Make Everything Last Longerby Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 02 Sep 2009 11:13 AM One sure way to make sure that you spend less money is to avoid replacing items in your home, especially expensive items. Just a little extra care can go a long way to making your stuff last longer. Just yesterday, I reminded a sweet little girl from the neighborhood that she left her bicycle helmet in our garage. Her response was to leave it there, that she would just buy another one. My own kids were a little shocked by this and stopped her a few times as she was leaving to go home for the night. They couldn't believe she was serious. In our home, we try to avoid having to replace objects as much as we can. What are some ways that you can make things last longer? Here are some suggestions. Stay organized. If you know where things are, then you won't have to buy replacements. Losing items, either in your home or elsewhere is probably one of the biggest reasons you need replacements. From tape and scissors, to mittens and hats, to keys and wallets, put things in the same place and be aware of where you put them each time. Keep things clean. When dirt builds up, it can be hard to get rid of it later. Also, dirt and grime (not to mention mold) can have a tendency to stain or damage items. Carpeting, for example, can mat and wear faster if it isn't regularly vacuumed. You can keep your floors clean by taking off your shoes in the house, keep your table clean by using a tablecloth and place mats, and keep your furniture clean with washable slipcovers. Be gentle with your possessions. Rather than handling things roughly, treat your items carefully. DVDs should be handled by the edges and put back in their cases to avoid scratches, laundry can be hung to avoid the wear and tear of the dryer, electronics can be put on surge protectors and out of hot cars, etc. Related Articles: Frugal Living: Have a Half Day 6 Ways to Reduce Our Use of Paper Products Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantfrugal tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags conservation, frugal living, save money Discuss this article
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