Dollar Store Finds that will Save you Money
Let’s face it, inflation is a real pain! It is happening to everything we need, use and consume. Things that used to seem fairly priced are now through the roof in cost.
I pride myself on being a bargain shopper and frugal with a lot of the shopping I do. This is coming from a former shopaholic who still can binge shop from time to time, but always with a fair deal in mind and I have never been one for over the top designer things. Now don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the finer things in life, I just don’t see myself ever gravitating to the more lavish things as I know I could find much better use for the money that would be spent on over the top items.
Now to be clear, there is a definitive difference between being cheap and being frugal. Some may beg to differ, but I truly believe in that statement. I am also someone who tries to live a more minimalistic lifestyle, but if an argument can be made for the reason to keep something for it’s use or purpose, I can be swayed into keeping things.
Maybe it is the Gemini in me, but I am so back and forth with, I must purge everything, to the next extreme of, I don’t have everything I need for whatever occasion. Either way, I try to find the balance in life and the possessions we keep in our home.
That all being said, in my years of pinching pennies, up to having the money to spend on a little extra, I have found that the dollar store can be a great resource for items you may buy on a regular basis, but can purchase them for less.
8 Items to Buy at The Dollar Store that will Save you Money
In this article, for all referenced items, I am speaking of the dollar store in Canada, Dollarama.
Cleaning Supplies
I buy our cleaning supplies from the dollar store as often as I can. They tend to be in smaller sizes, but that makes it easier for me to move them around from room to room in my cleaning caddy. A few items I personally purchase are toilet cleaner, all purpose cleaners like Vim, dish washer pods, dish soap, sponges, cleaning rags, drain cleaner, bleach, and more! While I am trying to move to more natural cleaning solutions that are better for the environment and for my family’s health, I use what I am familiar with while I can and within a budget we can maintain.
Organizing Containers
Organizing containers are all the rage now that keeping an organized home is so much more popular and can be so therapeutic for some (like myself!). The dollar store has tons of solutions. Coming in all shapes and sizes, there are plenty of acrylic options, mason jars, plastic containers and trays, caddies, boxes and so much more. With a little creativity, there are so many purposes for so many items and all within reasonable prices.
Organization Baskets
I have an obsession with organization baskets. So much so, my husband may think I have a problem. They are just so handy and useful! Now, I do suggest being mindful of the quality of some of the baskets available at dollar stores, there are some very good deals to be sought after. If it is too flimsy, you’re going to be replacing that over and over again and wasting money. Might as well spend a little bit more for a thicker quality basket that can last you longer. Compare your options side by side to ensure you are making the right selection.
Hangers
Buying hangers in bulk is by far the more efficient way of refacing your closet. But, if you are purchasing a few or buying hangers for a kids closet, the dollar store can be one of the best ways to do so. The velvet hangers for a non slip option, wooden hangers for coats and jackets, specialty hangers for scarves and ties and belts, all can be found at the dollar store. I personally love the plastic kids hangers for my sons closet. They aren’t anything fancy and I went with all white, but they are inexpensive and lightweight, perfect for baby clothes. As much as I love the adorable velvet baby hangers, they didn’t feel necessary for a tiny human who spits up and drools on their outfit anyways.
Extension Cords
Mark my words, it is always handy to have an extra extension cord somewhere in the house. The dollar store has very simple extension cords in different lengths for you chose from. They even sell them in different colours for different occasions as need be.
Birthday Cards
Let’s be real, have you seen the prices of greeting cards in grocery stores and gift shops? It’s insanity. While they are absolutely beautiful at times and the quality is quite lovely, birthday cards and cards for other occasions, almost always, end up in recycling bins. So why spend so much when the dollar store has so many to chose from, for a fraction of the prices. For all occasions too! Heartfelt ones, funny ones, silly ones and grieving ones, they even have seasonal ones and specifics like ages for birthdays.
Garbage Bags
Garbage bags are for garbage (and sometimes for clothing donations). And if your family is anything like mine, we recycle and compost more than we accumulate garbage. While we used to use the plastic shopping bags, with those becoming a distant memory (and for good reason!) we tend to get our garbage bags from the dollar store. I am personally a fan of the thin, scented garbage bags as we have a cat and they are perfect for litter box cleanings.
There are so many things to chose from at dollar stores. Good quality, bad quality, brand name items and a lot of absolute garbage. Be mindful with what you spend your money on. And if buying it from the dollar store can save you a few bucks, go for it.
What are your favourite finds at the dollar store? I look forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions!
Melanie xoxox