August and September are a great time to start preparing for the colder months – particularly if you're renting and want to keep household costs under control.
From reducing energy use to reviewing your subscriptions and making your home more efficient, a little preparation now could help you avoid unnecessary spending when temperatures drop.
Here are some simple ways you can save money before winter arrives.
1. Get your home ready for colder weather
Before you reach for the heating, take some time to check whether your home is ready for autumn and winter.
Look for obvious draughts around windows and doors, check that radiators aren't blocked by furniture and make sure curtains or blinds are working properly. Small changes can help your home retain heat more effectively.
Remember that you shouldn't make permanent alterations to your rental property without your landlord's permission. However, there are plenty of temporary measures you can use to make your home more comfortable.
If you're unsure whether something needs repairing rather than simply improving, speak to your landlord or letting agent.
2. Check your heating before you need it
Don't wait until the first cold evening to discover that your heating isn't working properly.
If you haven't used your heating for several months, check that your radiators are heating up and that your thermostat is working. If you spot a problem with your boiler or heating system, report it to your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible.
It's also worth understanding how your heating controls work. Being able to set your heating to come on when you actually need it, rather than running continuously, can help you avoid wasting energy.
3. Review your energy usage
Before winter arrives, take a look at how much energy you're currently using.
If you have a smart meter, check your usage regularly so you have a better understanding of where your energy is going. You may find that some appliances or habits are using more energy than you realised.
Simple changes can add up, such as:
- Turning lights off when you leave a room
- Avoiding leaving appliances on standby
- Washing clothes at lower temperatures where appropriate
- Only boiling the amount of water you need
- Using energy-efficient settings on appliances
- Closing doors between rooms to help retain heat
You don't have to change everything at once. Start with the habits that are easiest to maintain.
4. Stop paying for subscriptions you don't use
September can be a useful time for a financial reset.
Go through your bank statements and check what you're paying for each month. You might find subscriptions you signed up for during the summer, free trials you've forgotten to cancel or services you rarely use.
Even a few pounds here and there can make a difference over the course of a year.
Consider reviewing:
- Streaming services
- Gym memberships
- Apps and software
- Subscription boxes
- Meal delivery services
- Cloud storage
- TV and entertainment packages
If you have several services you rarely use, cancelling just one or two could free up money for your winter budget.
5. Plan for higher winter spending
Winter can bring additional costs that aren't always part of your usual monthly budget.
You may spend more on heating, use your car more frequently, buy warmer clothing or find that food and household bills increase.
Rather than waiting for those costs to arrive, start putting a little money aside now if you're able to. Even a small amount each month can provide some breathing room when your expenses increase.
Creating a simple winter budget can also help you identify where you might be able to cut back elsewhere.
6. Save money on your food shop
Food can be another significant household expense, so autumn is a good time to look at your shopping habits.
Planning meals before you shop can help reduce impulse purchases and food waste. Check what you already have in your cupboards and freezer before heading to the supermarket, and consider buying own-brand products where it makes sense for your budget.
You could also batch cook meals and freeze portions for busy evenings. This can help reduce the temptation to order a takeaway when you don't feel like cooking.
7. Don't forget about your water usage
Your water bill is another household cost worth reviewing.
Simple habits such as taking shorter showers, turning the tap off while brushing your teeth and only running the washing machine or dishwasher when you have a full load can help reduce water usage.
If you're on a water meter, reducing unnecessary consumption could be particularly worthwhile.
8. Shop your home before buying anything new
As the weather changes, it's tempting to buy new blankets, heaters, clothes and home accessories.
Before spending money, check what you already own.
You may already have winter bedding, coats, blankets or storage items tucked away somewhere. If you do need something, consider buying second-hand or looking for good-quality items that will last for several years.
This is particularly useful if you're renting and expect to move again in the future – buying fewer unnecessary items can also make your next move easier and cheaper.
9. Check what you're entitled to
If you're struggling with household costs, don't assume you have to manage alone.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to support with your energy bills, benefits or other household expenses.
It's worth checking official guidance and using reputable benefits calculators to understand whether there is any financial support available to you.
10. Start your winter money-saving plan now
You don't need to completely overhaul your finances before autumn arrives.
Instead, use August and September to make a few small changes: check your heating, look for draughts, review your subscriptions, monitor your energy usage and start putting aside whatever you can afford for the months ahead.
Preparing early means you're less likely to be caught out by higher costs when winter arrives – and the money you save now could give you a little more financial breathing room later in the year.
Before the weather gets colder, make sure you've:
☐ Checked your heating is working
☐ Reported any repairs to your landlord or letting agent
☐ Looked for draughts around windows and doors
☐ Reviewed your energy usage
☐ Checked your subscriptions and regular payments
☐ Created a winter budget
☐ Reviewed your food shopping habits
☐ Checked whether you're on a water meter
☐ Looked for existing winter clothes and household items before buying new ones
☐ Checked whether you could be entitled to financial support
A little preparation now could make your household budget feel much more manageable when winter arrives.
