time is worth one less useless item and extra cash in my savings.
-Christian L.
@Christian L. I think my hesitation to post items on Craigslist is really just that I’m not IN the habit of doing it. If I listed a few things at once, or at an item once a week, it would become part of my normal routine.
One last question – do you find it saves time to post a bunch of things on Craigslist at once, or do you post the sales as you think of it?
My spring cleaning started while putting away Christmas items. I repacked everything and halved my decorations. While putting away my Christmas stuff in my bedroom closet, I saw that I had way to many belts, dresses and bags, so out they went. I also culled the books and magazines we no longer read. I went through a stack of games and fabrics to donate as well. The less I have to clean around, the faster and easier it gets. We have a wonderful place to donate that helps our community.
We had our carpets cleaned also, we had it done on a perfect day with the windows all open
Before it gets too hot outside, I clean the oven and vacuum the sills and dust the shutters.
Initially I wanted to get a housekeeper, but it would cost me $165~ I figured it could do it myself.
Thank you so much Christian for sharing this.
looks really great and the best article…
Saving is important during shopping or when you getting something it’s a part of life overall thanks for share a great article.
Relevant information and best selection of words really thanks for share it.
the best guide for home cleaning thanks for share.
The application is very useful, I will use and review
Thanks and everything is shared in this blog in an unique way. keep it up.
Thank you so much for this nice and wonderful post i love to read it.
love this
great idea
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