Moving house: Five tips for keeping removal costs down

Using a removal firm to help you move house can reduce the workload but the cost can eat a big chunk of your budget. Here are five tips which will help you cut the cost

Spring is traditionally the time when the property market starts to flourish following the winter lull – and this means it won’t be long before we enter peak moving season.

Securing the keys to your new pad is incredibly exciting but the idea of sorting, packing and transferring all your belongings to a new home is probably not the most thrilling of prospects. You may even be feeling an element of dread or fear around this mammoth task.

It’s no wonder so many people use removal firms to do much of the work for them. If it’s within budget that is…

For new data from comparison site, Compare My Move, found the price of using a removal company has soared by 48% following the pandemic.

In 2019 the average cost of moving your belongings would have been £880.65. But fast forward to 2022 and the price has increased to £1,307.64.

Compare My Move said fuel prices, which increased dramatically a year ago, were one of the reasons for the hike. But also the Stamp Duty Holiday, which caused a surge of activity in the housing market, also increased demand for removal services which drove up prices too.

If you are about to move home, there is a little bit of good news – prices actually dipped a little (by 7%) in 2022 for the first time since 2019.

But with the cost-of-living crisis still putting pressure on household finances, finding ways to reduce the cost of your move by as much as possible will no doubt be welcome.

Dave Sayce, founder and director of Compare My Move, has offered the following money-saving tips to help movers keep their budget as trimmed down as possible.

1. Declutter before you start packing

Reducing the number of belongings you have will save you money when it comes to moving. Sayce explained: “Your house removal quote will depend on the volume of items you’re taking. To keep removal costs down, declutter your personal belongings before you request a quote so you’re not moving items you don’t need.”

Decluttering has the added benefit that you can sell any unwanted items, which could help boost your budget. See this guide with tips on how to pass on your items responsibly.

2. Use free packing materials

Another way to save is to avoid, if you can, buying new boxes. “Many people get rid of old cardboard boxes and packing materials for free,” Sayce explained.

“Look on websites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace or ask supermarkets if they have any spares.”

3. Check quotes for different days

A bit like weddings, certain days of the week are more popular with movers – as these days tend also to be more expensive when it comes to price.

Sayce advised: “If your completion date allows, comparing your removal quotes for a range of dates will help you to get the best price. Some removal companies will have certain in-demand days and may have different rates.”

4. Book an off-season move

As with days of the week, there are also certain times of the year which see fewer moves than others and this could also benefit your budget.

“If you can, booking your move in a quiet month will help keep costs down,” Sayce explained. “The Summer time is usually popular for a move, so getting quotes for low-demand months could save you money.”

5. Get plenty of quotes and compare prices

It’s a good idea to get several quotes from different removal firms and compare these to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Sayce said: “Our users save an average of £752 on their removal costs by comparing quotes, according to our data.

“You can compare up to six local companies to gather a range of prices for your move and then take your pick based on their reviews, services offered and fees.”