Modern life is supposed to make everything easier. We can order food in minutes, replace almost anything with a few clicks and constantly find something new to buy.
And yet, I have realised that some of the habits that make my own life simpler are actually quite old-fashioned.
Many of them came from my mum and grandparents, and particularly from growing up in a Baltic family. I don’t follow these habits because I think everything was better in the past. I keep them because they still save me money, reduce waste and make everyday life feel a little more organised.
Here are seven that I think are worth keeping.
1. Cook at Home Instead of Always Buying Food
I almost always bring food from home to work. Partly because I genuinely enjoy cooking, but there is also a very practical reason — it saves me so much money.
I have worked out that bringing my own lunches can save me up to €50 per week. Over an entire month, that really adds up!
Cooking at home is already such a normal part of my routine that preparing an extra portion for the following day doesn’t feel like much additional work.
The dish pictured here is actually one of my favourites — a ricotta cheese and spinach bake. It is exactly the kind of simple homemade food I love making, and you can find plenty more of the meals on my Recipes page.
For me, taking your own food with you is one old-fashioned habit that still makes complete sense today.
2. Repair Things Before Replacing Them
We have become so used to replacing things that sometimes we forget to ask whether they can be saved first.
One of my favourite examples is actually a plant. I found it outside my apartment building because someone was going to throw it away. It looked almost completely dead, but I took it home, changed the soil and decided to see what would happen.
Not only did it recover — it eventually started blossoming! I was ridiculously proud of it. And it cost me absolutely nothing.
Whether it is a plant, clothing or something around the home, I think there is something really satisfying about giving things another chance before replacing them.
3. Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry and Freezer
This is definitely something I learnt from my mum, and I think she learnt it from the generations before her.
She always taught me to keep my pantry and freezer well stocked. I regularly buy things like rice, grains, meat and other foods I know I will use when they are discounted.
If I know I am going to eat something sooner or later and it stores or freezes well, why pay full price for it next week?
I think this mentality has been passed down through generations in many Baltic families. Our grandparents were incredibly careful with food, something I wrote about in 7 Things My Grandparents Never Wasted — And Why I Don’t Either.
4. Take Proper Care of What You Own
A good example of this for me is clothing.
At the beginning of each season, I go through my wardrobe and check what needs cleaning or repairing, what I still wear and what I could sell.
My wool coat is a perfect example. I absolutely love it, and I will be wearing it for the third season this year. Each year I have it professionally dry-cleaned so the fabric is properly cared for and it continues looking almost as good as new.
Buying good-quality clothing is important to me, but looking after it afterwards is just as important. I wrote more about what I look for when shopping in How to Spot Quality Clothes Before You Buy (Even in High-Street Stores).
5. Make Plans Around the Seasons
I love how naturally life changes with the seasons.
Autumn means warmer clothes, cosy evenings and completely different meals from the ones I want during summer. Winter brings darker mornings and more time at home, while spring always makes me want to organise and refresh everything again.
Instead of trying to make every month look the same, I enjoy those changes.
There is something very traditional about allowing your home, food, wardrobe and everyday routines to follow the seasons — and I think it makes you appreciate each one a little more.
6. Have Simple Daily Routines
I genuinely love my daily routines. Having my coffee in the morning and getting ready for work is one of my favourite parts of the day. Especially during winter, there is something so comforting about that first warm coffee when it is still dark outside.
Sundays are usually when I plan my meals, meal prep and have a little Sunday reset around the house. I clean, organise things and prepare myself for the week ahead.
None of this is particularly exciting or complicated, but it makes such a difference.
I don’t think routines make life boring. For me, they actually give me more time to enjoy it.
7. Use What You Have Before Buying More
Recently, I bought a L’Oréal face wash my friend had been recommending for a while. My old one seemed to be finished and the new one was discounted, so I finally bought it.
But just before throwing the old tube away, I realised there was still some left inside.
So my new face wash is now patiently waiting until I completely finish the old one. 😀
It’s such a tiny example, but these little habits add up. The same principle applies to food, skincare, cleaning products, clothes and so many other things.
This is also something I explored in 10 Things I Stopped Buying That Made Life Simpler.
Some Old-Fashioned Habits Are Worth Keeping
I don’t want to live exactly as my grandparents did, and I certainly appreciate modern convenience! But I think there is a lot we can learn from the way previous generations approached everyday life.
Cook what you have. Look after your belongings. Stock up intelligently. Repair things when you can. Use something completely before replacing it.
None of these habits are revolutionary.
But perhaps that is exactly why they work.
They make my life a little simpler, save me money and help me appreciate what I already have — and those are traditions I am very happy to keep.
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