6 Money Saving Tips When Moving House

Looking for the best money saving tips when moving house?

Are you weighing up the options and considering a house move?

It is no secret that moving house has a habit of draining your bank balance before you’ve even picked up a packing box.

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating for a fresh start, or taking the plunge and buying your first home, the list of expenses grows quickly.

Estate agents, surveys, packing supplies, removal fees, storage costs, and those sneaky “moving day incidentals” that no one warns you about.

But here’s the good news: some of these costs are avoidable with a bit of clever planning.

And no, you don’t need extreme budgeting skills or a spreadsheet obsession, just a few practical strategies that keep the process manageable and the costs under control.

At Lund Conlon Removers & Storers, customers often ask how to keep moving expenses down without adding stress.

So here are six genuinely effective, money-saving tips to help make your next move smoother, simpler and far more affordable.

Article Contents

1. Declutter Before You Pack

One of the easiest and most overlooked ways to save money when moving house is to reduce the number of belongings you’re taking.

Removal quotes are based on the amount of loading, transport, and unloading required, so reducing your load will have a noticeable impact on the final price.

Decluttering doesn’t need to be a chore either.

Start with the obvious: duplicate appliances, old clothes, unused exercise equipment, kids’ toys they’ve outgrown, or random gadgets you didn’t even remember owning.

Anything still in good condition can be sold on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or eBay.

That money can go directly toward moving costs.

Items that can’t be sold can be donated to local charities. The end result? Fewer boxes, a clearer home, a cheaper quote, and the bonus? A more organised fresh start in your new home.

2. Move on an Off-Peak Day

If your schedule isn’t set in stone, shifting your move date to an off-peak period can save you more than you might expect.

Fridays, weekends, and month-ends are the most popular times to move because they’re convenient for obvious reasons, but that demand often pushes prices higher.

Choosing a weekday in the middle of the month can deliver real savings without compromising quality.

You’re likely to get better availability and more flexibility on timings too, which is helpful if you’re juggling exchange dates or waiting on keys.

Some people even combine this with a single day of annual leave to minimise disruption.

If you want to understand why costs vary, Money Advice Service provides a helpful breakdown of typical moving expenses.

A small tweak in timing could end up trimming a surprising amount off your bill.

3. Get a Home Survey (It Can Actually Save You Money)

Skipping a home or video survey might feel like a time-saver, but it’s often the fastest way to end up with unexpected charges on moving day.

A survey allows your removal team to precisely assess access, parking, volume of belongings, specialist items, and any potential obstacles.

That means they can allocate the right vehicle, the right number of staff and the right equipment from the start, preventing delays and eliminating the risk of “add-ons” because something was underestimated or you forgot to tell the removal team about that baby grand piano!

Lund Conlon offers free home and video surveys, and they’re well worth utilising.

We can give you an accurate quote, reduce uncertainty and ensure your move runs smoothly. Surveys also highlight if additional services, like packing or dismantling, would save you time or money.

In short, the more information your movers have upfront, the more efficient and cost-effective your move will be.

4. Don’t Buy Boxes You Don’t Need

Packing materials can also catch people out.

By the time you’ve bought boxes, bubble wrap, tape and protective covers, the bill can creep up quickly.

Before buying anything, check whether your removal company supplies strong, industry-standard cartons; many reputable firms, including Lund Conlon, offer affordable packing materials or provide cartons as part of the service.

These boxes are purpose-made for removals, meaning fewer breakages compared to cheaper alternatives.

Removal companies can afford to offer packaging as part of the service because they purchase their packaging materials in bulk, hence lower prices.

If you are undertaking a DIY move, you can also pick up free boxes from supermarkets, bookshops, and DIY stores, but inspect them carefully. Weak boxes can collapse, causing damage that ultimately costs more than proper packaging would have.

If you’re unsure what you need, consumer sites like Which? offer great guidance.

Smart packing choices mean fewer damaged items, fewer replacement costs, and a far less stressful move.

5. Pack Smart to Avoid Damage

Accidental damage is one of the most expensive and frustrating parts of moving house.

A smashed TV, cracked mirror, or broken ornament can turn a simple move into a costly experience; packing smart is your best defence.

Group items by room, wrap fragile belongings individually and fill any gaps in boxes to prevent movement during transit.

Use towels, blankets, and clothing as extra padding to reduce the need for bubble wrap.

Heavy items should go in small boxes; lighter items in larger ones to avoid strain or collapse.

If you’re doing your own packing, follow trusted guidance from reputable sources such as Zillow.

And if packing feels overwhelming, Lund Conlon’s professional team can handle it for you, often faster, safer, and more cost-effective than doing it alone.

Or, if you want almost zero risk and zero stress, Lund Conlon offers professional packing services, often quicker and more cost-effective than you think.

6. Compare Storage Options Carefully

Storage can be incredibly useful during a move, especially if your dates don’t line up or you’re planning renovations before settling in.

But not all storage solutions are equal, and choosing the wrong one can lead to extra costs.

Self-storage might look cheaper initially, but once you factor in van hire, fuel, time spent loading and unloading, and any access fees, the price can quickly rise.

On-site storage facilities offered by Lund Conlon are often more cost-effective because collection, handling and redelivery are included.

Your belongings are securely stored in sealed wooden containers, reducing damage and double handling by third-party storage companies.

Before choosing, compare security, climate control, insurance, and access arrangements. MoneySavingExpert provides useful insight into what to look for.

A well-chosen storage option saves time, protects your belongings, and prevents surprise expenses.

Ready to Save Money on Your Move? Lund Conlon Can Help.

A move that’s efficient, well-planned and doesn’t cost the earth is possible, and our team at Lund Conlon Removers & Storers is ready to help. Our friendly team, decades of experience, and a service that genuinely puts customers first.

With decades of experience, friendly support, and a reputation for reliable, no-nonsense service, they make moving day feel far less overwhelming and far better value.

For more practical advice, you can also explore their other helpful guides covering everything from packing to storage and planning your move.