Bringing down the cost of running your home

Sick of seeing all of your hard-earned money leave your bank account to pay the bill each month? There’s always going to be a cost to running your home, but you know what? You can bring it down more than you might think! Here’s how.

1) Embrace the power of a proper home audit

Before you do anything else, it would be a really good idea to audit your home so you can see what’s going on, where money might be being wasted, and what you can potentially do to change that because most of us live in our homes day to day without really noticing those draughts or energy suckers that could be draining our bank accounts. Time to change that by doing the following:

Hunt for Draughts: Tiny gaps near windows, doors, or loft hatches can sneakily let cold air in—and let your heated (i.e., expensive) air out. Invest in a trusty draught excluder or apply self-adhesive strips. It’s basically giving your home a cosy little scarf.
Check the Loft Insulation: A well-insulated loft is like a warm hat for your house—keeps heat in, cold out, and ensures you’re not inadvertently heating your entire street.
Switch Off the Standby: Appliances on standby mode might be sipping electricity like you sip your tea—gently, but constantly. Turn them off at the wall if possible and watch how those phantom energy costs begin to fade away.

By paying attention to all these seemingly small details, you’re cutting down on sneaky expenses that add up over time. Think of it as applying a thousand small bandages to the little cuts that bleed your wallet dry.

2) Focus on energy efficiency

Once you have audited your home and you know what is going on, it’s smart to think about improving energy efficiency so you can stop literally leaking money from your home. Oh, and don’t worry because as you will see below, it’s much easier than you think:

LED Lighting: Yes, you’ve heard it before, but these bulbs are still the unsung heroes of frugality. They last longer than the last series of your favourite soap and use a fraction of the energy of old-school incandescent bulbs. Goodbye, frequent replacements!
Optimise Your Heating: Heard of thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)? Slap them on your radiators to regulate how warm each room gets. No need to heat the box room to sauna levels if it’s only used for storing old magazines and questionable Christmas jumpers.
Upgrade or Service Your Boiler: A rickety old boiler can guzzle up far more gas than it should. Servicing it regularly (or upgrading it if it’s truly ancient) can save you a tidy sum—and ensure you’re not left shivering in the shower when it finally packs in.

Little changes add up to noticeable savings. Soon enough, you’ll be amazed how much more you can do with the extra pounds that no longer evaporate into thin air.

3) Rethink your energy (and other) bills

Most of us end up staying with the same supplier year after year because…well it’s just easier that way, right? The thing is, it might be easier but it is definitely not cheaper, and it’s time to change things up.

Compare Tariffs: Every year or so, pop onto a comparison site for your electricity, gas, broadband, and phone line. You’d be shocked how much you can save by switching to a different deal, especially if you’ve never changed providers before.
No Standing Charge Tariffs: If your household is a low-energy user (perhaps you’re out more than you’re in, or you’ve got all those lovely LED bulbs now), consider seeking out no standing charge tariffs. For some folks, paying a slightly higher unit rate but skipping daily fixed charges can actually slash the overall bill.
Bundle Services: Sometimes combining services—like phone, broadband, and TV—into a single package can knock the price down. But do check the fine print: bundling is only a bargain if it’s cheaper than paying for your must-haves separately.

Picture your monthly bills as a line-up of unruly suspects: you need to grill each one individually. Are they offering value? Or are they extorting you behind a friendly facade? Shine the spotlight and see who cracks first.

4) Be a thrifty water warrior

Water bills aren’t usually top-of-mind unless you’re in the middle of a hosepipe ban. But saving on water can translate to surprising benefits—like lowering your energy usage for heating up all that H2O. Let’s keep your water usage from spiralling out of control:

Fix Those Leaks: That tap that’s been dripping for months is effectively draining money. A few minutes of DIY (or a quick call to a plumber if you’re all thumbs) can prevent thousands of litres of water from going down the plughole each year.
Shower Power: If you’re partial to the occasional hour-long soak in a steamy shower, consider cutting the time by a few minutes. You’ll still be squeaky clean, and your wallet will be less squeaky.
Install a Water Butt: For the more garden-savvy among us, a water butt (or two) can collect rain for watering plants. Free water from the sky? Yes, please. Just be prepared for nosy neighbours who may start calling your new contraption a garden Dalek.

Remember, water is one of those bills you might pay automatically without giving it a second thought. With a bit of mindfulness, you can have a healthier bank balance—and no, you don’t have to abandon showering altogether!

5) The magic of buying second-hand (or getting it free)

New isn’t always better—especially when “new” means you’re stuck paying off a fancy sofa for the next twelve months. Enter the enchanting realm of second-hand bargains, freebie trading, and upcycling wonders.

Second-Hand Shops and Online Marketplaces: Whether you love rummaging through charity shops or scrolling through online listings, pre-loved furniture and appliances can be an absolute steal. Often, you’ll find items in near-pristine condition for a fraction of the cost.
Freecycling Groups: If you haven’t heard of freecycling or “pass it on” groups, prepare to have your mind blown. People literally give away things they no longer need—for free. That’s right, you could snag a perfectly decent bookshelf because someone else is redecorating.
Upcycling Adventures: If you’re the creative sort (or just like messing with paint), try upcycling old bits and bobs into stylish décor. It’s amazing what a bit of chalk paint can do to that battered chest of drawers you nearly threw away.

By embracing the used-and-loved ethos, you’re not only saving your pennies but also reducing waste. Mother Nature offers a polite round of applause every time you rescue something from landfill.

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6) Get crafty in the kitchen

An enormous chunk of the household budget goes on food, and let’s be honest: more than a bit of it can end up in the bin. Let’s make sure your hard-earned money actually gets eaten (in a good way) rather than tossed out with the leftovers.

Meal Planning: Yes, it sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry. But a little planning goes a long way. Make a weekly plan of what you’ll cook and only buy those ingredients. That way, you’re less tempted by random nibbles that might languish in the fridge, turning into science experiments.
Batch Cooking: Cook once, eat twice—or thrice, or four times. Whip up a large batch of your favourite curry or soup and freeze portions. This not only saves time but also slashes the temptation to order expensive takeaways when you’re feeling lazy.
Love Your Leftovers: Turn leftover roast chicken into fajitas or throw last night’s veg into a hearty omelette. A little imagination can resurrect dishes so well that you might forget it’s leftover. Just don’t attempt leftover chips—those rarely revive well (though we all know someone who insists they do).

Being kitchen-savvy can save you a small fortune. And who doesn’t love a good homemade lasagne? It’s cheaper, tastier, and you know exactly what went into it.

7) Tech-savvy savings

Technology can be a friend or foe when it comes to budgeting. But if used wisely, it can absolutely help you slice your home-running costs in half (or at least by a nice chunk).

Smart Thermostats: These modern gizmos let you control your heating and hot water from your phone—even if you’re on holiday in Cornwall. They learn your routine, so you’re not heating an empty house. It’s the butler you always wanted, minus the tea-making skills.
Energy-Monitoring Apps: Some suppliers offer apps or in-home displays that show real-time usage. Staring at those rising numbers might be slightly traumatising, but it can motivate you to switch things off pronto.
Discount and Cashback Sites: When shopping online for your household goods, do a quick search on cashback or voucher code sites. You’d be amazed at how often a cheeky code can knock a few quid off the total—just enough to justify that treat you’ve been eyeing (kidding, of course, we’re being frugal here!).

Use technology as a sidekick in your quest to keep bills at bay. Before you know it, you’ll be a digital budgeting wizard, conjuring up savings at every click.

8) Insurance and mortgage overhauls

Who gets excited about insurance or mortgage details? Probably no one. Yet reviewing these big-ticket expenses can yield some of the most significant savings—and all it takes is a couple of hours hunched over comparison websites and phone calls.

Home Insurance: Have you automatically renewed the same policy for donkey’s years? Don’t let loyalty scupper your chances of a bargain. Shop around, haggle (yes, haggle!), and see if you can get a better deal.
Mortgage Check: If you’re a homeowner, your mortgage is probably the largest drain on your finances. Remortgaging to a lower rate – even by a fraction of a percentage – could save you hundreds or thousands of pounds a year. Just watch out for exit fees, and factor in any arrangement costs.
Life Insurance and Income Protection: While you’re at it, you might as well see if you can trim these costs down or consolidate them. If you’re paying for coverage you no longer need, or the premiums are sky-high, it’s time to reassess.

Yes, it’s more tedious than picking out new cushions for your living room. But that sense of victory when you see your new monthly payments? Priceless.

Here’s to smaller bills and more money in your bank account!