Easy Ways You Can Make Your Stuff Last Longer

People love to buy new things, and companies know this. Unfortunately, consuming often leads to waste. What some people don’t realize is that, with extra care and attention, many older items can continue to function and provide for your needs. I’ve learned from experience that with a little effort, making your stuff last longer can be easy. By putting in this effort, you won’t need to constantly buy new things and throw away items that only need a bit of care.

Follow the guidelines

If you want your stuff to last longer, you need to follow the guidelines or instructions they come with. There are a lot of different items in your home that are more persnickety than other items. For example, people empty their vacuum canisters, but you must do more to maintain your device. I learned this the hard way after a vacuum cleaner I had died on me after just a year.

You must rigorously follow their manufacturer’s instructions if you want your appliances to last. For example, in addition to cleaning out the canister of your vacuum cleaner, it’s important to regularly clean and replace the filters and cut out any debris. Going the extra mile for your appliances will keep them in your home for years and, most importantly, out of landfills.

Care for your vehicles

There's a lot you can do to make your car last longer! More and more people are constantly buying new cars, and it’s hard not to end up in this cycle when new car ads are everywhere. In reality, you shouldn’t need a new car every few years. Most vehicles should last 20+ years so long as the owner takes the proper precautions.

In my experience, driving carefully is one of the best ways to make a vehicle last longer. Driving recklessly and putting undue strain on a vehicle’s parts prematurely ages your vehicle. For example, Toyota makes high-quality vehicles, but if you don’t drive them right, they will wear out quickly. On top of driving safely, you must look for warning signs and act on them. Toyotas have specific parts that need regular replacement, and by regularly taking your car into the shop, you can give your car what it needs to stay on the road.

Beware of chemicals

Cleaning products are effective, but you don’t need to use as much of them as you think. A little can go a long way. Excessive cleaning products can prematurely age many things in the home, including:

• Clothes
• Furniture
• Appliances

When I used many cleaning products and stain removers on my clothes, too much cleaner just ended up wearing out the entire load of clothes. I’ve learned that you don’t need a lot to get the job done! And if something does have a stain you can’t get out, you can always repurpose it. Old shirts can turn into dishrags, and worn-out, scuffed bookshelves can store bulk foods. Want your clothes to last longer? Stop drying them in dryers and let them hang to dry. I swear, you'll double their lifespans. 

As I’ve said, it doesn’t take much to make something last. With these tips, you can make your stuff last longer, potentially saving you trips to the store and putting more money in your pocket. The mentality of making the most of what we have can go a long way, especially when the alternative is buying something new. Take my advice and be a force of change in the world!