Moving home is never going to be a cheap affair. As well as finding deposits, paying agent’s fees, and endless solicitor’s costs, there is the expense associated with the physical move to deal with too. Moving home involves vans, lorries, boxes, and bags, not to mention the costs of insurance, moving services, child and pet care, and everything else.
If you, like many others, are trying to move home on a tight budget, don’t despair. With a little thought and dedication, many of the big costs of moving can be trimmed down to more manageable levels if you know how. Here are some top tips for cutting costs on a house move that you can try on for size.
#1. Don’t buy new packing boxes
New packing boxes are a big expense, particularly if it is a family home that you are moving. Rather than buy new, stick with the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ philosophy and go on the hunt for some good quality used boxes instead.
Try local classifieds, Facebook groups, and forums, and ask around friends and neighbors. Some will give them away free, others may want some cash, but either way, you can get them for significantly less than if you buy them from your removal company.
#2. Don’t use packing materials
Things like bubble wrap and packing nuts all cost money, but most people can actually live without them. Rather than packing breakables in plastic bubble wrap, why not use something that you were going to have to pack anyway.
Woolly scarves, socks, and jumpers are ideal for wrapping up smaller items, whereas duvets, blankets, and cushions are great for protecting larger items from damage.
#3. Work out the best strategy for removals
It can be tempting to think that it will be cheaper to do your move yourself than it will be to get the professionals in. Whilst this can be true in some cases, such as a young student moving to a single room or a couple moving from a one bedroom flat, once you get up to two or three bedroomed family homes or bigger, the costs involved in running the van back and forth between the two addresses really starts to add up.
Wasting time packing, unpacking, driving, and repacking the van over and over may mean you end up keeping the vehicle for two or more days, which makes this cost-saving solution actually more expensive than getting a removal company in the first place!
#4. Get quotes and lots of them
When it comes to picking a removals company London residents can save a great deal by shopping around for their quotes. Compare prices from at least three companies, and make sure you understand what is included.
Hidden costs such as insurance, mileage allowance, and additional time beyond the quoted period can make a good value quote become not very good at all.
#5. Do as much as you can yourself
Even if you are getting moved professionally being totally prepared on a moving day can save valuable time and costs. Pack everything, dismantle furniture ready for their arrival, and do any cleaning or meter reading well before they get there.
This will let you maximize their time and efforts in doing what you paid them to do, not what you could be doing yourself. It is also highly recommended that you get a self-storage facility in Horsham that could store your belongings in case they won't fit in one go.
Moving house is a significant financial undertaking, with costs ranging from deposits and agent's fees to the expenses associated with the physical move itself. For those on a tight budget, navigating these expenses can seem daunting. However, with careful planning and strategic decision-making, it's possible to reduce the financial burden of moving. Here are some key strategies to consider:
Firstly, opting for used packing boxes instead of buying new ones can lead to substantial savings. By leveraging local classifieds, social media groups, and connections with friends and neighbors, it's often possible to acquire boxes at a fraction of the cost.
Secondly, rethinking packing materials can yield additional savings. Instead of purchasing bubble wrap and packing nuts, consider using household items like scarves, socks, and blankets to protect fragile items. This not only reduces costs but also minimizes waste.
Thirdly, when it comes to removals, carefully weigh the pros and cons of hiring professionals versus DIY moving. While it may seem cost-effective to handle the move independently, larger homes or long-distance moves can incur significant expenses in terms of time and resources. Obtaining quotes from multiple removal companies and comparing their services can help identify the most cost-effective option.
Additionally, being proactive in preparation can further optimize moving day efficiency. By packing items, dismantling furniture, and completing any necessary tasks in advance, you can minimize the time and effort required from the removal company, potentially reducing overall costs.
Finally, considering alternative storage solutions, such as self-storage facilities, can provide flexibility and cost savings, particularly if space constraints necessitate multiple trips or temporary storage.
In essence, by adopting a strategic approach and leveraging cost-saving measures, individuals can successfully navigate the challenges of moving house while minimizing financial strain.
There are some really great tips here, particularly in relation to not using new boxes. If people choose to rent a crate instead it can work out more cost effective, and in many cases is more environmentally friendly too!
ReplyDeleteIn these tough economic times finding ways to reduce the costs of moving is more important than ever.