What to cut today for lower bills next month
What can you do today to save money next month? Running a mobile home park is about balancing costs while maintaining quality. While increasing income helps, cutting unnecessary expenses can have an even greater impact on cash flow. The key is being proactive—making small adjustments now to prevent major expenses later.
Here are three practical ways to reduce costs today and start seeing real savings next month—without sacrificing quality for tenants.
Disconnect utilities from vacant park owned homes.
If you have multiple vacant units that may remain vacant for an extended period of time - heating as well as base fees can quickly add up. A lot of times it’s beneficial to disconnect the unit to not only save on cost but for safety reasons as well. Things to consider. The cost to re-connect. Need to winterize in cold climates.
📉 Negotiate Your Service Contracts
Many parks rely on vendors for waste management, landscaping, and maintenance, but contracts often go untouched for years, leading to gradual rate increases you may not notice.
💡 Things to keep in mind when reviewing contracts:
● Vendors expect negotiations—they often leave room for price adjustments.
● Bundling services (e.g., landscaping + trash pickup) can lower costs.
● Competitive quotes give you leverage—even if you don’t switch providers.
📞 Action Tip: Call vendors and say, “I’m reviewing my expenses—(insert competitor) offered me a better rate. Can you match it?” Even if they don’t lower costs, they may offer better service terms, like priority service or fewer fees.
🛠 Preventative Maintenance: Fix Small Issues Before They Cost You Thousands
Emergency repairs destroy budgets—a water leak, tree damage, or frozen pipes can turn into major expenses if left unchecked.
🔹 Water leaks waste money – Small leaks drain thousands of gallons and cause hidden damage. Regularly monitor water usage and inspect common leak areas.🔹 Choose long-lasting materials – Carpet seems cheaper, but vinyl flooring lasts longer and reduces maintenance costs.🔹 Preventative landscaping saves money – Address autumn leaf buildup, spring rain erosion, and overgrown trees to avoid expensive repairs later.
👷♂️ Pro Tip: Build strong relationships with tenants. Incentivize them to report leaks and repairs early. A good maintenance plan isn’t just about saving money—it protects your investment and keeps tenants happy.
🗑 Laundry Facilities: A Hidden Money Pit
Laundry rooms are often overlooked but can drain park finances with high repair, utility, and maintenance costs.
💡 Ways to cut laundry costs:
Outsource laundry operations – Keeps the amenity while eliminating repair/utility costs.
Make the space inviting – Good lighting, chairs, and clear signage increase usage.
Watch water waste – Audit water usage and invest in durable, high-efficiency machines.
Evaluate whether your laundry facility is worth keeping. If most residents have in-home washers and dryers, it may be more cost-effective to shut it down.
🚀 5 Quick Action Steps to Start Saving Now
1️⃣ Review & renegotiate contracts for better pricing.
2️⃣ Set up a preventative maintenance checklist to stay ahead of costly repairs.
3️⃣ Monitor water usage spikes to catch hidden leaks.
4️⃣ Choose durable materials (like vinyl over carpet) for long-term savings.
5️⃣ Evaluate your laundry facilities—consider outsourcing or shutting them down.
💰 Small strategic changes today lead to big financial savings tomorrow. Stay proactive, cut unnecessary costs, and watch your cash flow improve while maintaining a high-quality community.
⬇️ Download Our Cost Cutting Checklist Here ⬇️
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