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Now that I’m staying at home for extended periods of time, I’m thinking about ways to make the most of what I have and avoid buying things I need to replace frequently, such as paper towels and toilet paper. Below I’m sharing some of the best reusable products I’ve used while living and traveling in various destinations, including from the time that I lived on a boat!

Best Reusable Items

A couple of years ago, I decided to move to San Diego and live on a boat. I was hoping to buy an old 1989 aft cabin power boat so I could be close to the ocean, while also living minimally. As I started researching ‘how to live on a boat’, I uncovered that some boating practices hurt the environment (such as throwing trash and dirty water directly into the ocean).

Ironically, it seemed as if the many people that lived on the ocean, didn’t actually try to take care of it. I was determined to find the most environmentally conscious ways to live at sea while also protecting the environment that I cared so much about.

Watch this video to learn about the sustainable quarantine hacks that last!

One of my favorite influencers, Ashley Renne, recently shared the above video with her sustainable quarantine hacks. After watching her awesome tips, I realized that some of the reusable things I used while living on the boat (and other destinations) might be useful for readers that are also looking to maximize their supplies.

If you’re interested in learning about green living, check out Ashley’s Youtube channel and blog!

Since many of us are spending extended periods of time at home and want to have all of our needs covered while also saving money, I thought I’d share some of my favorite reusable products.

Ecoigy Reusable Sandwich Bags

Reusable “Ziploc Bags”

I used to love the convenience of Ziplocs for everything from suitcase to kitchen organization. However, they aren’t great for the environment or pocket, so when I found these reusable bags they were absolutely perfect! Not only could I save money in the long run, but they’re also useful in reducing my waste. While I still have a box of Ziploc baggies for those odd times, I rarely use them anymore.

Tip: If you stay at hostels or other shared accommodation, don’t use Ziplocs or plastic bags to store your belongings. The rustling noise will drive your hostel mates crazy! (especially on early morning departures.)

Cotton Talks Flour Sack Towels

Reusable Dish Cloths

While living in England, I got used to not using paper towels. Instead, we used white dish cloths to clean. Now that I’m reassessing my current habits, I’ve purchased the above dish cloths for general cleanup so I can minimize my need for paper towels.

I still have paper towels for certain clean ups, but for everything else, these make more sense. All you have to do is bleach them to disinfect and throw them in a hot wash.

Tip: Some prefer to use these or these reusable kitchen towels vs cloth ones. I like the cloth options because I can just throw them in the washing machine and they’re ready to go.

Ecowaare Reusable Mesh Produce Bags

Reusable Vegetable Bags

I love the reusable mesh bags shown above! Not only do they eliminate the need to use grocery store vegetable plastic bags, you can also use them to organize things in your suitcase and around the house, too.

For travel, they’re featherweight, so they maximize baggage weight limitations while adding organization to your luggage.

CULTICAL Beeswax Food Wrap

Reusable “Saran Wrap”

I love the above reusable wraps because they eliminate the need for saran wrap. Traveling for almost a decade long term, I would save every possible penny so I could maximize my travel budget. Cooking at home and not eating out was an absolute must to achieve that. My goal was always to make meals that averaged less than $3 per person, in addition to utilizing leftovers for meals the next day.

Although, an even easier option than the items above, is just to stick refrigerated items in tupperware. Personally, I only have a select amount of actual tupperware products because I re-use old glass jars and plastic take out containers. Also, if you want more ideas, check out these best eco-friendly travel tips!

Kiki & Josie Makeup Remover Glove

Reusable Makeup Remover Gloves

Since I started using reusable makeup remover gloves, I rarely use makeup wipes anymore. This habit has not only saved me money, but it’s also super convenient because I never have to worry about replacing this item if I run out, especially when traveling for extended periods of time.

I like to use the Kiki & Josie glove to remove my makeup and wash my face when I’m at home, and I use this smaller option when I’m on the go. You could also check out these reader favorites for makeup remover cloths and gloves.

Maxi-Matic Elite Cuisine Automatic Brew & Drip Coffee Maker

Coffee Maker with Reusable Filter

Because I practice intermittent fasting, I don’t eat before 11 am-12 pm, so drinking black coffee is essential to keeping my hunger pangs away. However, I’m super lazy about making coffee and it seems like there’s never a filter when you need it.

One of the Airbnbs that I had stayed in on my travels, had the above small coffee maker with a reusable filter and it was perfect – so I bought one for myself! The reusable filter is super easy to use. Just rinse, add coffee, and finish.

If you’re curious, this is my preferred coffee brand when I’m in the USA.

Tip: If you have a Keurig, my friend has these reusable filters so you can still enjoy your favorite coffee machine while minimizing waste!

Topstar Handheld Bidet Sprayer

Bidet Toilet Sprayer

After living on and off in Thailand for five years, I loved the convenience and cleanliness of using a bidet sprayer vs toilet paper. If you’ve never traveled to Asia, where it’s common to have these bidet sprayer attachments on a toilet, watch my friend Christine’s video. She explains everything!

As a budget traveler, this helped me avoid spending as much money on toilet paper because I only needed to use a little bit to pat dry.

There are different types of bidet attachments you can use. I find a sprayer hose to be the most budget-friendly and easy option, but when I settle down permanently one day, I’d love to get something fancier like this.

Tip: Some of our readers travel with these portable toilet bidets!

Brita Grand 10-Cup Water Pitcher: Available on Amazon | Walmart | Target

Water Filter Pitcher

I think it goes without saying that plastic water bottles are not only a drain on your wallet, but they’re also not necessary unless you live in a destination such as Thailand or Mexico where the tap water is absolutely undrinkable.

To save money (and the environment) while living in the USA, I always use a water filter pitcher like the one shown above, especially because I drink SO MUCH water. In addition, I always leave the house with a reusable water bottle so I don’t need to buy bottled water on the go.

Note: In Playa del Carmen, I use a delivery service for refillable purified water since it’s not possible to filter the tap water. It only costs $2.50 to fill a 5 gallon water jug!

What do you think are the best reusable items? Share in the comments below!

For more staycation tips, please read:

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These Reusable Items Can Help Maximize Your Staycation Supplies