📝 5 Things I Stopped Buying to Save Money as a Homemaker

When I first started focusing on homemaking, I truly believed I needed more—more products, more storage, more “solutions.”

Every aisle I walked down made it seem like there was something else I needed to keep my home clean, organized, and running smoothly.

But over time, I realized something that completely changed the way I manage my home:

A peaceful home doesn’t come from having more—it comes from needing less.

By simplifying what I buy and focusing only on what truly serves our family, I’ve saved money, reduced clutter, and made everyday life feel so much more manageable.

Here are five things I stopped buying—and what I do instead.

(This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

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🧴 1. Paper Towels (for Everyday Use)

Paper towels used to be one of those things I grabbed without thinking. I would toss a few rolls into my cart every grocery trip, and somehow we were always running out.

The reality is, they’re incredibly convenient—but also incredibly wasteful and expensive over time.

So I made a small change: I started keeping a basket of reusable cloths in my kitchen.

Now, instead of automatically reaching for a paper towel, I grab a cloth for things like:

• Wiping down counters
• Cleaning up spills
• Drying hands

At the end of the day, they go straight into the wash, and they’re ready to be used again.

I still keep a roll of paper towels tucked away for messes like grease or raw meat—but they’re no longer part of my daily routine.

The result?
I spend less, waste less, and honestly, my kitchen feels more intentional and less disposable.

Below are the reusable cloths I keep in my kitchen.

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🧼 2. Multiple Cleaning Products

At one point, I had a separate cleaner for everything:

• Glass cleaner
• Bathroom cleaner
• Kitchen cleaner
• Floor cleaner
• Specialty sprays for random things

It quickly became overwhelming—not just financially, but mentally too. Cleaning felt like a big production because I needed so many different products just to get started.

Eventually, I simplified everything down to just a few staples:

• A good all-purpose cleaner
• Dish soap
• Baking soda and vinegar

These three things can handle almost every cleaning task in my home.

What surprised me most was how much easier cleaning became. Instead of overthinking which product to use, I could just start.

Less clutter under the sink, less decision fatigue, and more consistency.

We love Branch Basics!

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🧺 3. Excess Laundry Products

Laundry is one of those areas where it’s easy to overspend without realizing it.

There are so many “extras” marketed to us:

• Scent boosters
• Fabric softeners
• Dryer sheets
• Specialty detergents

For a while, I used several of these at once, thinking it would make our laundry feel fresher or more “done.”

But over time, I realized I didn’t actually need all of it.

Now, I keep it simple:

• One quality laundry detergent
• Wool dryer balls

That’s it.

Our clothes are still clean, still smell fresh, and I’ve cut out a surprising amount of unnecessary spending.

Plus, simplifying laundry made the whole process feel less overwhelming. Fewer steps = less resistance to getting it done.

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🛍️ 4. Trendy Home Decor

This was probably the hardest one for me.

It’s so easy to see something online—especially on Pinterest or Instagram—and feel like your home needs that exact look.

For a long time, I found myself buying decor pieces that were:

• Trendy in the moment
• Impulse purchases
• Not truly “me”

And over time, it created clutter instead of comfort.

Now, I’ve shifted my mindset completely.

Before I buy anything for my home, I ask:

• Do I truly love this?
• Will I still love it a year from now?
• Does it fit the feeling I want in my home?

If the answer isn’t a clear yes, I don’t buy it.

Instead of constantly replacing decor, I focus on fewer, meaningful pieces that create a warm, lived-in feel.

The result is a home that feels calmer, more cohesive, and far less cluttered.

I look for simple pieces like this to keep things timeless

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🍱 5. Single-Use Convenience Items

Convenience items are sneaky.

They save time in the moment—but they also quietly drain your budget over time.

Things like:

• Pre-packaged snacks
• Disposable containers
• One-time-use kitchen items

I used to grab these without thinking, especially on busy weeks.

Now, I try to be more intentional by choosing reusable options instead:

• Reusable snack containers for kids
• Bulk snack options instead of individually packaged
• Glass or durable storage containers

It does take a little more planning—but it quickly becomes routine.

And the payoff is worth it:

• Less waste
• Less clutter
• More control over spending

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🤍 What I Do Buy Instead

Instead of filling my home with more and more things, I’ve learned to focus on what truly adds value to our daily life.

I prioritize:

• Items that serve multiple purposes
• Quality over quantity
• Products that simplify—not complicate—my routines

This mindset shift has made a bigger impact than any organizing system ever could.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Saving money as a homemaker isn’t about cutting out everything or doing things perfectly.

It’s about being intentional with what you bring into your home.

When you stop buying things that don’t truly serve you, you make room for what actually matters:

• Peace
• Simplicity
• A home that feels good to live in

And sometimes, the biggest transformation comes from the smallest changes.