How to save money when you move house
Fifteen practical ways to cut the cost of a UK move without making it riskier.
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Moving is one of the biggest bills most people face, and the cost builds up in small pieces. These tips save money on the move itself and on the things around it.
Before you book
- Declutter first. Every box you do not move costs less to carry. Sell furniture online, donate what is still good and book a council bulky waste collection for the rest.
- Compare at least three quotes. Prices for the same job can differ by hundreds of pounds. A comparison like ours shows several offers side by side so you see the spread.
- Choose your date carefully. Midweek, mid-month and outside school holidays cost less. If your completion date is fixed, ask whether the company has a cheaper time slot that day.
- Book early. Last-minute bookings carry a premium, and the best-value companies fill up first.
Packing and preparing
- Pack yourself. Professional packing is useful for fragile items, but doing the rest yourself can save a few hundred pounds. Our box calculator guide helps you buy the right amount.
- Source free boxes carefully. Supermarkets, shops and online community groups often have spare boxes. Use sturdy ones and avoid anything damp.
- Take apart what you can. Simple beds and shelves, with screws taped to the frame, speed up loading and cut hourly time.
- Sort access. Reserve the lift, clear the driveway or arrange a parking suspension so the crew can work without delay.
On the day
- Be ready on time. On an hourly job, waiting costs you money. Have everything packed, labelled and by the door.
- Label every box by room. Unloading in the right order saves time at the other end.
- Keep valuables and documents with you. This avoids insurance headaches later.
Around the move
- Check utilities and broadband early. Start broadband switches in good time so you do not pay for two homes or for a rushed install. See our address-change checklist.
- Take meter readings. Photograph readings on the day you leave and arrive so you only pay for what you used.
- Set up a Royal Mail redirect only if you need it. Update the important senders directly first.
- Check your insurance. Make sure goods in transit cover is in place and that your home insurance starts on completion day. Our insurance guide explains the difference.
A quick budget view
For a typical two-bedroom move, the biggest levers are date (often 10 to 20 percent), doing your own packing (£100 to £400) and decluttering (fewer hours and a smaller van). Compare quotes to see how those factors change the price for your specific job.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to move house in the UK?
Usually a combination: move midweek, declutter, pack yourself and compare several quotes. A man and van is cheapest for small moves.
Is it cheaper to hire a van and move yourself?
Often yes on paper, but you also pay for fuel, insurance, helpers and your own time. Our van versus removal company guide compares the true cost.
Can I save money by moving in winter?
Winter is often a bit quieter and cheaper outside the holidays, but weather and shorter daylight can make the day harder.
Related guides
- How much do removals cost in London?
- What is the cheapest time to move house in the UK?
- DIY move or removal company: which is cheaper?
Prices and rules in this guide are general guides and change over time. Check GOV.UK or a qualified adviser for your own situation.
