Moving home is a stressful and expensive time. However, with a little planning and attention to detail it is possible to keep the unavoidable costs to a minimum.
Planning And Packing
Whether you are using a removal company or intend to hire a van, leave yourself time to shop around for the best price comparing local firms with Nationwide operators. A removal company will be able to estimate the size of vehicle you need and whether more than one journey will be required. If you are driving yourself, you will need to make sure you know the volume and weight capacity of the vehicle you intend to use. It can save you money if, where possible, you can dismantle and box awkward items such as garden furniture.
Whichever method of transport you choose, having a good clear out could save you money on relocating your unwanted goods. Selling unwanted items will also help towards the cost of the move.
Well in advance, ask friends and family to start saving packaging materials such as cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and jiffy bags. If you know you are not going to have enough, buy the extra in bulk online.
Avoid disasters on the day by checking every detail of your plans. Double check the arrangements for getting in at your destination to avoid the additional expense and stress of a key fiasco.
If necessary, arrange for friends to look after children and pets on the day, saving childcare and kennel fees. A casserole made and frozen beforehand can be taken in a cool box to avoid the need for a takeaway on arrival!
The Big Day
On the morning of the move, leave enough time to make sandwiches, and hot and cold drinks, for all those involved. This will save the time and cost of stopping for these on the way.
Your attention to detail at the planning and packing stage should help to keep the costs on the day to a minimum. Plan your route in advance, and use a satnav and a map to avoid an expensive detour.
If you are hiring a van, listen carefully to the instructions at the depot, particularly with regard to how much fuel you should put into the vehicle before you hand it back. You must not forget to do this or the company will undoubtedly levy an expensive charge to cover this. Make a note of any existing damage to the van and agree this with the hirer before you leave. Take care to become acclimatized to the size of the vehicle to avoid the expense of scraping the paintwork. Driving economically will make a big difference to the amount of fuel you need to buy before you hand the vehicle back.
Hopefully the above tips will save you some money, and make for an easier moving day. Good luck!
