You’ve probably heard it said, “a stitch in time saves nine,” but have you ever tried to apply that adage to your home maintenance budget? It turns out, there are tons of cheap, clever things you’ll want to buy now so that they don’t cost you time and money later. Luckily, there’s a shopping guide for that. Whether you’re swapping out single-use products for reusable versions that can hold up to long-term use, or just protecting the items you already own, there are tons of smart ways to save money around your home. So go ahead and start scrolling, because you (literally) can’t afford not to.
These reusable clog removers your drains desperately need
Omont Drain Clog Removers (6-Pack)
Take care of slow drains now before you have to call a pricey plumber later by using these drain clog removers. They come six to a pack and are so simple to use: Just insert them directly into your drain and let the jagged, thorn-like edges pull out hair clogs with ease. There’s even a longer stainless steel tool included with a grabber on the end for harder-to-reach clogs.
A clever draft stopper to help with your electric bills
Holikme Door Draft Stopper
If you’re trying to keep your air conditioning or heat in, this door draft stopper will help you keep drafts out and bills down. Made from flexible silicone, this stopper is easy to install since it can be cut to fit your desired length. Just stick it to the bottom of the door using the adhesive backing to close the gap between the door and the floor.
- Available colors: 5
The thermal-insulated curtains that help you maintain your home’s temperature
ECLIPSE Andover Solid Tripleweave Thermal Blackout Grommet Curtains for Bedroom (2 Panels), 42 in x 54 in, Navy
Another energy-saving home addition is this set of blackout curtains which are also thermal insulated to lock in heat or air conditioning — which can help you cut down on electricity costs. Plus, because they block out 99.9% of sunlight, they’ll help give you the chance to sleep in just a little bit later on Saturdays. (Score.)
- Available colors: 6
A tiny paint pen that makes fixing scuffs & chips so easy
SLOBPROOF Fillable Paint Pen (2-Pack)
No need to hire a professional, because this fillable paint pen is here for all the touch-ups you might need. It comes with a syringe, so you can fill the pen with the paint of your choosing, along with a convenient brush cap that helps reduce messes and drips. You can even leave it sealed with the paint still in it, so it’ll be ready for the next job.
The 10-pack of storage bags you can keep using again & again
Qinline Reusable Storage Bags (10-Pack)
Cut down on your single-use plastic purchasing with these reusable storage bags to save money over time. The set comes with 10 thick bags in varying sizes, including sandwich and snack portions. They feature leakproof seals and are safe to use in the freezer for long-term storage.
- Available colors: 4
A special canister designed to keep your coffee fresher
Coffee Gator Canister
If you keep throwing away coffee grounds that have lost their freshness, level up to this coffee canister instead. It has a unique seal that keeps the canister airtight while still allowing for the release of carbon dioxide that can affect coffee flavor and quality. The canister even has a date-keeping system on the top of the lid, so you know exactly when it’s time to replace your grounds or beans.
- Available sizes: 3
- Available colors: 3
These reusable dishcloths that will replace costly paper towels
Swedish Wholesale Swedish Dish Cloths (10-Pack)
Help the environment — and your wallet — with this 10-pack of Swedish dishcloths. They can help save you money over time since each one can be used up to 100 times and washed in the machine as needed. The cloths absorb 20 times their weight in moisture for tackling spills, but can also be used slightly dry for scouring.
- Available colors: 8
The sliding toothpaste squeezers that let you get every last drop
LOVEINUSA Toothpaste Squeezers (4-Pack)
Why throw away partially used toothpaste when you can make sure you’re getting your money’s worth with these toothpaste squeezers? Simply insert the end of the tube through the slot and slide the squeezer upward as you go, thereby pushing otherwise hard-to-get drops out of the dispensing end. It comes in a set of four, in a range of colorful hues.
A set of produce containers that keep fruits & veggies fresh
Rubbermaid Freshworks Produce Savers (Set of 2)
Keeping your fruits and veggies from going prematurely bad can prevent costly food waste, and these produce savers can help. The pair comes with one large and one small container, each equipped with a filter that helps balance oxygen and carbon dioxide to keep items fresh. The base also helps elevate your produce to make room for drainage and airflow, while reducing exposure to moisture.
The cult-favorite pet hair roller that harnesses the power of static
ChomChom Roller Pet Hair Remover
If you’ve got pets, there’s no need to spend tons on single-use sticky rollers, because this super popular pet hair remover does the job without ever needing replacement sheets. Just roll the red fabric roller back and forth across your surface to generate static cling and grab fur. Then empty the chamber and dump it in the trash when you’re done and you can keep reusing it again and again.
The best-selling furniture markers to hide minor wear & tear
DAIXISM Furniture Repair Kit
Mask scuffs and scratches in your wooden furniture with this repair kit. It comes with six crayons and six markers, all in traditional wood colors like maple, mahogany, walnut, and more, to fill in and disguise small nicks and discolorations. Just a little coloring inside the lines can help keep your items looking newer over time — i.e., no expensive furniture refinishing or replacements.
These wool balls that maximize dryer efficiency
SnugPad Wool Dryer Balls (6-Pack)
If you find your electric bill is getting out of control, use these wool dryer balls to separate laundry and speed up each drying cycle. Not only that, but they take the place of both fabric softener and lint- and wrinkle-reducing dryer sheets, saving you cash on your grocery list. They’re made from organic wool and free of fragrance — ideal for sensitive noses.
The reusable coffee pods that are compatible with your Keurig
K&J Reusable K Cups (4-Pack)
Single-cup coffee brewers are so amazing, but the plastic waste they create is anything but. Thankfully, these reusable coffee pods are here to help the environment — and your bills. Featuring fine, stainless steel mesh baskets, these cups fit a variety of Keurig machines and can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. Just load them up with grounds of your choosing, close the lid, and brew as usual.
A set of microfiber mop pads that can be used again & again
Reusable Pads Compatible with Swiffer Sweeper Mops - Washable Microfiber Mop Pad Refills by Turbo - 12 Inch Floor Cleaning Mop Head Pads Work Wet and Dry - 2 Pack
A simple way to cut back on costs that can add up over time is to switch to reusable options for cleaning products whenever possible — like these reusable mop pads. They’re made from durable microfiber to trap dirt while being gentle on floors, and work with a variety of Swiffer mops. Just toss them in the washing machine to clean.
The flameless candles you won’t have to replace any time soon
TyawonFlameless LED Candles (Set of 3)
Stock up on these flameless candles for a decor statement you won’t need to keep replacing. The set comes with three realistic-looking pillar candles in tinted glass jars of varying sizes for a dramatic, mood-setting effect. The flickering LED bulbs in the candles are conveniently operated with a remote control that allows you to adjust the brightness or set them on a timer.
- Available colors: 4
This clever freezing tray for portioning out soups & stews
Souper Cubes Extra-Large Freezing Tray
Meal preppers and batch cookers alike are sure to love this extra-large freezing tray. The tray features four wells that store just over 1 cup each, making it a cinch to pop out single servings of soups and stews for defrosting and eating. The flexible silicone tray comes with a lid, so you can conveniently store items on top to maximize freezer space.
- Available colors: 4
A helpful gadget that keeps herbs from wilting too fast
NOVART XXL Herb Keeper
Herbs can really add bulk to your grocery bill, especially when you only need a bit here and there for a garnish or a single recipe, so keep them fresher for longer in this herb keeper. This tall gadget can fit a full bunch of most herbs (and even asparagus), helping them last for up to three weeks. Just add some water to the bottom, place the herbs in the cup, and store it in the fridge.
The convenient pen that lets you brighten up old grout
Rainbow Chalk Markers Grout Pen
There’s no need to pay for new flooring, because this grout marker can help make old grout look new. It works just like a marker: Just press down to release a white, water-resistant ink that brightens up your existing grout when no amount of scrubbing will help. Each pen can deliver about 150 feet of grout ink.
A 4-pack of handy smart plugs that track energy usage
Kasa Smart Plugs (4-Pack)
Track energy costs with this four-pack of smart plugs. With the compatible phone app, you’ll see just how much electricity appliances and devices are using when plugged in. You can also use the app to set schedules and timers (hello, more power bill savings) as well as use voice commands to control them if you have an Alexa or Google assistant.
This versatile stain remover that rescues clothes & upholstery
Emergency Stain Rescue Stain Remover
Cut back on dry cleaning bills with this stain remover. Simply spray it on, blot it out, and rinse it away to banish stains from food, dirt, or nearly anything else. It’s free from dyes, peroxides, and sulfates, making it a great choice for homes with kids and pets. It’s safe to use on a variety of surfaces, including clothing and upholstery.
These pipe leak detectors that alert you before water damage sets in
Govee Water Detectors (2-Pack)
Be aware of small pipe leaks before they become big, expensive problems with this pair of water detectors. They feature sensors that detect leaks, then sound an alarm, alerting you to the problem, so you can have the maximum amount of time to make repairs... before it’s too late and you need to replace flooring and run industrial-grade fans.
An infuser bottle that saves you money on pricey flavored beverages
Brimma Fruit Infuser Water Bottle
If you love refreshing, fruity beverages, snag this infuser water bottle, so you can make them yourself on the cheap. This 32-ounce bottle is simple to use: Just fill the interior filter with fruit or herbs of your choosing, add the water, and let it sit. The nonslip side grip makes it easy to carry, too.
These handy bag clips to keep chips & snacks from going stale
HOUSE AGAIN Chip Bag Clips (12-Pack)
We all know folding the top of the chip bag over and hoping for the best does next to nothing to prevent staleness, so try these chip bag clips instead. The silicone-rimmed stainless steel clips put pressure on the bag and help create a seal for improved freshness. And since each order comes in a range of hues, you can use them for color coding, too.
- Available colors: 2
The microwaveable popcorn popper that does away with the bagged versions
POPCO Microwaveable Popcorn Popper
Now you can take your popcorn directly from the microwave to your couch with this microwavable popcorn popper. The silicone bowl comes with a lid and handy measurement markings inside for your kernels. When you’re done, the whole thing collapses flat for storage. Just think of all the cash you can save by skipping the pre-portioned bag versions.
- Available colors: 15
A protective seat cover for mess-free pet transport
Active Pets Car Seat Cover
Getting your car detailed can be so expensive, so protect it from pet fur and other messes with this car seat cover. It slips over the back seat headrests to provide sturdy, waterproof coverage, making it super easy to wipe down. There are even slots for seatbelt buckles, so it won’t interfere with safe seating in your back row.
The empty toiletry set that lets you forego expensive travel-size bottles
Morfone Travel Bottle Set (16-Pack)
There’s no need to buy-travel size versions of your products when you can simply take smaller amounts of the things you already own using this travel bottle set. The silicone set comes with leakproof closures and includes a whopping 16 items — this includes spray bottles, jars for creams, and squeeze bottles all in a clear zippered travel case.
- Available multipacks: 4
A pair of tiny spatulas for getting every last drop of all your products
The Spatty & Spatty Daddy Last Drop Spatula (2-Piece)
If you’re tired of throwing away condiments and more just because you can’t reach what’s left at the bottom, this skinny spatula set can help. It comes with a 6-inch and a 12-inch spatula, so you can get to the bottom of even tall containers. Simply swipe the flexible rubber tool into the nooks and crannies of jars and bottles to save money on food waste in no time.
These stretchy chair protectors that can save your floors, too
Aneaseit Chair Leg Covers (16-Pack)
Keep your furniture and flooring free from scuffs and scratches with these chair leg covers. The stretchy silicone covers can fit a variety of chair and even table legs with ease. The bottom is coated with a soft felt material to help furniture glide easily and quietly across floors without damaging or scratching.
- Available colors: 7
A special container specifically for extending the life of your avocados
Prepworks by Progressive Avocado Keeper
Avocados are a finicky fruit, but you can help preserve them with this avocado keeper. If you’ve cut one open and want to save the other half, just toss it in this container which snaps to seal closed. Storing it face down can help with unsightly oxidation too. Just toss it in the dishwasher to clean.
This handy knife sharpener that keeps blades in pristine condition
AnySharp Pro - World's Best Knife Sharpener - For All Knives and Serrated Blades - Metallic Red
Keep your tools in like-new condition so you won’t have to replace them as often with this knife sharpener. One of its most helpful features is the lever-activated suction cup at the base so you can ensure it’s safe and stable as you’re using it. Simply slide the blade through the sharpener at the top to revive dull blades in a matter of seconds.
- Available colors: 4
A 3-pack of teeth-whitening pens that don’t break the bank
VieBeauti Teeth Whitening Pens (3-Pack)
Just one of these teeth-whitening pens takes the place of 14 whitening strips, and this order comes with three — ensuring you’ll hold onto your cash as you brighten your smile. All you have to do is brush the whitening solution directly onto your teeth, let it dry for 20 seconds, then don’t eat or drink for half an hour. Over time, you’ll notice fewer stains from coffee, red wine, and other culprits.
This gentle wood polish that makes old furniture & cabinetry shine
Therapy Furniture Polish & Wood Cleaner Kit 16 oz. Cabinet and Table Restorer
Give furniture, cabinets, and other wood surfaces the TLC they deserve with this wood cleaner and polish. The set comes with a soft microfiber cloth — all you need to do is apply the formula and buff it in to condition the wood and reveal a brighter surface. It even has a subtle almond scent for a refreshing experience from start to finish. It’s sure to save you from replacing items that just needed some reviving.
These car seat organizers that double as protective kick mats
Lusso Gear Heavy Duty Kick Mats (2 Pk) - Back Seat Protector, Sag Proof, Waterproof, Car Back Seat Cover for Kids Who Make Big Messes, 3 Reinforced Storage Pockets, Premium Oxford Fabric (Black)
If you’ve got kids (or pets!) who can’t sit still in the back of your car, keep their feet from damaging your seat backs with this pair of kick mats. They secure to your seats with adjustable straps and extend all the way to the bottom. Better yet, the tops of the protectors are equipped with three mesh pockets for storing books, snacks, dog leashes, and more.
- Available colors: 5
A reusable cloth that removes your makeup with just water
The Original MakeUp Eraser
Single-use makeup remover wipes can get so expensive, so make the switch to the MakeUp Eraser cloth instead. All you do is add water, and the soft cloth will buff off even waterproof makeup with ease. Each cloth can last up to five years and can be easily cleaned in the washing machine.
- Available colors: 14
The fan-favorite baking cups you can use & reuse & reuse...
Amazon Basics Reusable Silicone Baking Cups (12-Pack)
Snag these reusable baking cups to cut back on single-use liners, a cost that can really add up in a busy kitchen. They’re made from nonstick, oven-safe silicone that can withstand temperatures up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit. And because they’re so flexible, you can simple peel away the liner without damaging your baked goods. They’re freezer safe for extra convenience and dishwasher safe, too.
The jewelry cleaner that makes precious metals & gems shine like new
Connoisseurs Precious Jewelry Cleaner
Save yourself a trip to the jeweler with this best-selling jewelry cleaner, which is safe to use on diamonds, gold, and other precious stones — as well as costume jewelry. It comes with a built-in tray that makes the system easy to use: Just place your items on the tray, dip it into the solution for 30 seconds, then buff off any debris with the included brush. After rinsing, your pieces will glitter and gleam like new.
A variety pack of reusable lids that fit nearly any container
Unwasted Reusable Silicone Lids – Versatile Freezer to Microwave Cover for Food – Leak-Proof Silicone Stretch Lids for 3” - 12” Container, Bowl, or Cup – Dishwasher Safe Silicone Bowl Covers (Set of 7)
If you’ve ever lost the lid to a storage container and been tempted to throw away the unmatched bottom, stop — because these reusable silicone lids are here to save the day. Because they’re so stretchy, they can expand to fit a variety of containers, from square bins to round pots. The set comes with seven BPA-free lids in multiple sizes, so you’ll have a match for everything from here on out. Food waste? Begone.
This mega-sized battery organizer for all your storage needs
The Battery Organizer and Tester with Cover
If you’ve ever chucked a battery not knowing whether it still had juice — or unnecessarily bought new batteries because you couldn’t find the ones you already had — this battery organizer can help. It clearly displays everything and comes with a built-in tester, so you’ll know exactly which batteries still have power left. It can store a whopping 93 batteries, ranging from tiny flat versions to bulkier D-cells.
- Available colors: 7
This wall repair kit that has everything you need to patch a hole
3M Small Hole Repair Kit
Don’t call a handyman, because you can tackle nicks and scuffs in any wall yourself with this small hole repair kit. It comes with everything you need, including a screen to cover holes up to 3 inches wide, spackle, a spreader, and a sanding pad to buff it all out to a smooth finish It’s well loved by reviewers, too, over 10,000 of whom have weighed in to give it an impressive 4.6-star overall rating.
A budget planner that won’t stress you out (really)
Clever Fox Budget Planner
Get your expenses organized with this budget planner. Outwardly it looks like any stylish notebook with a helpful elastic closure, but inside it has tons of useful prompts to keep your budget on the straight and narrow. It boasts spaces to track debt, areas to notate your financial goals, and slots to brainstorm tactics to reach goals. If you’ve been intimidated by the thought of taking a direct look at your finances, this is an easy and effective way to dip your toe in the water.
- Available colors: 24
This folding glasses organizer that keeps your specs from getting crushed
Longjet Sunglasses Organizer
If you’re constantly replacing sunglasses or eyeglasses thanks to scratched lenses or crunched frames, this glasses organizer can save you some dough. Featuring a hexagonal design, it has a snap closure and folds out to house an impressive five pairs of glasses at once. The hard-shell keeps them from getting misshapen while the soft lining prevents surface damage.
- Available colors: 9
The washer-safe sock holder for stress-free laundry days
SockDock Laundry Tools (2-Pack)
Once you lose a sock from a pair, it’s game over, unless you have this sock-docking laundry tool. It essentially acts like a bungee cord, safely securing nine pairs of socks at together, so they can go into the washer and dryer, and come out with their mate still intact. It has a helpful hook on top for easy storage, too.
- Available colors: 4
These spiral wraps that help prevent cable breakage
Jetec Charger Cable Saver (24-Pack)
You’ll want to snag these cable savers to save you from constantly replacing charging cords ASAP. They wrap around the base of your cable (kind of like an old-school landline cord) and prevent the cord from bending at sharp angles, which can wear them down and cause fraying over time. Since you get multiple shades in a pack, you can even use them for color coding.
- Available colors: 3
The produce sheets that extend freshness by up to 4 weeks
THE FRESHGLOW CO Fresh Paper Produce Sheets (16 Count)
Farmers market haul going bad before you have a chance to get to everything? Put these produce-freshness sheets to work. Infused with natural botanicals, each BPA-free sheet helps fruits and veggies last two to four times longer than they would otherwise. They take up next-to-no-space, so they’re easy to stash in a fruit bowl, the refrigerator crisper, or your bag of lettuce.
A tiny space heater that helps reduce central heating costs
Amazon Basics Ceramic Personal Mini Space Heater
If you’re tempted to crank the heat once the temperatures drop, you might want to reach for this mini ceramic space heater first. A lot easier on your power bill, it warms up the area immediately surrounding you to keep things toasty warm. The one-button operation makes it simple to power on and off, while tip-over protection helps enhance safety.
- Available colors: 4
