Consumer Help guide

Spend less by repairing, borrowing and buying used

Use practical ideas such as repair cafés, borrowing schemes, rental and good second-hand buys to replace fewer things and keep more money in your pocket.

Estimated time: 30–40 minutes to plan, then as neededUpdated: 2 October 2026

Use this guide if you are tired of replacing things that break, or want to cut spending without going without. Have a list of anything at home that is broken, worn or that you are about to buy new.

Step by step

  1. Make a 'before I buy' list

    Write down everything you were planning to replace or buy in the next three months, from a kettle to winter boots or a drill. Next to each, write one of four options: repair, borrow, rent or buy used, and only leave 'buy new' if none of the others work. Pin the list somewhere visible and check it before any non-food purchase.

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