Guest post by Rebecca Lee
Moving houses in London is expensive. On average, it can cost you anywhere between £330 and £700 without the packaging costs.
We know this price range is big and frightening, especially if you’ve recently moved to the city or struggle with savings. So in this blog post, we’ve listed 5 smart ways that you can use to cut down unnecessary expenditures and save yourself a good amount of money while moving.
1. Compare Moving Services
If your new place is within walking distance, we don’t recommend hiring professional movers. Instead, it’s better to take two days off from work and carry all your belongings by yourself. You may even ask a friend or relative to help.
As for the furniture, hire a truck or a van. It’ll cost you much less than hiring professional house movers for the entire process.
In case you’re moving to a distant area, it’s best you hire a moving company because hiring a private van to transport all your items will cost you more. Research how to move, using things like this moving house guide to find tips on moving, and when you should hire a mover. Just make sure you pack your stuff all by yourself, or you’ll have to pay for that too.
2. Declutter Before You Move
The best way to cut down moving costs is to cut down the stuff you’ll be moving. So, before you begin packing your belongings, assess how many of them are truly needed.
Start with creating an inventory of all the things you own. You can use an inventory app, excel sheet, or simply a pen and paper to list all your possessions in each room.
Note that you do not have to name and list every single thing. Instead, list them down in quantified groups of objects. For example, if your study room has about 50 books on the shelves, you need not list all 50 titles. Instead, note the count.
Once you have all the items listed, create three big boxes and label them:
- To keep
- To recycle
- To store
Alternatively, you can use big plastic bags and label them similarly. Use these to sort all your possessions. Make sure you get rid of any items that have been sitting around for years and make you think: It may come in handy sometime.
Following this, arrange a yard sale to get rid of all the things you do not need anymore. Doing so will not only save you money when moving, but will also earn you some extra cash. If you do not wish to sell your items, you can pass your belongings to loved ones or give them to local charities.
Remember, moving is a time-consuming venture, so we advise you to begin with decluttering at least 1-3 months before the moving date.
3. Recycle Cardboard Boxes
If you’ve got big cardboard boxes from your bulk buys lying around, it’s time to put them to use. You can use large or extra-large cartons that you acquired from grocery goods, toys, or even furniture to save money on packing materials.
Alternatively, you can ask your friends, relatives, and neighbours for spare boxes. If someone just moved into your neighbourhood, they will most likely have their cardboard boxes lying around and would be happy to get rid of them.
If you can’t find any free cardboard boxes, you’ll have no option but to buy them. We recommend buying corrugated cardboard boxes for lightweight items, such as stuffed toys and accessories. Since they’re cheaper than heavy-duty cardboard boxes, they’ll save you a good amount of money.
4. Choose A Quiet Day
Whether you hire a professional moving company or a private van, it’s best to move during the off-peak season. You’re likely to get moving services at cheaper rates because movers will offer you better discounts when their services are not in demand.
For example, August is a good time to move houses in London because it marks the beginning of the academic and work year for many. On the other hand, summer is a busy season for moving companies, so it’s a good idea to avoid it.
Similar to picking an off-peak season, it’s also a good idea to settle for a less busy day, such as Monday or Wednesday. These are working days, so there won’t be too much traffic on the road, reducing the cost of your move. Plus, you’ll be able to get through the entire shifting process quickly and conveniently.
5. Cancel Utility Services
Most people fear being stranded in their old home without utilities during their moving process. Consequently, they end up paying for services they don’t use. On that note, we recommend cancelling your subscriptions and utility services as soon as you’ve packed your goods and hired a mover. It’ll save you a good amount of money!
