18 affordable ways to upgrade your home with products from the dollar store

With the cost of supplies continuing to skyrocket due to the pandemic and inflation continuing to skyrocket the prices of everything from groceries to electricity, saving money is getting harder and harder. . It used to be that relatively easy expenses like small home improvements aren’t so easy anymore when you’re paying around $5 a gallon for gas or shelling out your entire paycheck just to get by.

Related: Home Upgrade Costs That Have Increased Due To Inflation
Find out more: Back to commuting? Here are 7 ways to fight rising gas prices

It won’t meet all of your needs, but there’s one key destination to consider when looking to make small but significant changes to the decor and overall feel of your home: the dollar store. GOBankingRates consulted a number of home experts for their favorite cheap buys which can be as low as $1.25. These items can go a long way in increasing the curb appeal of your home, especially if you have a big imagination and a flair for arts and crafts.

painting supplies

“For affordable yet quality paint supplies, you can check out your nearest dollar store,” said Tommy Mello, CEO of A1 Garage door Service. “You’ll be surprised how much money you’ll save by doing this instead of buying from the depots. Paint roller brushes, paint roller frames, paint brushes, foam brushes, paint buckets, paint roller trays are all available at the dollar store. You can use them for a variety of home painting projects.

bathroom organization

“If your bathroom needs an upgrade or a small space restricts your style, your local dollar store will have plenty of options to help you organize your things in a small space,” said Brentnie Daggett, writer for Rentec Direct property management. Software. “Look for makeup organizers, drawer dividers, baskets and more to keep your space tidier and more inviting.”

See: 10 home upgrades that will cost you less than $100

Storage drawer boxes

“An item you can buy at the dollar store to improve your home is storage drawers,” said Zephyr Chan, founder of Better Tools. “I do this upgrade by putting the storage boxes in my pantry. Usually, my pantry is filled to the brim with all sorts of kitchen items, from cutlery to kettles and blenders. This leaves me very little room for other things. But drawer boxes help me pack a lot of stuff very efficiently. »

Command hooks

“This no-damage decor staple has extremely versatile decorating uses and can help you avoid punching holes in the wall with nails, screws or thumbtacks,” Daggett said. “Pay attention to application and weight instructions for hanging your favorite art or organizing items like bags, keys, hats and scarves.”

Washi Tape

“Similar to masking tape, Washi tape comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns for a quick and easy way to upgrade your furniture and walls,” Daggett says. “There are so many, many creative ways people have used Washi Tape for decorating – do a quick Google search!”

Individual Solar Lamps

“[These] are perfect for lighting the way from the sidewalk to your home,” said Keron Howe, CEO and co-founder of Property Nation. “Position them evenly about 1.5m apart on each side. They generate just enough light to light the way and can make your property more attractive to buyers.

Solar driveway lights cost about $3 to $4 each at the dollar store, which is a bargain compared to $6 to $10 at regular stores, Howe added.

wooden clipboard

“For a rustic look, opt for wooden paperweights over picture frames,” Howe says. “Ideally, buy nine planks and attach them to the wall in rows of three. Attach photos to each for a unique and personal look.

Cake Stand Sink Organizer

“A dollar store cake sink organizer is a simple item to upgrade your kitchen sink and give it a quaint look,” said Joshua Blackburn, design and construction manager at Evolving Home. “The cake stand organizer is a great way to maximize kitchen sink space by keeping your soaps and dish sponges organized. It’s only $1.25 at a dollar store, but can make a big difference in the overall look of your sink.You can take it a step further and decorate it with a rug or fabric of your choice.

Find: 8 affordable ways to upgrade your kitchen

Fake flowers, for outdoors

“Faux flowers aren’t just for indoor spaces,” Howe said. “Wrap around your porch trellis for year-round blooms and cottage core style.”

Wire waste basket

“Outdoor lighting can be expensive, but with a wastebasket, a pair of wire cutters and a lighting kit, you can achieve a high-end look in no time,” Howe said. “Use the wire cutters to shape a hole. Through the hole, insert the cable and secure the fitting. Ideal for a rustic style porch.

Cushions

“Cottage core is always in style and can be easily achieved with floral throw pillows,” Howe said.

picture frames

“Dollar stores have a decent selection of picture frames in various sizes,” said Bill Gassett, founder of Maximum Real Estate Exposure. “They can be used for traditional family photos or embellished with your favorite photos found elsewhere. Some people also like to make them into decorative trays to hold items on a coffee table like a TV remote.

Compact mirrors

“At less than a dollar each, compact mirrors are a good choice for creating outdoor art,” Howe said. “Using a glue gun, attach individual mirrors into unique works of art. Add seashells or pebbles to complete your masterpiece.

Jars

“For a rustic look, tie mason jars with wire to your fence or across your porch on wire twine,” Howe says. “A little sand in the bottom will hold a tea light in place. It is a great addition to barbecue parties.

Read more: 20 insider tips to save money on every part of your home

Rubber floor mats

“To brighten up an old porch, spray rubber floor mats with a metallic or white spray paint,” Howe says. “Attach a single mat with a glue gun in the center of each panel.”

plastic planters

“Plastic planters are a cost-effective way to grow herbs and small shrubs,” Howe said. “Using a glue gun, attach natural rope in a spiral shape to create your own unique rustic style. For a more bohemian chic look, opt for multicolored ropes.

wooden utensils

“Wooden utensils are great for cooking and serving salads,” Howe said. “Use them outdoors to label your plants. Whether it’s a wooden salad fork or a large spoon, their handle sinks easily into the ground. Write the name of the plant in paint or engraving.

rag mat

“Rag rugs are an easy and inexpensive way to show off your creative flair,” Howe said. “Mix your favorite colors of old clothes and tablecloths from the dollar store. Simple to make and a true personalized work of art.

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