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Strapped for cash? These DIY tips will help you save at home

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Credit: iStock
Credit: iStock

Surviving on your own is exhausting. You might still be in school, you need a good job, and why on earth does everything cost so much? It can be even more difficult trying to pay rent when housing rates keep going higher and higher. 

But despite insane housing costs, one of the best places to save money is at home. You will have to pay your rent just the same, of course, but with just a few simple tricks at home, you can save a significant amount of coin.

Save on electricity

While utilities are sometimes covered in an apartment’s rent, saving on electricity is one of the easiest ways to save cash. To cut back on your electricity, you can start by unplugging anything that you don't use constantly. Electronic devices sometimes continue to use electricity if they are plugged in, even if they are turned off. 

Read more: Can you afford to make debt? What is unhealthy debt and how to avoid it

There are also energy-efficient light bulbs that burn significantly less electricity and last much longer. You can also save on heating and cooling costs by using fans - and having them turned in the right direction - and in all rooms of your home. To keep your home more insulated, use a sealant on any gaps around windows and doors. Any area where air can leak through can cause your energy bills to rise quickly.

Save on water

To lower your water bill, there are many things you can do to conserve the amount of water you use. Invest in a tap aerator for your kitchen and avoid pre-rinsing your dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. Also, never run the dishwasher until it is full. Another way to save money on water is to install low-flow shower heads in your bathroom. This can save gallons of water during your showers and you will definitely notice the savings on your water bill.

Decorate on a budget

When you need to furnish a home or apartment, the cost to decorate can quickly add up. However, it doesn't have to cost a lot if you know how to be thrifty. A great way to find cheap and inexpensive items to decorate your home with is at garage sales. There are also pieces of furniture that you can create yourself. The greatest thing about DIY furniture is that you can customize it to fit your own space. By staying ingenuitive or flexing your own creative muscles, you are bound to have much more pride in your decor piece while also saving money. 

Ask friends and family

There are many costs associated with moving into a new place that add up really quickly. To make up some of those costs, ask friends or family if they have any furniture or household items they would be willing to donate to you or sell you for a good price. If you’re really looking to save, you can ask friends to help find you a roommate

Read more: First co-working, now co-living. Would you move into a dorm for millennials?

Eat at home

When it comes to eating, it can be too easy to run to a local restaurant or take-out place for food. However, a few bucks here and there for each meal can quickly add up and drain your bank account. To save a lot of money each month, buy your own food to make at home. You can easily make a meal for a couple dollars and the leftovers can last you a whole week.

Alex Briggs is a contributing writer and media specialist for HomeTeam Inspection Service. He regularly produces content for a variety of home inspection and home décor blogs.

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