Moving to a new home can be an exciting time, but it can also be an expensive one.
Between paying for movers, buying new furniture, and paying for utilities, the expenses can quickly add up.
However, there are plenty of ways to save money when moving home.
Here are 20 tips that will help you cut costs, tell you how to save money when moving house and make your move more affordable.
1. Start planning your move early
By starting early, you’ll have enough time to compare prices, gather quotes, and make informed decisions.
This will help you avoid a last-minute rush and ensure that you have enough time to plan and prepare for your move.
It will help reduce your stress levels when moving house as well!
2. Negotiate your estate agent’s fees
High street estate agents are expensive and the biggest cost when it comes to selling your home.
However, you can save yourself a bundle by negotiating their fee.
I’ve found that getting several agents around to appraise and value your property is a good way to start the process.
Ask them what their fees are then ask each of them if they’re prepared to move on the figure.
Nine times out ten they’ll drop their prices to secure the business, especially if your home is in good order and in a popular area.
The agent will know your home will sell fast with minimal effort so they should be happy to negotiate.
Also, it pays to let each agent know you’re speaking to other firms. You can even quote a lower fee if one as been offered to see if another agent is willing to beat it.
3. Sell your home yourself
It’s possible to sell your home without an estate agent and save thousands in fees in the process.
You’ll need to write a description of your property, emphasising all the positive selling points and take some good quality photos.
You could also produce a video tour of your home and take some aerial footage using a drone.
It’s likely that you’ll need to spend some money advertising your property, but this will be much less than the estate agent’s fee.
Selling your home yourself will suit people who are confident into meeting strangers and showing them around their homes.
If you do the viewings yourself, stay safe and ensure you have someone with you at the time.
Once you’ve negotiated a price and accepted an offer you can then instruct a conveyancing solicitors to handle the legal side of the sale.
4. Sell through an online agent
There are an increasing number of online agents offer a much cheaper route to selling your home.
Companies such as Purple Bricks have streamlined the selling process meaning you can save a lot of money compared to the fees a high street estate agent will charge.
You might not be getting the same level of personal service or access to the same market intelligence, but it could still be the smart move if your budget is tight.
I would recommend using an online agent. I have sold two properties this way and found the process very straight forward and successful.
If you have a difficult property to sell I would say use a local agent, but for anything else an online agent is fine.
5. Declutter your home
Decluttering your home before the move can save you money in a number of ways.
First, you’ll have less to pack, which means you’ll need fewer boxes and other packing materials.
Second, you’ll have fewer items to move, which will reduce the cost of moving.
Finally, by getting rid of items you no longer need, you’ll have less to unpack and set up in your new home.
Read our essential guide to decluttering your home
6. Move yourself
Hiring professional movers can be expensive, but there’s an alternative – doing it yourself.
Rent a moving lorry, gather a group of friends and family members, and handle the move on your own.
This will save you money on labour costs and give you more control over the moving process.
You can also save money by packing up your property yourself rather than using a packing service.
So, as you can see, moving home without hiring a removals company is perfectly possible!
7. Shop around
Before selecting a moving company, it’s important to get quotes from several different companies.
Compare prices, services, and customer reviews to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate and ask for discounts, as many moving companies are willing to work with customers to reach a mutually agreeable price.
8. Use free boxes
Boxes are one of the biggest expenses associated with moving, but they don’t have to be.
Instead of buying new boxes, consider using free boxes from stores or friends.
You can also find free boxes on classified websites or Facebook groups.
Look out for Freecycle communities in your area as this is a great way to find packing materials for your home move.
9. Pack smart
Packing can also add to the cost of moving, but there are ways to save money.
First off, do it yourself rather than paying for a packing service.
Secondly, use towels, linens, and other household items to wrap fragile items instead of buying bubble wrap.
By using items you already have, you’ll save money and minimize waste.
10. Change your address
Don’t forget to change your address when you move. This is an often-overlooked step, but it’s an important one.
Changing your address will ensure that you receive your mail and prevent bills and other important documents from getting lost in transit.
This can often be done online, and it’s usually free.
This can save you money in the long run as you won’t miss any payment demands or anything else that will prove a costly headache later on.
11. Turn off utilities
Before you move, make sure to turn off utilities in your old home and start them up in your new one.
This will help you avoid paying for overlapping services and ensure that you have all the utilities you need when you move in.
12. Get insurance
Protect your belongings during the move by getting insurance.
You can purchase insurance through your moving company, or you can look for alternative options.
Make sure you understand what’s covered and what’s not, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure.
Reputable removal companies will have insurance as well. I always ask to see proof of this when moving house.
13. Take advantage of moving incentives
Some employers and utility companies offer incentives for those who are moving.
Be sure to look into these and take advantage of any that apply to you.
This could include discounts on moving services, waived activation fees for utilities, and other savings.
14. Use public transportation
If you’re moving within the city, consider using public transportation instead of driving, as this can save you money on fuel and parking costs.
15. Rent moving equipment
Rent moving equipment like a dolly or furniture pads instead of buying them, as this can save you money in the long run.
16. Use packing paper instead of bubble wrap
Packing paper is a cost-effective alternative to bubble wrap, and it can be used to wrap fragile items and fill in any spaces in boxes to prevent damage.
17. Label boxes clearly
Label boxes clearly to help with unpacking and organisation, and to prevent damage to fragile items.
18. Don’t pack items you don’t need
Avoid packing items you don’t need, as this will reduce the number of boxes you have to move and unpack.
19. Take advantage of off-peak moving rates
Moving during the week or in the off-season can save you money on moving costs, as many companies offer off-peak rates.
20. Use public storage
Consider using public storage for items you don’t need right away, as this can save you money on moving expenses and prevent clutter in your new home.
21. Consider a “pod” moving service
Consider using a “pod” moving service, which delivers a storage container to your home for you to load, and then moves it to your new address, as this can be a cost-effective way of moving home.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can save money and make your move more affordable.
Remember to plan ahead, compare prices, and be smart about packing and moving your belongings, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful and cost-effective move.
Anything you can do yourself will avoid having to pay someone else!
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