How to Save on Household Goods

Cut your bills with these money-saving tips on buying household essentials, clothing, and personal products.
By Kaija Helmetag and Yelena Moroz

Also See: How to Stop Fighting Over Money


Souders Studios/Getty ImagesPet Food
Amazon.com's Subscribe & Save service ships various household products (anything from coffee to dishwasher tablets) to your doorstep on a schedule of your choosing, from monthly to every six months. It offers numerous pet-food brands-both grocery-store varieties, like Pedigree and Friskies, and more natural ones, like Newman's Own Organics-at prices up to 15 percent lower than what you would pay at a big-box pet store. Bonus: Delivery is free, even for 40-pound bags.

Annual savings: $50

Also See: 5 Things You Can Learn From Your Pet



Annie SchlechterToilet Paper
Most of the time, mass retailers like Sam's Club (which have an annual membership fee) and Target charge 8 to 10 percent less on toilet paper than grocery chains do. However, near the first and 15th of each month, many supermarkets discount paper products by 20 to 40 percent.

Annual savings: $25

Also See: New Uses in Your Bathroom






Ellen SilvermanDVDs and Video Games
Online and in-store prices can differ drastically. To find the best deal quickly, use the free ShopSavvy app. It lists the lowest prices on movies and games. Scan an item's in-store bar code to compare the price with those of nearby retailers and online merchants that stock the product. (Example: A DVD of Water for Elephants was $34 online but $20 at a local store.)

Annual savings: $168

Also See: 7 Smart Bargains from People Who Know Best





Steven Puetzer/Getty ImagesAA Batteries
Try using rechargeable ones. USBCell batteries ($18 for two, usbcell.com) work just like other AA batteries, and they recharge in about five hours when plugged into any USB port.

Annual savings: $14

Also See: Disposable vs. Rechargeable Batteries









walmart.comLaundry Detergent
If it's compatible with your machine, choose the powdered version of this cleaner and you'll cut your costs by at least 10 percent.

Annual savings: $9

Also See: Summer Stain Busters







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