10 ways to move home on a budget

Author: Gabrielle D, Staff Writer

With the current Cost of Living Crisis, budgeting is becoming a harsh reality for most of us. Not only are many people needing to downsize and move away from the city, but the moving costs themselves can also escalate. It can get expensive, but trying to do everything yourself is not a healthy option either.

Let’s be honest, moving companies aren't exactly a glamorous expense, but unless you want to carry that sofa yourself, (feel free to try), these costs are a needs must. But fear not! With careful planning, you can get the help you need, without breaking the bank. From talking with moving companies to finding affordable or second-hand packing materials and tackling DIY, we've got you covered. Let's dive into some practical ways to make your move more budget-friendly! Yes, that’s right, some positivity please!

Plan and budget in advance

Yes, I know…we’ve said this many times before, but always budget and plan ahead. Trust me, as someone with a somewhat ‘creative spirit’, I love the idea of whinging it as much as you do, but we both know that’s not a great idea. So, start by creating a detailed moving budget that includes all anticipated expenses, such as packing supplies, moving company fees, transportation costs, and any additional services you might need. Use Goodbudget, Nerdwallet and Snoop to help you sort out these money worries. Having a clear budget will help you prioritise expenses and make informed decisions throughout the moving process.

An extra note, having some savings prepared is quite crucial in the moving process. You never know when emergency costs might crop up. Maybe damages have occurred, or unexpected fees. that weren’t obvious before. Having a financial safety-net will improve your moving experience.

Compare moving quotes and negotiate

Get multiple quotes from different moving companies and compare their prices and services.

Some moving companies may be willing to match or beat their competitors' rates if you want to negotiate with them, especially during off-peak seasons. Speak to trusted friends and family about their moving expenses and get an idea of what’s ‘normal’. Learn from their experiences and cut costs where they feel necessary.

Move during off-peak seasons

Ohhhh, it’s not ideal is it. When it’s grey outside and leaving the house means getting pummelled by wind and rain, the last thing you want to do is move all your things into a cold, soggy van. However, moving companies tend to offer lower rates during off-peak season. Summer months and weekends are typically the busiest and most expensive times for moving. Consider scheduling your move during weekdays or in less popular months to take advantage of potential discounts. So, wrap up warm and get ready for some lifting and shifting!

Declutter and sell unwanted items

We love a bit of decluttering here at LOVESPACE. We’ve written about it heaps! We have the best Ultimate Declutter Guide. Before you start packing, declutter your stuff and sell items you no longer need or use. Host a car boot sale, donate to charity, or sell items online to get some extra cash. Not only will this help you save money on moving costs, but it will also reduce the number of items you need to transport.

In fact, now is the best time to embrace a minimalistic lifestyle. Whilst you’re handling all of your items, assess whether you actually need to keep it. Start your new home feeling fresh, not with physical baggage. Only keep what you love, need or has deep sentimental value. your items, assess whether you actually need to keep it. Start your new home feeling fresh, not with physical baggage. Only keep what you love, need or has deep sentimental value.

Find Free or low-cost packing materials

Whilst free packing materials can be a great option, (such as newspaper and old clothing), the risk of damages will increase. the cost of broken furniture /appliance will be vastly more expensive than purchasing strong boxes and bubble wrap. To keep your items safe, LOVESPACE offers a full packing service. Not only do we supply you with high quality materials, but our team will also wrap your items for you, so you can focus on the more important tasks at hand. Be frugal with your materials, but don’t compromise the safety of your items.

If you’d rather do the packing yourself, you can still order the materials from us in a few clicks.

Use a trustworthy moving and storage company

To avoid expensive damages, use a moving and storage company you can trust. At LOVESPACE, we’ve been looking after the nation’s things for 10 years, and we’re rated Excellent onTrustpilot. You can store as little as one box in our by-the-box service, or store larger furniture and anything else that fits in our storage units, from 15 - 200sqft+. We can also remove your items and send them anywhere in the UK. Have any questions? feel free to get in touch with our customer service team.

Ship or Donate heavy items

If you have bulky or heavy items that are costly to move, consider shipping them or donating them locally. Shipping can sometimes be cheaper than paying to have them moved. If you are downsizing, think carefully about what you can fit in your new home. Consider the style of your new place, some of your current furniture may not suit your new look and feel.

Optimise utility services

Contact your utility providers in advance to schedule the disconnection and reconnection of services. Ask about any potential fees or deposits associated with the process. Consider transferring existing TV or internet services to your new address instead of signing up for new contracts.

Plan meals and snacks

During the moving process, it's easy to rely on takeout and fast food, which can quickly add up. Plan your meals and snacks in advance, packing a fridge with fresh meal-prep options. This will help you save money and ensure you stay energised throughout the move. Also, try to keep healthy food options at hand. Whilst fast-food and processed food can be convenient, it will not support your mental or physical help throughout your move. Think fruits, healthy snacks and simple meals such as sushi, soup, bread, eggs, potatoes, beans and other quick and nourishing foods.

Take advantage of tax deductions

If your move is work-related and meets certain criteria, you may be eligible for tax deductions. Consult with a tax professional to understand the specific rules and requirements. Make sure to keep track of any moving-related expenses and receipts for potential deductions .

In conclusion…

Moving on a budget requires careful planning and resourcefulness. However, we need to strike the balance between cheap and good quality. Whilst we need to cut costs, it’s important not to compromise your physical or mental health whilst moving. Get the help you need and save costs where you can. It's about making smart choices that help you save money while successfully transitioning to your new home.