DIY Instead of Buy

No doubt it’s easier to go to the store and buy something than to make it with your own hands. There are a number of reasons to get into the DIY spirit, though. First and foremost, it’s possible to save a bundle by doing it yourself. But tackling a project instead of buying an item is also a way save money long term, because you’ll always know how to fix it and make another if need be. Here are various projects to try.

Related: Thoughtful and Easy DIY Gifts That Will Save You Money



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Speakers

A quality home audio system can bring movies and music to a whole new level of listening enjoyment. It’s no secret a good system can cost hundreds of dollars. Popular Mechanics recommends building your own speakers with wood planks for a quarter of the price of a store-bought version.

Related: How to Create a Home Office From Ikea Under $200



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Latex Mattress

A high-quality mattress made of natural rubber can cost thousands of dollars. If you’re willing to do some research and put in the time, it’s possible to build your own version of a latex mattress for a third of the price. Renegade Health offers a tutorial using a latex pad, mattress cover, and mattress pad. Before taking on this project, take some time to familiarize yourself with quality latex mattresses. Visit stores and test out the real thing to get a sense of what feels comfortable.

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Sprinkler System

You don’t have to install an expensive in-ground sprinkler system to get a green lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood. According the DIY website Instructables, anyone can rig up a sprinkler system with custom-length garden hoses and sprinkler heads on spikes that can be moved around in the yard as needed — and taken along should you move.

Related: 10 DIY Kit Homes We’re Daydreaming About



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Makeup

Get glowing without the exorbitant price tags and chemical ingredients that are part and parcel of so many cosmetics. A list of do-it-yourself makeup recipes from Humblebee and Me provides an easy, fun alternative. It’s even more cost-effective because you can customize the shades. No more buying a color and bringing it home only to see that it looks terrible without department store lighting.



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Coffee Roaster

Few things smell better than fresh roasted coffee. True coffee connoisseurs can try their hand at roasting their own beans at home. Wired suggests using a cheap popcorn popper as the base for a DIY roaster. (Beware: The process requires skill with a hammer and nails, wood, and a stovetop.)

Related: How to Make Your Own Cold-Brew Coffee and Save



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Headboard

A bed headboard is one of those items that can be so easy to make, it’s almost embarrassing to buy one. With DIY options ranging from an old door to a wooden fence, the website DIY & Crafts offers inspirational ideas to make your bed extra dreamy for very little money.

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Compost Bin

Composting is an ideal way to reduce your carbon footprint and enrich your garden soil. Instead of buying a bin, be a true recycler by using household items to create a composter. TreeHugger suggests using an old garbage can or plastic bin as a composter: Just drill some holes, and voilà.

Related: 22 Tips to Keep Gardening Dirt Cheap



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Pillows and Cushions

A gorgeous accent cushion from a store like Restoration Hardware easily tops $60. Instead, spend a fraction of that amount and highlight your home with self-made cushions. Apartment Therapy suggests a technique for padding a window seat that employs scissors, staples, and plywood sheets, which even the least sewing-minded folk can handle with relative ease.

Related: Home Improvement and Decor Trends for 2021



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Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Baby Wipes

For anyone with a child, baby wipes are a necessity right up there with toilet paper and soap. Baby wipes range in price, but buying box after box month after month adds up. To save money, make your own (and forget about ever running out). All you need are paper towels, water, coconut oil, a bit of cleanser, and plastic containers.

Related: 14 Creative Alternatives to Household Products in Short Supply — and 4 to Skip



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