As the magazines will keep telling you, nothing beats the stress of moving house. If that’s not all, it also happens to be hugely expensive.
No, we’re not talking about the initial purchase cost. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
Instead, it’s all of the so-called small fees that start to add up and consume your once-dream move. Through today’s article, we’re going to show that there is light at the end of the tunnel, with ten ways on how to cut these costs.
1) Don’t Move on a Friday
In short, the removal companies charge more. You have the whole weekend ahead of you and suppliers know this. Move in the week and your removal company fees will be significantly lower.
2) Use A Small Removals Company
The larger removal companies are all well and good. However, they tend to charge a lot for their services.
Instead, why not opt for a smaller company? You will be surprised at how much money you can save, while still receiving an excellent service. They might not pack everything in plush boxes, but they’ll get the job done.
3) Move In the Winter
The colder months of the year are a great time to move. The reason for this is that the majority of removal companies will reduce their prices to attract more customers. After all, house sales typically slump in this period.
4) Use A Removal Van (the DIY Approach)
Many people choose to hire a removal van to move their belongings. However, this is one of the most expensive ways to do it.
Instead, why not use a friend or family member’s van? If you have the manpower, the cost savings will be significant.
5) Don’t Go with the Local Solicitor
In the age of shopping local, this may seem like an absurd suggestion. However, nowadays, you don’t need to stay local when it comes to conveyancing – you can shop around. There are all sorts of conveyancing comparison services and you’ll probably find the most cost efficient isn’t the one that’s on your doorstep. Let’s be honest, in today’s day and age with next day deliveries for your documentation, staying local is hardly a necessity either.
6) Don’t Go with the Bigger Estate Agent
Yes, it’s true that the larger estate agents will have a larger marketing budget and will probably be able to sell your property quicker. However, they tend to charge a lot more.
Instead, why not use a smaller, local estate agent? They’ll be able to sell your home for a much cheaper fee.
7) Get Boxes from the Supermarket
Consult any moving house checklist and the advice will be the same – pack early. However, you don’t have to pack ‘expensively’.
Shiny so-called ‘removal boxes’ from the hardware store might seem a great idea, but they are a pricy one. Supermarkets will literally give their boxes away free every day – there’s no need to spend money on this.
8) Stay On Top of Your Utilities
The standard rules apply; take a meter reading when you leave your property, and when you move into your new one. The last thing you want to be doing is paying for someone else’s energy.
9) Shop Around for Suppliers
It’s heated, hectic – and everything in-between. However, try and find the time to shop around for suppliers. Whether it’s broadband or energy, take the time to compare deals and don’t take the first leaflet that comes through the letterbox.
10) Ask Your New Neighbours for Hints
Need an electrician? What about a locksmith? Google is great, but your real neighbors are better. They’ll have been through it all and will know all of the most cost-efficient local tradespeople to turn to.