Most people hate moving home, because it is a slow, stressful and, most of all, pricy process. When planning your relocation budget, you need to consider expenses for gas, storage, temporary housing and even labels and tape. Still, there are a few ways in which you can greatly cut down your costs when moving house.
Leave behind what you don’t need
Before you even start planning your move, you should purge your house of things you no longer use. That will help you save on cardboard boxes, fuel and time. Go through all of your stuff and get rid of furniture that won’t match the interior or the proportions of your new home, give away some of your old books and etc. Even better, try selling all unwanted items to give your relocation budget a small boost.
Go off-peak
If you can, schedule your move in the winter or the autumn and preferably in the middle of the month. Most people relocate during the weekends, in the summer or the spring, either in the first or last days of the month. That is also when domestic removal companies charge more.
Hire professional movers
There is a common misconception that hiring a domestic removal company will greatly increase your relocation expenses. In reality, relying on professional help when moving house can actually save you a great deal of money. The advantages of booking a licensed household removal firm include:
- A fast move, since moving experts are trained to quickly plan and organize a removal job
- Lower risk factor – your items are less likely to be damaged when handled by pros who have access to the right tools and moving vans
- More free time for you and you will not need to take a day off from work
- Hassle-free relocation experience, as having someone else to do everything will make your moving home process less stressful
Still, make sure you opt for a local processional moving assistance, as it often costs less that a company based on the other side of London. Take your time researching the removal businesses in your area. It is always a good sign if a company offers house viewings and custom-tailored quotes, since that usually means it does not charge its customers blindly.
Don’t be too frugal
Even if you decide to hire professional moving help, you can go DIY with some aspects of the moving process. For example, you can pack your personal possessions on your own. If you are too busy, ask friends and family to give you a hand. Still, do not get carried away by your ambition to save as much as possible on your move. Using old or recycled cardboard boxes will greatly cut down your expenses, but it can also end up to be a double-edged sword. If the packing materials are not sturdy enough, your belongings may not reach your new property in one piece. Similar may be the outcome if you try to use socks and towels instead of bubble wrap. Therefore, be extra careful when selecting alternative packing supplies.