31 nifty tips to save big money in your household

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If you look after the pennies, the pounds will take care of themselves. At least that's how the saying goes, so we found a host of brilliant ways you can reign in your household spending.

From making your own decorations that will give you the interior designer look for less, through to keeping an eye on your utilities, we've honed in on some genius ways to make every room in your home work that little bit harder and leaner. 

Read on and let's save some money!

1. Shut doors behind you to lower heating bills

2. Paint all your trim the same colour and save on bulk paint

3. Turn your water thermostat down a few degrees. You won't notice!

4. Install dimmer switches and LED bulbs throughout the house

5. Get your chimney swept in summer, not the start of winter

6. Use the microwave when you can, as it costs less to run than your hob

7. Laptops take less energy than desktops so are cheaper to run

8. Insulate hot water pipes to reduce costs

9. Clean your own gutters rather than paying someone

10. Buy new gardening equipment in autumn or winter when it's all reduced

11. Plant trees to grow garden cover instead of buying pergolas

12. Stock up on firewood in spring when it's cheap

13. Before buying, compare appliance costs online

14. Buy only basic secondhand gardening tools

15. Check every detail on contractor quotes and remove items you can complete yourself

16. Carry out boring but necessary tasks, such as wood treating, yourself

17. Raise your home insurance excess to lower the premium

18. Swap out any appliances that are not at least A+ rated

19. Install a shower timer to reduce water usage

20. Start your garden using free clippings and cuttings

21. Use the free design services when buying new bathroom or kitchen items. It'll be much cheaper than hiring someone

22. Secure fixed rate energy deals each year

23. Make and use your own compost for your garden

24. Ride your bike to work instead of taking the car

25. Buy reduced fresh food in the supermarket, prepare it at home and freeze straight away for low-cost meals

Cutting board CUT e15 Modern kitchen

26. Make your own blinds with fabric remnants

27. Don't buy flowers! Display foliage and blooms from your garden

28. Swap expensive bubble bath for cheap and healthy Epsom salts

29. Tear up old bed linen to use as cleaning rags

30. Enjoy candlelit baths instead of having the main light on

31. Make your own decorative garlands from leftover craft supplies

For some fun DIY project inspiration, take a look at this Ideabook: 20 Economical DIY Projects Everyone Can Manage.

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