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    Home » Best Of

    21 Old-Time Habits We Need to Bring Back (Frugal Life Hacks)

    Sarita Harbour.
    Modified: Jan 18, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links·
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    Some habits from the past are worth revisiting, especially when they save time and money. Old-time habits focused on resourcefulness and making the most of what you had, which feels more relevant now than ever. From simple frugal tricks to practical ways of living with less, these ideas can make a real difference today. They remind us how much value there is in slowing down and being intentional with what we use. If you're curious about bringing back useful traditions, these old-time habits are a great place to start.

    Easy Winter Composting Tips for Year-Round Success

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

    This guide offers simple composting tips that embrace old-time habits, making it easy to keep your composting game strong through the winter. It's perfect for anyone looking to extend their composting season and keep things going year-round. A great way to use natural waste and enrich your garden.
    Read the Article: Easy Winter Composting Tips for Year-Round Success

    How to Hot Compost

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

    Hot composting is one of the best old-time habits to kickstart your composting efforts. This method helps break down waste quickly, giving you nutrient-rich soil in no time. A practical, efficient way to compost for both beginners and seasoned gardeners.
    Read the Article: How to Hot Compost

    How to Grow Black Beans Indoors

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    How to Grow Black Beans Indoors. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Growing black beans indoors is a great example of old-time habits in modern living. This guide shows you how to grow them in small spaces, giving you fresh beans year-round. It’s perfect for anyone looking to bring a little more self-sufficiency to their home.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Black Beans Indoors

    How to Make Beeswax Wraps

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

    Beeswax wraps are a fantastic way to embrace old-time habits and reduce waste. This easy-to-follow guide will show you how to make your own, giving you an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap. A great way to incorporate more sustainable practices into your daily routine.
    Read the Article: How to Make Beeswax Wraps

    How to Make Homemade DIY Compost Starter

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    How to Make Homemade DIY Compost Starter. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Making your own compost starter is an essential old-time habit for any gardener. This guide walks you through the process of creating your own starter using natural ingredients, making composting faster and more effective. A simple yet valuable DIY project for every homesteader.
    Read the Article: How to Make Homemade DIY Compost Starter

    Winter Foraging: 65+ Wild Foods to Find in the Cold

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    Winter Foraging: 65+ Wild Foods to Find in the Cold. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Winter foraging is an old-time habit that can help you make the most of the colder months. With this guide, you’ll learn to find wild foods that are both nutritious and free. It’s a perfect way to explore your environment and gather food during the winter season.
    Read the Article: Winter Foraging: 65+ Wild Foods to Find in the Cold

    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.

    Seed saving is a timeless practice that’s part of old-time habits. This guide helps you learn how to save seeds from your plants, so you’ll always have a fresh crop to grow. A smart and sustainable way to prepare for future gardens.
    Read the Article: How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving

    What is a Kitchen Garden?

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    What is a Kitchen Garden?. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A kitchen garden is a great way to practice old-time habits right in your backyard. This guide will teach you how to create your own small garden to grow herbs, vegetables, and fruits. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who loves fresh produce and wants to be more self-sufficient.
    Read the Article: What is a Kitchen Garden?

    21 Toilet Paper Alternatives for When the TP is Gone

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

    Having a backup plan for toilet paper is one of those old-time habits that can come in handy in unexpected situations. This list covers eco-friendly and practical alternatives, ensuring you're never caught unprepared. A helpful guide for those looking to live more sustainably.
    Read the Article: 21 Toilet Paper Alternatives for When the TP is Gone

    How to Plan a Garden For 2025

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    How to Plan a Garden For 2025. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Planning your garden for the future is a great way to incorporate old-time habits into modern living. This guide helps you organize your planting schedule, ensuring a successful garden season. A must-read for anyone ready to get ahead of their gardening plans.
    Read the Article: How to Plan a Garden For 2025

    Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs

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

    Creating your own toilet cleaning bombs is a useful old-time habit that’s both effective and eco-friendly. This guide will show you how to make these simple cleaning bombs that help freshen up your toilet without the harsh chemicals. A perfect addition to your homemade cleaning routine.
    Read the Article: Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs

    How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

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    How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Sourdough starter is an essential part of old-time baking habits, and you can make it without store-bought yeast. This guide shows you how to use natural fermentation to create a lively starter, perfect for making delicious homemade bread. A great way to practice traditional baking methods.
    Read the Article: How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

    Edible Garden Weeds & How to Cook Them

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    Edible Garden Weeds & How to Cook Them. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Many edible garden weeds are part of old-time habits, and this guide will show you which ones to cook with. It’s a practical way to use what’s growing in your garden or yard while embracing sustainability. A useful skill for anyone looking to add more variety to their meals.
    Read the Article: Edible Garden Weeds & How to Cook Them

    Winter Gardening Ideas and Tips

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    Winter Gardening Ideas and Tips. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Winter gardening is an old-time habit that allows you to grow food year-round. This guide gives you practical tips for keeping your garden thriving during the cold months. A great resource for anyone who wants to make the most of the winter growing season.
    Read the Article: Winter Gardening Ideas and Tips

    Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

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

    Making your own laundry detergent is a time-tested old-time habit that’s not only eco-friendly but cost-effective. This simple recipe will help you create your own detergent, so you know exactly what’s going into your wash. A great way to reduce waste and save money.
    Read the Article: Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

    DIY Homemade Wood Butter Recipe

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

    Wood butter is a classic old-time habit that’s great for conditioning and preserving wood furniture. This DIY recipe shows you how to make it at home, giving your wood pieces a beautiful, lasting shine. A perfect project for anyone looking to care for their wooden items.
    Read the Article: DIY Homemade Wood Butter Recipe

    How to Grow Microgreens in a Jar at Home

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    How to Grow Microgreens in a Jar at Home. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Growing microgreens indoors is an old-time habit that fits perfectly in small spaces. This guide teaches you how to grow these nutrient-rich plants in a jar, making them an easy addition to your home garden. A smart way to grow fresh greens year-round.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Microgreens in a Jar at Home

    Financial Self-Sufficiency: 7 Tips to Boost Yours

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    Financial Self-Sufficiency: 7 Tips to Boost Yours. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Boosting financial self-sufficiency is an essential old-time habit for those looking to live more independently. This guide offers practical tips to help you take control of your finances and reduce reliance on external sources. A valuable resource for anyone looking to become more self-reliant.
    Read the Article: Financial Self-Sufficiency: 7 Tips to Boost Yours

    24 Easy to Make Pantry Staples to Fill Your Shelves This Month

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    24 Easy to Make Pantry Staples to Fill Your Shelves This Month. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Stocking your pantry with homemade staples is a great way to practice old-time habits. This guide provides 24 simple recipes for pantry essentials, so you can always have the basics on hand. A smart and sustainable way to keep your kitchen stocked.
    Read the Article: 24 Easy to Make Pantry Staples to Fill Your Shelves This Month

    How to Grow Food from Scraps

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

    Growing food from scraps is a timeless old-time habit that allows you to reduce waste while growing fresh produce. This guide shows you how to repurpose kitchen scraps into food you can eat or use in your garden. A great way to be more resourceful and sustainable.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Food from Scraps

    7 Essential Hand Crank Kitchen Tools

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

    Hand crank kitchen tools are part of old-time habits that make cooking and food prep easier and more hands-on. This guide highlights seven essential tools that every homesteader should have in their kitchen. Perfect for those who enjoy simpler, more sustainable ways of working in the kitchen.
    Read the Article: 7 Essential Hand Crank Kitchen Tools

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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.

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