6 saving tips that every renter should know

These tips will help any renter save money – no brunch sacrifices required. 

Saving money as a renter typically requires you to budget wisely, lower unnecessary spending and curb your brunch habit.

But all of these measures can become a little tedious after a while, especially when you’re facing years of no French toast at your favourite cafe.

Saving money isn’t just about the ‘now’, because it can have significant impacts on your future wealth. Picture: Getty

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So, how else can you save money? 

Whether it’s joining a kitchen library or learning how to reduce your energy bills with Origin, these six simple saving tips can help.

1. Pool resources

If you live with others – like housemates or your partner – pool your resources and buy things together. 

This will not only reduce your costs but also the chances of having three bags of the same pasta taking up valuable pantry space. 

You could also consider setting up a family or partner account for your streaming subscriptions, which often ends up being cheaper per person. 

And if you’re all ordering takeaway, look around for group meal deals that offer discounts for larger orders or bundle multiple dishes at a lower price.

2. Join a library

You’re no doubt familiar with book libraries, but did you know there are libraries for several other household goods?

Kitchen libraries let you borrow all kinds of useful tools, including air fryers, cake stands, chicken shears, apple corers and more – helping you avoid forking out hundreds for a fancy stand mixer that you might only use a handful of times. 

Toy libraries hold playthings, puzzles, activities and games for kids of all ages, from tiny babies to teens.

Then there are tool libraries, musical instrument libraries and seed libraries.

Libraries are a great way to broaden your reading list, but also to get the kids involved in books. Picture: Getty

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And don’t forget about your local book library, too. Here, you can borrow books (obviously) but you can also often get magazines, and music. Plus, many local libraries hold regular free events. 

3. Get energy efficient

Improving your home’s energy efficiency is a great way to save money and do your bit for the environment.

Luckily, the task isn’t impossible as a renter.

You can make rental-friendly updates, like switching out your old lightbulbs for energy-saving LED ones, using thermal curtains to insulate your windows, buying draft stoppers and door snakes, and opting for fans over air con. 

You can also get smart about your electricity bills by heading to Origin Home and seeing how you could save money.

Origin Home is your one-stop shop for learning how to be more energy efficient in your home, even if you rent, and reduce costs at the same time.

4. Furnish and decorate on the cheap

There’s no need to splash out on the first piece of furniture, decor or appliance you come across.

You’ll most likely find what you’re looking for (or something very close to it) for a better price.

Places like Facebook Marketplace have amazing deals if you’re willing to search. Picture: iStock

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Look online for special deals, check if other retailers will price match, or even consider buying used. 

There are plenty of secondhand marketplaces online, as well as buy/swap/sell and ‘buy nothing’ groups where you can often find decent items for free. 

5. Host a swap party

A swap party involves inviting a bunch of friends around, asking them to bring any clothes/jewellery/accessories/household goods they no longer want, putting everyone’s items into a pile, and nabbing anything that takes your fancy. 

Leftover stuff gets donated to charity or recycled (yep, clothing recycling is a thing!). 

It’s an ideal money-saving measure for two reasons: you can pick up some new goods for free, and you can enjoy a night with mates for next to nothing. 

6. Learn to do basic upkeep

As a renter, it’s often up to you to maintain the garden, keep the premises clean, replace batteries and lightbulbs, and ensure the property is kept in good nick.

While it might be tempting to outsource these tasks to a gardener, cleaner or handyman, there may be several you can DIY.

Being able to do little DIY jobs around the home can impact your bottom line in the longterm. Picture: Getty

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Basic gardening like weeding and pruning isn’t overly difficult, a deep clean can often be knocked over in a weekend, and there are some simple repairs you could learn – like replacing tap washers and unclogging drains.

You’ll not only save money by DIYing, but you’ll also feel a genuine sense of achievement when you knock over odd jobs yourself.