Money Saving Moving Tips

Key Points

Getting 3+ removal quotes can save £200-£800 on an average move
Moving on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday is typically 10-20% cheaper than Friday
Decluttering before your survey reduces van size and crew requirements — directly cutting the quote
Free packing boxes are available from supermarkets, off-licences, and Freecycle
Packing non-fragile items yourself saves £150-£500 on the packing service cost
Always read the small print — hidden fees for stairs, parking, ULEZ, and storage are common

Saving on Removal Costs

1. Use a removal comparison service

Removal prices vary by £200–£800 for the same move. Moving Merchant compares prices across our verified partner network and sends you one competitive, tailored quote — including what's covered (insurance, packing, dismantling).

2. Move mid-week

Friday is the most popular moving day — and the most expensive. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are typically 10-20% cheaper. If you can influence your completion date, aim for midweek.

3. Avoid peak season

June, July, and August are the most expensive months to move. If you can complete in January-March or October-November, removal prices are significantly lower and availability is better.

4. Book early for better rates

Booking 6-8 weeks in advance gives you access to the full range of available companies. Last-minute bookings cost 20-40% more. Provisionally book before exchange of contracts to secure your date.

5. Declutter before the pre-move survey

The surveyor estimates your van size and crew based on what they see. Declutter first — sell, donate, or recycle unwanted items. Fewer items = smaller van = lower quote. Charity shops often collect for free.

6. Consider a man-and-van for smaller moves

For a studio or 1-bed flat, a reputable man-and-van service can cost £100-£300 less than a full removal company. Check reviews and confirm they have goods-in-transit insurance.

Saving on Packing Costs

Free Box Sources

Supermarket banana and wine boxes
Off-licences (strong, uniform size)
Freecycle and Facebook Marketplace
Local Facebook community groups
Neighbours who've recently moved

Free Packing Materials

Old newspapers (wrap crockery)
Clothing, towels, and bedding
Tea towels for glasses
Carrier bags for soft items
Socks stuffed inside glasses

Pack Non-Fragiles Yourself

Pack books, clothes, linen, and non-breakables yourself and only pay for professional packing on fragile or valuable items. This can save £150-£400 on the packing service cost.

Leave Clothes in Drawers

Many removal companies will move a chest of drawers with clothes inside if it's not too heavy. Ask your firm — it saves significant packing time and box costs for clothing.

Hidden Fees to Watch For

Fee Type	Typical Cost	How to Avoid
Stair/floor surcharge	£30-£150	Disclose access details upfront
Parking suspension	£50-£150/day	Apply directly to council (cheaper)
ULEZ (London)	£12.50/day/van	Ask if firm's vans are ULEZ-compliant
Congestion Charge (London)	£15/day/van	Move early morning before 7am
Long carry surcharge	£30-£100	Mention long driveways or access restrictions
Storage (if completion delayed)	£50-£200/day	Discuss delay policy before booking
Piano/specialist item handling	£150-£800+	Disclose all specialist items when quoting

Other Ways to Cut Moving Costs

Redirect mail online — Royal Mail redirection costs £39.50 for 3 months; cheaper than missing important post
Sell furniture you're replacing — use Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or eBay before the move
Switch energy suppliers on moving day — don't accept the in-situ tariff; compare and switch immediately
Claim the single-person council tax discount — 25% off if you live alone; worth claiming immediately at the new address
Notify DVLA online — free and quick; avoid the £1,000 fine for not updating your address
Use a cashback credit card for moving costs — if you're spending thousands, a cashback card can return 1-5%
Ask about cancellation slots — some removal companies offer discounts to fill last-minute cancellation slots

Quick Savings Summary

✓ Get 3+ quotes: Save £200-£800
✓ Move mid-week: Save 10-20%
✓ Declutter before survey: Save £50-£300
✓ Pack non-fragiles yourself: Save £150-£500
✓ Get free boxes: Save £50-£150
✓ Book early: Save 20-40% vs last minute
✓ Move off-peak (Jan-Mar): Save £100-£400

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the single biggest way to save on removal costs?

Using a comparison service. The variation in removal prices for the same move can be £200–£800, even among reputable BAR-member firms. Moving Merchant compares prices behind the scenes and sends you one competitive, tailored quote — quick and completely free.

Is it safe to use cheaper removal companies?

Price doesn't always correlate with quality. Look for BAR membership, check reviews on Google and Trustpilot, and ensure they have proper goods-in-transit insurance. A mid-priced BAR member is often better value than the cheapest unaccredited option.

Can I negotiate with a removal company on price?

Yes — especially if you're flexible on dates or have competing quotes to show them. Removal companies will sometimes match or beat a competitor's price. Asking doesn't hurt, and a 5-10% saving is achievable in many cases.

How can I get free packing boxes?

Supermarkets (especially banana boxes from the fruit section), off-licences, and Facebook community groups are the best sources. Post on Freecycle or Nextdoor — people who've recently moved often have a surplus they're keen to give away.