As you know, we’re huge advocates for a thrifty lifestyle. 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.” The chance to rethink our lives and make a societal shift to thrift will always be at our fingertips. 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 always at the top of everyone’s minds, we thought we’d share our top five tips for living a thrifty life, along with all the hacks we could think of. We strive for lives 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.

Revamp Your Furniture

Is the ambiance in your living room just not doing it for you? Instead of buying new, make a DIY project out of your current furniture. Polish wooden tables, dye couch cushions, and spray paint mirror frames (to name a few ideas!)

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Get Organized

Make Room in Your Garage

Clear out your garage and move out all those items collecting dust. What to do with them? See below.

Swap Stuff on NextDoor

Sometimes it’s difficult to decide what to do with all your unused sports equipment, toys, games, and furniture. Consider swapping these items with your neighbors.

Clean Out Your Closet

Do a deep dive into your wardrobe and decide which pieces really bring you joy. Clean out anything you no longer wear and send it to us in a Donation Kit. We’ll help you turn your clothes into cash for a charitable partner of your choice.

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Sort Through Your Kitchen.

Declutter your pantry and fridge and sort through each item, deciding if you’ll pass or keep. Non-perishables can be donated to your local food pantry, too!

Create Calm

Master the DIY Mani-Pedi

Instant pop of color and soothing therapeutic benefits. 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

Surprise your best pals and drop off cookies or DIY bath bombs.

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Barter Among Friends

Trade what you have for what you want.

Forage a Bouquet

Go on a walk, pick some flowers, and arrange them in a reusable glass jar.

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Have a Potluck Picnic

Gather your friends and have everyone bring a home-cooked good of their own. Share your grubs and catch up in a local park!

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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Camp in the Backyard

Pop the tent up and sleep under the stars. No need to leave home to enjoy the outdoors!

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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. One batch made for dinner can be your lunch for the next week!

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Borrow Instead of Buy

Think of the things you need for only a one-time use – i.e. tools. Hit up your friends and neighbors to see if you can borrow from them instead of buying something brand new, just to rarely use it.

Bonus! Take up a sustainable hobby if you have spare time.

– Gardening. Fresh produce? Yes, please!

– Knitting and crocheting. Stock up on sweaters for the colder months.

– Make handicrafts with loose items around the house.

– Create artwork out of recycled materials. Perhaps greeting cards for family and friends?

– Build a mini library outside of your house, filled with books you’ve already read.

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