Money Saving Tips for Moving House

If you’re on the cusp (or in the middle) of moving house, we don’t need to tell you that it can be a costly business. From finding the best removals company to buying packing equipment and organising for someone to look after the dog, there are loads of hidden costs that come with moving.

The good news is that, with a little preparation and knowhow, moving house doesn’t have to be extortionate. Check out our top tips for getting those moving costs down.

Plan, Plan, Plan!

The best and most important thing you can do when moving house is to get organised. Planning everything in advance and making sure you’re aware of all the costs involved will ensure you can plan your budget and avoid any last-minute charges.

It will also give you time to compare rates from all the different providers you might need to use during the move, including removals teams, conveyancing, cleaners, and utility providers at your new address. Booking some of these services well in advance of your moving date could also give you the opportunity to look for any discounts available.

Schedule Your Move Carefully

Planning your move in advance will also allow you to be selective about the dates and times you move, rather than being forced to take whichever slots your removal company has left at the last minute.

Bear in mind that different times of year are more popular, and therefore more costly, for moving. Out-of-hours times like weekends and Bank Holidays are generally more expensive while summer is incredibly popular, so removals companies often have to put their prices up to compete. That being said, Sundays are often unpopular so – if you can – try to book a Sunday or weekday to save money on removals costs.

Pack Creatively

When it comes to saving money, being a little inventive with your packing can be incredibly effective. Firstly, try to have a huge clearout of any items you no longer need or want before you move. Streamlining your possessions will avoid the cost of moving items unnecessarily as well as potentially reducing the size of the van you require for your move. You don’t need to spend heaps on packing materials either – boxes can often be sourced for free from local shops or businesses, while soft items such as duvets, bedsheets and pillows can be used instead of hiring protective packing materials.

Be Mindful of Food and Products

There’s no point buying lots of food and home products in the days leading up to your move, only to throw it all away on moving day. Instead, take stock of all the food you have in your home and come up with a meal plan for the week that uses up everything you have left. Bear in mind that fridges normally need to be turned off for defrosting around 24 hours before you move, so you make to plan accordingly. It can also be a good idea to order a food shop to arrive at your new home on the day you move, to avoid having to order costly takeaways.

Exploit Free Products and Services

One of the most expensive aspects of moving house is redecorating your new home when you get there. Whether your old furniture simply doesn’t fit in with your new place or you just fancy a change, you don’t have to spend a fortune on furnishing; websites such as Freecycle or Facebook Marketplace are a great way to find free furniture in your new neighbourhood. It’s also worth researching whether you’re entitled to any free services when you move – for example, you might be eligible for free insulation at your new home if you receive certain benefits.

If there’s one thing we can help you out with when moving, it’s a competitively-priced house removals service. To find out more, contact us or get a quote today.

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