Moving can be a stressful and expensive event, and with rising mortgage rates and the cost of living continuing to affect our finances, homemovers are feeling the pinch more than ever. But that isn’t stopping people from moving – in fact, more than 270,000 households moved last year, and another 309,000 want to.
Finding ways to make moving more affordable can help you save both your money and sanity. In this blog post, we'll explore the cost of moving in the UK and share our best tips for a more budget-friendly and stress-free relocation.
How much does it cost to move in the UK?
Moving costs can vary based on several factors, including the distance, the volume of belongings, and whether you hire professional movers. According to Halifax, the average cost to move in the UK is £12,000, with moving day costs including storage, packing materials, removal costs, mail redirection, cleaning and more. You will need to factor in these additional costs in line with your other moving costs, such as deposits, agency or legal fees, etc
Our best tips for saving money and stress while moving
The figures above may sound alarming, but as with most things, there are some ways you can save money. Take a look at our best tips for saving money and stress while moving:
Have a good clear-out first
Before you start packing, declutter your home. Donate, sell, recycle or discard items you no longer need. This not only lightens your load but can also generate some extra cash to put towards your move.
Don't leave it until the last minute
Procrastination can lead to unnecessary expenses. Plan your move well in advance, and tackle tasks gradually to avoid last-minute stress and costly decisions.
Enlist friends and family
Consider asking friends and family for help instead of hiring expensive moving services. Not only does this save money, but it can also make the process more enjoyable. You never know who may have access to a van or a large vehicle you can borrow for the weekend!
Weigh up the cost of storage versus a moving van
If you're downsizing or have a gap between moving out and moving in, compare the costs of storage and moving vans. Opting for storage might be more economical in certain situations.
Make sure you're covered by your insurance
Accidents happen, so ensure your belongings are covered by insurance during the move. Check your existing policies or consider additional coverage for peace of mind. You don’t want to factor in damage costs to replace items that perish during the move!
Wrap valuables carefully
Prevent damage to your valuable items by wrapping them securely. Use bubble wrap, newspaper, or other protective materials to protect fragile possessions. Buy packing materials as part of a crate hire bundle to help you save money and ensure you have everything you need.
Hire crates instead of buying cardboard boxes
Renting sturdy packing crates can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to purchasing cardboard boxes. They are durable, easy to stack, and can be returned after use. With crate rental, you can rent as many crates as you want for as long as you need, helping to make moving a little less stressful. Hiring crates is affordable and eco-friendly, ensuring you waste much less during your move.
Take a look at some crate hire bundles from phs Teacrate to help you see how much you could save.
Some extra tips to save money during your move
Planning your move in advance can help you seek out opportunities to save money. Money left over can be used towards new furniture or home improvements, helping you settle into your new home quicker. Some extra tips to help you save money during your move include:
- Plan your moving date wisely: Weekdays and mid-month tend to be less expensive for moving services.
- Pack strategically: Pack efficiently to minimise the number of boxes and reduce the overall volume of your belongings.
- DIY where possible: Take on tasks like packing and disassembly yourself to cut down on professional service costs.
- Compare quotes: If hiring professionals, obtain quotes from multiple moving companies to find the best deal.
By following these tips, you can navigate your move with financial savvy and maintain your sanity throughout the process.
Moving made simple with phs Teacrate
At phs Teacrate, we understand the challenges of moving. From moving home to moving office, moving can be expensive – especially when you have a lot of items to transport. Fortunately, our crate hire services make it easy for you to move without the stress of finding packing materials or paying for expensive boxes.
Some of the benefits of crate hire include:
- Save money compared to buying boxes that may only be used once.
- Durability that’s designed to keep your valuables safe.
- Crates are easy to stack and carry, helping to make your move smoother.
- Hiring crates is better for the environment, ensuring you cut back on waste by returning your crates when you’re done.
- Get your crates delivered to your door, giving you one less thing to worry about when moving.
Take a closer look at phs Teacrate’s crate hire services and let us help you save some money as you move into your new home.