Keeping a house comes with a lot of costs.
Beyond your regular mortgage, there are property taxes and utility bills. Then you have occasional big-ticket items that show up every decade or so, like a new HVAC system or roof. And there are the smaller, recurring hassles that still demand time and attention.
All of it adds up, leaving you with less cash to maintain a neat, welcoming home. Still, you can improve your living space no matter your financial situation — even if your budget is zero.
These projects aren’t huge undertakings — simply small tasks you can do here and there over a weekend.
15 Ways to Refresh Your Home on Any Budget
Here’s a rundown.
If you have no money to spend:
No need to panic. Even if funds are tight, there are practical things you can do to tidy up your home and prepare for future upgrades.
1. Make a Budget
Sometimes a little planning and focus can go a long way toward cutting costs at home. With a straightforward zero-based budget, you track every dollar so you know exactly where your money goes.
From there you can spot areas to trim so you can funnel money to home projects or emergency savings. If that gym membership has been unused for months, maybe swap it for outdoor exercise. And do you really need every streaming subscription?
Asking questions like these helps you recalibrate spending and free up more income for immediate priorities.
2. Renegotiate Bills
You might be able to haggle down some of your monthly bills. There’s no promise of success, but it’s worth a shot.
Whether it’s cable, medical bills or credit card balances, you can sometimes negotiate lower charges. Cell phone plans and basic utility bills are good candidates for a call to customer service to see if there’s a better rate.
3. Declutter Your House
Sorting closets, pantry shelves, kitchen cupboards and the piles hiding around your home or garage costs nothing if you do it yourself. It only requires effort.
After that, get rid of what you don’t use by selling, tossing or donating to a thrift shop or charity. In 2023, it’s simple to sell things online or through apps.
A tidy, organized home not only frees up storage space but can improve how your place looks — and make you feel better too.
If you have $100 to spend:
4. Replace Lightbulbs
Stop by the hardware store and pick up LED bulbs.
Swap out burnt-out bulbs or replace many of them at once. LEDs use about 75% less energy and last much longer than incandescent bulbs, per the U.S. Department of Energy, and will brighten your rooms noticeably.
5. Spruce Up a Room or Two With Paint
With $100 you won’t redo the entire interior, but you can refresh select spaces with a fresh coat of paint.
Consider the child’s room, a home office, an entryway, cabinets or even just the front door. A modest paint job can make a major visual impact.
6. Update the Mailbox
Your mailbox at the curb does more than accept mail — it contributes to your home’s curb appeal and landscaping.
Consider replacing an outdated mailbox or giving it a new coat of paint. If the mailbox is in good condition, plant a small floral display at its base — tiger lilies, daffodils, tulips or peonies work well.
7. Replace Your Kitchen Hardware
This is a cost-effective, low-effort upgrade that yields big results. If cabinet pulls and knobs look tired or old-fashioned, replace them.
You can find cabinet knobs for as little as $2 apiece. Or concentrate on one space and add a new towel bar and ring in the bathroom.
If you have $500 to spend:
8. Pressure Wash Your Home’s Exterior
In a few hours, a thorough pressure-wash can make your home’s exterior look nearly new.
Hiring a pro will cost a few hundred dollars, or you can rent a pressure washer and do it yourself. Home Depot rents towable pressure washers for roughly $146 for four hours or $209 for a full day, and may even offer delivery.
9. Replace Light Fixtures
A new light fixture can transform the mood of a space.
Whether it’s a statement chandelier in the foyer or a smaller fixture in a dining room or bedroom, you can upgrade lighting for under $500. If you shop wisely, you may be able to refresh several rooms.
10. Add a Doorbell Camera
Since their introduction in 2013, doorbell cameras have grown popular — with more than 5 million sold in 2022.
These devices boost security by giving you a live view of your front door whether you’re upstairs or far away. Budget doorbell cameras can be found for under $90, while higher-rated models may cost up to $258 (consumer reports).
11. Update Your Art Collection
You don’t need to be a collector to add affordable, tasteful art that energizes a room.
Check local galleries and antique shops, but for budget-friendly pieces look to larger retailers or online shops like Minted and Society6. You can even order reasonably priced reproductions of masterpieces from The Met.
12. Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs
Shampooing carpets and rugs at least once a year is a good idea.
If it’s been some time since you had them professionally cleaned, now might be the moment. Cleaning a 2,000–3,000 square-foot home can run about $400 to $600; smaller homes or less carpeting will reduce the cost.
If you have $1,000 to spend:
13. Replace a Major Appliance
Unless you want top-of-the-line models, you can replace many major appliances for under $1,000 at big-box stores.
Lowe’s carries refrigerators in the $600–$800 range, and similar pricing applies to dishwashers. Home Depot has several washers and dryers under $600.
You can save more by hunting for sales, buying scratch-and-dent units, or timing your purchase right.
14. Landscape Your Front Yard
Add new shrubs, flowers and a fresh layer of mulch or pine straw.
For $1,000 you can significantly enhance your curb appeal, especially if you’re willing to tackle landscaping as a DIY project.
15. Replace the Garage Door
We rarely think about the garage door until it fails. Maybe it deserves more attention.
If you’re still using the original garage door from when the house was built, consider an upgrade. Check out local examples or visit a garage-door retailer for inspiration. Although the national average is about $1,200, there are options starting around $600.
Michael Carter is a senior staff writer at Savinly covering earning, saving and managing money. He has reported on personal finance for more than a decade.
