Let’s be honest: moving is stressful. You’ve got boxes piling up, to-do lists growing longer than your arm, and the distinct feeling that your wallet is about to take a hit.
Well, I’ve got some good news for you—moving doesn’t have to drain your bank account.
Whether you’re shifting a studio apartment or an entire office floor, there are real, actionable ways to save money on your next move. And, yes, we’re serious.
At Expert Removals, we’ve been in the moving game long enough to see where costs skyrocket and where you can tighten the purse strings.
So, let’s dive into the practical (and slightly humorous) ways you can keep your move affordable while still keeping your sanity intact.
1. Start Planning Early — Like, Yesterday
A move planned in haste is a move that costs more. Why? Because last-minute everything is expensive.
If you start planning your move at least 8 weeks in advance, you’ll have time to gather quotes, pack at a leisurely pace, and secure the best deals on movers (hint: that’s us).
A 2019 study by Moving.com found that last-minute moves can cost up to 25% more than a move booked in advance. Not to mention, you’ll have fewer options, which means you’re at the mercy of whichever moving company isn’t booked solid. And trust me, desperation pricing isn’t pretty.
Key Tip: Early birds get the cheaper rates.
2. Downsize Before You Pack
Do you really need that old armchair with the suspicious stain that’s been lurking in your basement? No, you don’t. The less stuff you move, the cheaper it gets.
Expert’s Insight: On average, movers charge by weight and volume. So the more stuff you have, the more you pay.
According to SelfStorage.org, cutting down by just 10-20% of your household items could save you up to €300-€500 on your move. That’s real money for your new place!
Create three piles: Keep, Sell, Donate. Everything else? You guessed it—bin it. You might even make some cash back by selling furniture or items that don’t fit your new space.
3. Don’t Pay for Packing Supplies You Can Get for Free
Boxes. Bubble wrap. Packing tape. The moment you say the word “move,” the costs start adding up. But here’s the secret: You don’t need to buy most of it.
“Where can I get free packing supplies?”
- Check your local grocery store or supermarket. They usually have boxes they’d be happy to give away.
- Use your towels, blankets, and clothing to wrap fragile items. You’re moving them anyway, so why pay extra for bubble wrap?
- Visit Freecycle sites online or check Facebook Marketplace for moving boxes and supplies that others no longer need. Recycling boxes is a win for your wallet and the planet.
Pro Tip: Opt for wardrobe boxes only if you must. They’re convenient but expensive. A bin liner over your hanging clothes works just as well.
4. Pick the Off-Peak Days
Here’s a quick fact for you: weekends and the first/last days of the month are prime time for movers. You’ll pay a premium just for picking those days.
It’s a classic case of supply and demand. Moving mid-week and mid-month can save you 10-20%.
“What’s the best day to move?”
If you can, book your move for a Tuesday or Wednesday in the middle of the month. The moving company’s calendar will be lighter, and they’ll be more flexible with pricing.
Bonus Stat: Moving during off-peak times can save you up to €200-€300 on average, depending on your location and volume of goods.
5. DIY What You Can, But Don’t Be a Hero
Now, before you throw your back out trying to load that sofa into a van by yourself, hear me out. Doing some of the work yourself—like packing, disassembling furniture, and even moving small items—can save on labour costs.
But, unless you’re a certified muscle machine (or a DIY masochist), leave the heavy lifting to the pros. Hiring professionals for large furniture items and breakables could actually save you money in the long run by avoiding damage and the dreaded repair or replace costs.
“Should I hire movers or DIY?”
A survey by ConsumerAffairs found that 53% of people who opted for DIY moving ended up spending more due to unforeseen costs (like van rentals, petrol, food, and even medical bills from injuries). In contrast, hiring a moving company saved them time, effort, and often money.
6. Get Multiple Quotes — Then Play the Game
You wouldn’t settle for the first car price you find online, right? The same applies to movers. Getting multiple quotes is essential because prices can vary drastically.
But here’s where it gets fun: once you’ve got a couple of quotes, play the field.
“How can I negotiate with a moving company?”
Don’t be shy. Tell one company you’ve received a lower quote from another. They might match it or offer you a better deal to secure your business.
At Expert Removals, we pride ourselves on being competitive, and we know that a bit of friendly negotiation can benefit both sides.
Data Point: 82% of people who negotiate their moving quote end up saving €100-€300, according to a 2020 survey by MoveHub.
7. Avoid Hidden Fees Like the Plague
You know that sinking feeling when you get an invoice, and it’s way higher than the original quote? That’s what happens when you don’t ask about hidden fees.
“What are hidden fees in moving?”
- Stair Fees: Got a 3rd-floor apartment? Some movers charge extra for stairs.
- Long Carry Fees: If the van can’t park close to your door, and movers have to carry things further, expect an extra charge.
- Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly: Think twice before you let movers disassemble your flat-packed bed. There’s often a charge for that too.
Pro Tip: Ask for a binding estimate. This locks in the price and prevents those nasty surprises later on.
8. Bundle Services for a Discount
Consider bundling your moving services for a discount. If you need storage or furniture disposal, book it through the same company.
At Expert Removals, we offer storage solutions and furniture disposal alongside your move, and bundling these services can save you up to 15-20%.
“Is bundling services cheaper?”
In 2023, customers who bundled their services with us saved an average of €150 compared to booking separately. That’s cash you can spend on something more exciting than moving boxes!
9. Use a Moving Calculator
Still wondering how much your move is going to cost? Use an online moving calculator to get a rough estimate of costs based on the size of your home, distance, and any additional services you might need.
Example: Estimated Moving Costs Table
| Move Size | Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Flat | 10 Miles | €300-€450 |
| 2-Bedroom House | 25 Miles | €500-€750 |
| 3-Bedroom House | 50 Miles | €800-€1,200 |
This data provides a baseline, but remember that the real cost will depend on factors like packing services, time of year, and additional requirements.
10. Consider Moving Insurance
It might sound like an unnecessary cost at first, but moving insurance can save you in case of accidents. No one wants to think about their beloved coffee table getting damaged, but things happen. And if they do, it’s better to be covered than sorry.
Expert Insight: Most standard homeowners or renters insurance won’t cover items in transit. Opt for moving insurance that protects your items for their full value.
Final Thoughts: The Smart Move
Moving doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right strategies and a bit of insider knowledge (which, lucky for you, we’ve provided), you can save money while still making your move as smooth as possible.
At Expert Removals, we know the ins and outs of moving like the back of our hand. We’ve helped countless clients save money without sacrificing service. Want to know more? Reach out, and let’s make your next move your smartest one yet!
