With the new year, many people move into new apartments and brainstorm the best ways to keep their monthly bills lower. Luckily, there are more options than ever in becoming savvy with your monthly bills, allowing for extra money to go towards rent and other expenses. Here are just a few great tips for investing wisely in your apartment’s necessities.
Cutting the Cord
Over the last few years, many people have already “cut the cord” from their cable company for premium channels, opting to sign up for one (or a few) streaming services, such as Hulu, for entertainment and add it to their internet bill. Aside from the growing amount of original content on the various streaming services, most cable channels offer their own version of a smart tv app. Most homes already pay an internet service provider for their computer usage. Cutting the cord will eliminate the cable bill, and you’re probably paying for the internet service through Verizon or Comcast already. If you’re really savvy and work from home, you may even be able to negotiate a better rate from your internet provider for lower rates and a better deal on faster internet speed. Ask your current provider and see what they recommend for your overall internet package.
Using Your Studio Space
If you live in a studio apartment, odds are you don’t have room for a large living room. If that’s the case, double-up and arrange the apartment and bedroom into one general area. You can invest in an extras plush mattress with some imagination and use your bed equally well as your communal couch. You’ll end up with more room to move around in the apartment and, in the colder months, having that extras plush mattress or memory foam over a firm mattress may make you want to snuggle a bit more, lowering your thermostat expenses.
Another Thought on Mattresses
If you need a new mattress anyway, definitely consider this top pick investment. There are many options for a new mattress, whether you’re a side sleeper or need special pressure relief. The right mattress topper can present your bed as a happy medium, doubling as a couch in front of the tv, and the right furniture accessories will add a hip look to the living room design.
Laundry Dos and Don’ts
One unavoidable monthly payment that you’ll encounter no matter the size of your apartment is the cost of utilities. Never fear. Though the fees are inevitable, you can be smart about keeping that cost low. For example, if you have a laundry area equipped with a washer and dryer bundle, be sure to wash your garments on the coldest setting. By keeping the temperature low, you won’t use as much electricity to hear up the water. Every little bit counts.
Waiting to Do the Dishes
By gently giving your dishes, pots and pans, and cutlery a hygienic “once over” and then waiting until the dishwasher is truly packed to the brim, you’ll end up running the dishwasher less often. No matter how durable your washer is, not only will you now use less water and electricity, but the less wear and tear on the machine further protects your warranty. Plus, it’s better for the environment.
Renter’s Insurance
Should you invest in renter’s insurance? Well, that’s the thing: you never know. But, it’s always a good idea to be covered in case of unforeseen emergencies. If you’ve cut corners elsewhere, you should be able to afford it. As a new customer, you’ll most likely get a bargain on lower rates and a better price, which is always a plus, and the minimum purchase on the insurance itself should be reasonable with a new provider. A customer service rep can always explain their insurance disclaimers and provide accurate information on your renter’s insurance covers.
