Have you ever discovered an extra buck or five in your pants the next time you wore it after the wash? Or perhaps feel the sun shining brighter or the people smiling gayer? Putting the poetic rainbows and unicorns aside, that’s what we all feel when we save an extra buck or two. We’re all suckers for that. But, we’re most conscious of it only when we’re outside. We keep forgetting that our homes actually take up such a huge portion of our budget and it’s not even that rigid. Here are some little tips and tricks worth remembering to save more than just a few bucks without even setting a foot outside of your apartment.
Often, household lights are taken for granted. And this is where you’re losing tons of those extra bucks. First of all, why not try going au naturale for your lighting at daytime? Keep those shutters up and those curtains drawn. Especially if you know you won’t be in your apartment most of the day, why bother turning on any lights at all?
The next thing is to make sure that your lighting is not just bright but also efficient. LED bulbs are a bit pricier than regular bulbs, but they’re energy efficient. You’ll get back that extra you paid for in the long run.
Just like lights, appliances are also taken for granted. Everyone’s just so used to them. But your utility bills might be bloated because of these household appliances. It’s such a common and useful advice to unplug devices that aren’t being used but, it’s one of the most ignored bits of advice. Unplug the TV when you’re not watching. Unplug your charger from the socket too not just from your phone.
Aside from that, you could also tinker with your thermostat. Who’re you exactly heating up or cooling down in your apartment when you’re away right? So why not just turn it off, except in the more extreme seasons though. Air drying your clothes instead of depending on the dryer can also help tons. Paying more attention to the energy your appliances use isn’t just for caring about mother earth. It’s also caring about your wallet.
Keep your eyes open for the things that are multitasking pros. For example, instead of buying a rice cooker, a pan for soup and another one for other food separately, why not buy a quality pan that can do it all. If you find a convertible sofa, grab it fast. If there’s already a table in the apartment that looks awkward with all the storage space it has, make it work.
You have a microwave, but you’re craving for some home-baked goods. Well, don’t start thinking about a large oven immediately. Are you going to be baking everything you eat? If not, why not just trade your regular microwave for a simple microwave oven? You’ll be lessening the hoarding and saving up more money at the same time.
Cable allows you to watch your shows on their scheduled slots but, isn’t the internet just the same? And it’s no secret that everybody spends more time on the internet now than on their couches glued to the TV.
Cable would be another one of those things that you slave over to pay for but don’t use and need. If we’re honest, the internet brings you more benefits than any cable out there.
If you’re looking to spruce up your place, you might probably be thinking of buying new things as well. It’s not bad, but you better think about it twice or thrice.
Before going to the major stores for aesthetically pleasing objects, why not try making them on your own or looking for them in places like Craigslist, community groups, thrift shops, etc. You’ll have something unlike any other plus a few extra bucks to spend on food instead.
One of the most significant benefits of living alone or with a friend in an apartment is the ease of takeout. No one nags you about wasting all that money on your favorite pizza or burger or Chinese food. But, you might want to start nagging yourself. The faster you learn how to cook and fully utilize your apartment’s kitchen, the more bucks you’ll be saving.
Groceries not only last you longer but also give you more options for meals to prepare. Plus, you’ll also have more options for your next meal. It doesn’t mean that takeout is banned though. Maybe all that saved up cash could be used to buy a humongous amount of takeout for a house party with your friends.
One of the most significant benefits of living alone or with a friend in an apartment is the ease of takeout. No one nags you about wasting all that money on your favorite pizza or burger or Chinese food. But, you might want to start nagging yourself. The faster you learn how to cook and fully utilize your apartment’s kitchen, the more bucks you’ll be saving.
Having a good roommate gives you someone you can trust to catch you. Not only will you feel less lonely in your apartment, you also have someone to help you carry out the bills. Just make sure that your roomy is a decent person though if you don’t want your roomy adventure to turn into a nightmare.