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7 Ways To Save Money When You Move House

7 Ways to Save Money When You Move House

Buying a property in Tower Hamlets will almost certainly be the most significant purchase you’ll ever make; however, your house move needn’t cost the earth.

The average cost of moving home in the UK is around £17,600*, once you factor in stamp duty, legal fees, estate agent fees, removals, and other moving expenses.

That’s a big chunk of money, so finding ways to cut unnecessary costs can really pay off.

At City Realtor, we often speak with clients who need advice to minimise their removal costs, so today, we are bringing you our very best ideas to help you save money when you move house.

* Average cost for illustration only. Costs vary depending on buying/selling price, location and other factors. 

7 Ways To Save Money When You Move House

1. Clear Out The Clutter

There’s no point in paying extra to move items into your new home that you don’t want or need, so it makes sense to clear out any clutter before booking your chosen removal company. With less clutter, you’ll save money on packing boxes, and with less to load up, the number of hours the removal team will be needed for may also be reduced.

If you’re putting items into storage, having fewer boxes will also reduce your expenses as you will need a smaller unit. As a bonus, if you sell your unwanted items before your move, you will have some extra cash to put towards your costs!

2. Choose The Right Removals Team

Comparing prices between different local removal companies is essential. Getting the best deal is important, so you should get multiple quotes from local companies. You should check out their reviews, too, as this will reassure you that you’re choosing trusted professionals to pack and handle your belongings.

3. Book Removal Services Early

The earlier you can book your removals team, the better, especially if you’re planning to move over a bank holiday or during peak seasons. An early booking allows you to budget more efficiently and gives you the best chance of being able to use your preferred company.

4. Check For Discounts

Some removal companies offer discounts for armed forces, key workers, students, or pensioners, so check every company’s website and don’t be afraid to call and ask about possible discounts.

5. Reduce Packing Material Costs

Whenever possible, use second-hand removal boxes or consider renting them from the removal company. You can avoid spending money on bubble wrap and stay eco-friendly by using your soft furnishings, clothing, towels, and blankets to wrap and protect fragile items.

6 . Disassemble Large Items Yourself

You can save money by dismantling large items like beds and other bulky pieces of furniture rather than booking your removal company’s disassembly service to do it for you. If the removal team need to take apart any items that won’t fit through the doors, you’ll need to pay more.

7. Manage Your Time

If you delay your removals team on the day itself, you could be charged more to cover the cost of their time. Good time management is essential. Ensure everything is packed well before your removal team arrives, ensure that it’s easy to access your property and that items like the dishwasher and washing machine have been disconnected. This will ensure you don’t face additional charges due to unexpected hold-ups.

Talk To The Experts

Although moving can be stressful, it needn’t be expensive!

Not on the market yet? If you’re thinking about selling, our team at City Realtor is here to help. Contact us today on 0207 790 7702 or email admin@cityrealtor.co.uk to arrange a free valuation.

Don’t forget to follow us on our socials for updates and new listings!

Follow us on Facebook, connect with us on X, join us on Instagram, find us on TikTok, see us on LinkedIn, watch our YouTube Videos!

Good luck if you are buying a home, or considering putting your property in Tower Hamlets on the market. We’ve answered your FAQ’s here, and we’ve answered some of your common questions about saving money on your house move below.

In the meantime, we’ve answered your common questions about saving money when moving house.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saving Money on Your House Move

How can I reduce the cost of packing materials?

You can save money on packing materials by using second-hand boxes, renting boxes from removal companies, or repurposing household items like blankets and towels.

Can I disassemble furniture myself to save money?

Yes, disassembling furniture yourself can help you save money on removal costs. However, ensure you know how to reassemble it correctly to avoid frustration – and damage.

How can I avoid additional charges from my removal company?

Manage your time effectively to avoid delays and ensure your property is accessible for the removal team. Be prepared with all necessary information and documentation.

What other tips can I follow to save money on my house move?

Declutter your belongings before the move to reduce the amount of items you need to transport. Compare quotes from different removal companies and negotiate for a better price. Consider moving during off-peak seasons or weekdays to potentially get lower rates.

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9 Moving Home Packing Tips For A Smooth Move

9 Moving Home Packing Tips For A Smooth Move

Moving to a new home in Tower Hamlets is an exciting milestone, but packing up your entire life can be a source of stress and anxiety. However, fear not because we have some moving home packing tips for you! With proper planning and organisation, the moving home packing process will be much more manageable.

In this blog, the team at City Realtor will share our moving home packing tips to help you achieve a pain-free move with minimum stress.

So, let’s get into it!

9 Tips to Make the Moving Process Better

1. Create a Packing Timeline

Start your moving home preparations by creating a well-structured packing timeline.

  • Begin early, ideally at least six weeks before your moving day.
  • Break down your packing tasks into manageable chunks, focusing on one room at a time.
  • Make a checklist of items to pack in each room, along with deadlines for completing each task.

By spacing out the packing process, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed and reduce the last-minute rush as moving day approaches.

2. Get Rid of Unwanted Items

Before you start packing, take the opportunity to declutter items you no longer need. Go through each room methodically and sort your belongings into three categories:

  • Keep
  • Donate
  • Discard

This will make your move more efficient and will help you save on moving costs by reducing the number of items to be transported. Plus, donating usable items will give you the satisfaction of helping those in need.

3. Gather Packing Supplies in Advance

There’s nothing more frustrating than realising you’re running out of supplies in the middle of the packing process. Avoid this by gathering all the necessary packing materials well in advance. Go online and stock up on sturdy moving boxes of various sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing tape, labels and markers. Having these supplies to hand will prevent last-minute scrambling, and ensure that your belongings are adequately protected during the move to your new home.

4. Pack Room by Room

To stay organised during your move, pack one room at a time. This method ensures that items belonging together stay together, making unpacking at your new home a breeze. As you pack, label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. To take it a step further, consider colour-coding the boxes for each room. This visual cue will help you and your movers identify where each box should go ready for unpacking.

5. Use the Right Packing Techniques

Proper packing techniques can make a huge difference in protecting your belongings during the move. For fragile items like glassware and dishes, use generous layers of bubble wrap or packing paper to ensure they are well-padded. Utilise dividers or crumpled paper to prevent items from knocking against each other during transport. For clothes, keep them on hangers and cover them with bin bags, creating makeshift garment bags that will protect them and make unpacking much quicker.

6. Pack a First-Day Essentials Box

In the hustle and bustle of moving, it’s easy to lose track of the items you’ll need upon arrival at your new home. Prepare a “first-day essentials” box containing the items you’ll require before you’ve had a chance to unpack. This box should include:

  • Toiletries, loo roll and medications
  • Change of clothes and fresh linen for bedding
  • Important documents (such as identification and medical records)
  • Phone chargers
  • Essential kitchen items (tea and coffee, milk, mugs, kettle)
  • Any other necessities that will help you get through the first day comfortably

7. Seek Professional Packing Help

If the idea of packing overwhelms you or you don’t have the time to do it yourself, consider hiring professional packers. They have the expertise and experience to pack your belongings efficiently and securely, saving you time and ensuring that your possessions are well taken care of during the move. While this may be an additional expense, the peace of mind and time saved can be well worth it, especially if you have valuable or delicate items that require special attention.

8. Label Electronics and Cables

Disassembling electronics can be a daunting task! It becomes much easier if you label each cable and component as you go. Take pictures of the setup before disassembling to help you reassemble them correctly in your new home. Place all the cables and accessories in labelled bags and keep them together with the corresponding electronic device. Additionally, consider using cable organisers or ties to prevent tangles and confusion during unpacking.

9. Secure Hazardous Materials Separately

Certain items, such as cleaning materials, aerosol cans, and flammable liquids, are considered hazardous and require special handling. Keep these items separate from your regular packing and transport them safely or dispose of them responsibly before the move. Check with your local waste management facility or follow your area’s guidelines for the disposal of hazardous materials.

Moving Home Doesn’t Have to be Stressful

Read our Guide to Buying here

Selling? Get an Instant Valuation

Planning ahead, decluttering, using proper packing techniques, and seeking professional assistance are key factors in ensuring a successful and stress-free move.

If you are planning on moving to the Tower Hamlets area soon, embrace the excitement of starting a new chapter in your life and take our moving home packing tips on board.

As your local estate agent in Tower Hamlets, come and speak to a member of our team at City Realtor. Contact us on 0207 790 7702 or email us at admin@cityrealtor.co.uk and let us be your guide to a seamless and enjoyable moving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing Tips to Make Moving House Easier

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for a Smooth Move

How many cardboard boxes should I get for packing?

It depends on the size of your home and belongings. It’s better to overestimate – you can always return unused pack boxes.

Should I pack my clothes on hangers?

Yes! Use wardrobe boxes or bin bags to keep clothes on hangers, saving time unpacking and ironing.

What can I use to fill empty spaces in boxes?

Scrunched-up paper towels, packing peanuts or even clothes can fill gaps in boxes and prevent items from moving around.

Can I pack everything myself, or should I hire professional movers?

Professional movers can be a great option if you’re short on time or have fragile boxes. However, they do add to the cost of moving.

What Next?

Do you require a valuation or no-obligation advice on buying or selling a home in Tower Hamlets? Please contact our expert property team at City Realtor on 0207 790 7702 or email us at admin@cityrealtor.co.uk, and we will be delighted to help you.

Don’t forget to follow us on our socials for updates and new listings!

Follow us on Facebook, connect with us on X, join us on Instagram, find us on TikTok, see us on LinkedIn, watch our YouTube Videos!

Good luck if you are buying your first home, or considering putting your property in Tower Hamlets on the market. We’ve answered even more of your FAQ’s here.