Before moving, you can avoid buying multiple household goods by communicating with housemates and sharing appliances, and look into getting a smart meter.

If you pay your bills directly, you are automatically entitled to get a smart meter – just request one from your supplier (or search ‘get a smart meter’). It’s recommended that you let your landlord know before you make the change. If your landlord pays the bills, you can also get a smart meter, speak to them about upgrading. There are lots of benefits to having a smart meter.

They can:

• help you spot ways you can use energy more efficiently, which could help you save money on your bills
• send automatic meter readings to your supplier, meaning you get accurate bills without having to check the meter yourself

Read more about the benefits of smart meters from a student living in London.

For more information on how to manage bills in a shared house, our house hunting checklist, and more on privately renting see our guides.

If you’re moving out soon, make sure to:

• Donate or sell your unwanted items ahead of moving
• Eat all the food in your fridge, freezer and cupboards to avoid food waste and save money!
• Dispose of anything needed in the correct bins ahead of time

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