A house move is always going to be an expensive venture, but there are ways that you can reduce the costs and save yourself a lot of money. To help you with this process, I have outlined 5 simple tips below which will help you reduce your costs on your house move in 2025.
5 TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY ON YOUR HOUSE MOVE IN 2025
SAVE ON COST OF PACKING MATERIALS
Moving can be expensive, and packing materials can contribute significantly to the cost. A great way to save is to be proactive and start collecting used boxes and packing supplies well in advance of your move. Reach out to local businesses; grocery stores, bookstores, and liquor stores often have sturdy boxes they're happy to give away. Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, and Next door are also excellent resources.
Many people who have recently moved are eager to get rid of their leftover boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and even specialized containers like dish packs. Don't be afraid to ask friends, family, and colleagues if they have any spare supplies. Remember to inspect used boxes for damage or pests before using them. With these 5 tips for saving money on your House move in 2025, while you might be able to acquire most of your materials for free, you might still need to purchase some items like packing tape, bubble wrap for fragile items, or specialized boxes for things like electronics or artwork. By sourcing as much as possible for free, you significantly reduce your overall packing costs.
GET INSURANCE COVER
Protecting your belongings during a move is crucial. Before hiring a removal firm, thoroughly research their insurance policy. Don't just ask if they have insurance; delve into the specifics. What exactly is covered? Is it just damage caused by the movers, or does it also cover theft or loss? What are the exclusions? For example, some policies may not cover items you packed yourself. Crucially, what is the limit of their coverage? Will it fully replace your valuable items? Get all these details in writing.
Beyond the mover's insurance, it's essential to maintain your own content insurance policy at your current residence until the very day you move out. Then, immediately activate your new policy at your new address. There should be no gap in your coverage. Consider taking photos or videos of your valuable items before packing them as documentation in case you need to make a claim. Understanding your insurance coverage and ensuring you're adequately protected can save you from significant financial loss and stress in the event of an accident.
SELL ITEMS THAT YOU NO LONGER NEED TO BRING TO YOUR NEW HOME
Moving is an excellent opportunity to de-clutter and lighten your load. The less you have to move, the less you'll likely pay in moving costs, as weight and volume are often factors in pricing. Take the time to go through your belongings room by room, identifying items you no longer use, need, or love. Selling these unwanted items can generate extra cash, which can then be put towards your moving expenses.
Online marketplaces, or even local community groups are great places to sell your belongings. Pricing your items competitively will increase the likelihood of a quick sale. Be realistic about what you can expect to get for used items. Don't wait until the last minute to deal with unwanted items. If you don't have time to sell everything, consider donating items in good condition to charity.
Failing to plan for de-cluttering and disposal can lead to last-minute stress and potentially extra charges from your movers if they have to dispose of items for you.
AVOID TRAVELLING DURING RUSH HOUR
Traffic congestion can be a major factor in how much time it takes to complete your move, which directly affects your moving costs, particularly if your movers charge by the hour. Long delays due to heavy traffic can cause the moving process to take much longer than anticipated, and that extra time will typically result in higher costs. This is especially relevant when you’re moving within cities known for traffic issues, such as London.
When moving within a busy city, careful planning of your moving day can help avoid peak traffic times, reducing the potential for delays. Typically, rush hour traffic occurs in the early morning between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM and again in the late afternoon between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. These are the periods when most commuters are traveling to and from work, causing roads to become heavily congested.
If possible, consider scheduling your move outside of these peak hours. Mid-morning (around 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM) or mid-afternoon (1:00 PM to 3:00 PM) often sees less traffic. Moving during these less busy times allows your movers to complete the job more efficiently without being stuck in traffic. Even moving on weekdays instead of weekends can make a difference. Weekends tend to see more leisure traffic, and many people also schedule their moves for the weekend, making it an even busier time.
Additionally, it’s wise to communicate with us in advance at Joel Removals,if you need to discuss any potential traffic issues. They likely have experience with your local area and can offer advice on the best times to move to avoid traffic delays. Movers may even have specific routes or time slots they prefer, based on their knowledge of the area’s congestion patterns. Being open to flexible scheduling allows you to take advantage of less congested times and avoid moving during high-traffic periods.
GET YOUR BELONGINGS ORGANISED AND SORTED OUT
Proper organization and sorting before you start packing can save you time, money, and stress. Resist the urge to simply throw everything into boxes. Instead, take the time to de-clutter and categorize your belongings. Sort items into groups: things you're keeping, things you're selling or donating, and things you're discarding. This process will not only reduce the amount of stuff you need to pack and move but will also make unpacking much easier in your new home. Use clear labeling on your boxes, indicating the contents and the room they belong in. This will help your movers place boxes in the correct locations and make unpacking more efficient.
A well-organized move is a faster move, and a faster move often translates to lower moving costs. By taking the time to organize and sort your belongings before packing, you'll save yourself time and money in the long run.
Contact us today for a moving quote and we will be happy to help with any moving enquiries in advance.