A property will probably be the biggest purchase you ever make, but that’s no reason to spend more than you need to on removals. Check out our tips for saving whilst moving.
When it comes to moving into your new home, there are ways to make sure you’re not throwing away your hard-earned cash on unnecessary costs, when it might be better used decorating your new property or ordering that celebratory first night takeaway.
Saving money moving house is just as much about taking care of your belongings and making the most of your time as it is about the cost of services.
In this article, we will provide you with valuable money saving tips and advice when moving house, from the minute you decide to move, right up to moving day itself.
What Are the Main Costs of Moving House?
The cost of moving house can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the distance of the move, the size of the property, and the type of removal company you hire. On average, the cost of moving a three-bedroom house can range from £800 to £1,000, depending on the removal company and the services they offer. However, choosing to hire a van for moving house can help you save costs.
Declutter Before You Move
Deciding to clear out unused or broken items before the moving date can save you money in several ways. First, it reduces the number of packing boxes you’ll need, which in turn reduces the time it takes to load your boxes. It will also reduce costs if you need to store your items. The less you have, the less you pay. Clearing out items can also help you save time during the packing process, making the entire move more efficient.
Sell or Give Away Any Unwanted Items
You could even make some money by selling your items online using selling platforms such as Marketplace or Gumtree.
Try and get rid of all the stuff you don’t want and take the time to clear it out way in advance of your move.
As your countdown to the move begins, you’ll end up just chucking everything in boxes and promising yourself you’ll deal with it after the move. Newsflash: you won’t. And you’ll end up paying more for the privilege of transporting items you don’t particularly want.
Save Big by Hiring a Van Instead of a Full Removal Service
Using a removal company can be incredibly costly. The UK average cost of using a removals company to move a 3 bed house is £948, so hiring a van to move yourself can save you hundreds of pounds which may be better spent decorating your new abode. Booking in advance allows you to ensure you get the best van at the cheapest price.
At Hire 2 You Car & Van Hire in Kent, you can hire a Luton Van hire for 1 day for just £89, which is a huge saving. Hiring a van and man can help you avoid the heavy lifting associated with moving substantial items like sofas and appliances.
At Hire2You, we offer both self-drive van rental and our popular van and man service to suit every type of move and budget. Whether you are doing it yourself or need help with heavy lifting, we’ve got you covered.
Our van and man service is perfect for those who want assistance loading and unloading, especially when dealing with bulky furniture or lots of boxes. With friendly, experienced drivers and transparent pricing, you can relax knowing your move is handled efficiently and affordably.
Ready to move smarter? Book your van or van and man service today!
Don’t Miss Work
Depending on your work schedules, it may be cheaper to move on less expensive days of the week, such as midweek, when moving costs are generally lower. This way, you don’t have to miss a day of work or miss out on shifts.
Similarly, if you need to consider the cost of childcare, that might affect your decision. While you’ll have to complete it on a weekday, there’s no reason you can’t move at the weekend, so consider which option works best for you.
Cut Costs On Removals BoxesÂ
Instead of buying removals boxes you could use second hand cardboard boxes, as long as they’re sturdy enough. Places like Ebay, Vinted and even Facebook Marketplace often have listings for second hand removal boxes. Local supermarkets and online selling platforms can be great sources for free or cheap packing supplies.
However, it’s crucial to use high quality packing materials to ensure the safety of your items during the move.
Cut Packing Costs with Items You Already Own
It’s easy to assume we need to spend lots on rolls of bubble wrap or go searching for armfuls of newspaper, but you probably have a lot more to protect your items than you think.
Using soft furnishings, blankets, towels, clothing, and any other materials to protect your delicate items doubles up as smart packing. Why waste money on lots of bubble wrap that you’re just going to have to get rid of later, when you have lots of clothes you need to pack anyway?
Eat Up
When you get ready to move, you realise how much food you have stuffed away at the back of the cupboard, and how much needs to be used up from the freezer. Ignoring your frozen goods will mean you’ll have to throw them away in order to defrost and prepare your white goods for the move.
Do an assessment of how much food you have to use up before your move and try your best to use up heavy tins or anything that isn’t sealed properly.
Eating up the food you have will mean fewer boxes to pack, less waste and saves you money. Also, by preparing some meals in advance you won’t be tempted to spend money on takeaway when a chunk of your kitchen is packed up. Planning ahead to manage access to your kitchen setups can further help you save money on food and beverages during the move.
Pack Carefully to Avoid Damage and Costly Replacements
Saving money also means not having to replace things further down the line. Ensure you pack your belongings with care, label fragile items clearly, and try not to load too many heavy items into one box, or too many boxes on top of each other.
Make sure you know the limits and inclusions of your insurance, so if anything is damaged, you can cover the costs.
If you have sentimental items you’re worried about, either make sure the team know, or bring those items with you in your car. Additionally, managing legal costs, such as conveyancing fees, can help you save money during the moving process.
When you hire a van with Hire2You, you get more than just a vehicle — you get peace of mind. Our van rental packages include a range of complementary extras designed to make your move smoother, safer, and more cost-effective.
From free sack barrows to ratchet straps, we provide the support that DIY movers need to stay on budget and on time.
Label Boxes Properly for a Smoother, More Efficient Move
Can you imagine the frustration of having to run out and buy something when you know the item is definitely in a box somewhere?
Consider which items you might need in that first week in your new property and keep those aside. Label your own boxes clearly and consider creating an ‘unpacking kit’ with things like scissors, tools, cleaning supplies and anything else you might need. Proper labelling and organisation will ensure a smooth transition to the home straight.
New Home Expenses
Moving into a new home comes with its own set of expenses that can quickly add up if you’re not careful. From setting up utilities to buying cleaning supplies and making minor repairs, these costs can catch you off guard. To save money, plan ahead by budgeting for these expenses and looking for ways to cut removal costs. For example, you can save on cleaning supplies by buying in bulk or using homemade solutions.
If your new home needs repairs, consider doing some of the work yourself or enlisting the help of family and friends. By being proactive and resourceful, you can keep your new home expenses under control and start enjoying your new space without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Moving home doesn’t have to drain your savings. With a bit of planning, smart packing, and budget-conscious decisions like hiring a van instead of a full removal service, you can cut down on costs significantly while still ensuring a smooth transition into your new place. From decluttering and reusing materials to booking services in advance and eating through your pantry, every small saving adds up.
By following the tips outlined in this guide, you will be able to move more efficiently, reduce stress, and keep more money in your pocket — right where it belongs.
Ready to take the stress and extra cost out of your next move? Hire2You offers flexible van hire and affordable van and man services that make moving easy and budget-friendly. Book today and move smart.