Local, national or international?
Clearly one of the major considerations when looking into the cost of moving is the actual distance involved. If you are moving just to the other side of town, then clearly the cost will be appreciably less than if you are moving across to the other side of the world. However if you are moving locally, then here are some tips:
- Moving locally means you will not be bogged down with loads of paperwork to change your whole location, this frees you up to do other things with your time
- Consider doing your own packing – this will reduce the costs considerably
- Try and get access to the property you are moving into before removal day and ask if it is OK to move items for the outside, like garden ornaments, over
- If you have pets, get friends to look after them the day you move rather than put them in a costly kennel or cattery for a day or two.
DIY or professional movers
This is a tricky decision as the choice will often depend on a number of different factors:
- How much furniture you have
- How big and bulky the furniture is
- How much spare time you have
- How many friend you have to help with the heavy lifting
- Cost of hiring a van
Type of removal company
There are generally two types of business that will do your removals for you. There is the two men and a large van type, and there is the all singing and dancing professional business. There are pros and cons with each.
- The professional firm will likely have comprehensive insurance cover for any damage to items, a cheap ‘cash-in-hand’ business won’t
- Professional movers know how to pack valuable items, a cheap van and man outfit won’t
- Professional movers will turn up on the day, you are always taking a risk that a cheap company won’t be so reliable.
The best advice on moving is to think carefully. Moving home is stressful enough without having to worry about doing the physical side of things as well. Plan carefully to minimise costs.