Ways to Save Money This Spring

This winter has been one of the most unusual ones I can recall. We had snow (more than once) and several days of freezing temperatures. This is quite unusual here on the Texas Gulf Coast! Though I’m certain we’ll be complaining about the heat soon enough, most of us are glad to see the arrival of spring.

We have different needs in cold temperatures than we have in warm temperatures. We’re always trying to save money in my household, so I’m considering how to save money as we transition from cold weather to warm weather.

How to save money during the spring months

When heating and cooling the home

It’s generally not unbearably hot or unbearably cold during the spring. This benefits us as we try to keep our homes at comfortable temperatures.

• Open the windows at night. If you live in an area where it is still getting cool at night, then don’t turn on your cooling system! Open your windows while sleeping instead. When you wake up in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air.
• Use ceiling fans. When it feels warm, see if a ceiling fan will cool you enough that you don’t have to turn on the cooling system. Ceiling fans can help you feel up to 4°F cooler.
• Use blankets. When it feels cool, cover up with a blanket or put on a sweater so you don’t have to turn on the heating system.
• Care for your air conditioner. If you have central air conditioning, then change your HVAC filters and have the unit serviced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer.

When purchasing clothes

During the spring, it’s often too warm for heavy pants and sweaters, but too cold for shorts and tank tops. However, this doesn’t mean we need to go out and buy clothes that are specific to spring.

• Add and remove layers as needed. Check your closet to see what items you can layer. When it is cooler in the morning, toss a light sweater over your short-sleeved shirt. When it warms up in the afternoon, remove the sweater. Use scarves and jackets in similar manners.
• Mix and match clothing of various lengths. I love wearing shirts with ¾ length sleeves during the spring. They provide a little extra warmth with it is cool, but the sleeves are short enough that they aren’t too hot when it warms up. I feel the same way about capris and cropped pants. If you already own these, then pull them out of your closet and take full advantage of them during the spring months.
• Shop sales or buy used. If you don’t need clothing items right away, then wait until spring passes and get the items on clearance. However, if you do need the clothing immediately, then shop sales or check consignment and thrift stores to see if they have suitable options.

When purchasing food and other items

Stores often offer certain items at lower prices at certain times of the year. Here is a summary of the items that stores typically offer on sale or at low prices during the spring months.

I have a few additional ideas that don’t fit in the categories listed above:

• If you are going to be spring cleaning, then consider making homemade cleaning products. These will cost you much less than products you’d buy at the store and most are significantly better for the environment.
• If you’ll be decluttering as part of your spring cleaning, then consider having a garage sale or finding another means to sell the items you’ll be getting rid of. This won’t save you money, but it may help you earn a little money!
• If you receive an income tax return, then use it wisely. Consider using it to pay down or pay off your balance on a high-interest credit card. You could also use it to start making bulk purchases or to get some repairs done on your car or house.

With the help of these approaches, we’re hoping to keep our spending to a minimum this spring. If you need additional ideas, check out my sources: U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. News Money.

What additional tips can you share? How do you save money during the spring months?

Shared at the following:

Encouraging Hearts and Home.