In a culture built around consumerism, lines tend to be blurred around “repair” and “replace.” Companies sometimes want you to throw out their products when something goes awry so you’ll buy something new.
Image credit: PANPOTE | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
As it turns out, though, many things we think to trash can be repaired relatively easily. Let’s look at a couple.
Cellphones
New phones are announced so rapidly that many of us see our current phone dying as an excuse to buy the latest and greatest. If your phone shuts down before you’re due for an upgrade or when you simply can’t afford to shell out $400+ on a new one, there’s plenty you can do.
Most phones have insurance covering repair for lots of things like cracked screens, but others, like water damage, may not be covered. Look around for a repair shop near you. Odds are, they can fix it.
Shoes
Going to a cobbler used to be a staple of everyday life, so why is it we now abandon our shoes to the trash heap when they start to wear out? Replacing soles or repairing straps tends to be super cheap and can breathe new life into your favorite pair of kicks.
Clothes
Another thing we’ve historically leaned toward mending is clothing. Broken zippers, small holes, ripped sleeves can all be fixed easily at home. For the not so DIY-savvy, it can be taken to a seamstress and repaired for much less than the cost of a replacement.
Large appliances
When it comes to do-it-yourself home repairs, one area most people lack expertise is in the kitchen and laundry room. For things that we keep as long as ovens and washing machines, we tend to jump to, “Well, it must be its time,” when something goes awry.
Calling a repair technician can go a long way though. Many worn-out parts can be replaced that will double your appliance’s lifespan. Consider replacing if your appliance is old enough that it’s not energy-efficient since you may lower your utility bills greatly with an upgrade.
TVs
Some television malfunctions like dead pixels can be fixed at home, while others, like a cracked screen, may require a repairman, but almost none of them mean you need to chuck your TV. If you have a warranty still, check it out before investing in a new TV.
Furniture
Tears in upholstery, broken supports, and many other defects can be fixed quite easily with a little guidance. Repainting a dresser to elongate its life or reupholstering a couch requires little expertise, and you can find plenty of guides on the internet.
Before throwing out broken things around the room, consider the benefits of doing a simple repair first. By doing so, you can end up saving a lot of money.
Informational credit to Atlas Appliances Ltd.
Anita Ginsburg
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