the saturday scrimp: bills

Now this one is cheeky for a first tip. But I will be moving Monday (woo) and I have really looked at my spending, as running a household gets so expensive. Rent, council tax and bills are basic that you just expect to pay but I think I can reduce them too. 

• First thing, do your inventory. Check all damages no matter how minor you may think. Alway cover your back and I would even take pictures of every hole, scratch or damaged area. Then I would save it, online and or cd if you can. You may not see your deposit for a while but you don't want it disappearing when it comes to moving on.
• Secondly I'll be checking all meters and calling up the utility provider so I'm not paying for anything I didn't incur myself.
• In the summer I don't think the central heating will have to be used anyway. But even on the chillier nights I will be cracking out the hoodies and my quilted blankets to save the pounds later on (student style)
• I have recently joined the gym under a great offer with money back opportunities but other than that I liked there good facilities and they have clean showers with free shower gel! I am planning to use the gym at least four times a week. Thats over half my showers a month saved by using the membership facilities, cutting my water usage right down and I still get to afford the gym and the health benefits. Also means I could spend on a nicer shower gel and have it last longer at home!
• Never cook for one, it is so expensive and you end up with a lot of waste if your not organised. ALWAYS batch cook. You can cook for two, four, six, that spreads the cost and freeze portions for a later date. Plus if the ovens full your wasting less gas! This is also saving you time as well as money and time is more valuable!