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Here are the easiest ways to cut the cost of moving house (Picture: Getty Images) Moving house is one of life’s most stressful and expensive events. The toll is physical as well as mental, and it often catches people off guard with unexpected costs. However, through careful planning and the application of savvy strategies, it’s possible to reduce expenses significantly, while making the move a smoother experience.Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, these tips provide a comprehensive guide to moving on a budget, without compromising on quality or peace of mind. Start planning early One of the most effective ways to cut moving costs is to start planning well ahead — ideally six to eight weeks before your moving date. Early preparation involves creating a detailed budget that not only accounts for removal services and packing materials but also factors in incidental expenses such as cleaning, utility setup, and potential temporary accommodation. A detailed to-do list tailored to your timeline helps keep the process organised and reduces last-minute spending. This also means you can shop around and compare multiple quotes for services such as removals and storage, helping you spot discounts or seasonal deals. Start planning six to eight weeks before your moving date (Picture: Getty Images) For context, the average cost of professional removal services in the UK is £1,300 for a 1-2 bed home and £1,700 for a 3-bedroom home, according to Zoopla. But securing cheaper rates or combining services can save hundreds of pounds. And booking last-minute or during peak times will almost always increase charges. Declutter in advance Before packing begins, take a methodical approach to decluttering your current home. The less you move, the lower your costs, as removal vans and service charges often scale with volume and weight. Sort your belongings into what to keep, sell, donate, or recycle. Hosting a garage sale or using online marketplaces can put some cash back in your pocket. A reduced inventory means you can opt for smaller vehicles on moving day, saving on hire fees and fuel. Additionally, a more manageable load speeds up the packing and unpacking process, reducing overall labour costs and stress. Decluttering means you’ll have less to take with you when you move (Picture: Getty Images) Use free packing materials Packing supplies can quickly inflate moving costs. Instead of buying boxes, seek free alternatives by collecting sturdy boxes from local supermarkets, bookstores, or office supply stores — they often dispose of perfectly good boxes regularly as they receive shipments. Friends and family might also have unused boxes or materials. Additionally, newspapers, old towels, scarves, and blankets can substitute expensive bubble wrap and packing peanuts for cushioning fragile items. Remember that while creative substitutes work well for many items, delicate or highly valuable belongings should still be wrapped securely to prevent damage during transit. Pack everything yourself Hiring professional packers comes with a significant price tag, averaging around £387 in the UK, according to Compare My Move, but doing it yourself can drastically cut this expense. Efficient packing requires investment in time but rewards with cost savings and a better understanding of your possessions’ condition. Pack everything yourself instead of paying for professionals (Picture: Getty Images) Use uniform-sized boxes to simplify stacking and transport. Be mindful to neither overfill nor underfill boxes, as this can risk damage or waste space. Clear labelling by room and item description makes unpacking easier and helps removers know what requires delicate handling. Choose your moving dates wisely Timing your move can have a substantial impact on costs. Moving companies often charge premium rates on certain days or times of year, so choosing dates during off-peak periods can reduce your moving costs. Compare My Move found that Sunday is the cheapest day to move house, while Thursday is the most expensive. They add that off-peak times of year, such as the spring or after the summer holidays, can usually result in cheaper removal costs too. Certain days of the week are more expensive to move house (Picture: Getty Images) In addition to the moving date, coordinate utility disconnections and reconnections to avoid paying for overlapping services and, where possible, transfer contracts from your previous property to the new one to sidestep expensive setup fees. This careful timing and organisation help streamline your expenses and minimise waste. Prepare food and drink in advance Moving days are hectic and demanding, often leading to expensive takeaway meals or frequent stops that add up. Preparing simple meals and snacks ahead of time – such as sandwiches, fruit, bottled water, and energy bars – keeps everyone well-fuelled without denting your budget. Consider packing a cooler with drinks and snacks that can be easily accessed throughout the day. This not only saves money but also maximises productivity and maintains morale during the physically taxing move. Additionally, having ready food minimises unnecessary delays and allows you to focus on the tasks at hand. Preparing food will prevent money spent on takeaways (Picture: Getty Images) Use a mail redirection service Ensuring you receive all important mail after a move is crucial to avoid missed bills, late fees, or missed correspondence that could lead to costlier problems later. Royal Mail offers a mail redirection service from £41.50, which covers forwarding mail to your new address for up to a year. While this is an upfront expense, it offers peace of mind and helps avoid the inconvenience and potential financial repercussions from missed notices or payments. Remember also to update your address with banks, creditors, and subscriptions promptly, too. Consider self-storage facilities If there is a timing gap between moving out of your old home and into the new one, renting a self-storage unit gives you a secure place to store your belongings temporarily without rushing. When selecting storage facilities, prioritise those with robust security features such as alarms, CCTV, and restricted access to prevent theft or damage. Using self-storage facilities can make the process more manageable (Picture: Getty Images) Self-storage also allows you to stage your moving process in manageable phases rather than trying to do everything in one go, which can reduce stress and avoid premium emergency moving costs. Private units are increasingly affordable, with flexible rental periods tailored to your needs. Opt for a DIY or hybrid approach To substantially cut the cost of professional services, consider a DIY move where you rent a moving truck or container and handle transport yourself. This can eliminate labour charges incurred by full-service movers. Alternatively, adopt a hybrid approach by hiring help only for heavy or bulky items, while managing smaller items independently. Leveraging friends and family for assistance is a time-tested way of reducing costs, but be sure to plan and compensate any help with food or small gifts. Other options include shipping larger items via freight or utilising car-sharing services for transport. These alternatives demand more personal effort but can drastically reduce overall expenses. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
