If you happen to be one of those apartment renters who are in search of ways to save money, consider these ideas from Kristen Cross. Cross shared these through her blog which is posted on the free rental site, Rent.com.
1. Buy multi-taskers.
Since most apartments are quite small, maximize your space by choosing multi-taskers or those appliances and furniture that have various uses over uni-taskers, which only have one single function. Samples of these are: a sofa with a hidden bed, a coffee table that doubles as a storage, a blender which can make juice, soups & smoothies, and a high quality pot which you can use as a rice cooker and a deep fryer.
2. Buy less stuff.
To begin with, most people have too much stuff, so it's best that you think hard before buying and consider only those that are really needed. A British study shows that the average 10-year-old has 238 toys, but plays with just 12 of them on a daily basis.
3. Rent or borrow items instead of buying.
While buying some items really makes sense--such as those that you use everyday and those that require hygiene--renting or borrowing can be a big money-saver when it comes to infrequently-used items like a carpet cleaner, a suitcase (if you are a sporadic traveller), and movies which can be rented or streamed, as well as books which you can just borrow.
4. Go digital.
There is the big likelihood that you will not be staying in your present home forever. Choosing digital versions of movies, songs, books, photos, and even documents, will save you space for now and money when it's time to move.
5. Watch your energy use.
Put energy efficient light bulbs in your fixtures, install a better shower head, draw shades during summer, and open them on sunny days in the winter. Krystal Steinmetz who writes for Money Talks News, suggests that you turn your air conditioning unit off at night when outside temperatures drop, open your windows, and use fans to stay cool. During winter, grab a blanket and put on a sweater instead of turning up the heater.
6. Eat in (at least some of the time).
Since you have your own kitchen, it will be easy for you to put together homemade meals, and almost anything you cook at home will save you money over eating out. You can also easily save 50-75 percent of the cost of takeout.
7. Buy renter's insurance.
As some may not realize it, a renter's insurance is very affordable, and if anything goes wrong (such as fire or flooding in your apartment), you will be glad you chose to insure your belongings.
