The 50 Cheapest, Easiest Home Upgrades That'll Save You So Much Money

Spend a little to save a lot.

Don’t run away when you see the word upgrade because this list is completely free of pricey home decor pieces or way-too-expensive flooring. Instead, these super easy-to-use pieces prove that you can add a few budget-friendly upgrades around your home, and they’ll actually save you a ton of money.

Because sometimes, not having to buy a new sofa or spend way too much money on your power bill feels like the best home upgrade ever — especially when they’re so easy to install or work into your routine.

Instead of buying a new coffee table or paying a professional to refinish your floors, break out these popular wood markers. This pack of six differently colored markers cover up scratches and small nicks. If there’s a bigger dent in your stuff, this set also comes with wax crayons.

Spare yourself from expensive plumber visits by sticking these mesh drain stickers in your shower. They prevent hair, debris, and even jewelry from going down the drain and clogging your pipes — and they double as pest prevention. With these stickers, there’s no need to touch any grody old hair, you can just dispose of them when they’re full.

You’ll never lose an entire pack of batteries in a drawer or your closet with this clear-top battery organizer. It gives you tidy little spots for every single pack of batteries — even the huge ones that are usually a pain to store. You can also pull out the battery tester to check them every time you grab a battery. It’s a simple solution to an annoying problem, which is why this organizer has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon.

If your glass shower door is seriously frustrating because it lets water spray all over your floor, pop on these barely noticeable transparent sealers. You can cut them down with scissors, so your shower door will close just as easily as it usually does. Plus, you won’t have to use hardware or glue to use this double-sealing strip.

With these reusable coffee pods, you can keep your favorite coffee maker around and save some money with a big bag of pre-ground coffee. You get four of these BPA-free plastic and fine stainless steel mesh cups, so you’ll always have a clean one when it’s coffee time. You can also add your go-to loose-leaf tea into these easy-to-rinse cups.

This door draft stopper takes care of more than just those chilly breezes, because the thick foam also blocks out noise and light. You can also pull out the plush foam piece and trim it down to fit your unique door. This easy-to-pop-on draft stopper also has a soft cover that you can pull off and machine-wash when it gets a little dusty.

When it comes to vent covers, this three-pack is easy to use because the magnetic design sticks right on top of your vent cover — even if it’s painted. You can cut it to fit the exact shape of the unique vents in your home, so these extra-thick covers will look super sleek.

This pet hair remover is able to be reused on surfaces all over your home, from your couch to your bedding to your clothes. It saves you money because you won’t have to toss a ton of those sticky lint roller sheets every day — and it keeps your stuff clean. The compartment has plenty of space to hold onto all of the stray pet fur that loves to cover your couch, and it’s easy to empty with the press of a button.

These silicone baking mats are way better than cluttering up your kitchen with those clunky boxes of foil or parchment paper. You won’t have to throw anything away after baking or roasting veggies with these dishwasher-safe mats, and you won’t even have to add oil thanks to their nonstick design.

Instead of unplugging all of your kitchen gadgets to save money and leaving a mess of cords on your counter, simply plug everything into these barely noticeable outlet extenders. They come with a little switch on the side, so you can simply cut the power to your coffee maker or air fryer, saving you energy. This simple

If your windows have little gaps that let air through, this silicone weather stripping comes as a roll of quick-to-apply tape. You can also line your doors and shower door with it because it has a transparent, sturdy, and adhesive-free band on the bottom that won’t get in the way of opening your door or window.

Be amazingly organized in your meal prep when you have this affordable set of cutting boards that come in three different sizes. The surface is nonporous, can withstand chopping with sharp knives, and includes a convenient juice groove around the perimeter. Nonslip feet keep the boards in place and they can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher.

Make it easy to save that delicious cooking fat by storing it in this bacon grease container. It’s made of stainless steel and includes a fine mesh filter to sift out large food particles. A spout allows for easy pouring and a lid keeps your supply fresh.

These food savers have an easy-to-swap-out packet inside that keeps produce fresh in your fridge for up to three months by absorbing ethylene gas. With their bright blue apple-shaped design, you won’t forget about these food savers underneath all of your kale and citrus. You get two of these super compact food savers, so you can stick one in each veggie drawer.

These wool dryer balls have a reusable design that will help out your laundry budget because you can toss them in your dryer every time without needing to buy more. They work to separate and lift laundry and lessen drying time. If you can’t give up scented laundry, these dryer balls work well with essential oils.

This super easy-to-use digital timer is waterproof enough to hang out next to your kitchen sink or even in your shower, so you can avoid using way too much water. It comes with a hanging hook to pair it with your shower caddy and even a built-in stand to prop it up next to your dish soap.

Not only do these reusable zip-top food bags save money by sparing you single-use products, but they also save space in your kitchen. Their reusable material is food-grade, leakproof, and super durable, but it’s also transparent enough to see all of your snacks and ingredients inside.

Not only will these pantry organizers make it easier to find dry ingredients in your cabinets, they’ll also keep your food fresher for longer. The airtight lids lock out moisture and keep dry goods tasting delicious, and every lid will fit every container, so you don’t have to search for the exact right one.

This durable rubber broom acts like a rake, lifting pet hair and fur from your carpets and rugs, which saves you from hiring a cleaning service. It also acts as an effective way to clean up everyday dirt and debris from all floor types. This broom also has an extendable handle that goes from 18 to 40 inches and a squeegee edge that allows you to easily clean windows.

These reusable bamboo paper towels are actually easy to work into your cleaning routine because they come on an easy-to-use roll — just like the single-use paper towels you’re used to. One roll will last on your paper towel holder for up to six months because you can machine-wash every perforated sheet after using it. Plus, these oversized and durable paper towels even work as reusable mop pads.

This wet or dry spray mop will look so chic in your cleaning closet with its minimalist and neutral color scheme, and it saves you money on specific cleaners, because you can use your own. It comes with three reversible, reusable microfiber pads, so you’ll always have one clean side of a mop pad ready for spills (even when two of them are in the wash).

Not only do these long silicone spatulas save the last of your favorite condiments or honey at the bottom of the container, but they also come with a little spoon on the end. You can use this dishwasher-safe set to scoop out the small bit of sauce your recipe calls for and use the spoon to stir it right in.

Instead of filling your home with sticky traps and trying out way too many insect sprays, simply plug in this sleek little insect trap. Not only does it look fairly chic in your space, but this insect trap also hides all of the easy-to-replace sticky paper. It also has a built-in UV light and fan to pull them all in.

This piggy bank has an automatic digital counter on top, so it encourages you to find all of your spare change at the bottom of your bags or forgotten in your car. If you’ve saved a bunch at once, go ahead and unscrew the lid to add them all in because there are buttons on top to manually count the coins.

This beeswax sealant is way easier than repainting a piece of furniture you’re tired of, or worse — staining it a new color. Instead, this formula with tree nut oil and carnauba wax quickly gives painted furniture or natural wood pieces a glossy, smooth finish. It comes in clear to let your furniture’s natural color shine as well as a variety of colors.

You won’t need to replace all of the pilled pieces in your closet, because this battery-operated defuzzer will take care of all of the pilling texture, fuzz, and every tiny bit of lit. It’s small enough to tuck next to your iron or laundry supplies, and it even works on upholstered furniture all around your home.

This space-saving organizer features a combination of clamps and hooks to hold your most-used cleaning tools, including things that sometimes clutter a closet like a broom, mop, and dust pan. Available in two sizes, the heavy-duty design mounts easily to an empty door or wall, and holds up to 50 pounds.

These incredibly versatile Swedish dishcloths are amazing for their ability to be used wet or dry as well as on any surface imaginable from marble to glass to tile. They come in a pack of 10 and can hold up to 20 times their weight in liquid, not to mention the fact that they’re reusable up to 100 times. To top it all off, they’re made of plant-based material that is completely biodegradable.

This set of three apothecary jars provides a chic storage solution for everyday items that might otherwise crowd a bathroom vanity or dresser. Made from durable plastic, the lightweight containers won’t break if dropped, and come with tight-fitting wooden lids to keep dust and moisture at bay. Use them for cotton swabs, cotton rounds, bath salts, and more.

This bed sheet set has garnered several hundreds of thousands of reviews for its incredible pricing and range of available colors to choose from. It comes in all standard sizes as well as those that feature an extra deep pocket and gives you a choice of over 40 colors including neutrals like ivory and brighter shades such as coral. Made of temperature-regulating microfiber, the set includes a fitted sheet, a top sheet, and two pillowcases.

The fridge is a high-traffic spot in every home, but if you spend more time than you’d like cleaning your refrigerator’s handles, these covers can withstand messy hands and clean up easily in the washing machine. The double-sided covers attach with Velcro, and can be used on dishwasher and oven handles, too. Throw them in the wash any time they need a refresh.

If cans of sparkling water or soda dominate your refrigerator’s storage space, use this organizer to capitalize on unused headroom. The slim plastic organizer can fit up to nine standard 12-ounce cans, and has a transparent design that makes it easy to see when you’re running low on your favorite beverage. This organizer is a fan favorite, having earned a 4.8-star overall rating after 4,700 reviews.

Crumbs, oil, and spills can easily find their way into the cracks between appliances and countertops, but this silicone counter gap cover fits snugly in gaps as narrow as 0.2 inch, so you can contain messes. The dishwasher-safe strip comes in three lengths (but you can trim it to size), and in your choice of white, black, or clear.

These anti-slip furniture pads with built-in cushioning are way better than those little felt pads that tend to peel off and scatter all over your home. They come in pre-scored little squares, rectangles, and even unique pieces to fit L-shaped chair furniture legs so you can pop them off and protect your floor from all of your furniture and keepo all your furniture in place.

These silicone lids save you from searching through scattered (and seriously frustrating) leftover containers because they stretch to fit over bowls and even large pots and pans. You gt seven different sizes, so you can even pop the small ones onto half-cut fruit. These dishwasher-safe silicone covers also work on square-shaped containers, and they come with a tidy drawstring bag.

This pH-neutral stain remover will save every stained piece of clothing, furniture, or even rug in your home that you’ve thought about replacing. It’s a little bottle full of a concentrated formula, so it’s super easy to carry it around your home and spritz away organic and inorganic stains, new and old.

Plug in the receiver of this wireless doorbell wherever is most convenient for you thanks to a 1,000-foot range. The transmitter can be installed using the included all-weather self-adhesive or screws with the option of over 50 chimes to select from. Other customization includes multiple color choices as well as four possible volume levels.

This entryway doormat stops dirt, moisture, and whatever else might be on feet from coming into your home, helping you to keep inside surfaces clean. The polyester design is highly absorbent, and the mat’s nonslip bottom and tapered edges prevent tripping. It comes in five sizes and 10 colors to match any decor.

These highly rated oven mitts have over 9,000 five-star reviews and are loved for their ability to protect hands and forearms due to heat and steam-proof silicone. They’re extra-long, stretching up the length of the forearms, and feature a textured grip that allows you to handle hot food directly, such as a boiling potato, with no fear of burning.

These bamboo charcoal deodorizing bags are obviously perfect for keeping your shoes fresh, but you can also tuck them all over your home to take care of any unsavory odors. These reusable pouches are small enough to hide in your pantry or stick in your fridge, and you can even use the built-in loop to hang them in a closet.

Keep food storage container lids under control with this expandable organizer. The adjustable length expands from 9.8 to 17.3 inches, and can fit up to 40 lids measuring as large as 10 inches. Six dividers help keep everything upright and organized. It comes in two sizes, and includes 30 preprinted and blank writable labels so you can designate where everything belongs.

An afternoon spent scrubbing away encrusted food and beverage spills from your fridge shelves is no one’s idea of a good time. Instead, opt for these refrigerator liners that keep shelves sparkling clean and that are easily washable with soap and water. They come in a set of eight in three different colors, can be cut to size, and are made of food-grade EVA foam that stays in place thanks to a nonslip texture.

Rescue clothing from becoming crumpled at the bottom of the closet floor with these velvet hangers that provide a nonslip texture. They’re a budget-friendly way to give your closet a refreshed, tidy look and, though slim and lightweight, they can hold up to 10 pounds each. The contoured shoulder maintains your clothing’s proper shape and an accessory bar is perfect for hanging scarves and belts.

When you’ve reached that boiling point of not being able to, yet again, locate that matching sock, the simple addition of these affordable drawer organizers could make all the difference. They come in a set of four, including one great for socks, one for underwear, another for bras, and one for accessories such as ties or scarves. They’re made of nonwoven fabric and come in stylish colors such as gray and turquoise.

Overcooked dinner feels like a waste (especially if you splurged on steak or seafood), so grab this waterproof digital meat thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature. It has two included charts (including one printed on the thermometer) to help you out with all of the different meat temperatures, and it only takes about three seconds to check on that pricey steak.

This mattress protector will extend the life of your investment mattress. It’s 100% waterproof and will also protect your mattress from getting infested with grody pests and bacteria. Despite being such a wall or protection, this mattress cover is breathable and quiet. It’s also easy to put on — it just pulls on like a fitted sheet.

These under-bed storage containers take major advantage of often ignored space to store bulky items such as blankets, comforters, and jackets, to name a few. They’re made of durable yet breathable nonwoven fabric and feature transparent plastic covers to let you identify the contents easily. Two handles on either side allow you to quickly pull the containers out from under the bed as needed.

Don’t even think about splurging on a new sofa because these cushioned and supportive panels will re-fluff the couch you already have. Spread it out right under your sofa cushions, and this MDF board-reinforced cushion will take care of any sagging. It’s anti-slip, so it won’t slide around under your cushions. Plus, it’s machine-washable if you spill something between the cushions.

You don’t need to rely on expensive coffee shop offerings when you have this cold brew coffee maker that costs less than $30. It’s designed with a borosilicate glass carafe as well as a fine mesh filter to get the most possible flavor out of your grounds over an eight to 24-hour period. After brewing, simply remove the filter and keep the carafe in the fridge for deliciously smooth coffee on demand.

Instead of always buying bottles of hand soap, buy one giant container in bulk and put that cheaper soap in this automatic soap dispenser. In addition to saving you on expensive soap, this sleek dispenser can be set to dispense five different amounts of soap, so you don’t have to use more than necessary.

This article was originally published on April 2, 2023