Buying a property in Newport will almost certainly be the most significant purchase you’ll ever make; however, your house move needn’t cost the earth.
The average cost of moving home in the UK is around £17,600*, once you factor in stamp duty, legal fees, estate agent fees, removals, and other moving expenses.
That’s a big chunk of money, so finding ways to cut unnecessary costs can really pay off.
At Freelancer Lets & Sales, we often speak with clients who need advice to minimise their removal costs, so today, we are bringing you our very best ideas to help you save money when you move house.
* Average cost for illustration only. Costs vary depending on buying/selling price, location and other factors.
7 Ways To Save Money When You Move House
1. Clear Out The Clutter
There’s no point in paying extra to move items into your new home that you don’t want or need, so it makes sense to clear out any clutter before booking your chosen removal company. With less clutter, you'll save money on packing boxes, and with less to load up, the number of hours the removal team will be needed for may also be reduced.
If you’re putting items into storage, having fewer boxes will also reduce your expenses as you will need a smaller unit. As a bonus, if you sell your unwanted items before your move, you will have some extra cash to put towards your costs!
2. Choose The Right Removals Team
Comparing prices between different local removal companies is essential. Getting the best deal is important, so you should get multiple quotes from local companies. You should check out their reviews, too, as this will reassure you that you’re choosing trusted professionals to handle your belongings.
3. Book Removal Services Early
The earlier you can book your removals team, the better, especially if you’re planning to move over a bank holiday or during peak seasons. An early booking allows you to budget more efficiently and gives you the best chance of being able to use your preferred company.
4. Check For Discounts
Some removal companies offer discounts for armed forces, key workers, students, or pensioners, so check every company’s website and don’t be afraid to call and ask about possible discounts.
5. Reduce Packing Material Costs
Whenever possible, use second-hand removal boxes or consider renting them from the removal company. You can avoid spending money on bubble wrap and stay eco-friendly by using your soft furnishings, clothing, towels, and blankets to wrap and protect fragile items.
6 . Disassemble Large Items Yourself
You can save money by dismantling large items like beds and other bulky pieces of furniture rather than booking your removal company’s disassembly service to do it for you. If the removal team need to take apart any items that won’t fit through the doors, you’ll need to pay more.
7. Manage Your Time
If you delay your removals team on the day itself, you could be charged more to cover the cost of their time. Good time management is essential. Ensure everything is packed well before your removal team arrives, ensure that it’s easy to access your property and that items like the dishwasher and washing machine have been disconnected. This will ensure you don’t face additional charges due to unexpected hold-ups.
Talk To The Experts
Although moving can be stressful, it needn’t be expensive!
If you’re looking to buy or sell in Newport, our team at Freelancer Lets & Sales is ready to help. Call us on 01633 856344 or email enquiries@freelancerlets.com for a friendly chat.
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In the meantime, we've answered your common questions about saving money when moving house.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saving Money on Your House Move
How can I reduce the cost of packing materials?
You can save money on packing materials by using second-hand boxes, renting boxes from removal companies, or repurposing household items like blankets and towels.
Can I disassemble furniture myself to save money?
Yes, disassembling furniture yourself can help you save money on removal costs. However, ensure you know how to reassemble it correctly to avoid frustration - and damage.
How can I avoid additional charges from my removal company?
Manage your time effectively to avoid delays and ensure your property is accessible for the removal team. Be prepared with all necessary information and documentation.
What other tips can I follow to save money on my house move?
Declutter your belongings before the move to reduce the amount of items you need to transport. Compare quotes from different removal companies and negotiate for a better price. Consider moving during off-peak seasons or weekdays to potentially get lower rates.