7+ Easy Apartment Hacks to Save Money Without Feeling Deprived
Living in an apartment gets expensive fast—between rent, utilities, groceries, and everything in between, it can feel like your paycheck disappears overnight.
I know this struggle firsthand. And honestly? Keeping up with the rising cost of living can feel overwhelming. But the good news is, there are plenty of smart and easy apartment hacks to save money—without sacrificing your comfort or style.
In this post, I’m sharing easy, practical apartment hacks to save money—whether you’re looking to lower your bills or just spend your money smarter each day.
From splitting costs with a roommate to mastering the art of energy efficiency, these money-saving hacks can help you keep more cash in your pocket without sacrificing comfort. 🏠💰
🛋️ This post is all about simple apartment hacks to save money—while still loving your space.
💡 Apartment Hacks to Lower Your Monthly Bills
Get a Roommate to Split Costs
Without a doubt, your biggest monthly expense is going to be rent. So, the easiest way to save money is by getting a roommate.
A roommate can literally cut your monthly housing expenses in half! 💰 Rent, utilities, and even shared household items become much more affordable when you split them with someone else.
I know that this can be easier said than done. Sometimes we don’t want to share space with someone else, and I totally get that! So, it’s up to you to determine what you value (and need) more—independence or saving money.
Finding the right roommate is key—so try posting in local Facebook groups, checking roommate-matching websites, or asking friends if they know anyone looking.
Just remember to get everything in writing before moving in together!
✅ Pro tip: Having a quick chat about cleaning schedules and overnight guest policies can prevent headaches down the road!
Move to a Smaller or More Affordable Apartment
Another great way to save money while renting is to simply move into a smaller space.
🏠 Less square footage = lower rent + lower utilities.
But, before making the switch, compare rental prices in different neighborhoods and look for units that include utilities in the rent.
✅ Pro tip: Moving to a smaller home is the perfect time to sell or donate items you haven’t used in months or years. It’s a win-win: you boost your savings and clear space at the same time.
✅ Energy-Saving Apartment Hacks That Actually Work
Once you’ve optimized rent and space, the next area where you can save big is utilities. A few small tweaks to your daily routine can shave $20–$30/month off your electric bill.
💡For example, unplugging your devices when you’re not using them can save you money.
Embarrassingly enough, I learned not too long ago that when something is turned off–let’s say a lamp— but it’s still plugged into an outlet—it can still be using energy even when it’s “off.” So unplug them, it really can save money!
Try these other money-saving tricks:
- Wash clothes in cold water
- Hang laundry to dry
- Switch to LED bulbs
- Use power strips to cut phantom energy use
- Keep blinds closed on hot days
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher in summer
Small habit changes like these can knock $20-30 off your monthly power bill. That’s enough for a nice dinner out or extra cash for your savings! 🎯
✅ Budget-Friendly Tips to Cut Everyday Living Expenses
Streaming services and unused apps can quietly eat up your budget. 💸 Look at your daily coffee runs, takeout habits, or streaming services you barely watch. Cutting these expenses can also add up to $100+ in savings each month.
Try these money-saving swaps:
- Make coffee at home in a travel mug
- Do a weekly meal prep to pack lunch for work
- Switch to a cheaper phone plan
- Cancel unused subscriptions
- Share streaming accounts with family or friends
✅ Pro tip: Track your spending for a week to cut costs and expenses to spot those sneaky expenses! You might be surprised how much those “little” purchases total up. Put the money you save toward your rent or emergency fund instead! 🏡
💸 Apartment Shopping Hacks That Save You Big
Look for Rental Specials
If you’re looking to move, timing can work in your favor!
Many apartment complexes offer first-month discounts, waived fees, or cheaper security deposits – especially during slower rental seasons like winter.
In my most recent apartment move, I moved in the winter time because I knew that the rent prices could be more affordable. I saw upwards of a $200 monthly savings between moving in September vs December.
Chat with property managers about available deals – they’re often willing to work with you if units have been sitting empty. The best bargains pop up between October and February when fewer people are apartment hunting.
Save Money with Secondhand Furniture & Decor
Decorate without draining your account by shopping smart.
🛋️ Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, and yard sales can have amazing deals for secondhand items—everything from sofas to dining sets.
When shopping for used items, give them a good inspection for any damage, funky smells, or bugs before buying.
✅ Pro tip: Don’t be shy about negotiating prices – many sellers are happy to work with you, especially if you’re taking items off their hands quickly! 🚛
Purchase Home Essentials Gradually
Repeat after me: I do NOT need to buy everything at once!
Moving into a new place can be super expensive. So, start with the absolute must-haves for your apartment. Then, space out your other purchases over a few months to keep your bank account happy.
How to do it:
- Start with essentials: bed, bathroom basics, kitchenware
- Make a “to-buy” list and rank items by priority
- Wait for seasonal sales
You can also make a list and rank items by how much you’ll use them daily.
You can cut costs by watching for sales on things like:
- Kitchen basics – pot, pan, plates
- Cleaning supplies – multi-purpose cleaner, broom, sponges
- Basic tools – screwdriver, hammer, measuring tape
- Storage containers – bins, baskets, drawer organizers
- Bathroom items – towels, shower curtain, plunger
✅ Bonus hack: Opt for multifunctional pieces (like a storage ottoman or table-desk combo) to get more value per dollar.
💰 Extra Apartment Hacks to Save Even More Money
- ✅ Use a Brita pitcher instead of buying bottled water
- ✅ Buy space-saving storage tools like over-the-door organizers and under-bed bins
- ✅ Install blackout curtains to lower heating/cooling costs
- ✅ Ditch cable and stick to 1–2 streaming platforms you actually use
- ✅ Seal drafty windows and doors with weather stripping tape
- ✅ Air dry your laundry when possible
- ✅ Use a shower timer to keep water bills low
- ✅ Swap paper towels for microfiber cloths
- ✅ Try the 24-hour rule before impulse buys—you might not want it tomorrow!
❓ FAQs About Apartment Hacks to Save Money
1. What’s the easiest way to save money living in an apartment?
The easiest way to save money in an apartment is by lowering your utility bills and cutting everyday expenses.
Start with simple apartment hacks like unplugging your electronics when not using them, cooking more meals at home, and canceling unused subscriptions.
These small changes can lead to huge monthly savings—without requiring any drastic lifestyle shifts.
2. How can I decorate an apartment cheaply?
You can decorate your apartment cheaply by shopping for secondhand decor, doing DIY decor projects, choosing a few large statement pieces, or investing in cozy basics like throw blankets and pillows to add style without breaking the bank.
3. How can I lower my utility bills in an apartment?
You can lower your apartment utility bills by using blackout curtains, unplugging electronics when not in use (it’s not enough to just turn them off), and running appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines during off-peak hours.
Another helpful tip is to adjust your thermostat by just a few degrees (i.e. if it’s 70 outside try to keep it at 69 indoors). Sealing drafty windows and doors can also make a big impact.
These simple energy-saving apartment hacks can cut your monthly utility costs by $20–$50 or more.
Conclusion: Apartment Living on a Budget is Totally Doable
Saving money while living in an apartment is all about being intentional and creative with how you spend your money.
You don’t have to live with bare walls like a caveman (no offense to cavemen 😂). You just need to implement smart hacks that stretch your budget a little further and make your apartment feel like a true cozy home.
These money-saving strategies aren’t just quick fixes— they’re lifestyle changes that can lead to lasting financial freedom.
From sharing costs with roommates to managing energy use, each hack builds upon the next to create a comprehensive savings strategy.
Start with one or two hacks that feel most manageable for you, and gradually incorporate more as you build confidence.
Your wallet (and future self) will thank you! 💫
This post was all about the best apartment hacks to save money.