Moving home is one of life’s most expensive events. Even the process of moving itself can rack up the costs. However, there are plenty of ways to keep the costs down while ensuring your possessions arrive safely.
The Junk-It team have put together this handy guide to cover budget-friendly ways to help you move.
Understanding Your Moving Day Options: Choose The Right Moving House Service – From Moving House Rubbish Removal Glasgow Expert
When planning a house move on a budget, the first decision is choosing between DIY approaches and professional moving services.
DIY Moving: Move House on a Budget
For those looking for the absolute cheapest way to move house, the DIY approach is usually the winner. This approach involves hiring a van, enlisting friends or family to help, and handling all packing, loading and transportation yourself.
It might be more labour-intensive and take longer than hiring the professionals, but this approach can save you the most money. If you have any children or dogs, you may want to have them stay with your family or friends during the move.
The biggest expense in a DIY move is usually the cost of hiring a removal van. Depending on the size of the vehicle and your location, prices typically range from £50 to £200 per day.
Don’t forget to factor in packing materials, fuel costs, and maybe even a cheeky takeaway to thank your helpers after a hard day’s work!
“Man with a Van” Services: The Middle Ground For Removals
Looking for some semi-professional help without the full price tag of moving companies? A “man with a van” might have exactly what you’re looking for!
These services usually provide a driver and assistant who help load, transport, and unload your belongings.
At roughly £40-80 per hour, it costs more than the DIY method. However, you might make significant savings on stress, time, and potential backache!
If you’re hiring a “man with a van,” make sure to pick someone with great reviews and plenty of moving experience. It’s the best way to keep your belongings safe.
Removal Company Services: Finding the Best Value Instead of Price
Although it certainly isn’t the cheapest way to move, if you care more about value and ensuring your items are safe throughout the process, consider hiring a professional removal company.
They can offer comprehensive services including:
- Packing
- Transportation
- Loading and unloading
- Unpacking
If you’re happy to do some of the work yourself, you can often work out a deal. For example, you take care of the packing and unpacking, and they handle the delivery and heavy lifting.
This can be a great way to save a bit of money while still enjoying a more stress-free moving process.
9 Ways to Cut Costs on Your House Move
Regardless of which moving approach you choose, these practical tips can help reduce your moving costs significantly:
1. Declutter Before You Move
Moving house can be stressful and expensive. But the fewer things you have to move, the less you’ll spend on moving.
The cost of the most moves is primarily determined by volume, so decluttering beforehand can help you cut back on moving costs.
Consider selling your unwanted items online, you might be able to use these funds to help pay for your move!
2. Source Free Packing Materials
Packing materials can add up quickly if purchased new. Luckily, we have some tips to cut back on the costs.
Instead, ask local supermarkets for spare boxes, use newspaper instead of buying bubble wrap, and repurpose household linens as protective wrapping for fragile items.
Check if there are any local social media groups, they’re great places where communities support each other during moves and often donate old boxes and packing materials to be reused.
3. Move During Off-Peak Times
Moving costs tend to be higher at month ends, weekends, and during summer months when demand is highest.
If possible, schedule your move mid-month, mid-week, or during autumn or winter to secure lower rates from removal companies or van hire services.
4. Get Multiple Quotes to Find the Best Deal
Shop around!
We always recommend when hiring a van or removal company to get at least three quotes. Prices can vary a lot for essentially the same service.
Luckily, most companies offer free no-obligation quotes, so you can make sure you’re getting the most for your money.
5. Pack Yourself, Even with Professional Movers
Packing yourself can save you a lot of costs!
Most professional moving companies will offer cheaper packing services if you have done half the job for them!
6. Use Smart Packing Strategies to Move Home
Remember, less space means more savings!
Pack efficiently by filling suitcases and drawers with items rather than emptying everything into boxes. You can even use clothing to wrap fragile items rather than bubble wrap.
These approaches help you save on both packing material and space, while also helping the environment with less packing waste.
7. Move Small Valuables Yourself
Transport important documents, jewellery, electronics and other high-value, compact items yourself rather than including them in the move. This reduces the risks and costs of losing these important items, helping you get peace of mind during the move.
8. Book Early Where Possible
Last-minute moving arrangements almost always cost more. Book your van hire or removal company as far in advance as possible to secure the best rates and avoid premium prices for urgent service.
9. Be Flexible with Moving Dates and Delivery
The more flexible you can be, the better.
Some moving companies offer discounts for quieter days when they’re not as busy, and higher prices on premium days such as Fridays or weekends.
Being open with your schedule could save you some money.
Contact Junk-It – Professional Junk Removals
Although we can’t help you the moving process itself, the Junk-It team can help with your decluttering!
As a hassle-free and cost effective house clearance service, our friendly team can help you get rid of your unwanted items so you spend less when hiring a moving company. Junk-It always comes at a time that suits you for our efficient unwanted item removals, so you have less stress and more time to plan your important moving logistics!
For more information on how we can help you, contact our helpful team today on 0141 433 4330.
