As you know, we’re huge advocates for a thrifty lifestyle. Not just during a recession or financial crisis but always. One of our favorite quotes is from an interview we did with Califia Suntree, co-author of Be Thrifty. She says, “No matter how much or how little money you have, it is best for yourself, the planet, and society to be thoughtful of how you spend it, save it, and share it.” Because of our current slowdown, we have an opportunity to rethink our lives and make some changes. We have an opportunity to make a societal shift to thrift. It may be an old-fashion-y word but thrift is a timeless concept that is guaranteed to improve your life.

Since saving money and conserving resources is at on the top of everyone’s minds right now, we thought we’d share our top five tips for living a thrifty life, along with all the hacks we could think of. They’re useful of course during this time of social distancing and uncertainty, but they’re also smart for when things start to turn around. Our new normal lives are poised to be slower and thriftier, with a bigger focus on community and sustainability than ever before. And that’s something we’re looking forward to.

Use What You Already Have

Conquer the Pantry Challenge
Eat more, spend less, enjoy for days. Buy groceries for a week or two and then make all your meals out of what you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Get creative!

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Shop Your Closet
Create new looks with forgotten-about pieces. Start with the basics—jeans, a black skirt, leggings. Then dig in to the depths of your closet to find tops to mix and match.

Mend Your Clothes
There are loads of tutorials for how to do simple clothing repairs. Patch a hold, hem your jeans, sew a new button on a jacket, make a crop top from your favorite tee.

Use Castile Soap for Everything
Dr. Bronner’s claims 18 uses for its pure-castile liquid soap. Use this vegetable-based, non-toxic liquid on your body to wash and shave, to do the dishes, to clean the laundry, and so much more.

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Get Organized

Make Room in Your Garage
Need extra space for your virtual workout? Clear out your garage and move out all those items collecting dust. What to do with them? See above.

Clean Out Your Closet
This is the perfect time to do a deep dive into your wardrobe and decide what really brings you joy. For every Donation Kit you send in, we’ll give $15 to Feeding America, to help those affected most by COVID-19.

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Swap Stuff on NextDoor
With the Goodwill closed, there’s no easy outlet for all your unused sports equipment, toys, games, and furniture. Swap toys and books with your neighbors, or donate a bike to an essential worker. No contact pick-ups and drop-offs, of course.

Create Calm

Master the DIY Mani-Pedi
Instant pop of color and soothing therapeutic benefits. Washing your hands 30 times a day takes its toll. Hydrate with shea butter or coconut oil before you begin.

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Make a Comfort Box
Fill it with treasured items that give you a sense of calm and comfort.

Grow a Plant
Propagate a plant with leaf or stem cuttings. Perfect for a homemade gift!

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Create a Retreat Space
Find a nook and make it all yours.

Nap More (free vacay!)
The benefits of a mid-day snooze are comparable to a weekend getaway. Well, almost.

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Take a Spa Bath
Candles, bubbles, Epson salts, soothing podcast.

Be Creative

Make a Homemade Gift
Do a drive-by drop-off with cookies or DIY bath bombs.

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Barter Among Friends
Trade what you have for what you want.

Forage a Bouquet
Pick flowers on your daily walk and arrange in a reusable glass jar.

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Have a Porch Picnic
Missing human connection? Wave to all your neighbors from your stoop.

Join a Live-Stream Dance Class
So many wins here. You get access to Grammy-nominated choreographers from the comfort of your home and the camaraderie of connecting with 5K other humans without anyone seeing you miss a step.

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Throw a Drive-By Birthday Party
Send out the invites! Celebrate with waves, cheers, and birthday banners.

Camp in the Backyard
Need a change of scenery? Pop the tent up and sleep under the stars.

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Conserve Your Resources

Revisit your monthly subscriptions
Forgot about that free 14-day trial subscription you signed up for in January? Cancel, cancel, cancel. [For Apple users, hit your Apple ID in iTunes, then View Apple ID, and Subscriptions to view all your recurring subscriptions. On Android, open the Google Play Store app, tap the menu button, then choose Subscriptions.]

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Procrastinate a Purchase
Take an hour or a day to think about a purchase. If you still want it, go for it. If you forgot about it, well…[Shameless plug: thredUP is exempt because all our items are one-of-a-kind :)]

Cook in Batches
Always make a little extra for leftovers.

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Bonus! 15-Minute Wins for Cabin Fever

– Take short breaks. Walk around the block every 2 hours.

– Switch up your workspace for a change of scenery. Try every room in the house, go outside, work in the car.

– Schedule your time. Block moments to check on the kids, eat regular meals, grab snacks, take a stretching break.

– Phone your friends and family every day.

– Check in on someone who lives alone.

– Organize your drawers.

– Drop off something for a neighbor.

– Got any of your own thrift hacks? Send ‘em over, please!! We’ll update this list with your suggestions and credit you.