It can be easy to fall into the trap of buying expensive and unnecessary household items that you think will change your life but actually end up collecting dust in a corner, costing you money, or simply breaking. Here are 17 items to avoid spending your hard-earned cash on!
Branded Cleaning Supplies
With so many cleaning products on offer, it can be an overwhelming choice, but The Guardian has cited a study that found 50% of tested surface cleaners were no more effective than water. Don’t waste your money by paying for a brand, and you could even consider making eco-friendly homemade alternatives that are much cheaper and just as effective.
Specialized Kitchen Gadgets
Kitchen utensils are an everyday essential, but try to stick to the basics rather than buying lots of one-use tools. Items such as avocado slicers will simply clutter your kitchen and end up going unused. By investing in good quality tools, you’ll be able to prepare everything you need.
Extended Warranties for Appliances
Appliances can be a bit of an investment, so extended warranties may seem like a tempting added extra, but Money Helper says they might not be a good value for the money; “technology is advancing, so replacement goods are not only usually cheaper, but are often going to be better than the one you had before.”
High-End Cable Packages
Streaming services are booming, and expensive cable packages are no longer needed in a modern family home. By signing up for a couple of streaming services instead, you’ll save money and can be flexible if you fancy a change in the future.
Trendy Home Décor
The latest in-home décor and seasonal trends might be tempting, especially when you scroll through the never-ending influencers on social media, but these pieces go out of style quickly, wasting your hard-earned money. Instead, opt for classic pieces, or if you really want a trending item, try to DIY it!
Bottled Water
Bottled water might taste better than some tap water, but it’s significantly more expensive, and the leftover plastic bottles have a huge impact on the environment. Instead, try a water filter for a more sustainable alternative that works out cheaper in the long run.
Pre-cut Fruits and Vegetables
Although convenient, pre-cut fruit and vegetables often come with a higher price tag, and according to News24, “Pre-cut fruit is not only at risk of losing some nutrients and vitamins while sitting on the shelf in a grocery store, but it also could have a shorter lifespan.”
Expensive Bedding Sets
High cost doesn’t always equate to higher quality, and basic bedding sets can be just as comfortable and durable. Save your money and opt for good quality basics, and if you’re looking to refresh a bedroom on a budget, consider mixing up the pillowcases for an affordable mix-and-match look.
Overpriced Home Printers
You are now able to manage most documents digitally, so a home printer may be an unnecessary cost as well as taking up precious room in your home. Ink is also expensive, and while some subscription services can occasionally save money, they often lead to overbuying.
Cheap, Fast Furniture
With fast-moving home trends and cheap, easily damaged furniture to match, the New York Times says, “Each year, Americans throw out more than 12 million tons of furniture, creating mountains of solid waste that have grown 450 percent since 1960.” Instead, opt for second-hand or vintage furniture for better value and durability.
Unnecessary Kitchen Appliances
Items like wine coolers and warming drawers may seem like a nice luxury when you’re planning out your new kitchen, but in reality, they generally go unused and occupy valuable space. Instead, when choosing your main appliances, opt for high-quality, well-designed pieces that will function in every way you need them to.
Gimmicky Exercise Equipment
When you get started with a new exercise regimen or want to motivate yourself to move your body, it can seem tempting to purchase new exercise equipment; however, these items are often overpriced and end up going unused. Instead, opt for online workout routines or get outside for a free, and usually more effective, workout.
Expensive Smart Home Gadgets
The increase in accessibility of smart home gadgets has revolutionized the way we live, but expensive versions often exceed our needs, and there can be compatibility issues between different brands. Instead, opt for simple, cheaper alternatives that do the job you need.
Decorative Towels
Expensive and rarely used, decorative towels will go out of style quickly, leaving you out of pocket. In reality, regular towels serve the same purpose, so when trying to add color or decoration to your bathroom, try to opt for more functional, cheaper alternatives.
Seasonal Tableware
Tableware is space-consuming, so storing items for the whole year just for a few days of use isn’t a great use of space. Instead of a whole set of crockery, try to find a few key pieces that you can mix and match with your regular set for a festive look, or simply add themed décor pieces such as napkins or candles.
Premium Paint Brands
Buying a higher-priced product doesn’t always mean you’ll get better coverage or longevity, and many mid-range paints perform comparably in consumer tests. If you’re unsure of the product’s quality, buy a couple of test pots so you can compare them before spending on larger quantities.
Exotic Indoor Plants
They might be beautiful, but plants that need warm climates, are fussy about light levels, and require a specific amount of humidity are hard to care for and expensive. When this habitat isn’t met, they’ll likely die, leading to wasted money. Instead, opt for hardy greenery, which is much easier to look after and cheaper.