Comments on: Ask DSM Readers: Saving on Household Essentials http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/ Thu, 23 May 2013 22:21:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: Heather http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-361641 Heather Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:54:03 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-361641 My family just started over in a new place and we just bought the cheapest we could find of all the basic essentials. This was a mistake!!! Many of the items were useless after washing once (like the cheese grater that rusted). We now realize that the extra 0.20 to 0.50 cents to get the next step up would have been the better deal. My family just started over in a new place and we just bought the cheapest we could find of all the basic essentials. This was a mistake!!! Many of the items were useless after washing once (like the cheese grater that rusted). We now realize that the extra 0.20 to 0.50 cents to get the next step up would have been the better deal.

]]> By: Sarah http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300719 Sarah Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:14:50 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300719 To start out, I would recommend just hitting up a Dollar General or Family Dollar store, and buying all the essentials, then as you get tired of the cheap quality of one item, you can replace them one at a time, rather than focusing time, money & energy getting quality items at a good price all at one time. And who knows, a couple of them might be just fine & you realize you still use it after a year & only cost you a dollar or two. To start out, I would recommend just hitting up a Dollar General or Family Dollar store, and buying all the essentials, then as you get tired of the cheap quality of one item, you can replace them one at a time, rather than focusing time, money & energy getting quality items at a good price all at one time. And who knows, a couple of them might be just fine & you realize you still use it after a year & only cost you a dollar or two.

]]> By: Chris M. http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300659 Chris M. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:32:27 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300659 Lots of great ideas above. Here's a little tip to make your garage sale/thrift store finds a little more 'pulled together'. Pick a color--perhaps your favorite color or something that matches your kitchen--and buy all of your dishes in different hues of that color. For my first apartment in college, I chose yellow. I found yellow bowls and mugs, plates with yellow designs, and even yellow glasses and serving dishes. Everything was really, really cheap but it looked cool together because it didn't match but still coordinated. Blue is another great color to do this with. Buy a couple of dish towels and potholders in your matching color at a dollar store, add in a few basic pots and pans and some cheap silverware (you can also find this at Goodwill) and you're good to go! But be advised, if you want non-stick pans you're much better off investing in a quality non-stick frying/saute pan and getting the rest of your pans as not non-stick. I made the mistake of buying a set of super cheap non-stick pans for my first apartment and the non-stick coating literally flaked off into my food each time I used them. It was disgusting and not at all healthy for me, I'm sure. Lots of great ideas above. Here's a little tip to make your garage sale/thrift store finds a little more 'pulled together'. Pick a color--perhaps your favorite color or something that matches your kitchen--and buy all of your dishes in different hues of that color. For my first apartment in college, I chose yellow. I found yellow bowls and mugs, plates with yellow designs, and even yellow glasses and serving dishes. Everything was really, really cheap but it looked cool together because it didn't match but still coordinated. Blue is another great color to do this with. Buy a couple of dish towels and potholders in your matching color at a dollar store, add in a few basic pots and pans and some cheap silverware (you can also find this at Goodwill) and you're good to go! But be advised, if you want non-stick pans you're much better off investing in a quality non-stick frying/saute pan and getting the rest of your pans as not non-stick. I made the mistake of buying a set of super cheap non-stick pans for my first apartment and the non-stick coating literally flaked off into my food each time I used them. It was disgusting and not at all healthy for me, I'm sure.

]]> By: Nicole http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300403 Nicole Sat, 31 Jul 2010 06:41:13 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300403 Definitely check out Target's back to school clearance, they have a really great selection of college and starter silverware/plates and it gets marked down really cheap at the end of August - mid September. I go to OSU so this always works out really great for me, 2 years ago I found a College 08 boxed set with 4 heavy ceramic plates, mugs, and bowls for only $3.91 each. I didn't need the mugs, but I purchased 2 sets and they worked out really well for my roommate and I in our first apartment! Definitely check out Target's back to school clearance, they have a really great selection of college and starter silverware/plates and it gets marked down really cheap at the end of August - mid September. I go to OSU so this always works out really great for me, 2 years ago I found a College 08 boxed set with 4 heavy ceramic plates, mugs, and bowls for only $3.91 each. I didn't need the mugs, but I purchased 2 sets and they worked out really well for my roommate and I in our first apartment!

]]> By: Mellora http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300378 Mellora Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:15:44 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300378 For cooking utensils good on non-stick cookware the Dollar Store is a great place to start! I got everything I needed there back in college and am still using most pieces today -- almost ten years later! For cooking utensils good on non-stick cookware the Dollar Store is a great place to start! I got everything I needed there back in college and am still using most pieces today -- almost ten years later!

]]> By: Jan http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300295 Jan Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:12:06 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300295 Amazon codes! If you have an Amazon Visa card or do online surveys, collect codes and keep an eye out for Amazon's 4-for-3 kitchen sales. I just picked up a few things cheap that way. Well, free actually, because I used gift codes. :-) And I'll second the Freecycle and Craigslist recommendations. Also estate sales and local thrift shops. Look for Farberware and Revere pots and pans. Mine are from the 1950s and still going strong. Amazon codes! If you have an Amazon Visa card or do online surveys, collect codes and keep an eye out for Amazon's 4-for-3 kitchen sales. I just picked up a few things cheap that way. Well, free actually, because I used gift codes. :-)

And I'll second the Freecycle and Craigslist recommendations. Also estate sales and local thrift shops. Look for Farberware and Revere pots and pans. Mine are from the 1950s and still going strong.

]]> By: Rita Collins http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300276 Rita Collins Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:30:19 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300276 I don't know if I missed this response, but for my first few apartments I bought "Kitchen in a Box" and "Bathroom in a Box". I believe I purchased them at Target. Granted, this was years ago. However, I still have some of of the silverware, bowls, and other items. This was perfect, especially for just one person. I don't know if I missed this response, but for my first few apartments I bought "Kitchen in a Box" and "Bathroom in a Box". I believe I purchased them at Target. Granted, this was years ago. However, I still have some of of the silverware, bowls, and other items. This was perfect, especially for just one person.

]]> By: Peggy http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300263 Peggy Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:17:07 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300263 Also check your local newspapers for Free Ads. Some newspapers allow you to place an ad for free if the item is less than $100. Lots of those ads are placed by people who want to get rid of items for FREE!! You just have to pick it up usually although some people might be nice enough to haul it if it's a big item and you only have a car. It never hurts to ask if someone can haul it for you and you can offer to give them a few bucks for gas. Also check your local newspapers for Free Ads. Some newspapers allow you to place an ad for free if the item is less than $100. Lots of those ads are placed by people who want to get rid of items for FREE!! You just have to pick it up usually although some people might be nice enough to haul it if it's a big item and you only have a car. It never hurts to ask if someone can haul it for you and you can offer to give them a few bucks for gas.

]]> By: Peggy http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300262 Peggy Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:12:04 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300262 Goodwill, in Springfield, OH, almost always had stuff from Kmart, Target, etc. I grabbed up about 12 pairs of Hanes underwear for myself that came from Kmart. Also if you have a Salvation Army store in your area, those are good. Consignment stores sometimes have clearance sections when their inventory is coming to the end of it's time limit. Yard sales can be gold mines too. I recently bought some plastic tumblers and measuring set and chip clips at Walmart. They were all a $1 each. They had blue, green, orange, etc. The measuring set went from a cup down to 1/4 tsp. Also the chip clips were in a little bag that ranged from tiny to chip bag size, I think there were 6 or 8. Not bad for a dollar. Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Big Lots, are all great CHEAP places. I've bought curtains at Dollar General more than once, blinds too. You do what you have to do sometimes. Cheap curtains are better than none. Goodwill, in Springfield, OH, almost always had stuff from Kmart, Target, etc. I grabbed up about 12 pairs of Hanes underwear for myself that came from Kmart. Also if you have a Salvation Army store in your area, those are good. Consignment stores sometimes have clearance sections when their inventory is coming to the end of it's time limit. Yard sales can be gold mines too. I recently bought some plastic tumblers and measuring set and chip clips at Walmart. They were all a $1 each. They had blue, green, orange, etc. The measuring set went from a cup down to 1/4 tsp. Also the chip clips were in a little bag that ranged from tiny to chip bag size, I think there were 6 or 8. Not bad for a dollar. Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Big Lots, are all great CHEAP places. I've bought curtains at Dollar General more than once, blinds too. You do what you have to do sometimes. Cheap curtains are better than none.

]]> By: Rachel http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300243 Rachel Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:41:30 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300243 I agree with so many of the comments on here! I had a summer clerkship in a different state from my law school a few summers ago and sublet a place. Foolishly, it appears, I assumed the people I was subletting from would leave some dishes or utensils, but no! I didn't have the ability to go home and get mine, so I had to buy as little as possible for as cheap as possible as I was clerking for legal aid - for free. First stop was the Dollar Tree- I got two big dishes, two bowls, two glasses, two basic sets of eating utensils, a pitcher for tea or crystal light, and one (quite terrible) paring knife- all for ten bucks! All but the knife are still in use by my sister now. Oh- I also got a cookie sheet and pizza tray there, but I ended up borrowing a skillet from a friend who lived in town. Also, I agree with the commenter above about re-purposing things. Until we got married, my husband and I used cookie sheets for lids on pans, tweaked recipes to fit whatever casserole size dish we had, and washed our one nice paring knife every day, sometimes several times during meal prep! The mismatched dishes and cutlery just added to the fun of starting a new house and life together! Additionally, while living in Columbus (have some Jeni's ice cream for me!) I found that the Goodwill on Morse Rd often resold items that had been returned to Target. Nearly-new stuff for a fraction of the cost! I imagine this is common in other cities as well. Finally, if you're willing to spend a little more but still get a heck of a deal, I've had tremendous luck with finding bowls, glasses, nicer pots and pans, and all sorts of utensils at my TJ Maxx and Ross stores. Until you have the fully-stocked and matching kitchen, enjoy the fun of collecting the stuff you need and being creative with what you have. I agree with so many of the comments on here! I had a summer clerkship in a different state from my law school a few summers ago and sublet a place. Foolishly, it appears, I assumed the people I was subletting from would leave some dishes or utensils, but no! I didn't have the ability to go home and get mine, so I had to buy as little as possible for as cheap as possible as I was clerking for legal aid - for free. First stop was the Dollar Tree- I got two big dishes, two bowls, two glasses, two basic sets of eating utensils, a pitcher for tea or crystal light, and one (quite terrible) paring knife- all for ten bucks! All but the knife are still in use by my sister now. Oh- I also got a cookie sheet and pizza tray there, but I ended up borrowing a skillet from a friend who lived in town.

Also, I agree with the commenter above about re-purposing things. Until we got married, my husband and I used cookie sheets for lids on pans, tweaked recipes to fit whatever casserole size dish we had, and washed our one nice paring knife every day, sometimes several times during meal prep! The mismatched dishes and cutlery just added to the fun of starting a new house and life together!

Additionally, while living in Columbus (have some Jeni's ice cream for me!) I found that the Goodwill on Morse Rd often resold items that had been returned to Target. Nearly-new stuff for a fraction of the cost! I imagine this is common in other cities as well.

Finally, if you're willing to spend a little more but still get a heck of a deal, I've had tremendous luck with finding bowls, glasses, nicer pots and pans, and all sorts of utensils at my TJ Maxx and Ross stores. Until you have the fully-stocked and matching kitchen, enjoy the fun of collecting the stuff you need and being creative with what you have.

]]> By: CJ http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300234 CJ Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:17:17 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300234 Dollar stores are great for getting a cheap start - dishes, glasses, silverware, utensils, dish cloths and towels. Over 20 years later I'm still using inexpensive dishes that my mom bought for me for me when I was starting out and a kitchen table that a friend gave me, they've held up well and have met my needs. Dollar stores are great for getting a cheap start - dishes, glasses, silverware, utensils, dish cloths and towels. Over 20 years later I'm still using inexpensive dishes that my mom bought for me for me when I was starting out and a kitchen table that a friend gave me, they've held up well and have met my needs.

]]> By: c http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300227 c Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:31:24 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300227 you need a basic paring knife(think dollar store), a 2cup pyrex glass measuring cup(you can microwave in it) , a plate , a cup, a spoon, a fork, and a steak knife. It would be nice to have a plastic cutting board, a medium pot for boiling (that can also go in the oven)and a non stick pan(or an iron skillet that can go in the oven to)..... that's all you really need....to get by you need a basic paring knife(think dollar store), a 2cup pyrex glass measuring cup(you can microwave in it) , a plate , a cup, a spoon, a fork, and a steak knife. It would be nice to have a plastic cutting board, a medium pot for boiling (that can also go in the oven)and a non stick pan(or an iron skillet that can go in the oven to)..... that's all you really need....to get by

]]> By: Amanda http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300224 Amanda Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:25:36 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300224 Things I would pay "real" money for: - One GOOD all-purpose skillet (I use Earthpan with Sandflow) - One GOOD knife (my grandparents bought me an expensive one) - One decent set of sheets Everything else, try to find on craigslist, freecycle, goodwill, maybe Walmart, or best yet, FREE from friends and family. When we moved to our first place and told people we needed home stuff, we were given a free washing machine, armoire, coffee maker, comforter, vacuum cleaner, steam mop, dishes, toaster, tools, air conditioning unit, lamps, TWO kitchen tables, one set of chairs, lazy boy couch with recliners, love seat, chaise lounge and probably other stuff I am forgetting. We were SOO grateful! Just let the word out about what you need, and I bet a lot of people have it lying around unused :) Things I would pay "real" money for:

- One GOOD all-purpose skillet (I use Earthpan with Sandflow)
- One GOOD knife (my grandparents bought me an expensive one)
- One decent set of sheets

Everything else, try to find on craigslist, freecycle, goodwill, maybe Walmart, or best yet, FREE from friends and family. When we moved to our first place and told people we needed home stuff, we were given a free washing machine, armoire, coffee maker, comforter, vacuum cleaner, steam mop, dishes, toaster, tools, air conditioning unit, lamps, TWO kitchen tables, one set of chairs, lazy boy couch with recliners, love seat, chaise lounge and probably other stuff I am forgetting. We were SOO grateful! Just let the word out about what you need, and I bet a lot of people have it lying around unused :)

]]> By: Jenna http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300216 Jenna Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:26:22 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300216 I have in storage enough to furnish four homes, I live in area with folks who really have to do without. I try to get the items in peoples hands who truly need them. Only to have my time wasted and people treat me nasty. I have taken to craigslist with listing items and giving free items with each of my listings. If you wish to contact me at mountains2009 at g mail dot com I can make arrangements for things to go to those in need. The items are great and all of my customers have been extremely happy with all items they recieved. I have in storage enough to furnish four homes, I live in area with folks who really have to do without. I try to get the items in peoples hands who truly need them. Only to have my time wasted and people treat me nasty. I have taken to craigslist with listing items and giving free items with each of my listings. If you wish to contact me at mountains2009 at g mail dot com I can make arrangements for things to go to those in need. The items are great and all of my customers have been extremely happy with all items they recieved.

]]> By: Dizzy Mommy http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300208 Dizzy Mommy Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:28:37 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300208 Salvation Army has been a life saver for my family. They have some really cool unqiue stuff. If you go on the half off days then its even better. Plus sometimes you can even find brand new items. I got my shark steamer both for the floor and hand, and a shark hand vac, and regular shark vac for $100 because somebody returned them to Meijer and Meijer cannot restock shark products they donated them to Salvation Army and they worked fine. The other thing is Target has coupons for essentials. I got the new Giada set a couple months ago for $70. It was on sale for $100, I had a $20 off Target Coupon, plus a $10 Giftcard with $100 purchase. It was normally like $150 or something so to me it was a great deal. Salvation Army has been a life saver for my family. They have some really cool unqiue stuff. If you go on the half off days then its even better. Plus sometimes you can even find brand new items. I got my shark steamer both for the floor and hand, and a shark hand vac, and regular shark vac for $100 because somebody returned them to Meijer and Meijer cannot restock shark products they donated them to Salvation Army and they worked fine.
The other thing is Target has coupons for essentials. I got the new Giada set a couple months ago for $70. It was on sale for $100, I had a $20 off Target Coupon, plus a $10 Giftcard with $100 purchase. It was normally like $150 or something so to me it was a great deal.

]]> By: Loren http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300204 Loren Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:58:18 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300204 The best place that I have found to get great kitchen stuff cheap has been the Williams sonoma outlet in Virginia I used to live 10 minutes from it but have since moved, Homegoods is also a good place to get quality items pretty cheap. The best place that I have found to get great kitchen stuff cheap has been the Williams sonoma outlet in Virginia I used to live 10 minutes from it but have since moved, Homegoods is also a good place to get quality items pretty cheap.

]]> By: Angela http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300203 Angela Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:52:38 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300203 I would suggest having a Pampered Chef show and you can earn free, 1/2 off and discounted kitchen products. If you live around the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, I can help you otherwise check out www.pamperedchef.com and find a consultant in your area. I would suggest having a Pampered Chef show and you can earn free, 1/2 off and discounted kitchen products. If you live around the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, I can help you otherwise check out http://www.pamperedchef.com and find a consultant in your area.

]]> By: TRINA http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300183 TRINA Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:12:12 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300183 FOR NEW ITEMS TARGET HAS THE BEST CLEARANCE I HAVE EVER SEEN.FOR THE ITEMS THAT DO NOT SELL THEY DONATE THEM TO THE GOODWILL IN MY AREA SO THAT IS ANOTHER HOT SPOT TO CHECK OUT FOR NEW ITEMS AS WELL. FOR REGULAR KITCHEN UTENSILS WALMART HAS A DECENT SELECTION FOR A DOLLAR OR LESS. OTHER IDEAS ARE TO REGISTER FOR A HOUSE WARMING PARTY OR GOING TO COLLEGE CARE PACKAGE ALOT OF THE STORES ARE OFFERING THIS NOW WHERE YOU PICK OUT THE ITEMS YOU WOULD LIKE AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS CAN PICK UP THESE ITEMS FOR YOU AS GIFTS. THE ITEMS NOT PURCHASED THE STORE GENERALLY OFFERS AN DISCOUNT OFF SO YOU CAN PURCHASE THEM YOURSELF AT A CHEAPER PRICE. IF NONE OF THESE ARE OPTIONS GARAGE SALES ARE YOUR BEST BET BECAUSE YOU SEE FIRST HAND WHAT YOU ARE GETTING AND YOU CAN ALWAYS TALK THE SELLER DOWN USUALLY TO SOMETHING YOU CAN AFFORD. FOR NEW ITEMS TARGET HAS THE BEST CLEARANCE I HAVE EVER SEEN.FOR THE ITEMS THAT DO NOT SELL THEY DONATE THEM TO THE GOODWILL IN MY AREA SO THAT IS ANOTHER HOT SPOT TO CHECK OUT FOR NEW ITEMS AS WELL. FOR REGULAR KITCHEN UTENSILS WALMART HAS A DECENT SELECTION FOR A DOLLAR OR LESS. OTHER IDEAS ARE TO REGISTER FOR A HOUSE WARMING PARTY OR GOING TO COLLEGE CARE PACKAGE ALOT OF THE STORES ARE OFFERING THIS NOW WHERE YOU PICK OUT THE ITEMS YOU WOULD LIKE AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS CAN PICK UP THESE ITEMS FOR YOU AS GIFTS. THE ITEMS NOT PURCHASED THE STORE GENERALLY OFFERS AN DISCOUNT OFF SO YOU CAN PURCHASE THEM YOURSELF AT A CHEAPER PRICE. IF NONE OF THESE ARE OPTIONS GARAGE SALES ARE YOUR BEST BET BECAUSE YOU SEE FIRST HAND WHAT YOU ARE GETTING AND YOU CAN ALWAYS TALK THE SELLER DOWN USUALLY TO SOMETHING YOU CAN AFFORD.

]]> By: Megan http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300180 Megan Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:58:54 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300180 Wow, most people I talk to don't know about Freecycle, but I'm sooo happy to see so many people mention it! I have used it to get rid of stuff before a big move, just so I don't have to move as much. I've also gotten my husband a new wallet (they aren't cheap and we didn't have a dime to spend on it) and a microwave for our new apartment. Truly, it's a great way to not spend money and to get things you need when they are a necessity, but it's also a fantastic feeling to get rid of things to those who need them more than you. I've given away lots of craft stuff I just have no interest in to a mom with kids during the summer and a microwave cart to college kids living in a new apartment. I've actually gotten some newspaper coupon inserts this way too!!! :D As far as other ideas, I would have to say garage sales are good and make sure to watch the clearance shelves in the home department areas of stores. I have the best luck at Target. Wow, most people I talk to don't know about Freecycle, but I'm sooo happy to see so many people mention it! I have used it to get rid of stuff before a big move, just so I don't have to move as much. I've also gotten my husband a new wallet (they aren't cheap and we didn't have a dime to spend on it) and a microwave for our new apartment.

Truly, it's a great way to not spend money and to get things you need when they are a necessity, but it's also a fantastic feeling to get rid of things to those who need them more than you. I've given away lots of craft stuff I just have no interest in to a mom with kids during the summer and a microwave cart to college kids living in a new apartment.

I've actually gotten some newspaper coupon inserts this way too!!! :D

As far as other ideas, I would have to say garage sales are good and make sure to watch the clearance shelves in the home department areas of stores. I have the best luck at Target.

]]> By: Kelly http://dealseekingmom.com/ask-dsm-readers-saving-on-household-essentials-2/comment-page-1/#comment-300177 Kelly Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:54:39 +0000 http://dealseekingmom.com/?p=48734#comment-300177 Ikea housewares! Ikea housewares!

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