Quality Over Quantity
Tiny Living requires saving space whenever possible. A great way to do just that is trying to live as close of a zero waste lifestyle as possible. Buying products that you only have to buy once in a lifetime will greatly impact that lifestyle and in return help you save space. But just how do you find these products that are guaranteed to last a lifetime?
Research the Life of the Product
Read the reviews on the product you are looking to buy, especially the independent reviews and unbiased sources whenever possible. Don’t depend on manufacturer reviews as they may not be the most honest product comparisons or best resource when trying to learn about the pros and cons of the product.
Look for trustworthy review forums as well. Consumers who have purchased the same product are more likely to give a more honest report of what they think. If they don’t like something about the product they will not hold back from letting you know why.
Reviews on Google and Amazon are also helpful resources in finding out more about a specific product. The best way to assure you are reading helpful reviews is to read the 3 star reviews. Those people who sell the product will give 4 or 5 star reviews while competitors might try to fake bad reviews with a 1 or 2 star review.
Be Prepared to Spend a Little Extra
Quality items require more workmanship, design, and high-quality materials. The reality is quality is often more expensive. If you research the product thoroughly before purchasing, you’ll get a good idea if the price tag is justified.
Another area to look at is the planned use of the product. If you’d like to find a product you only need to buy once but plan to use every day, a high price is easier to defend.
Take a Look at the Return Policy
Does their product come with a Lifetime Guaranteed? A no hassle return policy? If not, the manufacturer may know the product is not built to last.
It’s vital to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, keep receipts, and send back warranty cards, especially on major purchases. If you’re already minimizing the number of items you buy, then chances are you won’t have many receipts and warranties to keep track of anyway.
Quality Materials and Simple Designs
The simplest choice is often the best choice. Typically, products that last will feature simple, straightforward design and are made from the highest quality materials. Truth be told, a simple design is loaded with nuances and details you have to get perfect.
When it comes to design, the reason simple products are the best is well…simple. When there are a lot of bells and whistles, there’s more pieces to break. There are more areas where something can go wrong. Unnecessary complexity leads to bigger complications and concerns.
Final Thoughts…
Living Tiny doesn’t mean you must live without. What it does mean is we must choose quality over quantity. Buying a great product that will last a lifetime is much more sensible than purchasing many different products that tear up or break easily. By taking the time to research the product you are looking to buy, not being afraid to spend a little more, taking an in depth look at return policies/guarantees, and assuring the product is made from quality materials and simple designs, you will make successful buying choices, save money, cut down on waste, and not clutter up your tiny home at the same time!
Until Next Time…Live Tiny Y’all!