Moving house can cost a significant amount of money. It’s helpful to plan for this well in advance so you’re prepared for all the costs. And it’s also beneficial to take measures so you save the money that you can. Here are seven tips to help you save your hard-earned cash when moving house.
Sell and donate unwanted possessions
Take the time to look through your belongings before moving. Naturally, removal services are cheaper when there are fewer things to move. Are there any items that are broken that you need to take to the tip or recycling centre?
Or do you have items just gathering dust? Use the six-month rule. If you haven’t used something in the past six months, get rid of it by donating or selling it. You can sell preloved items at car boot sales or online through Facebook Marketplace, local groups on social media, or eBay. Freecycle and charity shops can be options for items you’re happy to give away for free.
Pick a removals team early on
Shop around and compare prices on different removal companies. Book promptly and see if you qualify for a discount. Some removal businesses give discounts to key workers, students and armed forces.
If you want to save some extra money on removals, opt to do the packing yourself and the dismantling and reassembling of furniture. Ask for a survey from the removals team to assess what you need moved. This ensures the right sized van and the appropriate number of people will be there for moving day.
Time the move well
Avoid the prime moving season and specific days of the week that are more expensive to move. Moving during off-peak times, like in the spring or after summer holidays, can result in cheaper removal costs. Moving on major holidays often comes with steep removal costs.
Friday is usually the most expensive day of the week to book removals, while Sunday and midweek days are the cheapest. If it’s possible, be flexible with your moving date as this can help you secure a more affordable price.
Get creative with packing materials
Instead of buying loads of packing materials. Keep towels, blankets, soft furnishings, clothing and any other items to provide protection on hand as packing materials. But also make sure you’re careful while packing to avoid any items breaking while in transit.
Additionally, don’t spend money on buying boxes. Ask around in local community groups if someone has free boxes from a recent move. Some supermarkets and other stores and offices have extra boxes on hand. Also, use laundry baskets and bags, suitcases and backpacks, rubbish bins and any available containers for packing.
Eat up your food
Before moving, assess how much food you have left and try to use it all up before moving day. Be sure to check the back of your cupboards and freezer.
You won’t want to have to pay to move heavy tins or other non-perishables and trying to transport frozen food can come with its own challenges, especially if you’re moving cross country.
Avoid overbuying decor and furniture for your new home
Don’t buy too much decor and furniture, especially before moving. Wait until you’re moved in before buying some of these items. Set up a budget and don’t be impulsive with your spending on this.
It’s helpful to start with only buying the necessities and then later on look at the additional items you’d like to add to make your new place feel like home.
Do the cleaning yourself
Instead of using a commercial cleaning company, put the rubber gloves on and take care of the cleaning yourself! Ask friends or family to help.
Use up those cleaning products that have been taking up space in your cupboards as you won’t want to risk them leaking or damaging your possessions during transit.
