Cost of moving rises: Here’s how to save

2023 has earned its reputation as a year when prices skyrocketed, and the cost of moving home is no exception.

Moving home has always been an expensive undertaking, but research recently published by the Negotiator shows costs have jumped almost 5% in the last year alone.

Why has moving home become more expensive and how can you beat the price rise? Read on for more information on the cost of moving as well as our top tips for saving when you move home.

 

How much do removals cost in 2023?

So, how much does it actually cost to move house in 2023? The real answer depends on the move. How much furniture you’re moving, how far you’re travelling and even the day of the week you move on.

An answer of ‘it depends’ isn’t very helpful for comparing quotes or drawing up a budget, however, so here are some industry estimates.

For a short move of fewer than 20 miles, the Home Owner’s Alliance estimate a one to two-bedroom house would cost £350-£550 to move. For a larger, three-bedroomed property they estimate an average cost of around £800.

Real estate website Zoopla’s estimates for the same distance are similar. They’d expect you to pay £420 – £650 to move a one-bedroom house and £800 – £960 to move a three-bedroom house. Those figures don’t include packing costs, which they list separately – read more about these below.

Research conducted by Agent Farrow and Ball shows the average mover spends £528 on removal services. This is where the rise in the cost of moving is most clear, with this average increasing by 10.5% from last year.

 

Removals aren’t your only moving expense

The cost of hiring movers isn’t the only expense when you move home – and it’s also not the only service that is increasing in price.

In Farrow and Ball’s research, they also looked at the rising cost of furnishing your home (up 4.2% over last year), replacing a gas stove (up 10.5%) and hiring a cleaner (up 4.4%).

While some of these costs can be avoided with careful planning, it’s important not to be caught off guard. Check out our guide to the unexpected costs of moving here for more information.

 

Why has the cost of moving increased?

As inflation has pushed up the cost of living in the UK, the cost of moving has risen alongside.

Increased fuel and insurance costs have driven up operating expenses for removal firms before even considering a cost of living wage adjustment for their employees.

Similarly, manufacturers of everything from packing supplies to furniture have increased their prices to keep up with rising costs.

It’s less a question of the moving and relocation industries being specifically targeted by rising costs and more that complicated operation like moving home involves potentially dozens of professionals and service providers. If each is forced to raise their prices slightly then the knock-on effect can lead to a much higher bill for the end customer.

 

 

How can I save on the cost of moving?

While the cost of moving may seem daunting, there are simple ways to save. Here are a few of our top tips:

 

Pack and unpack yourself

Most moving companies offer an option to pack and unpack your possessions for you, but you can expect to pay around £200 for the service. Unless you need assistance, packing your own boxes is a simple way to save.

 

Do your own disassembly

Depending on the firm, your removal company may charge an extra fee to disassemble any flat-pack furniture, typically around £125. Most movers bill hourly, so even if there’s no fee it’s in your interest to make the process as quick and easy as possible.

Take apart the furniture that needs to be packed down before your movers arrive to save yourself a hefty sum.

 

Shop around for packing supplies

Most removals and storage companies offer the option to buy packing supplies from them directly. However, you’ll find yourself paying more for the convenience. To keep moving costs low, shop around to find the best deals on your supplies.

 

Dodge disconnection fees and get a great deal on utilities

If you’re currently under contract for broadband you might be hit with an exit fee if you try to leave your contract early. This can be a problem if you’re not able to transfer your contract to your new home.

Luckily, some broadband providers will cover part or all of your exit fees when you switch to their network.

For more information on avoiding exit fees and getting the best possible prices on your utilities book a free call with Please Connect Me. Our Connections Experts will find the perfect package for you and help get all your essential services set up to save you time and money when you move. Learn more and book a free call today!

 

Read more about moving in the UK:

• Our complete Moving House Checklist 2023
• Relocating with pets? Here’s what you need to know
• Unexpected costs when you’re moving home
• 9 top tips for a less stressful move