The goal of this guide is to help anyone looking to hire a professional moving company on a limited budget get the best possible service for a price they can afford.
We understand that everyone has different budgets for their move. Not everyone can afford a full package moving service but that doesn’t mean you can’t hire a quality moving company to help you move. When planning a move, the cost of hiring a removal company can add up quickly. However, there are several strategies you can employ to help reduce the price of your removals quote. Here are some practical tips to consider:
Before reaching out to removal companies or if you find that the quotes you’ve received exceed your budget, it’s crucial to evaluate exactly what kind of service suits your situation. We’ve put together a detailed guide to help you understand the various removal services available. You can read the guide here.
One of the most straightforward ways to reduce the cost of moving is to move fewer items. Before you get your quote, take the time to go through your belongings and declutter. Donate, sell, or dispose of items you no longer need or want. Make sure you check all the areas where items can accumulate over time like garages, attics/lofts and sheds. Fewer items mean less to pack and move, which can significantly lower your quote.
Cubic volume is one of the key factors removal companies use to calculate their quotes. Put simply, the more space your items take up, the more work it is to move them.
While many removals companies offer packing services, these come at an additional cost. You can save money by packing your belongings yourself. Ask the removals company for advice on how to pack effectively or look for packing tips online to ensure your items are safe during the move. Just remember that professionally packed items might be better insured under the removal company’s policy.
It may not be possible to be flexible on your moving date if you are part of a sale, especially if there is a long chain of people in the process. If you are moving to or from a rented property then you may have more notice to be flexible. The date of your move can significantly affect the cost. Weekends, public holidays, and peak moving seasons (like summer) are usually more expensive due to higher demand. If possible, be flexible and choose a weekday or a date during a less busy period. This flexibility can lead to lower rates.
Try to plan and book your removal service as early as possible. Last-minute bookings can be more expensive due to limited availability. Booking early not only secures your preferred date but may also come with early bird discounts.
If your move involves large furniture items that need to be dismantled and reassembled, doing this yourself can save you money. Check with the removals company first to see if this would actually reduce your quote and ensure you’re confident in how to dismantle and reassemble items safely.
Sometimes, you can save money by sourcing your own packing materials. Look for second-hand boxes from local stores or friends who have recently moved, and use newspapers or linens to wrap and cushion fragile items.
When you have received all of your quotes, don’t be afraid to speak with your preferred removal company. If you have cheaper quotes from other companies, mention these to see if your preferred company will match the price. The main reason you should always call the company is to make sure you are comparing like-for-like quotes and that there are no hidden costs. A good company will be more than happy to go through the detail and compare quotes.
If you are willing to take on additional levels of risk then you can save some money on quotes. Although we do not recommend it ourselves, you do have some options such as opting for lower insurance cover on your items. Some removal companies may offer a key-wait waiver for an additional cost. This is a one-off charge for sale day moves to cover you for long key waits on the day. You will likely find the waiver cheaper than paying inflated over-time rates and admin fees should you have a key wait.
We do not use key wait waivers, if you book us then we guarantee to move you into your new home on that day at no additional cost.
By reducing the volume of items you move, packing your belongings, being flexible with your move date, and comparing quotes, you can significantly reduce the cost of your removals quote. Remember, every little bit helps when you’re trying to save on moving costs, so consider each of these strategies to find the best savings opportunities for your situation.
Our team is always happy to answer any questions you may have, even if you are not planning to move just yet. Be sure to give us a ring at 0117 259 1010.
