Minimalism tips
Switch Out Your Light Bulbs
Does anyone really enjoy changing light bulbs? It can be such a hassle to get the ladder out and change the lighting around your house. If you find you’re having to change light bulbs often, you may want to switch to a more energy-efficient alternative. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are one of the most energy-efficient light bulbs on the market. In fact, ENERGY STAR-qualified LEDs use only 20%–25% of the Energy and last 15 to 25 times longer than the traditional bulbs. [source] Sylvania LED light bulbs are one of the best money saving energy products out there. These LED bulbs require less energy and will therefore save you money every month (on autopilot). With their 11,000 hour total lifespan, you won’t need to constantly change your light bulbs. Check out the Sylvania LED Light Bulbs on Amazon here (they’re cheap too!) Changing out your light bulbs is a quick and easy solution to decrease energy costs.
Control Your Thermostat
Another great way to save on energy costs is to install a remote thermostat. Connecting a remote thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your home from your mobile device. This way, you can turn off or set your thermostat to 78 degrees while at work (this is the best temperature for air conditioner efficiency). Then, when you head home you can turn it on. [source] Our favorite solution is the Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat. Homeowners save 23% every year on heating and cooling costs from simply changing over to this Smart Thermostat!
Avoid Phantom Energy Leaks
According to a study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council, nearly 25% of all residential energy utilization comes from idle devices. Turning off your electronics is great way to conserve energy. But you can reduce even more energy by unplugging your television, laptop, lamps, chargers, and more. Many electronic devices and appliances use electricity even when they’re not in use. Unplugging them is a quick and easy way to reduce your energy costs.
Turn Off the Water
Whether you’re brushing your teeth or about to hop in the shower, make sure you’re not using extra water. Brushing your teeth uses about 4 gallons of water per week. This is not only wasteful but it’s costing you money. So, next time you go to shave or wash your hands, try to be conservative when using your water. Use this chart to find ways to minimize your water use.
Create Delicious Meals with $5 Meal Plan
If you struggle to find recipes that can help you stay within your budget and actually taste good, you should try $5 Meal Plan. With $5 Meal Plan you can feed your family in one of two ways. You can use their pre-made weekly meals plans and grocery lists or build your own meal plan with their guidance. Either way, you can save money and simplify your weekly meal planning process for just $5 a month. Sign up with $5 Meal Plan’s no-risk Free 14-day trial today!
Make Uses of the Ingredients You Already have
Do you ever look at your pantry and wonder how your leftover items will ever go together? Well, sites like SuperCook, BigOven, and Tasty help you create amazing dishes with the items you already have in your cupboard and fridge. Using the suggestions on their sites will also help you create a minimalistic grocery list. What are you waiting for? Start getting in the habit of using all of your ingredients today. You never know what delicious meals you’ll come up with next.
Stick to a Grocery List
A minimalist doesn’t need excess items. The less they consume, the better. Therefore, creating a grocery list can help all minimalist ensure they aren’t purchasing too much. Take an inventory of all the food you have in your home, then plan your weekly meals accordingly. You may even want to divide your grocery list into categories to make your grocery visit as quick as possible. The less time you’re in the store, the less time you have to overspend.
Add texture
Although you're trying to avoid clutter, it doesn't mean your minimalist apartment needs to feel like an empty office building. To add variation, use different textures in your space. Try a fuzzy rug or a chunky knitted throw blanket. Even a single piece with a unique texture can change the way a room feels.
Create depth with mirrors
Bigger rooms typically feel cleaner, especially when there's less stuff in them, so make your apartment feel larger (and cleaner) by adding depth with a mirror. You can either hang a mirror on the wall or use a standalone mirror. If hanging one, do it on a wall across from a window to bounce the light around more effectively. If you're using a standalone mirror, place it in a corner to give more light to a typically darker spot.
Choose neutral colors
Minimalism is the opposite of eclectic, so you'll want to avoid using too many colors, specifically bright ones. Stick with neutral colors like gray, white, brown and black. It's okay to add a few colors in smaller places throughout your apartment, but avoid neons and opt for muted tones like dusty blues or sage greens.
