Savvy Ways to Save Money When Moving House

Whether you’ve just bought or sold your house, moving is not a cheap experience. And it doesn’t matter if you’re moving because of job transfers, family changes or other circumstances; finding the money to pay for everything that comes with the move can be stressful. Did you know that some things won’t cost you a cent and could save money when moving house? Here are our top tips for saving money when moving house.

Create a moving budget

It can be easy to overlook the costs involved in moving house, but it’s essential that you consider them before you start packing. The last thing you want is to get into debt because of a move. 

As soon as you know, you’re moving home; it’s time to get that pen and paper (or spreadsheet if you’re the techy kind) out. Do your research and jot down all the costs involved in a move. These include:

• Removalists or other moving home services
• Truck, trailer or van hire (don’t forget fuel or bond)
• Transferring utilities
• Cleaning services (especially if you’re currently renting)
• Moving materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap or packing paper)
• Any new furniture or appliances you’ll need
• Storage costs (if required)
• Temporary accommodation (if required)
• Food (takeaway or restocking the pantry.

Once you have everything listed, you’re in an excellent position to determine what it will cost and where to look for savings. 

Sell things you don’t need before you move home

Before you move, getting rid of the things you don’t need anymore is a good idea. Now is the perfect time to start purging if your house is full of stuff you no longer need or use. Don’t throw anything away immediately. Instead, put all your “to sell” items in boxes or bags and label them with a price before listing them online on sites like Gumtree, eBay or Facebook Marketplace. You will get little money if you just throw stuff out!

Hold a garage sale! People will pay between $1-$10 for old books depending on their condition and popularity level; plus, tons of other things like toys and electronics can easily be sold.

Ask for a helping hand 

Moving companies generally charge you a fee for packing your belongings. Where you can, ask friends and family to help with this task, it’s a great way to save money!

If you don’t have anyone who can or is available to help out, there are plenty of other options available online that can save you money when moving house. Facebook Marketplace or your local online groups are great ways for people in your community to get rid of unwanted items like cardboard boxes and packing materials –  ready for you to snap up and use at little to no cost!

Don’t forget cleaning! Hiring a cleaning service is an easy (and, let’s face it, tempting) way to get your house spick and span before the move date – but it comes with a price. Save money by cleaning the house yourself and let your friends and family know how much you’d appreciate their help. 

Find cheap alternatives

Removalists can be expensive, but there are other options out there. Get your Google on and explore smaller companies in your local area or put your feelers out to any friends and family with utes, trailers or trucks. While you’re at it, ask them to help you pack, load/unload. A little bit of bribery goes a long way, so don’t forget to offer food and refreshments. 

Other alternatives to removalists are van and trailer companies like Move Yourself or U-Haul. These companies use local service stations for pick up and drop off, which means you could pick up your hire vehicle close to your current home and drop it off near where you’re moving. Booking the type and size you need is generally straightforward and done online in advance, or inside the service station at a dedicated kiosk. And, if you’re all out of friends and family to help, try Airtasker!

Don’t resort to takeaway

Anyone who has ever moved home will tell you it’s exhausting! You’ll have little time on your hands, and you’ll quickly feel tired. Have a pre-prepared snack box ready to go. Pack a range of healthy snack options (and a couple of treats!) to give you energy and a boost when needed. 

If you want to save the bucks, especially in that first week, don’t resort to takeaway – that’s no way to save money when moving house. Start by cooking your first night’s meal in advance. Make sure you’ve labelled a box with your main cooking pots, pans and utensils, so they’re easily accessible in those first few days.

Don’t go overboard with the meals; stick to easy recipes that don’t need a fully stocked pantry – try soups, casseroles, basic homemade pizzas, pasta and good old toasties! You might find some quick recipes in Taste’s 101 extremely lazy dinners for when you’re out of ideas.

Cut the costs and enjoy your move

Moving to a new house is an exciting time, but it can also be expensive. With these tips, you can cut down on some of the costs and settle into your new home without breaking the bank. 

Want more useful tips like these? Check out our other blog posts! We post something new monthly, so don’t forget to add us to your bookmarks bar. Or if you’re thinking about selling or buying a home, get in touch with our team – we offer no obligation, fixed fee quotes with no hidden and costly surprises (another savvy way to save money!). Get your quote today!