Now, it might seem counterintuitive to “buy” things for “No Buy” month, but I promise if you have these items on hand, it’ll make things go easier. The key to saving money, is being organized and prepared. (Multitasking items doesn’t hurt either). Don’t worry, you can still participate if you don’t have these items, but I can guarantee that you’ll be using these items for the next 6 months at least! So here’s 12 things I think would be helpful for you to buy if you don’t already have them on hand for “No Buy Month”.
Trust me. You’ll use this stuff again!
1. BPA Free Water Bottle – If you buy bottled water all the time, then this is a must for you. If you want, get one like this one with it’s own filter. A cheaper option though is to buy a medium sized bottle of VOSS water. It’s glass, it’s green and you’ll have a brand new reusable water bottle for $2!
2. BPA free/Aluminum Free Travel Mug – If you spend money on Coffee (like I did). This is a MUST for you. You’ll save a bundle when you stop buying coffee every day. You can grab this one for less than $10. They’re also good for carrying soup for lunch!
3. White Vinegar - You will need a gallon, because you can clean your whole house with this stuff! Oh, and there’s nothing special about “cleaning” vinegar, just get plain old white vinegar and you’ll be fine.
4. Dr. Bronner’s Organic Castille Soap – This is a powerhouse multitasker, no need to buy the big gallon container. A little goes along way. This 8oz size is just fine. If you need proof, check out this post.
5. Olive Oil – Yes, the same stuff that you cook with. No you don’t need a gallon, but try to get “first cold pressed” if you can.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide – Excellent disinfectant used for cleaning. Just get the 3% USP kind that comes in the brown bottle from the drugstore.
7. Baking Soda – 1 lb box. Also used for cleaning and about a million other things. I actually keep a bag of baking soda on hand for a bunch of stuff.
8. Spray Bottles – Yup. Something to put the cleaning products IN. Either reuse something you already have or go to the dollar store for these.
9. Essential Oil – Buy two. I suggest Tea Tree Oil and another fragrance that you like. (No I don’t mean candle scents or fragrance oils). Make sure it’s the real deal like this kind.
10. Microfiber cloths – You can buy these anywhere now. You’ll need at least 5. Try grabbing a bunch from the dollar store, AutoZone or Staples (Yes, Staples has a decent supply of microfiber hand towels go figure!) You can always buy them online here.
11. Cloth Napkins – You’ll save a TON if you stop buying paper napkins and paper plates! You should also beable to find these at the dollar store, or Marshalls, or even here.
12. Buy “The Frugalista Files” – This is Natalie McNeal’s (a.k.a.- frugalista)’s book. She’s the one who started the “No-Buy Month” in February when she started her blog. Buy it. Read it. Be inspired.
PS.- You get extra credit if you grab some Borax and some Washing Soda while you’re out!
• How are you preparing for “No-Buy” month?