4 Household Items You Shouldn’t Skimp On
Saturday, February 16, 2019, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
As a homeowner (or renter), you want to make your house feels as much of a home as possible. It can be challenging to do this, especially if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford to splurge on fancy furniture or small, personal details.
However, there are a few household items that are worth investing in.
Here are four household items that you shouldn’t skimp on.
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Your mattress
Your mattress is something you’ll be using every day, so consider spending a little extra to get one that’s comfortable and supportive. If you’ve had your mattress for more than five years, take note of how well you’re sleeping, if you wake up feeling achy, and if you’re sinking into the mattress—these could all be signs that you need a replacement.
Some factors you should consider before buying a new mattress include spine alignment, pressure relief, responsiveness, motion transfer, temperature control, edge support, and firmness. According to an RTI International study, the preferred mattress firmness will vary with the individual, so be sure to try a few mattresses out before making a final purchase.
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Appliances
Another household item you shouldn’t skimp on is major appliances. High-quality appliances will not only function properly (and better than traditional appliances), but they will last longer and save you money on monthly energy costs. When selecting appliances, check for their energy efficiency rating. Most new appliances will consume less electricity, so factor this in when choosing between an older second-hand model and a brand new product.
Note: if your current appliances are broken or have experienced normal wear and tear, you may be able to get them replaced under your home warranty. If you don’t have a home warranty, see if your appliance is still covered by its product insurance plan before going out and buying a replacement.
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Essential kitchenware
With kitchenware, giving preference to price over quality is something we all do, thinking the cheaper option will do the job. However, like your mattress and appliances, investing more in quality upfront means that you won’t be spending more later on.
For example, a stamped-steel knife will be good for a while, but you won’t be able to bring it back to its original sharpness when it goes dull. Similarly, putting more into buying pots and pans that last through multiple meals won’t be a decision you’ll regret, especially if you’re constantly cooking for more than one person.
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Lighting
Proper lighting is easy to neglect, especially if the light is “good enough” all around the house. Improper lighting not only puts more stress on the eyes, but it also affects the overall ambience of the room. If the lighting at your place is insufficient or imbalanced, go for high-quality lighting instead of a cheap lamp to fill the gap.
When purchasing light bulbs, check for an Energy Star qualification. LEDs with the Energy Star qualification consume 70% to 75% less energy and can last 15 times longer. You can find these bulbs at a home improvement store or an online retailer like Amazon.
