Most “save money moving!” articles online are written by people who have never actually carried a sofa downstairs. Here are the genuinely useful ones, written by a man and van firm that’s done thousands of moves around Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset.
1. Move mid-month, mid-week, in winter if you can
End of month, end of quarter and end of summer are removal peak season. Prices go up. If you have any flexibility, a Wednesday in February is cheaper than a Saturday in August. Some firms (us included) offer better rates for jobs we can slot in between bigger ones.
2. Get three quotes – but compare like for like
If one quote is dramatically lower than the others, ask why. Usually it’s because they’ve assumed less time, fewer people, or different insurance cover. Make sure you’re comparing the same scope: same number of porters, same insurance, same vehicle size, same allowance for time.
3. Be ruthless before you pack
The cheapest item to move is one you don’t take with you. Charity shops will pick up bigger furniture for free in most of North Somerset. Facebook Marketplace shifts almost anything if it’s well-priced. The fewer boxes, the smaller the van, the cheaper the move.
4. Use pre-loved boxes
New removal boxes are about £2 to £4 each from packing suppliers, and you might need 30 to 50 of them. That’s £100+ down the drain when slightly-used boxes from a previous mover work just as well. Ask your removal firm if they have any free pre-loved boxes (we usually do, depending on the time of year).
5. Pack yourself
Pack everything that isn’t fragile or oddly shaped. Save the packing service for the genuinely difficult stuff – mirrors, lamps, paintings, computer kit. Most movers charge by the hour for packing, so doing the basics yourself is the easiest saving.
6. Be flexible on timing
“Anytime Thursday” beats “11am sharp” every time. Tell your removal firm you’ve got a flexible window and ask if there’s a discounted slot. Often there is.
7. Disconnect things yourself
Disconnecting washing machines, dishwashers and freezers in advance saves removal time. Just remember:
- Defrost the freezer 24 hours before
- Drain the washing machine and tape the drum / use transit bolts
- Photograph the back of the TV before unplugging cables
8. Sort your parking
If the van can’t park near your door, the move takes longer and costs more. If you’re on a tight street, talk to the neighbours, put cones out, or get the council to suspend a bay if necessary. A £30 bay suspension is cheaper than an extra hour of removal time.
9. Combine errands into one job
If you’re moving and you’ve also got IKEA stuff to collect, an eBay sofa to drop off and some garden waste to clear, ask the removal firm to do it all in one job. It’s much cheaper than three separate trips, and most of us are happy to do it.
10. Don’t skip insurance
This is the one place not to cut corners. A removal firm without Goods in Transit insurance is one accident away from your TV being your problem. Always check it’s included and always make sure you’re not the one underwriting the risk.
Honest fixed quotes for moves across Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset. 07796 271022.
