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Mortgages

Five money saving tips for house movers

Joanna Faith
Written By:
Joanna Faith
Posted:
Updated:
05/06/2013

Follow this essential advice and dramatically cut down the costs of moving home.

Buying a property is expensive business. The bad news is the bills keep on coming long after contracts are signed and keys are exchanged. 

Moving all of your belongings into your new home can be a particularly costly job.

So, we’ve put together a list of money saving tips to help you reduce the moving bill.

1. DIY moving

If you don’t have mountains of belongings, it might be more cost effective to do the moving yourself. You can hire a van for the day relatively cheaply.

It’s easy to get boxes from your local supermarket and you can call on your friends and family to help.

Remember, there are plenty of van hire companies out there so make sure you do your research to get the best deal.

Also, make sure you check with your insurance provider whether you need additional contents cover as most policies won’t cover accidental damage outside the home.

It is also worth checking for any parking restrictions; the last thing you want is a parking ticket. If necessary, contact the local council for a one day parking permit.

Moving is a stressful experience, so make sure you weigh up the pros and cons of doing it yourself.

2. Check up on your removal man

If you decide to use a removal company, make sure you use a reputable, professional and safe remover. Also, make sure they are fully licensed and fully insured.

Using a member of The British Association of Removers (BAR) means you can be confident that the company will have met strict criteria and certain standards.

Furthermore, in the event that you experience any problems, BAR offers a free advice and conciliation service. BAR members also have insurance which meets the Association’s standards should something go wrong.

Don’t just settle on the first firm you come across. Spend a bit of time getting quotes. The BAR website (www.bar.co.uk) has a members directory which allows you to search by area. Remember that some days are busier and likely to be more expensive than others – Fridays and Bank Holidays for example.

Word of mouth is also a good way of finding a reliable removal company.

3. De-clutter

The less you have to pack the better. Why pay to move things to your new home you don’t need or want? Throw away as much as possible or donate old clothes, shoes books, DVDs, curtains – whatever, to charity shops.

Make some money to help with the move by selling any items you don’t need on eBay or at a car boot sale. Alternatively, give away any unwanted goods on Freecycle. It’s also worth eating everything in your freezer before you move!

4. Pay final bills, cancel direct debits and tell your bank

Make sure you tell all utility providers you are moving and pay any final bills. Citizens Advice recommends giving suppliers at least 48 hours’ notice. Give suppliers your new address so they can forward the final bill to you.

Read the meters on the day you move out and give the readings to the supplier. Keep a note of the readings and the dates you took them, in case you don’t agree with your final bill. Cancel any direct debits with your provider and then with the bank yourself. Don’t rely on the supplier.

Don’t forget to give your bank your new address too. They will send bills to the address they have on file and overdraft or late payment charges can easily build up.

5. Get the best deal on your gas, electricity and broadband

Make sure you shop around for the best deals on your utilities for your new home.

According to comparison site uSwitch.com, you can save more than £300 by switching gas and electricity plans and more than £200 on broadband. It may also be worth making your home energy efficient for example by installing a water meter.


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