Here's a list of household items that deserve an upgrade. If you have extra cash, splurging on these things will give you more comfort and convenience--two things that mean money well spent.
1. Mattresses, sheets, and pillows. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so it's smart to invest on it. A good night's sleep means better performance at work the next day. Memory foam pillows and a high-quality bed also prevent neck and back problems. Lesser trips to the chiropractor means pennies saved!
According to Deborah Morris, author of Fru-gal-friends.com, a few extra dollars go a long way. "You don't have to purchase a mattress every year. The average mattress lasts about eight or nine years," she says.
2. Kitchen knives. According to Diply, a sharp knife is actually safer to use than a dull one. Prevent injuries and be more efficient in the kitchen by buying a good quality chef's knife.
Gordon Ramsay, renowned chef and host of a number of cooking shows, says, "If you're stuck cooking with mediocre knives, treat yourself to a set of real knives, you won't regret it." Ramsay swears by the Wusthof classic 8" chef's knife, around $120.
This is same with scissors and can openers. The sharper they are, the more efficient in the kitchen you will be.
3. Trash Can. This seems a ridiculous splurge. After all, you only put garbage in it, right? The Sweet Home begs to disagree. It recently conducted a survey for the best trash can and why you need to upgrade.
"What might move you to improve your kitchen experience are all the little aggravations that arise with almost every garbage can -- how you get scraps into the mouth of the thing, how well the lid stays open when you've got a lot to drop in, how successfully the can keeps smells in and dogs out, how easy it is to do the occasional interior cleaning, whether the can is sturdy and balanced, and how well a good kitchen trash bag fits in the thing," the survey states.
The Sweet Home recommends the Simplehuman Rectangular Step Stainless Steel 10-Gal Trash Can ($99.99). It comes with a strong steel pedal, lid shox technology for a smooth close, and a five-year warranty.
4. Blender. You use it for making soups, shakes, and smoothies. Owning a blender will inspire you to eat healthier. Owning a good blender will make eating healthy easier.
Diply suggests getting a Vitamix, which comes at $500, but is "worth every cent." According to Diply, it's technically indestructible, and you'll save more money by eating at home instead of dining out.
5. Cookware. It's not wise to scrimp on cookware and end up buying new ones every few months. Good cookware don't come cheap, but last longer. To save some cash, The Kitchn suggests buying only a few basic pieces instead of getting a 20-piece set.
6. Vacuum cleaner. A well-kept home means a clean one, and indulging in a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner will prove to be efficient. Aggie MacKenzie, host of "How Clean is Your House?", a good vacuum is one that is "light, sleek, nimble, and user-friendly."
"A vacuum should also look at least a bit appealing, because it's not an appealing job. You've got to be able to open the cupboard without hating the sight of it," she adds.
7. Espresso Machine. Skip this if you're not a coffee drinker. But if you're craving for a good cup of cappuccino daily, why not invest on a real espresso machine and save on Starbucks trips? In its "Saving Pennies or Dollars?" series, The Simple Doller concludes that one can save $2.50 or more per day by simply having an espresso machine in his home. That is roughly $75 in a month. Plus, it adds, "Coffee made at home tastes better."
Splurging is not always bad. Knowing what to invest on is key to get the most bang for your buck. Do you have other items to add to this list? Comment below.
