There’s no denying it – the cost of moving can be high.
But, it’s not all bad news. While it can get pricey, some costs can be avoided!
For the savvy mover, the ways to save might seem obvious. But, some of us need pointing in the right direction. If you’re one of them, here are our top tips for saving money when moving home.
How to save money when moving into a new house
- Pick time/date carefully
- Declutter
- Sell unused furniture
- Don’t splash out unnecessarily
- Get quality packing materials
- Reuse & recycle supplies
- Use what’s in the fridge/freezer
- Do your own cleaning
- Clear the driveway
- Compare removals quotes
Choose the time of your move carefully
The date matters – so pick carefully.
When booking the day with your removals company, opt for midweek if you can. Weekdays are often the cheaper option, particularly when compared to bank holidays or Christmas.
Of course, this may not be possible for everyone! But, if you can, being flexible with your move date can result in some welcome savings. The cost of moving house adds up, so it’s important you try and save where you can.
Declutter before you move
Wondering how to pack for moving home? There are plenty of ways to get prepared for the big day – including having a moving day checklist handy. But, there are some things you may not have considered…
- Why pay to pack up and transport belongings you’re never going to use again?
- It’s a good idea to declutter beforehand, separating what you need and what you don’t.
- Having trouble narrowing it down? Use the six-month rule. If you haven’t used something in this period of time, don’t take it with you.
- A detailed house inventory might help you here. Write down a list and stick to it. This will help you identify what you’re taking with you vs. what you no longer use.
Sell unused furniture
While you might not get as much as you paid for it, selling unused furniture is a good way to put some extra cash in your pocket. Let’s face it – when moving home, it’s likely this will be extremely welcome!
Particularly for big pieces of furniture, this avoids having to pay for storage, or for movers to collect them.
Don’t splash out on insurance unnecessarily
Home insurance is a necessity you can’t afford to cut corners on. But, you may not need to take out insurance for your possessions in transit.
If using a professional removals firm, you might be covered by your home insurance policy.
However, this isn’t always the case, so it’s vital you check to make sure. Don’t wait until the worst happens to find out!
Those who choose a DIY move often aren’t covered at all.
Pack up by yourself
While it can be tempting to use a packing service, this could be another unnecessary cost. Why pay for a professional mover to pack up your home when you can DIY?
This way, you’ll only be paying your removals firm to help with the move itself.
Enlisting the help of friends and family is the perfect solution for those on a budget who need an extra pair of hands!
Get quality packing boxes
You might not expect it – but paying for numerous boxes can put a serious dent in your wallet.
The solution? Avoid this extra charge by ensuring the ones you buy are sturdy and durable! You don’t want them breaking and potentially damaging your goods.
Get affordable, quality moving boxes and packing supplies below.
Use other packing materials
Sometimes, when it comes to packing, it’s a good idea to quite literally think outside the box. Asking friends/family what they can lend you can be a good idea too.
You’d be surprised at the different storage solutions you can come up with!
Suitcases
Suitcases make perfect makeshift moving boxes for items such as books. They’re easy to move around and usually sturdy – meaning they can double up as storage for heavy items.
Alternatively, why not use them for clothes?
Laundry bags
Laundry bags are extremely cheap and fairly durable – use this to your advantage! They’re perfect for protecting clothes during your move.
Some more good news, they’re reusable, unlike bin bags which are likely to tear during the process.
Avoid bubble wrap
Buying the necessary amount of bubble wrap can be expensive – not to mention environmentally unfriendly. So, consider the alternatives open to you:
• Newspaper
• Towels
• Old bedding
If you can recycle or reuse something rather than buy, this will help keep costs down. It’s an age-old money saving tip, but it works.
Use what’s in the fridge and freezer
It’s not the best idea to do a full food shop in the days leading up to your move.
Instead, use up what’s in the fridge and freezer. This will help avoid unnecessary waste.
Plus, once you’re all moved in to your new property, try to get the oven working as soon as possible. This way, you won’t be tempted to overspend on takeaways or dining out.
Do the cleaning yourself
Is it necessary to pay for a professional cleaner?
Doing the clean yourself is one of the most fool proof ways to save money where you can.
Clear the driveway
Removals companies sometimes charge by the hour. So, consider the distance they will have to travel! The further away they have to park, the longer your move will take.
If possible, clear the driveway or ensure they have space outside to park.
Get removal quotes early
There are a number of ways to save money when it comes to removals firm, such as booking early.
The best way? Find the removal quote that suits you!
It’s important not to go with the first deal you find, but to ‘shop around’ until you find the best one for you.
We can take the hassle out of this process for you. Click below to quickly and easily receive removals quotes – for free!
Last Updated: September 2nd, 2021
