Inside: Looking for delicious, budget-friendly meals? Look no further! This guide has 100+ delicious and frugal recipes that will help you stick to your food budget.
When it comes to keeping your grocery budget in check, meal planning is a powerful tool. It can simplify your life, save you precious time, and stretch your dollars further.
You don’t always need pricey ingredients to whip up something delicious. Creating frugal meals doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor.
Sometimes, a frugal meal could mean something cheaper but equally, if not more, delicious than takeout! The key to this art is using simple, inexpensive ingredients, being creative in their application, and not shying away from condiments, herbs, and spices that can elevate your dish.
Remember, eating frugally is not just cost-effective but also simple and stress-free, utilizing common kitchen staples, and easy-to-locate items.
Join me on my mission to make frugal meals that are adored by my family and my thrifty self appreciates.
Frugal Breakfast Ideas:
A frugal breakfast should not equate to boring. Here are a few ways to start your day off right without stressing your wallet:
Waffles/Pancakes: These could be made with basic ingredients like flour, eggs, and baking powder. Top with peanut butter or dust of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor!
Eggs: Cooked to your preference, be it fried, boiled, or scrambled, they are not only easy on the pocket but also a rich source of protein.
Oatmeal: Buy oats in bulk and pair them with over-ripe bananas, pumpkin butter, or a sprinkle of brown sugar. It’s a hearty and filling for just about anyone.
Muffins: Basic muffin ingredients include flour, eggs, and baking powder. For an element of surprise, add in nuts, blueberries, or mashed bananas.
French Toast: With eggs, cinnamon, and loaves of French bread, you can whip up a scrumptious breakfast.
Homemade Bread/Toast: If you’re up to the task, making your own bread could be a money-saving option. This is something I do with sourdough bread. Pair the fresh bread with either sweet or savory toppings.
Omelets: Eggs are a cheap source of protein. Whip up an omelet and serve it with your choice of inexpensive veggies.
Homemade Biscuits: Biscuits are a great addition to any frugal breakfast, with just “milk” and flour ingredients. Pair them with a little meat or enjoy them in butter. Just like my great Aunt Marie made at the ranch.
Choose Spice for Breakfast: This recipe for Mexican baked eggs uses budget friendly canned beans and eggs as a protein source. It’s super simple to make in less than 30 minutes, with eggs baked in a smoky, spicy tomato sauce with black beans, poblanos, and corn. Serve with plenty of corn tortillas for a super satisfying meal.
Frugal Lunch Ideas:
Lunch should be something to look forward to, even if you’re on a tight budget. Here are frugal lunch ideas that keep your tummy and your wallet happy.
Salad: A salad is an excellent choice for a frugal lunch, it’s both cost-effective and healthy. Based on what’s available in your fridge, you can combine different vegetables, proteins, and dressings to create a filling and tasty meal every day.
Sandwiches: The humble sandwich can be as frugal or as lavish as you like. Tuna, grilled cheese, peanut butter, and jelly, ham… you name it, sandwiches offer a great variety.
Homemade Soup: Consider creamy potato soup, creamy vegetable soup, or even curried cauliflower soup. They can be light yet fulfilling, and the ingredients are reasonably priced.
Toast Pizza: Save money by using toast as your pizza base, add what you have in the fridge, top it off with cheese, and cook it under the grill or in the oven.
Baked Potatoes: A toasty baked potato with butter is a delightful, inexpensive lunch. Top it up with fillings such as cheese or broccoli.
Remember, lunch doesn’t have to be expensive to be delicious! Use what you have at home for a more sustainable, economical, and satisfying meal.
Frugal Dinner Ideas:
Dinner is the time when families come together, share their day, and unite over food. There’s a common misconception that frugal foods are bland and monotonous. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make dinner delicious and satisfying.
Spaghetti: Who knew that the ultimate comfort food could be so cheap? Combine spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce or cheese, add your favorite seasonings, and voila! You have a delicious meal.
Baked potatoes: Fully customizable and super simple to be a dinner game-changer. Top them with cheese, sour cream, or any other leftovers like chili!
Stir Fry: This is a perfect way to use up any veggies you have. Throw in some meat if you have it, cook with rice and tasty sauce, and your stir fry is ready!
Tacos: Pick up tortillas, get ground beef, or use dried beans, lettuce, and salsa, and there you have your Taco night. You can also swap out the beef for beans, and it’ll still taste delightful.
Breakfast for Dinner: Who said breakfast foods are only for mornings? Whip up scrambled eggs, toast, or pancakes, and enjoy a breakfast-style dinner!
Creating a delicious, nutritious, and frugal dinner can be easier than you might think. It’s all about making the most out of the resources you have, every day.
Recipe Breakdown : Variety Of Frugal Meals
Satisfying Soup & Salad Recipes on a Shoestring
When it comes to frugality, nothing beats the soup and salad combination. These meals are not only hearty and satisfying but also easy on your wallet. With just a few ingredients, these recipes will bring variety and nutrition to your kitchen without putting a strain on your wallet.
Here are a few of our favorite frugal soup and salad recipes:
The Best Chicken Soup Recipe: Simplicity meets flavor without breaking the bank. Utilizing affordable ingredients and leftover chicken, this soup is a testament to how economical choices can still yield rich, comforting results.
Cauliflower and Bacon Soup:
Instant Pot Three Sisters Soup: A blend of corn, beans, and squash.
Root Vegetable Soup: Healthy, comforting, and made with only a few simple and inexpensive ingredients! It’s prepared with veggies like carrots, parsnips, rutabaga, and potatoes simmered in a savory broth.
Healthy Roast Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup: Winter favorite loaded with nutrients.
Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup: Comfort food at its best.
Smoky Black Bean Soup: Protein packed, tasty, and hearty.
Hearty Lentil Soup: Healthy and will keep you warm during the winter! It’s made with only a few ingredients and requires no special equipment. This soup is made with lentils, veggies, and spices simmered in a savory tomato broth.
Vegan Coconut Curry Lentil Soup: Exotic, aromatic, and down-right delicious.
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe: Classic soup, ready in no time.
Vegetable Barley Soup: With protein-rich chickpeas, cabbage, potatoes, and the twist of curry spices, this soup is easy, comforting, and delicious!
The Very Best Ham And Potato Soup With Peas: Savory, delicious and economical.
Cheap and Easy Hamburger Soup: Mouthwatering and super easy to prepare.
Creamy Vegetarian Potato Soup: Originally named 45-Cent Potato Soup because that was how much it cost per serving over a decade ago! The cost has increased a bit but this hearty potato soup is still a keeper. Creamy potato soup with veggies and milk – thick, velvety, and hearty. It’s on constant rotation at our house!
Moreover, when it comes to salads, using seasonal produce, beans, or leftover veggies can be an affordable way to create nutritious meals. Add chicken, tuna, or boiled eggs for protein, or keep it simple with fresh greens and a homemade dressing.
Remember, a frugal lifestyle does not mean you have to compromise on taste or variety. It’s about being creative with what you have!
Cut Costs with these Cheap ‘n Cheerful Chicken Recipes
Dinner necessity is the mother of so many amazing chicken dinners! Plus it is an excellent protein option that can be inexpensive, especially if you seize sales or buy in bulk.
Maple Chicken & Potato Supper: This recipe turns an affordable cut of chicken and two types of potatoes into a family favorite.
One-Pot Chicken and Potatoes: Chicken thighs are cheap, add in potatoes, onions, and carrots for a hearty comfort meal.
Leftover Chicken Curry and Vegetables: Lots of recipes use leftover chicken or turkey. But this “All the Leftovers” Chicken Curry also uses your leftover vegetables. Clean out your refrigerator today!
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup: A quick, deliciously rich, and slightly spicy meal made up of chicken, black beans, and stewed tomatoes.
Crockpot Chicken Tacos: With just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, this is a lifesaver for busy nights.
Chicken Curry and Quinoa: Simple, tasty, and feels like a treat without the expense.
One Pan Baked Chicken Thigh Recipe with Green Beans and Red Potatoes: This recipe is easy and inexpensive when you grab the chicken thighs on sale! It is easy to prepare, a healthier option and a family favorite!
Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas: A perfect, weeknight meal.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots: A value for money meal with chicken thighs – one of the cheapest chicken cuts.
One-Pan Chicken Legs with Chickpeas and Quinoa: A wholesome, naturally sweet dish with a few spices.
Easy Cheesy Chicken Taco Spaghetti: Made with pantry staples, this comforting dinner recipe is frugal and filling. Full of pasta, creamy sauce, and canned chicken, your family will be asking for seconds!
Chicken Fried Rice: Uses leftovers efficiently, add veggies, and you have a meal.
Easy Pizza Chicken Recipe: A low carb and high protein meal, especially when you use ordinary cheddar.
Remember, maximizing flavor in cheap chicken recipes often relies on using good quality, inexpensive ingredients, and cooking techniques like slow cooking or sautéing. Happy cooking!
Beautiful Beef Dishes that Benefit Your Wallet
When trying to maintain a frugal lifestyle, using affordable cuts of beef like ground beef, shin, or skirt steak can yield mouth-watering meals that don’t bust the budget. Here are a few beef recipes that are both economical and satisfying:
Ground Beef Stroganoff: A classic comfort food that is simple, quick, and incredibly hearty.
Poor Man’s Stew: An excellent choice for a filling, cheap, and tasty meal for a whole family.
Simple Hamburger Hotdish: This simple hamburger hotdish (casserole) makes delicious use of affordable and easy-to-find ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce. This is a great meal idea to feed a family.
Beef Skillet Nachos: Layer chips, ground beef, and cheese in a skillet for an easy, cost-effective meal.
Homemade Beef and Noodles: An economical-friendly classic that can serve a good number of people.
Tortellini Bake: This 4 ingredient Tortellini Bake uses common ingredients like ground beef and marinara sauce to make a satisfying and hearty meal for families!
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: Across the realms of deliciousness and frugality, this casserole rings the bell.
Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup: Combining the wholesome elements of beef, macaroni, and tomatoes provides a satiating meal at an affordable cost.
Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry: Brimming with colorful vegetables and protein-rich beef, this dish is a delight to both the stomach and the wallet.
Taco Skillet: It’s the taste of tacos in a convenient and cost-friendly rice skillet.
Classic Stuffed Peppers: Filled with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and a zesty sauce, it’s a comfort meal that’s easy on the pocket.
Sesame-Ginger Beef: This dinner calls for an inexpensive cut of meat.
By creatively utilizing budget cuts and leftovers, you can create economical, hearty, and tasty beef dishes for yourself and your family, fostering a love for cooking while sticking to a money plan.
Money-saving Meatless Meal Marvels
When it comes to cost-saving, meatless or vegetarian dishes are a winner. Not only are they usually cost-effective, but they’re also often packed with nutrients. Here are meatless recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds, without denting your wallet:
Quinoa Edamame Salad with Peanut Sauce: Use cabbage and edamame to make a balanced lunch. The peanut sauce is flavor-packed and uses pantry staples, and the quinoa is easy to swap with rice or pasta.
Vegan Lentil Curry: Packed with nutrition, this dish makes an inexpensive, protein-rich meal.
Jamaican Rice and Peas: Economical rice and beans doesn’t need to be boring. Jamaican rice and peas are easy to make in the slow cooker. This flavorful, easy recipe brings delicious Caribbean flavor to any meal as a side dish or a complete meal on its own.
Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups: Proof that vegetarian dinners can be delightfully hearty, this twist on classic lasagna is a crowd-pleaser.
Bean, Tomato, and Spinach Stew: A hearty and richly flavored dish that is low cost and satisfying.
Vegan Texas Tamale Pie: Great down-home, budget-friendly meal is perfect to whip up when you need something hearty, healthy, and filling to serve to your hungry family or friends in under an hour. Prepared with basic canned ingredients you might keep in your cupboard, this simple recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your tastes with the groceries you have on hand.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill peppers with a delicious mixture of quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, and spices.
Eggplant Parmesan: Classic Italian dish, easy to make, and delicious to eat.
Pasta e Fagioli aka Pasta and Beans: Feed your family for pennies a bowl with pasta e fagioli. Cucina povera Italian food is the food of peasants, but it is so delicious! Only three inexpensive ingredients are needed to make this quick and easy, nutritious, one pot weeknight meal.
Potato & Zucchini Frittata: Use up your leftover veggies and whip up a quick frittata for dinner.
Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese: A classic that’s both inexpensive and palate-pleasing.
Vegetarian Stir-Fry: A colorful medley of veggies stir-fried in a savory sauce served over rice.
Spaghetti aglio e olio: This spaghetti aglio olio (with garlic and olive oil) is probably one of the most popular classic Italian pasta recipes and yet it’s so simple, budget friendly and super easy to make!
Butternut Squash Risotto: This dish, while sounding fancy, is frugal and straightforward to make.
Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese: This is a rich, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s lighter on the wallet than traditional bolognese.
Crispy Pan Fried Gnocchi: A simple and quick & inexpensive recipe to make in only 20 minutes for an easy weeknight meal. Crispy gnocchi coated in a light sauce made with garlic, herbs, butter and parmesan.
Implementing meatless meals can significantly cut down on grocery bills, with the added bonus of being healthier and environmentally friendly.
So why not give these recipes a try for your next frugal feast?
Luscious Low-Budget Lunch Ideas
The midday meal can often be overlooked when planning budget-friendly meals. Don’t let lunch blow your allowance! Here are a few low-cost, lip-smacking lunch ideas:
Bean Burritos: Beans and cheese wrapped in a tortilla can be quite satisfying and light on the pocket too.
Tuna Salad Sandwiches: A classic frugal lunch option that’s rich in protein.
Egg Salad Wraps: Egg salad in a wrap is a fulfilling lunch that’s economical.
Homemade Hummus and Veggies: Prepare hummus at home and pair it with fresh veggies for a light and inexpensive lunch.
Mixed Bean Salad: Beans are a powerhouse of nutrition and offer a low-cost lunch option. Mix different beans and dress them up with herbs and spices for a flavorful lunch.
Veggie and Cheese Stuffed Potatoes: A cheesy baked potato with veggies is filling and affordable.
PB&J: Peanut butter and jelly never go out of style and are a great low-cost lunch option.
Tuna Tomato Pasta: Tuna tomato pasta is a delicious healthy and easy recipe that only takes 20 minutes to make. With just a few basic ingredients it’s budget friendly too!
Falafel Wraps: Homemade falafel is quite reasonable and can be wrapped up with pita and fresh veggies for a satisfying meal.
Pasta Salad: Cold pasta salad with veggies is a cheap and filling lunch idea.
Vegetable Fried Rice: Leftover rice, mixed with whatever veggies you have on hand, makes for a delectable and affordable lunch.
When your lunch is as tasty as it is affordable, you’re winning at the game of frugality. Enjoy these luscious lunch ideas without breaking the bank!
Delightful Dinner Recipes That Don’t Dig A Hole In Your Pocket
Dinner is the meal you eagerly look forward to after a long day. Unfortunately, it can also be the priciest meal of the day. But it doesn’t have to be! Here are delightful, cost-effective dinner recipes:
Sloppy Joe Pasta: A homemade mix of pantry staples for a mouth-wateringly filling, budget-friendly twist on the classic Sloppy Joe.
Easy Chilaquiles: Fresh made tortilla chips smothered in homemade salsa, chilaquiles are the best way to make a flavor-packed meal on a budget!
Cottage Pie: Make a delicious cottage pie in the instant pot pressure cooker from scratch. Ideal for using up leftovers and easy to make!
Chicken Pot Pie: Homemade and padded out with cheap, seasonal veggies, it’s a classic favorite, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Mince & Potato Stew: Heartwarming, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and easier on the pocket.
Linguine with Clam Sauce: Using canned or jarred clams, this linguine dish is made from simple pantry ingredients that won’t break the bank. Dive into a dinner of delicious choice for yumminess.
One Pot Sausage, White Beans, and Kale: It combines flavorful sausage, rich canned tomatoes, white beans, fresh kale, and a few herbs and spices – a cupboard-friendly, inexpensive dinner option.
Tacos: They’re versatile, they’re delicious, and most importantly, they’re cheap.
Potato and Salmon Fish Cakes: Canned salmon and potatoes create a delicious, inexpensive dinner the family will love. They are super easy to make and you can freeze them, too. Even those who dislike salmon enjoy these fish cakes!
Asian-Style Chicken Noodles: This recipe uses leftover chicken and packs a lot of flavors without a lot of cost.
Pasta Arrabbiata: This inexpensive pasta dish is full of garlic, tomatoes, and spicy red pepper flakes. Simple, yet incredibly delicious.
Garlicky Spinach and White Bean Pasta: This recipe is packed with flavor thanks to a surprise, budget-friendly ingredient – tinned anchovies! Simply toss cooked pasta with spinach, white beans, and a garlicky anchovy sauce. It’s easy to throw together for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Egg Fried Rice: It’s a quick, healthy meal that anyone can cook.
Leftover Pasta Bake: Don’t waste food! Turn your leftovers into a treat with our leftover pasta bake!
Vegetable Stir Fry with Noodles: A quick, healthy dinner full of veggies and flavor.
Low-cost does not mean low taste. These dinner recipes prove just that. So get cooking and start saving!
Put it in Pot and Forget It – Cheap and Easy Crockpot Creations
Using a crockpot or slow cooker can be a real lifesaver for busy individuals or families. Not only does it save time but it’s also a great way to save money by making inexpensive cuts of meat tender and flavorful.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers: Slowly simmered in marinara sauce for a frugal dinner that’s hard to beat! Just serve over pasta or polenta for an easy dinner. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious for lunches.
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli: The economical version of your favorite takeout dish.
Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup: Inexpensive, full of flavor, and so hearty!
Creamy Crockpot Chicken: Warm shredded chicken and gravy in your slow cooker for the win.
Crockpot Baked Beans: Cheaper and healthier than store-bought!
Crockpot BBQ Chicken: Sweet, tangy, and made with a handful of pantry staples.
Crockpot Lentil Soup: Super hearty, packed with nutrients, and so easy to whip up!
Slow Cooker Pot Roast: The easiest one pot meal and is an instant win for family dinner! Plus, it’s budget-friendly! Easy to prepare for weeknight meals or special occasions alike, this easy pot roast recipe is always a crowd-pleaser!
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken: Just two ingredients are required for this super versatile recipe.
Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup: Healthy, hearty, and incredibly easy to make.
Chicken Paprikas Recipe: Use chicken thighs and cauliflower which make it a super frugal meal. If you prefer you can serve it over rice instead of the cauliflower but even her kids agree that the cauliflower version is delicious.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese: Yes, even mac and cheese can be done in a crockpot! Even better try this Broccoli Mac Kielbasa Casserole.
Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup: This recipe uses inexpensive and filling beans and veggies, perfect for when you’ve leftover ham.
Slow Cooker Vegan Chili: A vegan twist on this classic comfort food for those chilly days ahead makes for a healthy dinner packed with nutrients brimming with flavor!
Each of these meals will serve you without making a significant dent in your grocery budget. Enjoy the convenience and frugality that slow cooking brings!
Make It Snappy With Instant Pot Recipes
The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that’s excellent for fast, delicious meals when you’re on a budget.
Instant Pot Ground Beef Enchilada Pasta: This easy dish combines a few affordable ingredients into a hearty meal that your family will love.
BBQ Beans Instant Pot Recipe: A frugal recipe that’s great as a main dish or a filler for burritos.
Easy Pizza Potatoes in the Instant Pot: A simple pairing of pizza flavors and potatoes for a wallet-friendly dish.
Air Fryer Pita Bread Pizza: Only 5 minutes and a handful of low-cost ingredients to a delicious DIY pizza.
Sweet Potato, Lentil and Chickpea Curry: This vegan instant pot recipe is full of flavor, super hearty and delicious, and extremely reasonable to make.
Mushroom Masala- Mushroom Curry: An exotic and easy-to-prepare mushroom curry that satisfies without stretching the dollars.
Chicken and Sausage Paella in the Instant Pot: Cut down cost by using sausage and chicken thighs for this easy, savory dish.
Instant Pot Tuna Casserole: Comfort on the cheap, using pantry staples.
Fast and Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: Made using basic pantry staples and suitable for both adult and kid taste buds.
These Instant Pot ideas are not only quick and easy to prepare but also budget-friendly. They’re proof that frugal doesn’t mean boring!
Handy Kitchen Tools for Budget-Savvy Cooking
When it comes to frugal cooking, your kitchen gadgets can be your best companions. These tools can save you both time and produce restaurant-quality dishes at home for a fraction of the cost.
Many are the same as frugal home must haves!
Only rely on tools that you use regularly in order to maximize their cost. So, equip your kitchen with these practical, cost-effective tools, and enjoy a more manageable culinary journey.
FAQs: Navigate Your Approach to Cost-Efficient Eats
Eating lunch at work doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune, following these tricks can save you a lot of money:
Meal prep: Plan your meals ahead of time. Invest in a few hours during the weekend or your day off to cook large amounts and portion them out for the week ahead.
Leftovers Are Your Best Friend: Make a bit extra while cooking dinner, and voila, you’ve got lunch for the next day. A yummy, cheap, no-fuss, and no-waste solution!
Pack Your Own Snacks: Trade small shop-bought packs of snacks for a large bag or bulk-buy from a wholesale store. Divide them into small reusable containers for your daily hunger itch.
Invest in a Flask: A good quality thermos flask can keep your homemade soup or stew warm until lunchtime and it’s a lot cheaper than buying soup from a cafe.
Remember, the key is not to take complicated dinners which takes a lot of time. Rather, simple sandwiches, yogurt with fruits, homemade soup even boiled eggs can make great inexpensive lunch options. Planning ahead is key when you’re trying to eat on a budget.
There are several cheap meals you can whip up using budget-friendly ingredients. The absolute cheapest would depend on what you already have on hand in your pantry or the cost of ingredients in your locality.
Rice & Beans: This is a universally cheap and filling meal that can be flavored with some stock, onions, and spices.
Pasta with Tomato Sauce: This is a popular choice when it comes to cheap ideas. All it takes is a rigatoni of your choice, a basic tomato sauce made from canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Cereal & Milk: A bowl of generic brand cereal and milk is an incredibly cheap meal. It lacks in terms of proteins and fats, but it can be a good quick fix.
Eggs on Toast: Eggs and bread are both cheap elements. Whip up scrambled eggs or make a simple boiled egg sandwich.
Potato Soup: One of the cheapest vegetables around, and they make a filling, simple potato soup.
Homemade Pizza: Using basic homemade dough and simple tomato sauce, you can add anything you have on hand to make a delicious pizza.
Remember, the cheapest dinners typically use basic pantry staples. By having a well-stocked pantry, you’ll be able to whip up a variety of low-cost dinner ideas.
A frugal meal doesn’t equate to scanty or tasteless. Here’s what defines a frugal meal:
Inexpensive Ingredients: Frugal meals predominantly use cheaper ingredients. Find plenty of cheap foods when broke (and you don’t need to be broke).
Fewer Ingredients: Meals with minimal ingredients are typically more economical. They aren’t stuffed with fancy extras, but they make up for it in hearty flavor.
Uses Pantry Staples: Rely on pantry staples like rice, dried pasta, canned goods, and dry baking ingredients.
Repurposes Leftovers: Instead of wasting ingredients incorporate leftovers in innovative ways.
Meal Prep and Batch Cooking: Cooking in bulk and freezing dinners for later can be a massive money saver, reducing waste and reducing the number of ingredients needed overall.
Limited Meat or Vegetarian: As meat is typically one of the more expensive ingredients, frugal cooking is often vegetarian or uses meat sparingly.
While frugal meals won’t always hit all these factors, if they contain a few of these aspects, you can be assured they will provide a cost-effective dining experience. A frugal meal strives to offer nutritional balance, satisfying taste, and minimal impact on your wallet.
Perfecting the Art of Frugal Cooking
Preparing budget-friendly cooking not only saves money but also reduces food waste and can create a warm, comfortable home. This is how to be frugal with food. Here are some expert tips to get you rolling:
Plan Your Meal Calendar: Plan out your menu for the week, keeping in mind what ingredients you already have.
Shop Smart: Shop for groceries with a list in hand so you don’t end up buying unnecessary items. Look out for sales, and discounts, and try to shop in bulk.
Utilize Leftovers: Don’t throw away leftovers. Repurpose them into a new meal or use them as an ingredient in another dish.
Use More Vegetables and Grains: Vegetables and grains are generally cheaper than meat and can be used to bulk out dinners.
Freeze Extras: If you cook in bulk, freeze the extra portions for a later date. This can act as a lifesaver during busy periods.
Use Cheap Cuts of Meat: Cheap cuts, such as chicken thighs, can be just as delicious as expensive ones, especially when slow-cooked.
Cook from Scratch: Convenience foods often cost a lot more than the sum of their parts.
Grow Your Own: If you have a garden, consider growing your own vegetables and herbs.
Reduce Waste: Get creative in the kitchen and use parts of food that you’d otherwise throw away.
Remember, with a bit of planning and creativity, you can prepare delicious, healthful meals without breaking the bank! It’s all about making smart choices.
Which Filling Cheap Meals are You Going to Try?
Embarking on these frugal meals can help stretch the budget while still enjoying a variety of flavorful and satisfying dishes.
Whether you are budgeting on a low income or just want to stretch your dollar further with going teens, we have given you plenty of options to eat well and healthy.
Many on this list are my personal favorites. This is how we stay on our grocery budget.
The biggest step is learning how to meal plan and stick to the menu! Now, off to move frugal living tips to save money!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
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If you’ve ever wanted to live in a minimalist apartment, here’s your chance. New year, new home.
Have you looked at your closet, bookshelves and stacks of files, and thought, maybe there’s something to be said for a minimalist apartment? For many minimalists, it’s this defining moment that starts them on a journey in which less is more. Less clutter, less stuff and less relentless organizing often leads to more free time to enjoy the things that truly matter.
With spring cleaning a few short months away, now’s a perfect time to use these minimalist apartment tips to create a clutter-free environment. Less clutter, after all, means fewer things to clean.
Not only do you get a jumpstart on spring cleaning your apartment, Neuroscience News reports you’ll also enjoy the side benefits of reduced stress and anxiety. Sounds like a win-win!
Two things can sidetrack the best of intentions: perfectionism and procrastination. These tips will help you stay focused without feeling overwhelmed. And, as a brilliant, unknown author once said about perfectionism, “No one is perfect…that’s why pencils have erasers.” So, let’s get started with one room at a time.
Minimalist apartment tips for your bedroom
Peter Walsh, the international organizer and author of seven organizing and decluttering books, said, “Clutter isn’t just the stuff on the floor. It’s anything that gets between you and the life you want to be living.”
Keep that in mind as you go through the many items you’ve collected in your bedroom. And remember the lesson behind the story of the tortoise and the hare: Slow and steady wins the race. Take it room by room and one area at a time. When you’re down to that last area, possibly just in time for the big spring clean, you’ll feel a sense of renewal and freedom that’s hard to define until experienced.
The dreaded closet
Closets can quickly become storage central with clothes and shoes you never wear and boxes with who-knows-what in them. It’s time to change that.
Every item goes into a keep, donate or discard pile.
To help you decide, ask two questions:
When was the last time I wore or used this? The 90/90 minimalism rule suggests you only keep items you’ve used or will use within a 90-day timeframe.
Does it bring you joy or serve a purpose?
Now, while you have everything out of your closet, it’s a good time to vacuum and clean the baseboards. In fact, as you go through your home pre-spring cleaning, taking time to do the baseboards gives you a great jumpstart.
A natural cleaning solution for this sometimes hard-to-clean area is one part white vinegar to one part water plus several drops of your favorite essential oil, like lemon, lavender or pine. Note: If you have pets, these essential oils are considered toxic. Safer ones for your furry friends include cedarwood, frankincense and clary sage.
Nightstands and dresser
Dressers can be a go-to spot for objects that hold memories, which makes them one of the more challenging decluttering areas.
Start by taking everything off the top and placing it in one of your three piles. If something holds sentimental value, put it to the side.
Pick up each item that holds a memory and consider if you feel a sense of freedom by letting it go or a sense of loss. And remember, memories aren’t in things; they’re in you.
Sort through your drawers. Socks with holes? Discard. Shirts you’ll someday wear but never do? Donate.
Minimalist apartment tips for your kitchen
Stand back and take a look at your kitchen. Can you see the countertop? Now’s the perfect time to consider what kitchen gadgets you actually use.
Do you have an electric wok a well-intentioned relative gave you as a gift that you’ve yet to get out of the box? When deciding which items to donate, it’s helpful to consider that there’s someone out there who may really appreciate it!
Go through each drawer and cabinet one at a time with the same intention. Remove items, place them in one of three piles, clean the cabinet and make a specific spot for everything.
A mixture of two parts baking soda and one part water is great for cleaning spots on painted or laminated cupboards and drawers. Let it sit for a few minutes before removing it.
If you’re short on time, consider doing just one kitchen cabinet or drawer a day.
For the ultimate jumpstart on spring cleaning, consider deep cleaning your appliances one at a time. A good DIY mixture to remove grease is one part white vinegar and one part blue Dawn. This task may require your favorite upbeat playlist and some elbow grease.
Minimalist apartment tips for your bathroom
Pre-spring cleaning offers a great time to go through your bathroom’s often-ignored medicine cabinet and under the cabinet sink.
Check for expired products and items you haven’t used in the last three months. If throwing away old medicine, be sure to scratch any personal information off the label to protect your privacy, and throw the container and medicine away separately.
Go through each drawer and shelf. Are you finding makeup you haven’t used in who knows how long? The Mayo Clinic offers some good advice on when it’s time to say goodbye.
Mascara and liquid eyeliner: safe for three months.
Pencil eye and lip liners: safe for one year.
Water-based foundation: safe for one year.
Oil-based foundation: safe for 18 months.
Cream-based foundation and blushes: safe for at least six months.
Lipsticks and lip gloss: safe for six months to one year.
Minimalist apartment tips for your living room
Your living room should be a sanctuary from the world, a place to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy time with friends and family. Every item should speak to the heart of the matter or be so incredibly functional you can’t do without it.
Remember, fewer things to move means fewer things to clean. With that in mind, remove items from shelves (including bookshelves) and the tops of tables.
One by one, ask yourself, do you really need this item in your life, or is it simply taking up space?
Clean shelves and table tops.
If you need a space for magazines, books and games you’re not ready to part with, lift-top coffee tables provide a great storage area while reducing clutter.
While sorting through your living room, consider vacuuming out the window tracks and washing the windows to get an extra spring-cleaning jumpstart.
Jumpstart spring cleaning and create an intentional life
You’ll be amazed at how getting rid of stuff not only frees up your space but your mind as well. To keep things tidy until the spring cleaning session, ensure everything has a place to call home and finds its way back there after use.
The outcome? You’ll understand the sentiment behind less is more and find yourself living a more intentional life in your newly minimalist apartment.
Still looking for that clean slate? Browse our apartments and houses for rent here.
The idea of re-gifting things you’ve received over the years is often met with criticism. But if you’re looking for ways to save money during the holiday season, certain items are OK to re-gift.
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Before re-gifting anything, though, it’s important to understand that there’s a certain etiquette involved with it. For example, the items you re-gift should either be brand new or easily pass as being new. You should also avoid giving the same gift to the original gifter or to someone who might tell them what they received. And, ideally, you’ll want to choose something that suits the recipient and isn’t just something you want to get rid of.
By doing these things, nobody can call you “cheap” or “lazy” when they receive the item. And if you do it right, you might even be able to re-gift items without anyone ever knowing.
With that in mind, here are the top items that are completely OK to re-gift, according to etiquette experts.
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Home Decor or Holiday Decorations
Many households have an assortment of home decor items that they either never or rarely use. Sometimes, these items are passed down as family heirlooms. Other times, they were originally gifts that simply didn’t match the recipient’s preferences. Whatever the case, if you have certain home decor items or holiday decorations, you might be able to re-gift them for someone else looking to save money.
“In addition to being lovely re-gifts, decorative things like festive candles, exquisite ornaments, or sophisticated home décor pieces are equally delightful,” said Danial Adams, the CMO of Still Water Wellness. Many of these items can be easily incorporated into anyone’s home, too.
Find Out: 10 Costco Meals That Are Cheaper Than Buying Takeout
Kitchen Supplies
If you have duplicates of small kitchen appliances or supplies, you might be able to cut costs and re-gift them as well. From dish sets to cookware to blenders, these items can be both practical and the perfect addition to someone else’s home.
“Small kitchen gadgets like coffee makers or blenders can often be regifted, especially if they are in excellent condition. These items are practical and can find new homes without any issues,” said Alexander Havkin, regional sales and project manager of Ecoline Windows.
Other options include small kitchen gadgets, high-quality cookware, utensils, nonstick pans, and stainless steel knives. To ensure proper etiquette, make sure everything is in good condition. If possible, use the original packaging as well.
“Never regift items that are outdated,” advised Katherine Melton at Nexofly. “Items that are not current or show signs of wear can easily be identified as regifts.” Certain older items might also fail to meet current safety standards.
Home Security Gadgets
If you’ve got home security items that you don’t use, such as a specialized doorbell or outdoor camera, you might want to consider re-gifting them. You can even re-gift books related to home security if desired.
“If you received a duplicate or an upgrade of a security device that’s still in its original packaging, it can be a great gift for someone looking to enhance their home security,” said Eugene Klimaszewski, the president of Mammoth Security Inc.
Don’t try to re-gift a home security system that’s already been programmed for your unique home layout, though. This and other personalized security options might not work properly for the next person.
Alcohol
Alcohol isn’t high on everyone’s wish list, but it’s a very common gift to receive — especially under celebratory circumstances. The good news is that, if you’ve got a couple of bottles at home that you’re never going to drink, you might have someone in your social circle who’d like them. Plus, alcohol is generally easy to repackage.
“Bottles of alcohol are always great gifts to give, as well as re-gift,” said Troy Portillo, Director of Operations of Studypool. “You might’ve been given a bottle of wine from a well-meaning friend and you know you don’t like that particular label. It’s perfectly fine to re-gift it to someone else.”
On the other hand, if the bottle was personalized in some way, you might be stuck with it.
Pet Supplies
Next up on the list of items that are OK to re-gift are certain pet supplies, toys, and treats.
“Gently used or new pet toys can be re-gifted, as long as they are in excellent condition and your recipient has a furry friend,” said Mollie Newton, the founder of PetMeTwice. “Similarly, unopened pet treats or food can be re-gifted if they haven’t reached their expiration date. Just ensure that the recipient’s pet doesn’t have any allergies or dietary restrictions.”
Certain pet supplies should not be re-gifted, however. This includes medications and supplements that are specific to your pet. It also includes used grooming products such as pet combs or open bottles of pet shampoo.
Winter Clothing
Winter apparel can make for a great gift, especially if it’s never been used and still has its original tag. Clothing items that are OK to re-gift include scarves, gloves, and hats.
Just be aware that certain sizes, colors, patterns, and even fabrics might not work with everyone’s tastes. Before gifting or re-gifting clothing, make sure you know the recipient’s preferences.
Tools
If you’ve received tools that are just cluttering up your space or gathering dust in a closet or garage, you might want to consider re-gifting them the next time you’re celebrating a holiday or a birthday.
“Tool kits, equipped with essential tools for household repairs or DIY projects, make practical and thoughtful gifts,” said Steve Chan, the team lead at Repairs. Your recipient can then use these tools for their own home improvement projects or related tasks.
Scented Candles and Perfumes
Last but not least, etiquette experts say that scented candles and perfumes that have never been used are OK to re-gift. The same goes for diffusers and essential oils.
“As long as the scents are appealing and unused, these items can be regifted if you know the recipient’s taste,” said Matthew Carlson, the founder of Parent Presents.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Shop in Your Own Home This Holiday Season: 8 Items That Are OK To Re-gift, According to Etiquette Experts
When it comes to perfume, the actual scent is important. But, like, I just really, really enjoy surrounding myself with pretty things — which is why shopping for perfume bottles is one of my favorite things to do. Besides doomscrolling, but that’s neither here nor there.
So many fun and unique fragrances can double as home decor without ruining the scent. And think about how creative you can get with designing your little collection of pretty perfume bottles on your dresser, bathroom vanity or even out in the living room. It’s also so fun to get a “you smell really, really good” and a “that perfume bottle looks great in your room” at the same time.
Peep below for a list of some of my favorite pretty perfume bottles that will blend right in with any home decor vibe but still actually smell good.
1. Valentino Donna Born In Roma Eau de Parfum, $130
Featuring the signature Valentino studs, this perfume bottle can be a focal point in any room. As far as the fragrance itself, it’s a healthy mix of floral with a bit of woodsy edge.
2. Maison Margiela ‘REPLICA’ Mini Coffret Set, $75 (Orig. $99)
Obviously, the REPLICA perfume bottles are part of the brand’s appeal. However, I’m an even bigger fan of the delicate mini coffret perfume bottles. Featuring cult-favorite REPLICA perfumes like Beach Walk (my absolute favorite), Jazz Club, Lazy Sunday Morning, By the Fireplace and Bubble Bath, the value is unreal.
3. Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum, $133
The Gucci Flora bottle is as cheerful and Bridgerton-y as the fragrance itself. With notes of pear blossom, white gardenia and patchouli, you’re basically ready to be out in society. But, like, without the women-as-property bit.
4. Gucci Flora Gorgeous Magnolia Eau de Parfum, $133
If purple as both a color and a general vibe is more your thing, then Gucci also made a deep berry Flora fragrance.
5. Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine Eau de Parfum, $133
For good measure, I’m adding this gorgeous green bottle of the Gucci Flora parfum, with key notes of jasmine and sandalwood. You know, if you want to collect them all a la Ash Ketchum.
6. Jo Malone London Nashi Blossom, $112
This modern and simple Jo Malone bottle is perfect if you’ve curated a perfectly chic and minimal aesthetic. But the big sphere on top adds the perfect touch of spice to a playful spring scent.
7. CHANCE EAU TENDRE Eau de Toilette, $110
While the CHANEL No. 5 bottle is fun and all, it doesn’t come close to the absolute perfection that is the round CHANEL CHANCE bottle. I mean, I can basically smell the fresh and fruity floral scent from just looking at the picture.
8. Marc Jacobs Fragrances Daisy, $101
OK, is there anything more iconic in the perfume world than the actual daisy on top of the Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume? I think not!
9. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Fenty Eau de Parfum, $140
If you haven’t smelled even a whiff of the Fenty perfume, I’m sorry to tell you that your life is utterly boring. With notes of magnolia, musk and blueberry (yes, blueberry), it’s an unreal spicy and sensual scent. Obviously, the sleek amber bottle is the perfect vessel for it.
If you liked this story, check out the best-smelling fall perfumes that feel like a warm blanket in a bottle.
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This deal is huge.
I don’t even want to think about all of the gross gunk on your hairbrush that scientists haven’t even discovered yet.
Viral beauty, fashion, kitchen gadgets, designer sunglasses and super cheap sheets are majorly marked down.
Target’s fall home decor is here, and no surprise, I want everything. The pumpkins, candles and extra cozy throws hit the retailer a couple of weeks ago, but now that Labor Day has come and gone, we can finally turn our full attention to all things fall.
For me, Target’s candles — specifically the Heritage Pumpkin scent — are a seasonal favorite. However, you may be excited to hear that Joanna Gaines’ Hearth & Hand with Magnolia brand has a few new launches for the season, and so does Shea McGee of Studio McGee with Threshold.
You can go to your local Target to see the fall decor on display, or you can shop the wider selection online. But I should warn you — shopping online is a lot like shopping in store. You may go online thinking you know what you want, but you’ll probably end up buying a lot more. And with so much good stuff, I don’t blame you.
Prepare your bank account and take a look below at a few sure-to-be top sellers from the new fall collection to get you started.
1. Stanley 40oz Stainless Steel H2.0 Flowstate Quencher Tumbler – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia, $45
Full disclosure: This isn’t new this month. But this summer, Hearth & Hand with Magnolia collaborated with Stanley on a few new fall-appropriate colors for its iconic tumbler. The newer colors include brown, navy, dark green, taupe, white and a light green.
2. Teddy Boucle Throw Blanket – Threshold, $49
Teddy or sherpa fabrics aren’t going anywhere this year. Snag this extra cozy teddy blanket in three colors to drape over your bed or curl up with on the sofa.
This is a pumpkin-scented candle in an actual pumpkin — too cute. It even takes things to the next level with a wooden wick, which crackles like a fireplace.
4. Large Champagne Glass Pumpkin – Threshold, $25
You can never have enough pumpkin decor. Grab this pretty glass pumpkin for Halloween and Thanksgiving festivities. It’s not too spooky or Halloween-specific, so you really can keep it out all season long.
5. Fall Floral Branch – Threshold, $15
Build your own gorgeous fall floral display with these single branches. You can pair a few of them together or pair them with other faux florals for the season in your favorite vase.
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The chic minimalist glasses come in a set of four with matching reusable glass straws. It’s less than $20 for the whole shebang, which is so worth it.
Viral beauty, fashion, kitchen gadgets, designer sunglasses and super cheap sheets are majorly marked down.
This is the only way to get all of that dirty water off after washing.
The SweatyRocks sweatpants hit the perfect Goldilocks spot of wildly affordable with actually good reviews.
My pal Chris Guillebeau is out of town on another one of his around-the-world jaunts. While he’s living the high life in Equatorial Guinea, his wife Jolie (the artist behind my Kermit painting) is left to entertain herself here in Portland. What does she choose to do? While away her hours with me and Kris.
On a whim, yesterday the three of us made a trip to the local restaurant supply store. This wasn’t my idea. Kris and Jolie decided it’d be a fun way to spend part of an afternoon; I tagged along for the husband points. Turns out, however, that the restaurant supply store is a great place to save money.
I’m not sure how Kris heard about the place, but Rose’s Equipment and Supply is located in Portland’s central-Eastside industrial district (not far from OMSI). It really is an equipment supplier — they don’t carry foodstuff — for local restaurants, but their warehouse is open to the public. Basically, it’s like a Costco for kitchen gadgets.
The restaurant supply store contains aisles of pots and pans, knives and ladles, soup kettles and popcorn poppers. It has bulk toothpicks and cases of coffee mugs, 55-cup rice cookers and 15-cup rice cookers, and…well, just about anything you might use in a restaurant.
A lot of the items are perfect for the home kitchen, too. In fact, although I don’t have the stats to verify this, I suspect you can buy commercial-grade equipment at the restaurant supply store for the same price you could pick up the consumer stuff at your local kitchen cabana. Most (but not all) of the stuff at the restaurant supply store is fairly inexpensive.
How can I be sure? Well, since we were killing an afternoon, we decided to swing by the nearby Sur la Table to see what some of these things usually go for. Here are our very unscientific observations:
The 2-inch stainless ice-cream scoop at Rose’s was $9 and $18 at Sur la Table.
The rubber handled citrus zester was $3 at Rose’s and $9 at Sur la Table.
The 10-3/4 inch Lodge cast-iron skillet was $12 at Rose’s and $20 at Sur la Table.
The 2-ounce stainless ladle was $2.25 at Rose’s and (no joke) $29 at Sur la Table. (Though the one at Sur la Table had spouts.)
The “deluxe dual grater” was $12 at Rose’s and $20 at Sur la Table.
The 8-inch chef’s knife was $30 at Rose’s and $50 (on sale) at Sur la Table.
Not everything was cheaper at the restaurant supply store, however. For example, the stainless steel avocado slicer at Rose’s cost $12; the cute plastic Flexicado at Sur la Table was $6.
The restaurant supply store also had a broader selection of useful items. Sur la Table had plenty of gadgets, to be sure. But some — such as the strawberry stem remover — are essentially useless. The gadgets at the restaurant supply store are the sorts of things that real-life food professionals might find handy. (I’m not ashamed to admit that I picked up an $8 bus tray. I used to love my tray when I worked as a busboy, and I’ve often wished we had one for dinner parties and summer barbeques. Now we do.)
One final note: If you want something stylish and trendy, you won’t find it at the restaurant supply store. These tools are for real-world work. They’re utilitarian and functional. They’re sturdy. (They’re like the equipment you’d find in a restaurant!) But if you’re willing to forego “cute”, then the restaurant supply store is a great place to look for bargains. It’s worth doing the research to discover the one in your town.
My shower is broken. The water comes out just fine, and it doesn’t leak. But the temperature control is busted, so it only comes out at one temperature: as hot as it gets.
Here’s the embarrassing part: It’s been like this for a year.
Frugal or Lazy?
When the temperature thingy broke (and here you see that household plumbing is not my strong suit — a year after this thingy broke, I still don’t know what it’s called), I made some small adjustments. I went downstairs right away and lowered the temperature on the water heater so that the water coming out would be hot but not scalding. That means no super-hot water anywhere in the house, but since we have small children I was keeping it on the low side anyway.
I let my husband know what had happened, and he declared that he would fix it himself. Household plumbing kind of is his strong suit; he fixed a similar problem with the shower at our old house. It’s kind of a difficult job, though, so I offered to have a plumber come in just to spare him the hassle. No, he insisted, he was up for doing it. Just not right away.
Then the task kind of got lost in his chore cloud. We grit our teeth and take hot showers. Every night when the kids take their bath, they make a game of dumping a few buckets of cold water into the tub to get it to the right temperature.
For months I’ve been embarrassed by this state of affairs. What kind of real grown-up lets a basic household repair go for a year? Clearly, my husband and I are being irresponsible ignoring the broken thingy.
Then yesterday morning, while taking a shower, I thought, “Maybe we’re not being lazy and irresponsible. Maybe we’re being frugal.” After all, the broken thingy isn’t getting any worse. It’s not leaking into the walls or damaging the house. It just makes showering extra hot. So far, we’ve done a fine job of making it do, leaving us free to put our money and time into other things.
Frugality is About Choices
Now, I’m not suggesting that frugality is about ignoring regular home maintenance. One of these days, we’ll fix the shower. (And probably soon now that I’ve confessed to the world that it’s busted.)
What I am suggesting is that frugality is about making choices. Every frugal person focuses on what’s important to them, and cuts away the excess to do so. In this case, experience shows that being able to adjust the water temperature in our shower isn’t very important to my family. We’d rather spend our weekends playing music and gardening than get into this messy, time-consuming repair project. I could hire a plumber to do it, but I’d rather spend the money on yoga classes or a family camping trip. These fun things might seem like trivial luxuries next to the shower repair, but the truth is they add more to my quality of life than being able to adjust the temperature in my shower.
I suspect that every frugal person makes some odd choices like this one.
J.D.’s note: I think so, too. Our clothes washer has a broken knob, for instance. Over the past five years, we — by which I mean Kris — have used a pair of pliers to select the laundry cycle. When we bought this house, the windows were caulked shut. They stayed that way until we could budget to fix them. And so on.
One of the tricks of frugal living is to recognize that with careful planning and savings, you can have anything you want but you can’t have everything you want. Making a commitment to conscientious, intentional personal money management means making some choices. You need to develop the skill of discerning what best serves your goals, and keeping your spending and attention focused on those things.
Another part of being frugal is being able to pare back your sense of what you need. My former, spendthrift self would have fixed the shower immediately, the next day, even if it meant paying the plumber with a credit card to do it. I’d have seen it as a need. I would also have needed to immediately replace several kitchen gadgets that broke over the winter, and to take my bike to the shop for a spring tune-up.
There’s nothing wrong with doing any of those things. It’s not spendthrift to fix a shower or replace a vegetable steamer. But nowhere is it written that they’re mandatory either. I’ve been getting clean just fine with a broken shower, cooking up a storm without those kitchen gadgets, and safely riding the bike that I maintain myself. Turns out, I don’t really need any of that stuff.
In contrast, I’ve been going to yoga classes three or four times a week. I paid for these with a deeply discounted Groupon, but I’ll probably buy a full-price membership when that runs out. Yoga is expensive. A few years ago I would have considered it an unaffordable luxury to pay for yoga classes. I could just do yoga workout tapes at home. Even a few months ago when I made it a New Year’s resolution to get back into yoga, I was unwilling to spend money on this studio. Now that I’ve tried it, though, I see what a big difference it makes to my quality of life. It seems like a bargain. I’m calmer and happier — more focused. Not only are those good things in themselves, but they support my career. I’m doing more and better writing because I’m so healthy. That translates to more money. I could argue that the yoga classes pay for themselves.
For me, this gets at the core of frugal living: realigning all my spending to fit with my values. At first glance, the shower seemed like an essential, basic home repair. For me, it turns out, fixing it is really a luxury. I haven’t done it yet because it doesn’t directly support any of my financial or personal goals. I won’t be a better writer after it’s fixed, nor will I be closer to living debt-free. As long as we can make it do, getting it fixed is really an extra. One we haven’t decided to indulge in yet.
How to Make Frugal Choices
The mechanics of conscious spending are pretty simple. Before you buy anything, ask yourself some simple questions:
Do I have the money to cover this expense, or would I be going into debt for it?
Does this expense forward my financial goals?
Can I get this need or desire met without spending money on it? Could I spend less money?
Does this money need to be spent now, or can it wait thirty days?
These questions can be very useful for curbing impulse buys and keeping you focused on financial goals. I’m finding they can also help with less obvious resource sinks.
In getting ready to plant my garden, for example, I found that several of my large pots had broken during the winter. My first thought was that I needed to replace them, right now. On second thought, I was able to dig up a bunch of old plastic storage bins that will serve perfectly well as replacement containers for my garden. They’re not as pretty as new flower pots, but they were already here. Now I’ve got less clutter, more money, and a garden that’s ready to plant.
The core motto of frugal living is “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”. How you’ll choose to live that motto is up to you. It’s important to question every expense and ask yourself how necessary it really is. Sometimes, the answers will surprise you.
J.D.’s tangential note: You have no idea how excited I am that after all these years, I’m finally able to link to my chore cloud concept. The chore-cloud is well-known among my friends, who find it amusing, but I’ve never found a way to bring it up at GRS. Now my life is complete.
Have you ever hosted a yard sale with dismal sales? You made a dollar per hour for your efforts. No fun.
Last weekend, I hosted a garage sale with my brother, my ex-wife, and my girlfriend. It was a raging success. We cleared out tons of stuff, and we netted over $2500 in the process.
I’ve hosted many yard sales over the years (and shopped at dozens more) and have developed some strong opinions about what works best. I’ve heard people complain that garage sales aren’t worth the time. But they can be quite profitable if you do a few simple things.
Happy customers browsing our sale…
Yard Sale Tip Sections
With so many tips, we divided them into ten main sections that cover all the aspects of hosting a yard sale.
If the subject was too large, we broke the main section down into sub-sections to highlight specific topics. Click on any of the hyperlinks to go immediately to that section or sub-section.
Yard Sale tips we consider essential are marked with a happy star ?. But don’t ignore the other tips! They’re all important to know.
Define Your Goal
The kind of event you hold depends on what you’re trying to accomplish, and it’s usually one of two things:
Get rid of stuff (fast) or …
Make as much money as possible.
(Skip to next section)
Scheduling Your Sale
Take Advantage of Different Seasons
Whether you’re trying to get the most money for your things or to sell them as quickly as possible, consider how timing can affect your choice of location, what you sell, how you advertise, and even how often you schedule yard sales.
For example, if you’re moving and you can’t take it with you, a yard sale is the perfect solution. But you may also be up against some tight deadlines that complicate things. How do you make it work in February, or if you only have a weekend, or you won’t have anyone to help you?
On the other hand, if you have a lot of time, you can maximize your result by scheduling a few events that target special or seasonal items. What should you know about merchandising to get the best price?
Depending on your area, you may find that one-day sales are more beneficial. Experiment with which day is best. Maybe a Thursday afternoon/Friday combination is great, or just Fridays.
? You may think it’s best to schedule a yard sale in the summer months, but it’s possible to have a successful yard sale any time of year. In fact, you might even be able to capitalize on the fact that it’s February or November and there aren’t as many yard sales. Think about the pros and cons of each season.
Springtime
Advantages:
In northern climates, a yard sale in spring is an invitation to spend money after being cooped up all winter. There’s an air of optimism that could boost how much you’re able to sell.
Disadvantages:
Weather patterns are often unpredictable, and that could affect turnout. Pay particular attention to location and logistics. Shelter is critical to protect your merchandise and keep customers happy despite conditions.
Advertising:
Be clear about how rainy weather will affect the hours of your sale.
Good Items to Sell:
Sports equipment
Camping gear
Gardening tools
High-quality children’s clothing
Patio furniture
Summertime
Advantages:
The hot, sunny, lazy days of summer make it easier to attract a throng and hopefully increase sales. And since the days are longer, you may only need a single day to sell all your items.
Disadvantages:
Heat and humidity are concerns in summer, so it’s important to provide shade and a place for customers to sit.
Advertising:
It’s even more important to differentiate yourself in advertising. Find your hook free ice water, a kiddie pool, a neighborhood back-to-school sale.
Good Items to Sell:
Back-to-school clothes
Furniture and household goods for dorms/apartments
Outdoor toys bikes, camping gear
Books (especially children’s books)
Electronics
Autumn
Advantages:
Fall still offers pleasant weather, but the most hard-core (read: negotiate-like-crazy) customers are burned out.
Disadvantages:
Depending on your area, wind and weather patterns can be unstable. That doesn’t usually affect turnout, but it’s another reason to protect your merchandise.
Advertising:
Your customers may be looking for, or college students may need, your furniture and household goods to furnish dorms or apartments. Highlight these items in your advertising, as well. Maybe even title your sale as a Back-to-school yard sale!
Good Items to Sell:
Winter items
Exercise gear
Picture frames
Holiday decorations
Collectibles
Wintertime
Advantages:
In the lower latitudes, winter yard sales may continue on just as they do in the fall. Not so in the cold climate of the higher latitudes. Still, motivated buyers find motivated sellers in the winter months too. The winter months may be the best time to find bargain-hunters.
Disadvantages:
In winter, location and logistics are critical. A community or church hall may offer the best environment for a yard sale if they will work with you. Even a storage facility may permit a yard sale on their grounds if you’re a customer.
Advertising:
Give clear directions for parking and how to access any buildings.
Good Items to Sell:
Space heaters
Firewood
Tools
Furniture
Clean linens and blankets
Merchandise
With yard sales, word gets around. So stock your sale with lots of stuff to pull the biggest crowds and generate buzz.
Locate and sell anything you no longer want or need. Aaron LaPedis, author of The Garage Sale Millionaire, suggests taking an inventory of all of your possessions in order to determine what you should sell and what you should keep. “Make sure you go through your house top to bottom — every closet, drawer, nook, and cranny,” says LaPedis. “Nothing is too small or too big to sell.” And make sure you have enough stuff.
? Don’t base what you sell on what you would buy. You never know if someone likes to fix broken things or is looking for materials for an art project. If it’s something you don’t want and it’s safe, put it in your garage sale.
Offer to sell stuff for family and friends. Ask around to see if anyone has big-ticket items to sell. Not only does this help them, it also could potentially draw more customers to your sale.
Look beyond household stuff as your merchandise. Do you have plant starts you could pot and sell? How about leftover building or landscape materials?
Take the time to wipe off the dust and dirt. Clean stuff sells better. Period.
Differentiate!
All garage sales are basically the same. Find a way to set yours apart, whether it’s by theme, price, scale, or amenities. Last weekend, for instance, I billed ours as a “geek garage sale”, and emphasized that I had graphic novels, board games, and computer gear. My Craigslist ad brought folks from far and wide because of this. They bought the geeky stuff, but they also bought kitchen gadgets and yard art and clothing.
Label your sale. Lots of graphic novels, board games, and computer gear? Bill it as a “geek yard sale.” We did this last weekend and my Craigslist ad brought folks from far and wide because of this. They bought the geeky stuff, but they also bought kitchen gadgets and yard art and clothing.
Free delivery! If you have several large items to sell, another way to differentiate yourself is to find a couple of volunteers with trucks who wouldn’t mind delivering items — for free — after the sale.
Partner with your neighbors! Neighborhood garage sales attract tons more customers, so talk to your neighbors and spread the word ahead of time to arrange multiple sales. Find out what your neighbors are selling and offer to refer your customers to them. Or, better yet, hold your garage sale during an established entire-neighborhood garage sale day.
Offer free lemonade, cookies, or even just ice water. Most garage sales are held on hot days so a jug of watery lemonade or refreshing ice water is a nice gift for your customers. Don’t forget that visiting pets get thirsty too.
Engage the customers. Be friendly. Chat up the people who stop by. Be engaging. When parents with young children visit, I always find something to give the kids for free (often it’s whatever they’ve gravitated toward). I also throw in freebies for folks who buy lots of Stuff. This builds goodwill, especially among the other customers who are watching things transpire. I believe we sold more because Kim and Kris and I were friendly and fun.
Advertising
Getting the word out about your sale is critical to your success. In the old days, advertising meant sticking an ad in the newspaper, which would normally cost around $20. Newspapers may still be useful today, but other (free!) methods exist.
Here’s how to advertise to get more customers today.
Neighborhood Publications:
If you’re hosting a yard sale along with others in your neighborhood, check if they publish the yard sales. This may be free or cost a nominal fee.
Craigslist:
To get the most value from a Craigslist ad…
Advertise the date and location of your sale.
Add pictures and descriptions of the nicer items.
? Put up ads for the most valuable things in their respective categories on Craigslist. Some people might not be browsing in the garage sale section but might see your ad for the table set in the furniture section and come to the sale for it and more stuff.
Once it sells, delete that listing immediately as a courtesy.
Make your Sale Shareable. Social Media is your Friend:
?Facebook, Twitter, Instagram use them! The entire week before the sale, post on social media about your merchandise. Include pictures. During the day of the sale, update your status or tweet on what you still have available.
Nine Tips to Make your Signs Sizzle!
Your goal is to get as much traffic as possible. If your signs are unclear or difficult to read, people won’t waste their time, especially if there are dozens of yard sales to choose from. Simple is best!
I’m shocked at how ineffective most garage sale signs are. It’s like people don’t care, or as if they don’t spend twenty seconds putting themselves in the shoes of their customers. Keep signs clean and neat. Make sure everything’s legible. Make sure nothing’s ambiguous. Clear signage is worth its weight in gold. Our signs included the address, the date and time of the sale, and an arrow pointing the way. I hung a dozen of them along the major traffic roads in the area, funneling people onto our street.
Our signs also had the address and an arrow pointing the way…
Design to inform and intrigue
Use bright colors to attract attention.
Use a thick marker of a contrasting color to make big, bold text.
Adding a border around your text may increase readability. Remember that your customers are cruising by at 35 miles per hour!
Have large arrows pointing in the correct direction. It’s so much easier to follow arrows than to slow down to read an address.
Remember that superlatives rule Awesome! Blowout! Epic!
Where’s your sign?
Post multiple signs around your neighborhood.
Place signs at nearby major intersections and at each turn along the way.
Also, take a practice drive past one of your signs. Do people have time to read it, make a decision, and make the turn, before they’ve driven past it?
After the sale is over, remove all the signs!
Supplies
The right supplies can make your sale run more smoothly. So as you get closer to the big day, gather everything you need.
Borrow tables and shelves to display your merchandise. Having a check-out table can be helpful. It helps people know exactly where to go to ask a question, and placing the table near the exit allows you to welcome people in while watching that they don’t walk off with anything.
? Apron or fanny pack for the money. I use a cheap cloth apron/utility belt from the local hardware store. It works beautifully. Some people use fanny pack or a zippered bank deposit pouch.
Markers, scissors, masking tape, price stickers, and poster board. As you change prices throughout the day, you’ll use these items. Also, use these supplies to mark items that are NOT for sale.
Paper/pencil. Use this as a ledger to jot down a description of each item and how much you sold it for or to place stickers on a page for each seller. (This can help make it easier to settle up after the sale if you have a neighborhood event.)
Calculator. Having a calculator will expedite your checkout line and make it easier if you’re not especially gifted at math!
Batteries. Keep an assortment of batteries on hand so that a prospective buyer can test that old Nintendo Gameboy for himself.
Extension cords. If you are selling electrical items, make sure you have an extension cord handy or display these items near a plug so people can test them.
Bags/boxes for customer purchases. Collect free bags/boxes before your sale so your customers can haul away their purchases.
Hangers and a method to hang clothes. Searching through hanging clothes is much easier than pawing through a table covered with clothes.
Plenty of cash. Get two rolls of quarters, a stack of 50 $1 bills, 10 $5 bills, and 5 $10 bills. Do it two days before the sale so that, if you forget, you can still get the change on the day before.
Pricing
Know your purpose. “There are two types of garage sales,” an old man told me last weekend. “One is to make money. The other is to get rid of Stuff.” Know which type of sale you’re holding and why. Your purpose will affect how much you negotiate and how much you give away for free.
As mentioned above, be clear on the purpose of your sale. Are you selling things to make money or to get rid of them? This question affects everything you do, from how you price things to how willing you are to negotiate. Surprisingly, you can often make more money (and get rid of more junk) by pricing things low. (If your goal is to get top dollar, you should really be selling on eBay or Craigslist.)
Oh, and lose your sentimental attachment. Unfortunately, no one cares how much you paid for an item or how many memories are attached to it. It’s a sunk-cost. They just want a bargain!
How to Establish Price
Know the value of your items. By doing some research on eBay or Craigslist, you might discover that some of your items are worth way more than you thought. However, this does not mean you should actually charge those prices. By attending yard sales yourself, you’ll have a general idea of what an acceptable price is. Also, you’re probably safe by pricing things somewhat below what the area thrift stores charge.
Don’t price your stuff too low. People like to bargain, so allow some wiggle room. Also, you want to make money. You can always have a 50-percent-off sale over the last couple hours.
Price items like a store. If you have a lot of something, “Buy 3, get 1 free” works really well.
Other pricing strategies. Fill this box for $10 or fill this bag for $5. Anything not valuable can go on tables dedicated to that and you will get rid of all sorts of stuff that people might not buy individually but might stuff in a box.
To Price or not to Price.
Pricing items is a pain, no question.
Some people find it more profitable not to price anything because customers are turned off if the price is too high.
However, most customers prefer priced items, if only as a starting point for haggling.
Opting for a hybrid approach may require pricing larger items, or grouping like items on a table and then placing a sign on the table for the prices.
You can also place anything worth less than $5 or $10 on a table with a note to make an offer.
Another innovative approach is to mark by colored stickers only and having a master price list or two. As the day goes on, you can easily change the master price lists without changing prices on the individual items.
Be Willing to Bargain, but be Less Flexible at the Start.
If you just want to get rid of your stuff, you probably won’t mind haggling over anything.
But if you’re interested to make some money for your efforts, don’t haggle over a low-priced item or two. If your customers buy several things, cut them a deal.
Also don’t cut prices by much the morning of the sale, unless they are buying a ton of stuff. Tell them that you’ll cut prices a couple of hours before the end of the sale, and if they’re willing to take the chance, they can come back later. Or offer to take their phone number, and say “I’m sorry, but I’m not comfortable selling it at that price. Would you like me to call you if it’s still here at the end of the day?”
By the end of the sale, it’s best to practically give things away rather than face the prospect of having to deal with it later.
Staging
Too many garage sales are a haphazard collection of Stuff piled every which way. Don’t be like that. Take lessons from supermarkets and department stores. “Organize things so they’ll catch the shopper’s eye,” Kris says. “And don’t have depressing music playing.” (At the start of the sale, I had some New Age music on the stereo. “It sounds like a funeral,” she told me. She had me put on Elton John’s greatest hits instead, and people loved it. Sales improved!)
If you really want more bang for your buck, borrow from the big retailers’ playbook for how to display your merchandise.
Prepare your window display. How do regular stores get people to stop in? By creating intriguing/beautiful/interesting window displays. You won’t have window displays but use the concept. You can lure more customers by placing highly-desirable items near the road.
Move your customers to the right. For whatever reason, shoppers prefer to move through stores counter-clockwise. To get your customers to do the same, you can set up a table with free lemonade to the right, or display good items (but probably not the most expensive), or colorful, items to the right. You may want to place your most expensive/desirable items in the back of the garage, on the wall. As long as your customers can see these items from the garage door, they will walk past all your other items first.
Display items to their advantage. Too many garage sales are a haphazard collection of stuff piled every which way. Customers want bargains with the feel of a store. Put the highest value items at eye level or clearly marked on a high-value table. Organize things so they’ll catch the shopper’s eye. Hang up clothes, sorted by size, with the sizes clearly labeled.
Slow your customers down. Instead of lining your garage with long tables, consider staggering them in such a way that your customers slow down — without creating bottlenecks, of course.
Make it cohesive. Establish themes. While you can group like items together, also consider grouping items of the same color, or by theme. One theme could be music: Gather old instruments, CDs, and old speakers together.
Shed a little light. Lighting is important in big box stores, and it’s just as important at your yard sale. Make sure all light bulbs are working in the garage. Consider setting up table lamps and white Christmas lights to brighten the atmosphere.
Promote expensive items. Big-ticket items can be tough to sell, but you can do it with a little extra effort. For example, if you have a digital camera to sell, gather all the bits and pieces and place them together on a table along with a printout of the Amazon page for the camera.
Think like a customer. As soon as you’ve opened and fielded the initial flood of shoppers, walk through your sale as if you were there to buy something. How does it feel? Are things clearly marked? Is it easy to move around? Visualize any potential bottleneck areas. Are your books on the ground in boxes or are they placed neatly on shelves and tables? As things sell, move items around to fill in the gaps.
Make it easy for shoppers to test electronic items. If it is a sound or video electrical item, take a retailing idea from the pros and set it up to play. A TV that is playing will sell much better than one that is off. This is also true of sound electronics. Play videos on TV. People will start watching and ask to buy the video.
Create visual interest. While you want all the customers to see into your garage clearly, don’t forget that staggering items at various heights along your garage walls creates visual interest and allows better visualization.
Display impulse purchases. Wherever customers check out, conspicuously place inexpensive, fun items.
Have a box of free stuff. Nothing is more fun than finding something for nothing, so place a large, well-marked “FREE” box close to the curb. Mention the free box on the main Craigslist ad and place an individual Craigslist listing in the Free category.
Complementary items. Have a pile of complimentary items and let buyers pick one item to go with each purchase. It could be any old junk, but people will love getting a freebie.
Set up a lemonade stand. Instead of giving away free lemonade, your child can sell lemonade — and make her own money!
Be the Pinterest of yard sales. Your customers may think something looks cool, but they aren’t really sure how they’ll use it. Consider displaying some of your merchandise on furniture you have for sale. By displaying the item in an interesting way, or even printing out some craft projects you found on Pinterest, you may inspire your customer to take the treasure home.
Avoiding Problems
The Early Birds.
Warn in your ads that “early birds pay double.” Otherwise, you’ll be stuck fumbling for change and entertaining these folks rather than getting your items ready. Or if you don’t want early birds to show up, don’t put your entire address in your ad. Then, just before you open, put out the signs and open the garage door. And don’t take money (meaning, no sales) until you are ready.
Future Burglars.
Unless you personally know them, don’t allow anyone in your house. If they ask for a bathroom, direct them to the closest public restroom.
Do NOT Use a Cash Box.
Carry your money on you at ALL times. You don’t want to present a target for casual thieves. More than that, you don’t want to be duped by professional swindlers who run distraction con games. It happens. It is devastating to see the profits from all your labor and the proceeds from your hard-to-part-with items vanish in an instant. This happened to a woman on our street on the last day of the sale last year. Do NOT use a cash box. I use a cheap cloth apron/utility belt from the local hardware store. It works beautifully. Some people use fanny pack or a zippered bank deposit pouch.
Don’t Bad-Mouth your Items.
A decade ago, Kris and I held a garage sale with a group of friends. One guy constantly told customers what was wrong with the items they were purchasing. “Oh, that book is awful. That’s a terrible movie. That skillet doesn’t heat very well. That game is boring. Needless to say, we sent this friend inside to drink beer ASAP. Your goal is to sell the items. Don’t lie — just emphasize the positives. Oh, that book is very popular. That movie won three Oscars. That skillet is great for pancakes. That game is fun for kids.
The Hostess with the Mostest.
If having a group yard sale, pick the best location in terms of traffic or accessibility or parking (and don’t forget to clear parking spots on the big day for customers). Offer the host a bonus such as a percent of the sale or a hosting fee. Also, go over ground rules such as the bargaining policy, etc.
(If you have an option to select the home where the sale is hosted, select a home with a shaded drive, if possible.)
Wrapping It Up
Have a plan for what you’ll do with your unsold merchandise.
Some non-profits will pick up unsold stuff, so research this ahead of time.
If you are going to drop anything off at a thrift store, know their drop-off times/days. Also, check to see if there are any limitations on what they accept.
Post on the local freecycle (www.freecycle.org) that, after a certain time, whatever is left is free for the taking — and remember to include your address. If you’re lucky, people will schlepp it away for you!
Even after years of purging, I still have too many books…
We’d only intended for ours to be a two-day sale, but we did so well that we decided to open Sunday too. This time, we re-branded. Because we still had shelves filled with classics, graphic novels, and photography manuals, we billed ourselves as a “book sale”. Surprisingly, this still brought folks in. Traffic was much lighter than previous days, but we still cleared $400.
In the end, we sold $2,454.90 worth of Stuff. Kim and Kris and Jeff didn’t do as well as I did — none of them spent a lifetime making foolish financial choices and “collecting” books and records and comics and other toys — but everyone seemed happy with the money they earned. And as for me? After years of battles, I think I’ve finally won the war on Stuff!
A great yard sale begins with a great plan. What are your best yard sale tips?
This week’s garage sale map for Wausau-area yard sales is a service of Saint Vincent de Paul of Wausau. Submit your free listing for a future sale at this link.
NOTE: This week marks the annual Wausau Southeast Side Neighborhood Garage Sale weekend. Due to crowding on the map, we are providing the full list below of all participating sales. Thanks to Nicole Guenthner for providing this information!
May 19, 20 AND 21 734 Lake View Dr. Clothing, Books, DVDs, Homegoods, etc
May 19, 20: 8am-2pm 176 Lake View Dr. Household, clothing, books, tools, outdoor/indoor furniture, Christmas decorations
May 18: 4pm-6pm, May 19: 3pm-6pm, May 20: 9am-5pm 2408 Midway Blvd. New ping pong table, antique vanity, kitchen essentials, sporting gear, tools, housewares, decorations, camping gear, reverse osmosis system, lighting, ice fishing gear, games and much more.
May 18, 19, 20: 8am-3pm 915 Ross Ave. Misc household
May 18, 19: 9am-5pm, May 20: 8am-11am 725 Lake View Dr. Baby and kids items including clothing, toys, art easel, tricycle, high chair, swing, and car seat. Household items such as small appliances, electronics, decor, and books. Womens clothing
May 18, 19: 8am-4pm, May 20: 8am-12pm 609 Ethel St. Toys, loads of great puzzles, Stampin’ Up stamp sets(most never used), household, some camping, vintage boxed silverware, lots of Thirty-One bags, and never used rice cooker. Kids clothes: girls newborn to 5 and boys newborn to 2T.
May 20 704 Kent St. Two kiddos, 7 and 10 years old, will be hosting their own yard and bake sale to earn money for a summer trip
May 19: 9am-4pm, May 20: 9am-12pm 605 Ross Ave. Dumbbells, teen boys clothes, DVDs, CDs, housewares.
May 19, 20 2505 Mount View Blvd. All the usual garage sale items. No children’s items.
May 18, 19, 20: 8am-5pm 205 Broadway Ave. Womens Plus-sized clothing, shoes, Tupperware and other household goods, decor, hand painted glassware and many other miscellaneous cool things!
May 18, 19, 20: 8am-4pm 201 Weston Ave. Crafts and art pieces, clothing, toys, misc.
May 19, 20 421 Ruder St. Household furnishings, brand name Juniors/Women’s clothing, accessories, formal dresses; Christmas decor.
May 18, 19: 8am-4pm 1918 Fairmount St. Multi-family sale with a variety of items.
May 18, 19, 20: 8am-5pm 502 Kolter St. Multi-family sale! Spring cleaning and purging, something for everyone! Household items-popcorn machine, kitchenware, furniture, dog kennel, video games, toys, clothing for men, women, and boys, shoes, designer handbags, jewelry, and much, much more!!!
May 18, 19, 20: 8am-4pm 1912 Zimmerman St. New Bradley Smoker; FitMi portable home suite; magnifying light; doll-house; Weider weight bench; rugs; clothing; and this-n-thats.
May 18, 19, 20: 9am-5pm 1629 Plato St. Household, books, etc.
May 18, 19: 8am-5pm, May 20: 9am-12pm 121 Weston Ave. Boys and girl clothes, toys, shoes, tools, some antiques, golf clubs and balls. Variety of household items. Bows and arrows. High chair
May 19, 20, AND 21: 8am-4pm 619 Ruder St. Toys, Nerf, antique furniture, motorcycle, misc clothes and accessories, video games
May 19, 20: 8am-5pm 2517 Pied Piper Lane Multi-family sale! Treadmill, household items and decor, highchair, tow behind bike trailer and other baby items
May 18, 19, 20 1921 Roosevelt St. Housewares, tools, movies, CDs, collectibles
May 18, 19, 20: 8am-4pm 2401 Mount View Blvd. Multi-family sale. Baby items, baby and toddler furniture, toys, nursery decor, household items, household decor, women’s clothing (medium-xxl), maternity clothes men’s clothing, women and men’s shoes
May 19: 8am-4pm, May 20: 8am-12pm 816 Ross Ave. Home decor, household/kitchen items, men’s clothing size L, XL and tons of young women’s clothing, size XS, S
May 19, 20: 9am-5pm 710 Ross Ave. 5 family garage sale–clothes, shoes, house goods
May 19: 8am-5pm, May 20: 8am-3pm 2624 Oakwood Blvd. Girls clothing 7/8 to 10/12 and boys 3T-4, women’s clothing L-2xl, men’s clothing L- XXL, toys, shoes, household items, sports cards and memorabilia, many other miscellaneous
May 18, 19, 20: 9am-5pm 146 Eau Claire Blvd. Household items, toys and clothing size child 6 – adult.
May 18, 19, 20: 8am-6pm AND May 21: 9am-4pm 2401 Pied Piper Lane We have a variety of kitchen items, dining room table, furniture, pet supplies, women’s and men’s clothes ( most sizes are large to XXL, with some mediums), books, some linens for crafts, household decor, some bathroom and bedroom accessories, a tonneau cover that was one a F-150 6’5” box, and many more items. We will also have a snack station available. $5 fill a bag for clothes sale and $3 fill a bag sales for books every day. Saturday at noon, 1/2 off smaller items and best offer for larger items.
May 18, 19, 20, AND 21: 8:30am-until it slows 212 Weston Ave. Boys and Girls clothing and shoes sizes 7 – teen Women’s/Junior’s XS – L, Furniture, Gas Grill, Household, Nerf guns, Legos, and more!
May 20: 9am-4pm 415 Broadway Ave. Household items, decorative, clothing. $5 for all items you can fit in a bag. Individual items or larger items please make an offer.
May 18, 19, 20: 9am-5pm 1906 Emerson St. 3 wheel push golf cart, lawnmower, misc household and quality men’s clothes
May 18, 19, 20: 8am-5pm 807 Graves Ave. Huge multi family sale including but not limited to – Men’s Clothing Sizes L-2XL, Men’s Shoes Sizes 11-12, Women’s Clothing Sizes S-L, Women’s Shoes Sizes 8-9, Girls Clothing Sizes 3T-5T, LOTS of Kids Toys, Decor, Kitchenware, Holiday Items, Outdoor decor, And much more!!
May 18, 19, 20: 8am-5pm 904 Lake View Dr. US & world coins, Denmark blue & white plates, Disney snow globes & water fountains, collector plates (Star Trek, eagles, Elvis, etc.), books, lighted beer signs, CDs, DVDs, sports figures, racing, fantasy axes and shields, Beanie Babies, Beanie Buddies, unused sporting tickets, vinyl records and more.
May 18, 19: 9am-5pm 1927 Lamont St. Estate/Rummage Sale. Rain or shine!! (HUGE tent!) More items added from last week’s sale. Furniture, kitchen items, home decor, brand new and used exercise equipment, tons of bedding and curtains, rugs, baskets of all sizes, luggage, dishes, Christmas items, German movies with multi-region DVD player. Too many items to mention. Make me a REASONABLE offer!!!
May 18: 12pm-5pm, May 19: 9am-5pm, May 20: 10am-5pm 722 Weston Ave. Multi-family sale. Maternity, girl clothes: newborn-24 months, womens and mens clothes, kitchen items, house items, unopened formula, play kitchen, craft stuff, wedding stuff, AC units and MORE!
May 19, 20: 8am-4pm 2503 Marshall St. Boy Scouts National Jamboree fundraiser will be selling coffee, donuts, and additional drinks.
May 18, 19: 8am-5pm 147 Eau Claire Blvd. Old Army trunk, Jenny Lind maple full size bed with frame, vintage lawn chairs and vintage wood folding chairs, Pyrex, nested bowl sets, vintage graters and cookie cutters, Ohio art checkerboard, DVDs, backyard privacy screen, some tools, housewares, canning jars, new lids and rings in boxes and much more. NO CLOTHES.
May 18, 19, 20: 8am-5pm 401 Eau Claire Blvd. Wrought Iron outdoor dining set, Outdoor Lounger, Weber Charcoal Grill, De-Humidifier, Punching Bag, 2 person ice fishing Shelter, Fosse Ball Table, Bike, DIY Swing Set Hardware (NEW), 5-Drawer Dresser, Leaf Blower, Adult Clothes – S-L, Boys Clothes 8-12 , Toys, Bedding, Misc Household Items WE HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING Look for the GARAGE-A-POLOZA sign!!
May 20: 8am-3pm 326 Ross Ave. Sports Cards/Memorabilia, Collectibles, CD’s, DVD’s, Vinyl/Records (Oldies to Current), Men’s Shirts (Brewers/Sports Related), Women’s Clothing, Snowboarding Jacket, Ice Fishing Bibs, Women’s Scrub Tops, many other items!
May 20 AND 21 1913 Kings Court Watermelon and cucumber Agua fresca (fresh water)
May 18, 19: 7:30am-5pm 1635 Plato St. Eclectic sale of mostly man items: knives, axes, traps, welder, troy bilt rototiller, vintage cans, cast iron, Coleman Lanterns, and military items. Some kids items and a fair amount of jewelry. A lot of vintage/collectible items that are priced to move! If raining, the sale will be shut down.
May 18, 19, 20: 9am-5pm 729 Graves Ave. GINORMOUS Multi-Family Sale. If we don’t have it, you don’t need it!! Household, Tons of Books, Clothes, Shoes, Toys, Canoe Bookshelf, Camping Lanterns, Stuffed Animal Cage, FUNKO POPS and so much more. If it is a major downpour, we may not open or close early since there is so much stuff and not everything will display inside the garage.
May 17 AND May 18, 19, 20: 9am-5pm 1410 Fairmount St. Medical supplies, women’s/men’s clothes, homemade woodwork crafts, antiques, kitchen gadgets, books, etc.
May 18, 19, 20: 8am-4pm 1923 Zimmerman St. Antiques and collectibles.
May 20: 8am-4pm and may be open May 18th and 19th after school 304 Eau Claire Blvd. Kiddo is running a treat stand with prepackaged snacks and drinks
May 18: tentatively open. May 19, 20: 8am-5pm 152 Bertha St. Womens and men’s clothes, purses and bags in very good condition, some household decor items and art.
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