Posted in LOW COST Homeschool Ideas

Wow, I just realized it has been several weeks since I have worked on my blog.  We have been "crazy busy" the last three weeks and today I finally get a breather.  So I wanted to take some time out and share some creative ways that I have found to save on our winter bills.  I would love to hear your ideas also, and will add them as they come in.

LINE DRY CLOTHING INSIDE:  I know this sounds a bit "backwoods" but it really helps in several ways.  We have a gas dryer and since gas prices are way up and heating costs this winter will be doubled (see USA news report ).  We have a portable clothes rack ,for guests, when they come to stay with us. We are using that to hang extra clothes, along with other space in the laundry room for hanging clothes.  I can get three times the amount of laundry done for half the cost. I just make sure to add twice the amount of fabric softener so that the clothes are not stiff after drying (key!!).  Another reason to do this is to help bring more moisture into the air during the winter.  I know the air up here in Minnesota gets very dry  inside, so by line drying the clothes, in the home, it keeps the moisture level in the air just right (save on vaporizer usage), and makes the house smell fresh.

PLASTIC WINDOW INSULATOR KITS: These can be found at any home Improvement Store and stops drafts, prevent frost build-up and reduces condensation. They apply easily, shrinking tight, wrinkle-free, and clear as glass, so you can see outside.  The cost is about $5 a window but worth it to save on heating costs.

CHANGE GROCERY STORES: We have always shopped at the main chain of grocery stores here in Minnesota, or wherever we have lived, but have since decided to explore our options.  We came across a really cool new store called ALDI that has cut our grocery bill in half.  It is a simple place and the items are still in boxes (much like Sam's stores), and you have to bring your own bags to the store (or pay 5 cents each), but hey . . .  you cut half the cost off your bill.  See if there is a store near you.

SHARE ERRANDS WITH NEIGHBORS: Trade off helping one another with errands to post office, grocery store, pharmacy, etc.  or carpool.

FRESH SMELLING HOUSE TIP: Take a spray bottle (I use an old Febreeze one) add 1/2 water and 1/2 fabric softener (spot test furniture before use).  You may have to add less fabric softener, and more water depending on fabrics in your home.  Spray on furniture, bedding, carpeting, draperies etc. for an intensely fresh smelling home.  Another great reason is . . .  it helps keep static cling down and repels pet hair & dust from these surfaces. Vacumming is a breeze as dirt and hair come right up off these surfaces after they have been sprayed with this concoction.  I actually found this after researching the internet for a solution to help repel pet hair from furniture (we have two Retriever's and a Calico cat).  People compliment us all the time on how great our house smells and looks, saying they wouldn't even know we have pets inside. 

How about you?  Any great tips you'd like to share, to help save winter household costs??