In the 1950s, there was a DIY (Do It Yourself) movement. Self-sufficiency and leisure-time hobbies were storming households; the same can be said for today. DIY can range from sewing clothes to repairing practical items like chairs, kitchen appliances, etc. The whole point is to save money by doing it yourself.
Not only is DIY practical and a way to save money, it’s also a creative activity. It can require you to think outside the box to fix certain items. When you fix something all on your own, you're going to feel satisfied, right? That’s because DIY is great for gaining knowledge, new skills, and you’re bound to get a feeling of satisfaction from mending items with your own two hands.
Storing food is no new development. It’s a practice families and individuals have been doing for years and across the world. You don’t really hear anything about food preservation trends, but today you’re definitely going to! It’s a great way to save money and have peace of mind knowing you have food stored when you need it.
There is a process to food preservation, though. The process starts with putting food in mason jars and heating them up to a high temperature to destroy enzymes and microorganisms. There aren’t any limits to what foods you can preserve. Fruits and pickles are great, and so is red meat, fish, and poultry; although, for these last few, you’ll need to follow specific directions so the food doesn’t get contaminated.
As for most items, their shelf life isn’t an immortal one. This is especially true for clothing. After several wears, maybe even two or three, clothes might start to fray and deteriorate. There’s no need to worry when you know how to repair and upcycle clothing.
Sewing is a great way to extend the life of your clothes; if there’s a hole, just patch it up with a needle and thread! Sewing is a skill that has lasted for decades, so you could probably ask your grandparents to teach you. It’s not an easy skill, but you'll be unstoppable once you practice and get the hang of it.
Chickens were a common backyard addition during the Depression, providing eggs, meat, and even fertilizer for gardens.
- Why try it today: Backyard chickens mean fresh eggs, a more sustainable lifestyle, and a connection to the food you eat.
- Beginner tips: Start with a small flock, research coop designs, and learn about seasonal care. Even a few hens can supply enough eggs for a household.
Home gardens have become today's victory gardens – vegetable gardens planted during World War I and II to reduce the pressure on food supplies and boost morale. Food security is something that everyone should have the privilege to, and home gardening is one way to provide such resources.
There’s no better way to get organic fruits and vegetables than from your home garden. Grocery stores always put pesticides and chemicals on their produce, but when you grow your own, you have control over your food. It can also be very inexpensive – if you already have the garden amenities, all you have to worry about is buying seeds. Of course, if you don’t have a garden already, you’ll have to account for the costs of implementing a home garden.
Woodworking was a staple skill during the Depression, from repairing furniture to crafting your own shelves or tools.
- Why try it today: Learning basic carpentry gives you the freedom to fix, build, and customize your own home essentials. Plus, it’s satisfying to see tangible results from your work.
- Start small: Learn to make simple items like birdhouses, cutting boards, or basic shelving before moving on to furniture.
Bartering involves trading goods and services without the use of money – talk about a win for everyone! Each party gets something in return, and no one has to spend a dime to get it. This allows you to avoid using your debit and credit cards, and instead focus on being practical and economical with your money and household goods.
Trading, on the other hand, involves buying and selling goods and services. You’re spending money, but when you trade whatever you bought with another person, you can sell it for a higher price. So, you’re spending money with the potential of gaining even more.
In the 1930s, families heated their homes with wood stoves and learned to maximize efficiency—both in heating and fuel storage.
- Why try it today: Understanding how to efficiently use a wood stove reduces energy waste and heating costs, while also preparing you for emergencies.
- Pro tips: Learn proper wood stacking for airflow, store your wood in a dry, ventilated space, and master the right way to light a stove for maximum heat.
Instead of buying processed dairy, Depression-era households often made their own cheese and butter at home.
- Why try it today: Homemade dairy is fresh, customizable, and often more flavorful than store-bought options. Plus, it’s a fun culinary skill that impresses guests.
- Getting started: Start with simple recipes like soft cheeses (ricotta, cream cheese) and basic butter. As you get comfortable, you can experiment with aging cheeses or adding flavors.
Long before supermarkets and online grocery delivery, families relied on what they could find in nature. Foraging isn’t just about survival—it’s about connecting with your environment and discovering fresh, nutrient-rich foods.
- Why try it today: It can save money, boost your diet with fresh greens, berries, and mushrooms, and help you learn about local ecosystems.
- Tips for beginners: Start with easy-to-identify plants like dandelions, wild garlic, and blackberries. Always double-check for safety and local regulations.
