When it comes to moving house, the costs can mount up quickly. Luckily, there are numerous ways you can keep removal prices down. Here’s our top 10 list of tips for those planning a move on a budget.
1. Declutter Before You Pack
Why pay to move items you don’t need? Be ruthless and have a good clear-out before you start packing.
- Sell items online: Websites like eBay, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace are excellent for selling items you no longer need.
- Donate to charity: If you can’t sell it, consider donating to a local charity.
- Recycle responsibly: Be sure to recycle items that can’t be sold or donated.
Remember, the less you move, the less you pay.
2. Pack Yourself
Removal companies often offer packing services, but these come at a premium. To keep costs down:
- Pack yourself: This can be time-consuming but will save you money.
- Start early: Don’t leave it until the last minute. Start packing non-essential items weeks in advance.
- Label boxes: Clearly label boxes with their contents and which room they belong in.
3. Collect Free Boxes
Boxes are a significant expense in moving. You can save money by:
- Asking retailers: Large shops often have excess boxes that they are happy to give away.
- Checking online: Sites like Freecycle often have listings for free moving boxes.
- Reusing old boxes: Don’t throw away old boxes; they can be used for moving.
4. Move Mid-Week
The day of the week you choose to move can also have a significant impact on your removal costs. Many people prefer to move on weekends or during bank holidays, making these times busiest for removal companies.
Moving mid-week, when demand is lower, can often get you a better deal.
5. Compare Quotes & Prices
- Shop around: Get quotes from at a few different companies.
- Consider all services offered: Not every removal company offers every aspect of moving, and you might not need every service offered.
Here’s a quick table for a comparison:
| Tip | Potential Savings |
|---|---|
| Declutter Before You Pack | Up to £100 |
| Pack Yourself | £200 – £500 |
| Collect Free Boxes | £30 – £50 |
| Move Mid-Week | £100 – £200 |
| Compare Quotes | Varied |
| Dismantle Furniture Yourself | £50 – £100 |
| Consider a Self-Pack Moving Service | £100 – £200 |
| Protect Valuable Items | Varied |
| Move Less, More Often | £50 – £150 |
| Use Professional Removals for Large Items | Varied |
6. Dismantle Furniture Yourself
Some removal companies may charge extra to dismantle and reassemble furniture. If you can, do this yourself and save some money.
7. Consider a Self-Pack Moving Service
If you don’t have a lot of items to move, a self-pack moving service could be a cost-effective option. These services provide a moving van or container for you to pack yourself, then transport it to your new location.
8. Protect Valuable Items
Damages during the move can lead to unexpected costs. To avoid this, take extra care when packing valuable items.
Investing in quality packing materials for these items could save you money in the long run by avoiding the need to repair or replace them.
Start planning your move as early as possible.
The more time you have, the better you can organise and prepare. Early planning gives you a chance to compare different removal companies, collect packing materials, and declutter your home. More importantly, it helps you avoid last-minute stresses and extra costs. This might seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people leave their preparations until the last moment. By starting early, you’re giving yourself the best chance to save money and enjoy a smooth move.
9. Move Less, More Often
If you’re moving a short distance, consider making several smaller trips over a period of time instead of one big move.
10. Use Professional Removals for Large Items
While it can be tempting to save money by moving everything yourself, certain items are best left to the professionals. Large, heavy items can be difficult and dangerous to move without the right equipment and expertise.
Paying for professional removals for these items can often be cheaper than the cost of repairing damage or treating injuries.
Conclusion
Moving house needn’t break the bank. By being organised, doing some of the work yourself, and shopping around for the best deal, you can keep removal costs down. And remember, the money you save on your move can be put towards making your new house feel like home.
