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How to Save Money When Moving

By Rebecca Siggers

By Rebecca SiggersPublished 5 years ago 4 min read
How to Save Money When Moving
Photo by Han Chenxu on Unsplash

It is a universally known truth that moving house is an expensive process. Moving a single-bedroom apartment may cost you as much as a thousand pounds. Sure, there are a lot of things that play a role in forming the end price but why not spare some money for things you actually enjoy?

Luckily for you, we've compiled a list of 10 tips on how to save as much money as you can before your upcoming move. Without further ado, here they are...

Here are the Tips to Save Money on Your Move

Do the packing on your own. If you have the time, pack your belongings on your own. Of course, a professional moving crew will also be able to do the packing as well, but you'd have to pay for that luxury. So when your goal is to save as much money as possible, you must undertake this task and get it done before the professional movers arrive on the moving day.

Find free packing materials if possible. This you must have heard before. Go to local supermarkets and shops and ask for free boxes. Finding liquor boxes would be best because they are sturdier since they must protect glass bottles. However, any other type will also be helpful for packing lighter items.

Do not buy packing materials. Spending money on them is a bit of waste unless you have valuable items that need careful handling. Instead of buying bubble wrap and packing paper, you can use old newspapers and magazines, your towels, socks, garbage bags even, etc.

Declutter ahead of time. The earlier you begin decluttering your house, the more time you'll have to separate the things you want to take with you and which you do not. Also, this way you'll have time to sell some of the stuff you no longer need and want. You'll help yourself by obtaining some extra money to pay for your move.

Move on a weekday. Since most people work during the week, the most convenient time to complete a move is on the weekend. That being said, this also makes these days more expensive than any weekday. So, if you wish to save some money, try to find a convenient time during the week to at least move your belongings.

Give as much detailed information about your move to your moving company. This way you will get an estimate that is almost 100% correct and you won't be unpleasantly surprised by additional fees.

Some vital information that you may not think of sharing which can impact the cost of the service includes floor from/to which you move, whether there is an elevator, how close the van is parked, how big the biggest furniture or appliance is, etc.

If possible, move off-season. Most people rather move in Summer, late Spring or early Autumn. However, the high demand during these periods also leads to increased prices. So, if you're not in a hurry to move, you may want to organise your move for an off-season time, or even during a holiday. Even if it's in Winter. Some people even prefer moving house at that time because it can save you quite a few hundred quids.

Don't cancel the move at the last minute. Plan ahead and be organised so you can avoid paying a late cancellation fee. Most if not all moving companies charge such fees.

Don't buy groceries in the week before your moving day. Try to eat what you have so you don't have spare or perishable food that you end up throwing away. In case you have a ton of food left which you don't want to take with you, you may find someplace to donate it.

Time Management is Crucial

We said this already, but it's important to remember it. Most removal companies give you a quote based roughly on the amount of time they estimate your move will take. So, the shorter time, the less money you'll spend.

Arranging a parking spot as close to your home as possible is a must.

Have the packing done ahead of time, by you or by professional packers.

Disconnect appliances, unfreeze the fridge and freezer. If you're moving with the appliances.

Get your kids, pets ready to leave the house as soon as the moving van is loaded.

Bonus tip: If you're moving to a place that has furnishings and appliances, you can sell yours. Thus, you'll have less items to move which cuts down the time and cost of your removal service. Plus, you'll have extra money an may even pay for the service from selling them.

Takeaways

Try to follow all of the tips we've listed and your bank account will thank you in the end. If not all of them are possible, then, of course, try to save on whichever you can. In case you aren't able to use any of the tips and you find yourself obligated to hire professional help for all of it, then try to get a good deal about the combination of services that you'll be booking.

Most companies will give you some discount when you book more than one service. But put aside the financial aspect of the move. Try not to stress too much about your move. Just plan and organise in advance so there are no last-minute surprises and you should be fine.

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