including your pet in family vacations

No matter where you live, saving money is important. Nobody wants to throw money out the window, or waste your hard earned dollars, especially on things such as monthly utilities when you can actually do something about it. Yes, you do need to pay for water/sewer and energy bills, but you don't have to pay top dollar. There are several things you can do to help cut back on these utility bills. See below for helpful tips to save you money.

Replace the Light Bulbs

When you move into your apartment, change the light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs. Replace those old incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs. The CFL bulbs provide just as much light, but can save you money on your energy bills each month. CFL bulbs are known to last quite a bit longer than regular incandescent bulbs. 

Program the Thermostat

If the thermostat can be programmed, take advantage of this. Program the thermostat so you aren't cooling or heating your apartment when you aren't home during the day, or when you are away on vacation. You can also program it to change in the evening when you're asleep as well. If you don't have a programmable thermostat in your apartment, ask your apartment manager about getting one installed. Programming your thermostat can save you on your monthly heating and cooling costs.

Turn Off Lights & Open Up the Curtains

Turn off lights in rooms you aren't using. You don't need the kitchen light on if you're in the living room. Take advantage of windows in your apartment by opening up the curtains and blinds to help light your apartment for free. That natural light can also help you on your heating bills as well. Open up the curtains and blinds and use the sun to help heat up your apartment in colder months. In summer months, close the curtains and blinds to keep your apartment cool.

Take Shorter Showers & Wash Full Loads

Save money on your water bill by taking shorter showers. You can save money on your water bill by washing full loads when doing laundry (if you have a laundry area in your apartment). The same goes for washing dishes. Wash full loads in the dishwasher, not small loads.

Saving money on your utilities can be done, even in an apartment. Be sure to talk to your apartment manager about other things you can do to help save you money on your utilities each month. You can also visit resources like http://www.daleforestapartments.com to learn more.