Moving house is usually a major logistical challenge that can involve considerable costs. However, a well-planned and well-considered move doesn’t have to ruin your budget at all. There are many ways to save money while avoiding chaos and stress. Here are some proven methods to help you move economically and efficiently.
1. Planning the move in advance
The earlier you start planning your move, the more control you will have over costs. Early preparation allows you to:
- Book a cheaper removal company – removal companies often have discounts for people who book in advance. This will avoid the need for more expensive last minute options.
- Finding promotions on packaging materials – early shopping allows you to keep track of promotions on cardboard boxes, protective film and other materials.
2. Do an inventory of your belongings and get rid of unnecessary items
Moving house is the perfect opportunity to do an overview of your belongings and get rid of what you no longer use. Throwing out unnecessary items will not only make the move easier, but will also save you money.
- Sell unwanted items – list furniture, clothes or appliances that are in good condition on auction sites or local groups. The money gained can be used for moving costs.
- Donate or swap – items that are too large or uneconomical to transport can be given away for free or exchanged with other people, e.g. for things you need.
3. Free packaging materials
Packaging materials can generate significant costs if you decide to buy them from a shop.
Here are a few ways to get their materials for free:
- Acquire cardboard boxes for free – many shops, especially grocery shops, are happy to give away cardboard boxes that would have been thrown away anyway. Ask for them at local supermarkets or neighbourhood groups.
- Use what you have – instead of buying bubble wrap, use blankets, towels, clothes or newspapers to protect fragile items. This will help you avoid unnecessary spending on packaging materials.
- Recycling old boxes – if you have online shopping boxes at home, reuse them instead of throwing them away. This is a great way to cut costs and reduce waste.
4. Savings on transport
Transport costs are one of the most expensive parts of a move, but there are several ways to reduce them:
- Find cheap transport – do a quote comparison of removal companies. Some companies offer special discounts, packages or lower rates on weekdays. Also consider hiring a van and ask friends to help if possible.
- Rent a vehicle by the hour – if you don’t have a lot of stuff, consider renting a car by the hour instead of a full-day rental. This way you only pay for the actual transport time.
- Reduce the number of courses – by planning your move into one or two courses, you will reduce fuel costs and removal team time.
5. Self-packing
One of the easiest ways to save money when moving house is to pack your belongings yourself. The removal company may charge extra for packing your items, so it’s worth doing it yourself.
However, it is worth noting a few principles:
- Properly secure your belongings – ensure that all items are well secured, especially fragile and valuable items, to avoid costly damage.
- Efficient packing – pack things thoughtfully. Use as much cardboard space as possible to reduce the number of boxes and therefore reduce the cost of transport.
6. Friends and family to help with the move
Enlisting the help of family and friends can significantly reduce the cost of removals. Instead of hiring a removal team, ask if someone close to you could help you move your belongings, which will significantly reduce costs.
You can also:
- Rent a larger vehicle together – if one of your friends is also planning a move, you can rent a van together and share the costs.
- Shared lunches in exchange for help – instead of paying the removal company, invite friends to share a lunch or prepare snacks for them. It’s a way of helping out economically and spending quality time together.
7. Time flexibility for the move
Being flexible about when you move can also help you save money. Removal companies often have higher rates at weekends and on the last days of the month. If you can, choose a less popular day to move, such as the middle of the week. It’s also worth considering moving outside the summer season, when demand for removal services is lower and prices may be lower.
8. Reduce the cost of additional services
Removal companies often offer various additional services, such as unpacking, furniture assembly or storage. Forgoing such services can help to significantly reduce costs.
Instead:
- Take care of the unpacking yourself – unpacking your belongings and assembling your furniture can be done in-house, saving you extra charges.
- Storing things – if you need temporary storage, look for low-cost options, such as friends who have access to unused garage space.
Saving money when moving house
Saving money when house removals requires, above all, proper planning and a thoughtful approach. With advance preparation, creative solutions and the involvement of friends, you can significantly reduce the cost of moving while making the whole process easier for yourself. Remember that savings can come not only from cutting transport costs, but also from a smart approach to packing and organisation.
