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    Home » Best Of

    Grandma’s DIY Guide to Big Savings and Smart Spending

    Sarita Harbour.
    Modified: Apr 7, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links·
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    Saving money doesn’t have to mean cutting corners, it’s about being creative and resourceful. DIY ideas offer big savings while keeping things practical and enjoyable. From homemade solutions to clever budgeting tips, these ideas show how simple changes can make a big difference. They’re not just great for your wallet, they’re rewarding to make and use. For anyone looking to stretch a budget without sacrificing quality, this guide has everything needed.

    7 Essential Hand Crank Kitchen Tools

    Pin
    7 Essential Hand Crank Kitchen Tools. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Hand-crank tools are timeless, reliable, and electricity-free, making them a cost-effective choice. They’re perfect for those looking to embrace big savings while prepping meals with minimal gadgets.
    Read the Article: 7 Essential Hand Crank Kitchen Tools

    How to Hot Compost

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    How to Hot Compost. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Hot composting is a fast and efficient way to turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil. This DIY approach offers big savings by reducing the need for store-bought fertilizers.
    Read the Article: How to Hot Compost

    How to Make Your Own Homemade DIY Magic Eraser Liquid

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    How to Make Your Own Homemade DIY Magic Eraser Liquid. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    With just a few ingredients, you can create a powerful cleaning solution at home. This DIY magic eraser liquid means big savings compared to pricey store-bought cleaners.
    Read the Article: How to Make Your Own Homemade DIY Magic Eraser Liquid

    Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs

    Pin
    Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    These fizzy toilet bombs make cleaning simple and affordable. Creating them at home is a fun way to see big savings while keeping your bathroom spotless.
    Read the Article: Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs

    How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote

    Pin
    How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Upcycle empty feed bags into durable, reusable totes with this easy project. It’s a creative way to achieve big savings while cutting down on waste.
    Read the Article: How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote

    Transform Your Meals with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

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    Transform Your Meals with Leftover Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Use leftover mashed potatoes to create new, budget-friendly dishes. This approach turns scraps into flavorful meals, bringing big savings to your table.
    Read the Article: Transform Your Meals with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

    Sourdough Discard Recipes: Tips for Zero-Waste Baking

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    Sourdough Discard Recipes: Tips for Zero-Waste Baking. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Don’t throw out sourdough discard—instead, use it to bake something delicious. These recipes embrace big savings by reducing waste and making the most of every ingredient.
    Read the Article: Sourdough Discard Recipes: Tips for Zero-Waste Baking

    Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner

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    Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Transform pine needles and vinegar into a powerful all-natural cleaner. This DIY solution means big savings by replacing store-bought products with a homemade option.
    Read the Article: Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner

    DIY Homemade Wood Butter Recipe

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    DIY Homemade Wood Butter Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Keep wooden kitchen tools and furniture in great shape with this DIY wood butter. Making it yourself offers big savings and ensures your items last longer.
    Read the Article: DIY Homemade Wood Butter Recipe

    How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving

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    How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Saving seeds is an easy way to keep your garden growing year after year without buying new packets. This beginner-friendly method guarantees big savings for any home gardener.
    Read the Article: How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving

    21 Toilet Paper Alternatives for When the TP is Gone

    Pin
    21 Toilet Paper Alternatives for When the TP is Gone. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Running low on toilet paper? These practical alternatives not only save the day but also bring big savings for anyone looking to cut costs on household essentials.
    Read the Article: 21 Toilet Paper Alternatives for When the TP is Gone

    Easy Winter Composting Tips for Year-Round Success

    Pin
    Easy Winter Composting Tips for Year-Round Success. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Winter composting keeps organic waste working for you all year long. It’s a simple way to enjoy big savings by creating free, nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
    Read the Article: Easy Winter Composting Tips for Year-Round Success

    How to Make Homemade DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils

    Pin
    How to Make Homemade DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Skip expensive bug repellents with this easy DIY recipe made from essential oils. It’s a smart way to protect your family while achieving big savings on everyday household items.
    Read the Article: How to Make Homemade DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils

    Beeswax Furniture Polish Recipe: How to Make Your Own

    Pin
    Beeswax Furniture Polish Recipe: How to Make Your Own. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This DIY beeswax polish is perfect for restoring wood surfaces without expensive commercial products. It’s a small project that leads to big savings and keeps your furniture looking its best.
    Read the Article: Beeswax Furniture Polish Recipe: How to Make Your Own

    Hot and Reusable: How to Make Eco-Friendly Hand Warmers

    Pin
    Hot and Reusable: How to Make Eco-Friendly Hand Warmers. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    These reusable hand warmers are a budget-friendly way to stay cozy in cold weather. With this DIY, you’ll see big savings while reducing waste.
    Read the Article: Hot and Reusable: How to Make Eco-Friendly Hand Warmers

    How to Grow Food from Scraps

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    How to Grow Food from Scraps. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Turn kitchen scraps into fresh produce with this fun gardening method. It’s an easy way to achieve big savings and grow your own food for free.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Food from Scraps

    Teach Kids to Compost: 7 Tips to Get Started

    Pin
    Teach Kids to Compost: 7 Tips to Get Started. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Get the kids involved in composting and watch them learn eco-friendly habits. This project offers big savings by reducing household waste and creating free soil for gardening.
    Read the Article: Teach Kids to Compost: 7 Tips to Get Started

    Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

    Pin
    Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This DIY laundry detergent cleans your clothes for a fraction of the cost of commercial brands. Making it at home is a practical way to enjoy big savings on everyday essentials.
    Read the Article: Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

    How to Make Beeswax Wraps

    Pin
    How to Make Beeswax Wraps. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Beeswax wraps are a reusable replacement for plastic wrap, helping you save money while cutting down on waste. They’re a DIY solution that delivers big savings for every eco-conscious household.
    Read the Article: How to Make Beeswax Wraps

    DIY Recipe: How to Make Your Own Homemade Toothpaste

    Pin
    DIY Recipe: How to Make Your Own Homemade Toothpaste. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This homemade toothpaste uses simple, natural ingredients to clean your teeth effectively. It’s a budget-friendly alternative that ensures big savings over time.
    Read the Article: DIY Recipe: How to Make Your Own Homemade Toothpaste

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    Sarita Harbour.

    I'm Sarita. My family and I lived off the grid for 11 years in Canada's far north. If I did it, you can too.

    Learn more here →

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