Cheap Ways to Move House in London

Moving house in London doesn’t have to be expensive. If you're planning a move, the costs can quickly add up, especially when you factor in things like transport, packing, and even the endless hours spent coordinating everything. But don’t let the city’s high moving costs discourage you. With a little preparation and the right approach, you can keep your move affordable while still ensuring everything goes smoothly.

Cheap Ways To Move House In London

Let’s take a look at some practical ways to save money on man and van services when you move house in London.

Know Exactly What You Need Before You Book a Man and Van

The first step to saving money is knowing exactly what you need from the man and van service. Think about the size of the van you need—if you're only moving a few boxes, there’s no need to hire a big truck. On the other hand, overestimating the space required can lead to unnecessary costs. Choose a service that matches the size of your move.

Booking ahead also makes a difference. The closer you leave it to the day of your move, the higher the chances of paying premium rates, particularly during busy times. If possible, plan ahead and book early to secure the best deal.

Pick the Right Time to Move

Timing can make a huge difference when it comes to reducing the cost of your move. In a busy city like London, certain days and times are far cheaper than others.

Weekends tend to be the busiest times for moving services, especially at the end or beginning of the month. If you’re able to shift your move to a weekday, particularly Tuesday to Thursday, you’ll likely find better deals and avoid peak demand. Plus, you’ll sidestep the heavy traffic and parking issues that are common during weekends.

Summer months and holidays are also peak times, so try to avoid them if possible. A little flexibility on your moving date can go a long way in cutting costs.

Get Multiple Quotes and Avoid Hidden Charges

Don’t settle for the first quote you get. It's always smart to reach out to a few different services and compare prices. You’ll quickly see if one company’s price is more reasonable than others.

But price isn’t the only thing you should consider—make sure you ask about any hidden fees that could crop up. Some companies might offer low initial quotes, but then tack on extra costs for fuel, parking permits, or even things like moving materials. Get a breakdown of all charges upfront so you’re not surprised when the final bill arrives.

Declutter Before You Move

One of the easiest ways to save money is by moving fewer things. The more you have to move, the higher the cost will be. Taking the time to declutter before your move will not only save you money on the van hire, but it’ll also make your new space more organised and manageable.

• Sell or donate: If you don’t need it, get rid of it. You can sell items online or donate them to charity, which will not only lighten your load but can also earn you a little extra cash.
• Recycle or dispose of: Old furniture or items that are broken and no longer useful should be cleared out. Look for local recycling centers or services that will take these items off your hands.

The fewer items you need to move, the more manageable—and affordable—your relocation will be.

Consider Doing It Yourself

If you have the time, consider hiring a van and doing the move yourself. It can be much cheaper than paying for a full man and van service. Many van hire services in London give you the option to rent a van for a day, which can save you a lot of money.

Of course, renting a van comes with its own considerations:

• Planning the route: Avoiding areas with congestion charges or limited parking is key to keeping costs down. Be aware of where you’re going and how long you’ll be able to park.
• Ask for help: Moving is hard work, so get some friends or family members to pitch in and help. It’ll make the job quicker and easier.

DIY moving is ideal if you’re confident you can handle it. But make sure you’ve got everything planned out—nothing’s worse than having to deal with last-minute stress.

Pack Smart to Save Time and Money

Packing properly can help you maximize the space in the van, which in turn can save you from needing multiple trips or a larger vehicle.

Here’s how to pack efficiently:

• Use what you’ve got: Instead of buying expensive packing materials, use towels, blankets, or old newspapers to wrap fragile items. This not only saves money but helps cut down on waste.
• Pack strategically: Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter boxes on top. This will help you make the best use of the van’s space and ensure that your items stay safe during the journey.
• Use every bit of space: Don’t leave gaps. Pack the van carefully to avoid wasting space and reduce the need for extra trips.

Pack Smart to Save Time and Money

Packing well can drastically reduce your moving costs, especially if you can fit everything into one trip.

Final Thoughts: Planning Makes All the Difference

Moving in London doesn’t need to be as expensive as it seems. By planning ahead, being smart about the timing, and decluttering before the move, you can cut down on the cost of your man and van service. Remember to get multiple quotes, check for hidden fees, and if possible, consider doing part of the move yourself.

• A little preparation goes a long way. With the right approach, you can enjoy a smooth and cost-effective move without all the stress.

We at URemovals are committed to providing an easy and affordable moving experience in London. Compare man and van prices and get quotes from our professional London movers to make your next move the best one yet!