Whether you’re a new homeowner, a renter or self-proclaimed home pro, you know how easy it is to rack up quite the monthly bill … until now. So, grab a pen and get comfortable as we take a look at how to save money – all from the comfort of your home!
A common misconception about saving money at home is that it’s actually quite the hassle to accomplish or that it requires you to make great sacrifices. But you’ll be relieved to know that that isn’t exactly true! In fact, the answers to keeping a happy, healthy and creative household (that stays within your budget) are right under your nose!
So to help you with how to save money (and bring down those seemingly ever-increasing household expenses) we thought we’d share our favourite tips and tricks that will help you save!
What’s better is that they are all rather simple to follow too, so don’t get discouraged! This is going to be great.
Ready?
Our top tips on how to save money
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Do a pantry clean-out
Okay, we know that you’ve probably been avoiding this but it’s finally time to do that pantry surge you’ve been putting off. Did you know that keeping your pantry well-organised means that you are less likely to spend money on duplicate purchases (and if we’re being honest, do you really need all 3 jars of peanut butter)? Cleaning out your pantry also keeps you from wasting food by keeping items past their expiration date! Ultimately step one is a win-win in our book.
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Switch to energy-efficient lights
LEDs? Adds to cart!
If you haven’t heard the news yet: incandescent lightbulbs are out and LEDs are in. And for good reason too! Their total lifetime savings is worth the investment and will help bring down your monthly electricity bill. -
Get your DIY on
Skip the kid’s finger puppets and paper mâché projects and transform an old home item into a new decorative piece. Not only will this be an affordable (and chic) addition to your home but give you future bragging points that you did it all by yourself. You’re welcome!
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Opt for rechargeable batteries
It’s no surprise that winter is an expensive season. Now that we’re all using our electric blankets and bingeing series we are pretty sure that your household is going through batteries like never before. But keeping your electronics on shouldn’t break the bank, which is why you should ditch the disposables and switch to long-running rechargeables! You can thank us later for this one.
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Turn off the lights
If Eskom hasn’t turned off your lights – you should!
Okay but all jokes aside, how many times have you left a room with the lights on? See, the issue here is that this mindless act is going to cost you. So be diligent when leaving a room and just turn off the lights on your way out. Your monthly electricity bill will appreciate the effort! -
Make an at-home veggie garden
Want to know how to save money while contributing to deliciously healthy meals? As you know, spring is around the corner meaning it’s the perfect time for you to test out your green thumb! Start growing your own veggies. Not only is this a sweet and homely outdoor addition but it’s also fantastic for your budget!
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Turn down the heater
If you haven’t already skipped this point because it seems like too great of an ask – you’ll be happy you stayed! It’s important to remember that spring is in a few weeks, meaning that temperatures are going to rise. So instead of relying on the multiple heaters stationed throughout your house rather click on our blog about 6 Frugal Tips for How to Keep Your House Warm This Winter
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Do some home repairs yourself
Why get a plumber or handyman when you can just become your own?
Learning how to do basic maintenance around your home is an incredibly important and awesome skill to have. And if you aren’t sure where to begin acquiring these new handy skills tap the link to our Home Repairs blog!
Just remember while you may favour yourself a professional – you aren’t. Keep the more dangerous and complicated jobs to an actual professional, okay? -
Do away with phantom electricity
Okay, so phantom electricity relates to all of the plugs that you currently have plugged in but aren’t using. Think of your unused kettle, the lampshades, the toaster etc. They’re probably plugged in and switched on even though they aren’t in use! Avoid making use of excess electricity unnecessarily by simply switching them off on the wall.
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Keep a little family money jar
Now, this is a rather fun one that the whole family can get involved in! Whenever you find any coins lying between the couch, jeans pockets or drawers, pop them into the household jar! The fun part? You can use that money towards whatever you’d like. We’re thinking a little local trip, what do you think?
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Get home contents insurance
If you were to take a quick moment to estimate how much the contents in your home would cost to replace – you’ll probably be shocked to see just how valuable your home is and how expensive all of your belongings are. Which is why you need to ensure that all of your movable contents in your home are covered should anything happen to them. Easy!
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Sort out your home insurance
Okay, this is a big one which is why we’ve left the best for last! We cannot stress how important home insurance is (well, we could but we have an entire blog page dedicated to that). Wondering how to save money with your home insurance? At Oneplan we do home insurance a little differently – because it’s flexible.
Money a little tight this month? No problem, just head over to your Sliding Scale and adjust your monthly premium in a matter of minutes and we will readjust your cover! Meaning that you can begin saving at the simple glide of a scale. What more could you want?
Ready to make your greatest at-home saving decision yet? Tap here!
Knowing how to save money in your home is only step one… now it’s time to implement these tips!
Yours in affordable home insurance,
The Oneplan Team
