The subscription services renters should cancel to save money

Subscription services have taken over our monthly budgets. From streaming platforms to meal kits, it’s easy to lose track of what we’re actually paying for. If you’re a renter trying to save money, cutting back on subscriptions is a simple yet effective way to free up extra cash. Here’s a breakdown of the most common subscription expenses - and which ones you might want to consider canceling or swapping for cheaper alternatives.

1. Streaming Services

Average Cost: £10–£20 per month (each)
Many of us subscribe to multiple streaming platforms - Netflix, Prime, Disney+, Sky, and more. The reality? You probably don’t use all of them regularly. Consider:

• Rotating subscriptions: Subscribe to one or two services at a time and switch every few months.
• Using free trials: Take advantage of promotions and rotate between services.
• Sharing plans: Some platforms allow account sharing, which can help split costs.

2. Meal Kit Subscriptions

Average Cost: £40–£100 per week
Meal kits promise convenience, but they often cost much more than buying groceries yourself. Instead:

• Try meal planning and batch cooking to save both time and money.
• Look for budget-friendly grocery delivery services if convenience is a priority.
• Use discounted first-time offers and cancel before the price jumps.
  
  

3. Gym & Fitness Memberships

Average Cost: £30–£80 per month
If you rarely use your gym membership, it’s time to cut the cord. Alternatives include:

• Free workout videos on YouTube (like Yoga with Adriene or HASfit).
• Affordable fitness apps with one-time fees instead of subscriptions.
• Outdoor workouts, walking, and home gym equipment (like resistance bands).
  
  

4. Music Streaming Services

Average Cost: £15+ per month
Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal are great, but do you need a paid plan? Consider:

• Switching to a free ad-supported plan.
• Using a family or student plan for discounts.
• Exploring free alternatives like Pandora, YouTube, or local radio stations.
  
  

5. Subscription Boxes (Beauty, Clothing, Books, etc.)

Average Cost: £20–£50 per month
If you’re subscribed to beauty, snack, or clothing boxes, consider:

• Canceling and buying only what you need.
• Swapping items with friends or finding secondhand deals.
• Using reward programs from brands you already love instead.
  
  

6. Gaming Subscriptions (Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, etc.)

Average Cost: £10–£25 per month

If you’re not actively playing, pause or cancel your gaming subscriptions. Instead:

• Look for free-to-play games.
• Buy individual games on sale instead of paying for unlimited access.
• Use game-sharing features if available.
  
  

7. Online Learning Platforms (Skillshare, MasterClass, etc.)

Average Cost: £10–£30 per month
If you rarely use online courses, consider free alternatives:

• YouTube tutorials from industry experts.
• Free courses on Coursera, Udemy (with promotions), or edX.
• Library resources that include free online learning.

The best way to cut unnecessary costs is to audit your bank statements for recurring charges. Ask yourself:

• When was the last time I used this service?
• Is there a free or cheaper alternative?
• Can I temporarily cancel and resubscribe if needed?

By canceling just a few unnecessary subscriptions, you can free up £50–£200 per month, which can go toward savings, rent, or other priorities. Try cutting back for a month and see how much you really miss them, you might be surprised!