10 Great Ways to Save Money at Home

Energy Star Light Bulb (Photo credit: Jenn Durfey)

You can save a lot of money at home by finding ways to make your property work for you. By adding value to different parts of your home, and by saving money in key areas, you can start to appreciate how much even small changes will affect your annual budget; some approaches to consider when saving money at home consequently include switching energy providers, de-cluttering and selling on items, and taking on a home renovation loan to build up the equity you have in your property.

 

1 - Switch Energy Providers 

The New Year is a good time to consider switching energy providers; you can both save on your annual bills, and receive cash-back  by comparing different providers, with the savings potentially rising to £100 a year. 

2 - Use Less Water 

Get a water meter for your house, and avoid average charges for your area; similarly, use less water by switching off taps when brushing your teeth, and don’t over fill kettles and pans when making cups of tea and cooking. 

3 - Use Your Garden to Grow Vegetables 

Reduce your weekly food shop by using your garden to grow vegetables; you can start a small patch, or even a kitchen garden, where you can grow potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables that can be added to your cooking routine. 

4 - De-Clutter and Sell Items 

You’d be surprised by how much money you can raise by de-cluttering your home and selling on items; old mobile phones can be sold for cash, while large amounts of books, DVDs, and CDs can be sold online to make some quick cash. 

5 - Take Out a Home Renovation Loan 

Look for short term or guarantor loans that will allow you to borrow enough money to renovate a bathroom or kitchen - doing so will help to add value to your property if you’re planning to sell in a few years time. 

6 - Get a Better Home Insurance Deal 

Work out what you’re actually paying for with your home insurance, and try to cut out anything that you don’t actually need. Look for deductibles, as well as opportunities to lower your premiums by increasing the amount of information you give to providers.

7 - Break Down Your Bills 

Calculate how much you’re spending across different parts of your home, and try to make small savings; use slightly less heat an water, or drop part of your entertainment package if you’re not using your television as much as your Internet connection. 

8 - Set Your Home for the Seasons 

Remember to add in blankets and repair drafts and leaks before the Winter, which will help you to use your heating less. Similarly, make sure you turn off your heating at the right time of the year to avoid paying more in the Spring and Summer. 

9 - Refit Your Kitchen 

Make your kitchen more cost effective by investing in a slow or pressure cooker, which can save energy. Move over to white goods that have an Energy Star label, as these appliances are more energy efficient. 

10 - Make Small Repairs and Changes 

Lots of small changes will make a difference to how much you spend at home - fix leaky taps, and try to spend less time in the shower, or running your garden hose. Check for drafts under doors, and pick up cheap drafts excluders to prevent heat from being lost.

 
Author Bio: Liam Ohm writes about home improvement, from bespoke furniture to money saving tips. In his spare time he enjoys networking and socializing.