Ever organised a house move in the thick of summer? It’s right up there with chasing last-minute concert tickets hectic, stressful, and honestly, can get pricey pretty quick. When the school term wraps up and the British sun finally puts on a show, suddenly everyone seems to want new keys in their pocket. Removal vans get snapped up, prices start creeping up, and if you’re not careful, that simple move can wind up denting the old bank balance more than you’d like. Still, moving on a tight budget even in the busiest season is definitely doable. Here’s how you can keep a lid on costs (and maybe even your sanity).
Plan Early and You’ll Thank Yourself Later
Think about it, do you ever grab the last slice of pizza, or do you plan ahead and order a second one? You know what works. Moving’s no different.
- Get Cracking Soon: As soon as you’re sure you’ll be moving, start getting quotes and checking out dates. Some companies get snapped up three months in advance during peak moving madness.
- Score Those Early-Bird Rates: Ask removals firms about early booking offers, sometimes there’s a tidy discount for being organised.
- Avoid the Panic Rush: Leave everything till the last minute and you could be out of luck, faced with higher prices or limited slot choices.
A quick bit of planning ahead can wrap up hundreds of pounds in savings, think of it as money for your first dinner in the new place.
Move on a Cheaper Day, It Really Matters
So many people make a beeline for Friday or the weekend, don’t they? That’s when prices peak and vans disappear.
- Midweek is Gold: If you can swing it, picking a Tuesday or Wednesday can save you a small fortune. Removal teams are less frantic and costs dip.
- Skip the Popular Dates: Turns out, beginning or end of the month is prime time for tenancies too. If you’ve got wiggle room, aim for a quieter week.
- Be Flexible, Win Big: Give your mover a few possible dates. If they can sneak you into a gap, sometimes you’ll get a better deal.
Could simply picking Tuesday over Friday pay off? The savings might surprise you.
Play the Field, Don’t Settle for the First Quote
Every move is unique, and price tags can swing wildly from company to company. Chris Baker from Surrey Removals said “We offer different types of removals packages, we can simply move your items as quickly and cheaply as possible or also provide a full pack and move service.”
- Collect More Quotes Than You Need: Don’t just stop at the first one. There’s no harm in comparing three, four, maybe even five.
- Peek at the Details: Do your quotes include packing, insurance, and boxes? Double-check; the extras can sneak up on you.
- Bargain (Nicely): If two quotes are neck-and-neck, ask if one of them can knock a bit off. You’d be amazed how often it works.
If you’re going to spend the money, why not be certain you’re getting genuine value?
Lighten Your Load (and Bill!) by Decluttering
It’s finally time to decide whether you really need that bread maker from 2012. The fewer things you pack, the cheaper and easier it’ll be.
- Get Ruthless: Go room by room and sort out what to keep, sell, donate, or recycle.
- Sell What You Can: Someone might pay for that old exercise bike you’re using as a coat stand. Gumtree, Facebook, and local charity shops are your friends.
- Shrink the Van, Shrink the Quote: Less stuff means a smaller vehicle and fewer hours of work.
Ready to clear out and cash in? You’ll thank yourself when there’s less to unpack in your new home. Ryan from Removals Guildford said “We charge by cubic metre so the less items you need us to move the cheaper your quote will be.”
Pack Your Own Stuff, It’s Simpler Than You Think
Getting movers to do the packing is tempting, but packing yourself really isn’t so bad and the savings stack up.
- Start Collecting Boxes: Ask around at supermarkets or shops. Most will happily hand you the extras.
- Wrap with What You Own: Jumpers, towels, and even socks make great padding for your plates and glassware.
- Labelling is King: Scribble the room and contents on every box. You’ll sail through unpacking, and movers will finish faster.
Does packing always bring a touch of nostalgia? Or maybe just the rediscovery of that CD collection from uni days.
Go the DIY Route, It Works for Leaner Moves
If you’re only moving a small flat (or don’t own a grand piano), sometimes renting a van with some friends is all you need.
- Book a Van in Advance: Scout prices early, £60 or so gets you a decent van for the day if you’re quick.
- Recruit Your Friends: A little bribery helps—tea, pints, or pizza are highly effective.
- Plot Your Course: Pick the route with the fewest roadworks and tolls. Sat nav apps can save you money and faff.
Is the idea of wrangling furniture with your mates appealing or just terrifying? For a lighter move, it’s probably worth it.
Share a Van, Why Pay for Empty Space?
Some removals firms offer part-load services. They’ll combine smaller loads heading in a similar direction, and you split the cost.
- Only Pay for Your Share: There’s no point paying for a whole van if you only need half.
- A Little Give on Dates Goes a Long Way: The catch? You’ll need a bit of flexibility in timing, but the savings can be impressive.
Think you could make a part-load work for you? It could make a “peak season” price feel like off-peak.
Don’t Let Utilities Sneak Up on You
There’s always something that falls through the cracks: a bill, a contract you forgot to cancel, or that subscription you no longer use.
- Get Ahead on Cancelling: Give your utility providers plenty of notice so you’re not double-charged after moving out.
- Switch and Save: New address? Perfect time to shop for better broadband, energy, or mobile deals.
- Review Everything: Make a list of regular payments. Which ones will you still need?
What little subscriptions or services have been quietly sapping your account? Now’s your chance to sort it.
Consider Storage, But Don’t Overpay
When timing’s tight, storage might bridge the gap between leaving your old place and entering the new. Prices, though, go up in summer.
- Scout Promotions: Look for storage companies running discounts for new clients or summer movers.
- Don’t Rent More Space Than Needed: Stack boxes smartly and you’ll get by with a smaller unit.
- Access Charges Add Up: Some places charge every time you visit, so check before you commit.
Is dividing your move across two stages cheaper or less stressful than cramming it all into one frantic day? Sometimes, yes!
Sniff Out Financial Perks
Some moves come with unexpected perks, sometimes bosses chip in, and sometimes HMRC does.
- Ask About Relocation Packages: If your move’s job-related, check if your employer offers help.
- Check Out Expenses: Certain job-related moves get tax relief. HMRC’s guidelines can be a maze but are worth consulting.
Could you claim back a slice of your costs just for asking a few questions?
Don’t Gamble With Insurance
You know how Murphy’s law loves moving day. One pothole and your TV’s dancing across the van floor.
- Review Your Home Policy: Some cover your stuff while in transit, but not all, check the fine print.
- See What Movers Cover: Figure out what’s insured and if you want extra. Sometimes it’s just a tiny extra cost for peace of mind.
Would you risk your favourite guitar, family photos, or that irreplaceable keepsake over a few quid?
Use Cashback and Loyalty Perks
Every pound counts. There are rewards hiding everywhere if you’re keeping an eye out.
- Sign Up for Cashback: Use sites like Quidco or TopCashback to get a little something back on van hire or packing supplies.
- Dig Out Those Loyalty Cards: Sainsbury’s, Tesco, or DIY stores, those points might fund your moving day snacks or supplies.
- Track Your Receipts: Handy for budget tracking, and sometimes you can recoup costs or claim back from your employer.
Wouldn’t a sneaky freebie or a few extra quid saved make the whole move sweeter?
Make It Your Move, Your Way
Summer moves can be frantic, but they don’t have to cost a fortune. Early action gets you better prices, a little flexibility on date or van size brings savings, and being savvy with quotes and offers puts you in control. Decluttering costs nothing and saves more than you’d expect. Rope in family and friends, keep an eye open for deals, and don’t let the stress get to you.
If you could make one simple change to save yourself a bundle on your next move, what would it be? Find the answer, grab that cuppa, and get stuck in, you’ve absolutely got this.
OTS News on Social Media