Why Doing It Yourself Might Be Your Biggest Win This Year
In the hustle of everyday life, we don’t often pause to think about the value of the tasks we tackle ourselves. We handle chores like mowing the lawn, cleaning the house, and fixing things around the place almost on autopilot. But if we take a moment to add it all up, the amount we save by not outsourcing these tasks can be a bit of an eye-opener. Lets call this DIY Savings – Chore Gratitude!
Let’s Talk Lawn Mowing
Take lawn mowing as a classic example. Hiring a service for a single mow could set you back around $150. Now, imagine you mow the lawn yourself 15 times in a year. That’s a hefty $2,250 saved—all because you spent a bit of time pushing a mower around.
And it doesn’t just stop there. When you think about it, the “savings” also come with fresh air, some exercise, and maybe even a bit of pride in a job well done.
House Cleaning: More Than Just Dust and Elbow Grease
Now, let’s move indoors. Cleaning the house might seem like just another chore, but have you ever thought about the costs saved by not hiring a cleaner? Say it’s about $80 for a cleaner’s visit every other week—that’s roughly $1,920 a year in your pocket. Not to mention the personal satisfaction of keeping your space exactly the way you want it.
We tend to do these things without a second thought. But if you take a step back, it’s clear: the DIY savings really add up.
The Power of Adding It All Up
So, what happens when you start adding up all these “little” tasks? Suddenly, they’re not so little. Let’s say in a year, one partner in a household manages to save $5,000 by tackling house chores themselves, while the other saves $3,000 by handling maintenance tasks around the home. That’s $8,000 in savings! Imagine what you could do with that—take a holiday, treat yourselves to a new gadget, or invest in a home upgrade.
But beyond the dollar value, it’s about appreciating the effort. Recognising the cumulative impact of these small acts is, in itself, a way to be grateful for the little wins.
The Ritual of Chore Gratitude
There’s something powerful in recognising what each person contributes to a household. Perhaps it’s a quiet acknowledgment to yourself, or maybe a shared moment over dinner, reflecting on the past year and the effort it took to do it all yourselves. Building this kind of gratitude can add a new dimension to chores and bring more meaning to the everyday grind.
A Habit Worth Keeping
Ultimately, taking a moment to add up these DIY savings ( and the effort behind them ) can help remind us of the value of self-sufficiency. It’s more than just a chore; it’s an accomplishment and a little act of self-care.
So, the next time you’re mowing the lawn, scrubbing floors, or fixing that wobbly shelf, think about what you’re really gaining. You’re not just saving money; you’re building resilience, appreciation, and a bit of extra freedom in your life. Maybe it’s time to start keeping track and celebrating the wins, no matter how small they might seem. A resolution for the New Year may be?