What are some great saving tips for couples planning to move in together?

lettyfisher91

I'm planning to move in with my boyfriend in several months and I'm quite excited at the prospect of being able to save a lot of money - we love doing things like cooking together and we have a lot of fun, non-expensive hobbies, however I can't plan my meals or make batches because we never know whose place we'll be staying at, what our schedules will be like etc.

Does anyone have some great tips about how to save money when you move in with your significant other? Anything from tips on flat-hunting for a couples to how to save in your day-to-day life would be really helpful

lostinrates

Talk things out, don't fall in to habits you're uncomfortable with. Be prepared to compromise. Talking things out doesn't mean getting your own way, it means listening and compromising on things.

JasX

Batch cooking is still perfectly possible -> if you do a large pan of lasanga / batch of bolognese sauce put it in the freezer (in double sized portions) and whip it out when needed

fairy_lights

Meal planning! Once you live together and can batch cook and freeze meals you will be able to save a significant amount on food, as long as you plan carefully.
When I moved in with my OH we started putting all loose change in to piggy banks (well I say piggy banks...old wine bottles), it all adds up, especially if you save up pound coins, and after a year we had enough for a holiday. We do this religiously now and find it a really easy way to save for luxuries.

SanguineSteve

Save money on water by showering and using the loo together.

or not.

ben_m_g

Cheap trips out can be a long term saving, there is plenty to do for free and cheap if you really look.

Keeping non-essential bills down is important, didn't have sky, or even a tv for the first year together.

Simple stuff as well, light off when not using them, don't switch on the heating until you have to.

surveyqueenuk

If you both have cars you may be able to get a 2-car deal on insurance?

Gloomendoom

surveyqueenuk wrote: »

If you both have cars you may be able to get a 2-car deal on insurance?

Or sell one and share the other.

maman

Definitely don't fall into the trap of having loads of take aways. Have a meal plan and stick to it. Make sure you're both on board and just buy what you know you'll eat (or can freeze). Make packed meals for work.


Personally I would keep your own bank account and open up a joint one for shared bills but that's me.

clayton16749

Shop at Aldi or Lidl and make sure you do a shopping list first. Without a list I always buy way more than I planned even in one of the better value supermarkets.

kitty_kins

This doesn't save us money, but it does make it easier! We set up a joint account for our mortgage, bills, house things etc. which we put a certain amount into each month. Then we put aside money for other things (food, petrol, savings etc.) what we have left in our separate account is just for us

I do save a lot on petrol now though, not having to go visit my boyfriend!