How to Minimise the Cost of Moving

May 16, 2024 admin

Moving to a new home represents the start of a new, exciting chapter in your life, but it has a reputation for being notoriously expensive. In the current economic climate, it is essential to keep moving costs as low as possible without compromising the quality of your move. Whether you are moving across town or to another country, you are entering a new world of possibilities, but attached is a list of expenses. Dive into our comprehensive blog to discover the budget-friendly approaches you can take to moving, allowing you to save money and make the most of your moving experience.

8 Ways to Reduce Moving Costs

Moving on a budget can be easy as long as you know how. Follow our steps to minimise the cost of your house move.

1. Create a Moving Budget

To prepare for moving house, you must first create a moving budget. Conduct relevant research and speak with family and friends to find out a realistic estimate of moving costs. Your budget will inform every decision regarding your move, from packing materials to removal company costs. 

When determining your budget, consider unexpected expenses such as professional house cleaning and utility bills. It is essential to have some wiggle room so you are prepared for all expenses.

2. Declutter

One of the best ways to reduce moving expenses is to minimise the belongings you are taking to your new home. Moving home motivates you to sift through the clutter and prioritise your belongings and furniture. The fewer items you have, the less it will cost to move. Moving fewer belongings will save on packing materials, a smaller removal van, and a removal team’s time. 

One method for successfully decluttering is to create a floor plan of your new home and determine which pieces of furniture will go in each room. If you are downsizing, it is more cost-effective to declutter extra belongings before moving than to remove belongings that do not fit in your new home after you arrive.

3. Sell or Donate Unwanted Items

Once you have successfully determined which items will not be coming to your new home with you, you can make some extra money by listing them for sale. You must only sell items in good condition, as you may struggle to sell objects that are broken beyond repair. 

Conduct relevant research to find out what similar items are currently selling for across online platforms, and make sure to list your objects at competitive prices. If your items cannot be sold, consider donating them to family, friends, or a local charity.

4. Store Away Belongings

You should have whittled down your belongings to the necessary items in your moving process. There may be a few precious items you want to keep hold of, but you are still determining where they fit into your new home. You can temporarily put these items in a storage facility. 


A reputable storage service is a great way to keep your belongings safe and secure throughout your moving journey until you find a place for them in your new home. Storing these items will also reduce costs, as you need fewer packing materials and a smaller removal van to move them into your new home.

5. Source Packing Essentials

The cost of packing materials such as cardboard boxes, tape, and bubble wrap can quickly mount up. To save on packing materials, ask friends, family, and neighbours to lend any resources they have spare. If this approach is unsuccessful, you can purchase second-hand removal boxes online.

Although sourcing packing materials second-hand is a great way to cut moving costs down, you should not compromise on the quality of the resources that will keep your belongings safe during a move. Cutting back too much on packing materials may result in spending the money you have saved on replacing items damaged in the move.

6. Moving Insurance

Although investing in moving insurance may feel like an added expense, it is cheaper than paying for replacement belongings if yours become damaged or lost during the move. If you hire a removal company to move your belongings, check what insurance policies they offer to cover your belongings during the move. For added security, you should invest in contents insurance that covers your old address until you move out and your new address as soon as you move in.

7. Flexible Moving Date

Being flexible with your moving dates is a great way to save money. Although it can be tricky to be flexible, depending on your moving situation, it can make a big difference to the cost of your removal company. It is recommended to move off-peak and avoid moving during the summer months. Moving outside the summer months will be cheaper as families relocate during the school holidays. 

Moving day statistics show that the most popular day to move house is a Friday, with 1 in 4 moves in the UK taking place on a Friday. Monday is the second most popular day to move house, so moving midweek is recommended for a budget-friendly move.

8. Hire an Expert Moving Service

A common approach to cut moving costs is asking friends and family to help. However, the transportation of your belongings should be prioritised in your budget. Move your belongings with an expert domestic removal company you can rely on to move them efficiently and expertly.

Gather quotes from local removal companies and analyse reviews to help you choose the best company offering a competitive price. Hire a moving company as soon as you receive a moving date; this will give you extra time to pay for the service and a more extensive selection of firms than going with whoever has availability. 
Trust a professional removal company to take your goods to their new home. It is a necessary expense to ensure your belongings reach their destination safely.

Your Moving Journey Made Easier with Guardian Removals

Moving house has never been simpler with the help of Guardian Removals. We appreciate the importance of introducing cost-effective solutions to your house move while ensuring a seamless transition. Let us provide you with a budget-friendly but efficient removal service tailored to your needs to ensure you are 100% happy with how your belongings are packaged and transported to your new home. Contact our team today and discuss what we can do for you.

Moving House Expenses FAQs

When is the best time of the month to move?

Due to higher demand, removal companies tend to increase their rates at the start and end of the month. You should arrange to move midweek in the middle of the month for cheaper rates.

Are home removal companies worth the money?

Reputable removal companies can provide individuals with the added security that their belongings will reach their destination safely. Hiring a removal company that offers a competitive price and has many positive reviews advocating for their service is essential for an efficient move.

What is the cheapest month to move?

Moving off-peak is recommended for those looking for budget-friendly removal services. The off-peak season tends to run between September and April. There is less demand for these services during this time, so prices will be cheaper.

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