Why Is Fixing Better Than Replacing?

Do you prefer to fix broken items or toss them out? These days, it's often less expensive to just replace something than it is to fix it, and this is especially true of electronics. However, it’s also very bad for the planet, as the more that is thrown out, the more goes to landfill. Plus, learning to fix things is a great skill to have. With this in mind, let’s look at why, in more cases than you might realize, fixing is better than replacing. 

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You Can Save Money 

Although we have mentioned that buying new things can often be cheaper than fixing old ones, that’s not always the case. In fact, it can sometimes be a lot less expensive to fix something you already own, especially when you factor in the cost of disposal that you might have to pay for. 

 

Even if you can’t fix the item yourself and have to send it to professionals such as Fast-Fix, the cost will still sometimes be less than buying another item. This is why it’s important to look into the costs of repair versus replace before you make a decision. If you want to be frugal and save as much money as possible in your life, checking this out is crucial. 

 

You’ll Learn Something New 

It’s good for our minds to learn new things as often as possible. When we keep learning, our cognitive function improves, we’re less likely to develop conditions such as dementia (although studies into this are ongoing), and we’ll find each day interesting, boosting our mood. 

 

By learning how to repair something, whether you need to learn how to sew on a button, fix a leaking tap, or repair your fridge, you will have gained a new skill that may well be useful in the future. Even if you never have to do it again, it’s still something you’ve learned which is beneficial. 

 

A Sense Of Achievement 

It’s one thing to notice that something isn’t working very well and search around to find a replacement, but it’s quite another to notice that something isn’t working very well and then take steps to fix it. The first option won’t have much of an impact on you at all, although you might feel guilty for throwing something away or sad because you have to dispose of something you really liked, such as a piece of clothing or an ornament. 

 

The second option, however, will leave you with a great sense of achievement that will make you feel great. You’ll be proud of what you can do, and it might even inspire you to try new things in the future, which will save you money and teach you new things, both of which we’ve already seen are positive. 

 

It’s A Mindful Activity 

Fixing things is a slow and relaxing task. The problem-solving part requires creativity and focus, and when it's done, you feel like you've accomplished a lot. Working with your hands away from screens can help you relax and focus on the present moment, which is an important part of becoming more mindful. The more mindful you can be, the less stressed you’ll be and the happier your life will become. 

*Collaborative Post