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Plan ahead - you can’t avoid
solicitors, HIPS, search fees or stamp duty costs however you
can reduce how much you pay on removals. Weigh up the options of
a DIY move. Doing it yourself will probably be cheaper but take
into account the time involved, van hire and fuel, stress and
unforeseen hassles, it may be a better bet just to let someone
else take the strain.
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Shop around - if you are going
to use a removal company get at least three quotations, but
don't be swayed by price alone. Pick a company that suits your
circumstance and requirements. These companies are moving your
prized possessions, so you need to be comfortable with your
choice.
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In the diary - book your removal
company as far in advance as possible. If you leave it to the
last minute you may not get the company of your choice and may
also pay a premium for last minute bookings.
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Avoid Friday - especially moving
on this day around a Bank Holiday and the end of the month.
Friday is the most popular day to move home and often the most
expensive and stressful.
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Site reccy - always get your
removal companies to visit so that they know about any problems
which may arise on moving day i.e. access, parking, stairs.
Helpiammoving.com have a list of removal and self storage
companies on their site and also offer a free moving request
quotation service.
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Do some of the hard work - pack
your boxes yourself to bring down the costs. Buy quality packing
materials as poor quality or odd shape boxes are a false
economy. www.helpineedboxes.co.uk
sell good quality packing
materials which can be delivered nationwide with a next working
day service.
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Packing materials - start
collecting old newspapers and don’t throw your old shredded
documents out just yet as this also makes excellent packing
material.
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Disassemble furniture - i.e.
beds, tables, wardrobes and tell your removal company that you
will be doing this. Remember to keep all screws, allen keys in
one easily accessible place.
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Flexibility - If you are moving
outside your current area get quotes from removal companies also
in your new postcode area. Again if you are flexible on dates
then they may be able to pick your items up on a return load.
Companies hate returning back to their depot with an empty lorry
therefore saving you money.
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De-clutter before you move - now
is a perfect time to go through all your possessions so you
won’t be transporting unwanted items. Most companies base their
costs on quantity which is calculated in cubic feet. Selling
unwanted items can also give you some extra cash which could pay
for your removal expenses.
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Change of address - Use the
internet to notify all your relevant companies (e.g. utilities)
that you use of your new change of address. Iammoving.com is a
free service run in association with the royal mail that will
tell everyone you are moving on your behalf.
