I’ll be honest — it can be hard to keep up with everything around the house when you also live with a chronic illness.
Between the fatigue, flares, and brain fog, household maintenance sometimes slips through the cracks. But here’s the truth: when we stay ahead of small tasks, we prevent expensive problems later.
Steve and I learned this the hard way — replacing an HVAC motor because we forgot to change filters during a rough season. Now, we use an Asana board for all our home-related tasks. Each month has a few simple to-dos like changing air filters, checking seals, or cleaning appliances. It keeps our home in good shape and protects our financial health.
So whether you live alone or with family, these 25 ways to save money around the house can help you stretch your budget, simplify your routines, and feel a little more in control — even on low-energy days.
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The Easiest Ways to Save Money Around the House
Before we dive into the full list of 25 household hacks, let’s start with the best part: quick wins.
The most powerful money-saving habits are those that require minimal, low-energy effort (perfect for DIY frugal living) but yield significant monthly savings. By tackling simple utility and maintenance fixes first, you can immediately cut household costs on your home budget without feeling overwhelmed.
What are the Easiest Ways to Save Money Around the House?
The easiest ways to save money at home with little effort are fixing leaks, washing laundry in cold water, and managing “phantom power.”
- Unplug Electronics: Use a power strip to easily cut power to multiple devices at once. This stops phantom power draw (electricity used when a device is off) and instantly lowers your monthly energy bill.
- Fix Leaks Quickly: A small dripping faucet or running toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water per year. Keeping plumber’s tape handy for quick, simple repairs prevents major water cost waste and bigger problems later.
- Wash in Cold Water: Nearly all modern laundry detergents are formulated to work just as effectively in cold water. Switching from hot to cold saves energy with every single load, making it a zero-effort change with immediate savings.
- Use a Programmable Thermostat: Set your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you are sleeping or away from home. Smart or programmable thermostats can shave 8–10% annually off your heating and cooling costs.
Reduce Energy, Water, and Utility Bills
1. Seal Leaks and Drafts
Check doors, windows, and outlets for air leaks. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps. This small weekend task can save up to 10–20% on heating and cooling costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Switch to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Set it to lower temps at night and during the day when you’re out (or resting in another room). Smart thermostats can automatically adjust and save an average of 8–10% annually on heating and cooling.
3. Reverse Ceiling Fans Seasonally
In winter, run fans clockwise to push warm air down; in summer, reverse them to create a cooling breeze. It’s a tiny change with a noticeable comfort difference — and less reliance on AC or heat.
4. Add Insulation or Thermal Curtains
If full insulation upgrades aren’t in the budget, use thermal blackout curtains. They block heat in summer and retain warmth in winter, reducing your utility bills and improving sleep quality for light-sensitive spoonies.
5. Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Even when turned off, devices draw “phantom power.” Use a surge-protected power strip to cut off multiple devices at once.
6. Wash Laundry in Cold Water
Unless you’re washing heavily soiled clothes, cold water cleans just as well — and saves energy every load. Bonus: it’s gentler on fabrics and dyes.
7. Air-Dry Clothes When Possible
Use drying racks or an outdoor line for towels and sheets. Even partial air drying saves money, reduces wear on clothes, and helps regulate humidity indoors.
8. Install Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucet Aerators
Water-saving fixtures can cut your water use by up to 40% without sacrificing pressure. They’re easy to install, affordable, and ideal for renters, too.
9. Fix Leaks Quickly
A dripping faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water a year. For chronic pain days, keep plumber’s tape and a wrench handy for quick fixes before it becomes a bigger issue.
Prevent Expensive Repairs with Simple Home Maintenance
10. Maintain Your HVAC
Change filters every 2–3 months. If you use an Asana board like we do, set a recurring reminder. It helps your system run efficiently, keeps the air cleaner, and prevents costly breakdowns.
11. Clean Refrigerator Coils
Dusty coils make your fridge work harder. Unplug it, pull it out, and vacuum underneath every few months. This 10-minute task can improve efficiency by up to 30%.
12. Clean Gutters and Prep Seasonally
Cleaning gutters each fall prevents roof leaks and foundation damage. Schedule it in Asana so it never sneaks up on you.
13. DIY Simple Repairs
You don’t have to become a full DIY expert. Start with basics: patch nail holes, tighten loose knobs, or repaint small scuffs. YouTube tutorials and local hardware store workshops are great free resources.
14. Borrow or Rent Tools
Instead of buying tools you’ll only use once, check out tool libraries or local Facebook “Buy Nothing” groups. Borrowing saves storage space and hundreds of dollars over time.
Simplify Household Spending, Subscriptions, and Stuff
15. Cancel or Pause Unused Subscriptions
Audit your subscriptions every quarter. That forgotten app or duplicate streaming service adds up fast. Asana’s checklist system can help you track renewal dates and auto-payments.
16. Declutter and Sell What You Don’t Need
Less clutter means fewer things to maintain, clean, or replace. Plus, selling unused items on Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark can fund your next bill or household upgrade.
17. Track Your Spending Monthly
A simple home spending tracker (I love Airtable for this) helps identify sneaky costs — like that one recurring delivery subscription or oversized energy bill.
18. Reward Your Progress
Celebrate savings milestones — a nice dinner in, a cozy new blanket, or a home upgrade you’ve budgeted for. Positive reinforcement keeps motivation strong.
Save on Cleaning, Food, and Everyday Household Items
19. Make Your Own Cleaners
DIY cleaners using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice work well and cost pennies. They’re also low-tox and safer for people with MCAS or scent sensitivities.
20. Batch Cook and Freeze
Cook once, eat twice (or three times). Freezing portions reduces food waste and cuts down on takeout spending during flare days.
21. Use Cash-Back and Coupon Apps
Combine use of rebate and coupon apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and ReceiptPal to save on household goods. Upload receipts weekly — small rebates can add up to an extra grocery trip per month.
Lower Outdoor, Water, and Landscaping Costs
22. Harvest Rainwater or Reuse Greywater
Install a rain barrel or use dehumidifier water for plants. It’s an easy, eco-friendly way to lower your water bill while caring for your garden.
23. Plant Native and Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
Low-maintenance plants require less watering and fewer fertilizers. Check your local extension office for free or low-cost native plant programs.
24. Switch to Solar or Motion-Sensor Lighting
Solar path lights or motion sensors for outdoor fixtures save energy and add security without the constant “light left on” issue.
25. Repurpose and Upcycle
Old jars can become pantry organizers, candle holders, or craft supply containers. Upcycling adds personality to your home and reduces waste — it’s frugal and sustainable.
💡 Spoonie Tip
If you deal with fatigue or cognitive overload, spread these tasks out using a digital project manager. I built ours in Asana with recurring reminders, energy-friendly labels (“light,” “medium,” “heavy”), and checklists per season. I’m working on turning it into a downloadable Home Maintenance Board for spoonie households — so stay tuned for that resource soon!
Final Thoughts
Saving money around the house isn’t about restriction — it’s about being strategic. When you live with a chronic illness, every ounce of energy matters. Streamlining your home systems and automating maintenance protects both your physical and financial health.
Take what fits your life, skip what doesn’t, and celebrate each small win. Even one task checked off your list today brings you closer to financial peace — and a calmer, cozier home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I save money on household items each month?
To save money on household items, focus on three strategies: buying in bulk for non-perishables, using rebate and coupon apps like Ibotta, and switching to DIY cleaners using inexpensive ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
What are easy ways to save money at home with little effort?
The easiest, low-effort ways to save money include unplugging electronics to stop phantom power loss, washing laundry in cold water, fixing leaks quickly (a dripping faucet wastes thousands of gallons), and installing a programmable thermostat.
Which home improvements give the best ROI for energy savings?
The home improvements with the best Return on Investment (ROI) for energy savings are insulation upgrades, specifically in the attic and walls, followed by sealing air leaks with weatherstripping or caulk, and installing a smart or programmable thermostat.
What are the best money-saving habits for a household?
Track expenses, maintain appliances, declutter often, and cook at home. Routine awareness is the most powerful savings habit.
