Cheap Removals – 10 Ways to Reduce Moving Costs

There’s no getting away from it, moving house nowadays isn’t cheap.

Between stamp duty, estate agent fees, and removal costs, expenses stack up quickly.

The average UK move now costs over £12,000 when you factor in all the extras, so it’s no surprise many people are searching for ways to cut back on the process.

The good news? With some forward planning and a bit of insider know-how, you can make big savings without compromising on a smooth, stress-free move.

Whether you’re planning a local shift across town or a long-distance relocation, these 10 practical tips for cheap removals will help you keep more money in your pocket while still getting the job done properly.

1. Declutter First – Less to Move, Less to Pay

Cut down on belongings before you move to save money on transport and packing.

One of the most effective ways to reduce moving costs is by cutting down on what you actually take with you.

Professional removal companies charge by volume.

For each item of furniture and each box packed, the volume is calculated and included in your move cost. So, every cupboard clear-out directly translates into savings.

It really does pay to go through each room with a ruthless eye. If you haven’t worn it, used it, or even looked at it in the last year, it probably doesn’t deserve a place in the moving van.

Sites like Nextdoor and Facebook Marketplace are great for selling items locally, while British Heart Foundation shops accept furniture and electricals.

A good declutter means fewer boxes, lower transport costs, and if you are clever, even the bonus of making a little cash on the side to offset moving expenses!

2. Gather Free (or Cheap) Packing Supplies

Save costs by sourcing free boxes and using household items for packing.

If you are undertaking a DIY Move, buying brand-new boxes and bubble wrap can easily set you back hundreds of pounds, which feels like a big waste of money.

Instead, hunt for free or low-cost packing materials.

Supermarkets and high-street shops are often happy to give away sturdy boxes, just ask the store manager when their deliveries arrive.

Community recycling pages, Freecycle, and Gumtree are also goldmines for free supplies.

For wrapping fragile items, get creative: towels, bedding, and even socks make excellent eco-friendly alternatives to bubble wrap.

Not only does this save you money, but it also reduces waste, too, a double win.

The fewer packing supplies you buy, the more you’ll keep your removals budget under control.

For those using a reputable removal firm such as White & Company, the materials will be supplied; all part of the service.

Plus, we use biodegradable packing materials, reducing plastic waste and promoting recyclable alternatives, so you can be sure we are as eco-friendly as possible.

3. Compare Removal Quotes and Ask Questions

Gather Free (or Cheap) Packing Supplies

Don’t just grab the first removal quote that comes your way; most home movers will arrange for several quotations.

Prices vary widely between companies, and what’s included in one estimate might not appear in another.

Always obtain at least three quotes, ensuring each one is like-for-like so you can compare them properly.

Check whether insurance coverage is included, if there are extra charges for dismantling furniture, or if waiting times at the property could incur hidden fees.

Choosing a BAR-accredited company (British Association of Removers) means you’ll be working with professionals bound by a code of practice. You can check them out at bar.co.uk.

By asking the right questions upfront, you can avoid surprises later and secure the best value for your money.

4. Choose the Right Time to Move

When you move is just as important as how you move because there are peaks and troughs in the removal business.

Fridays and weekends are the most popular times, which means higher costs and less flexibility.

If you can, book your removal midweek, when demand is lower and prices are usually cheaper.

Season also matters. Summer (particularly the school summer holidays) is peak moving time in the UK, and most of the good removal companies will be fully booked quickly.

While the winter months tend to be quieter (and more affordable), companies will be hungry for your business.

In 2025, demand spikes are expected around late August and December, so planning outside those windows could potentially save you hundreds.

Try to confirm dates early, as some removal companies offer early-bird discounts too.

Picking a smart moving date doesn’t just reduce costs; it makes for a smoother, less stressful day overall.

5. Consider a Van Hire or “Man with a Van” Service

Choose the Right Time to Move

Not every move requires a full-scale removal crew; there are some instances where a DIY move does work.

If you’re moving locally or you don’t have mountains of furniture, a smaller option might suit your budget better.

Hiring a self-drive van for the day can cost as little as £60–£100, while “man with a van” services are often flexible and much cheaper than a full-service move.

Websites like Uremovals let you compare different providers based on van size, availability, and whether you need extra help loading and unloading.

This approach isn’t right for everyone, but for students, renters, or small households, it’s one of the best ways to achieve genuinely cheap removals without cutting corners.

6. Use Storage Wisely

Plan ahead and shop around for short-term storage to avoid unnecessary costs.

Sometimes move-in and move-out dates don’t align, meaning you’ll need short-term storage.

While this can add to your costs, planning helps keep the price down.

Many self-storage firms offer promotional rates for new customers, especially if you only need space for a short period, such as a month or two.

Shop around using comparison sites, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.

Downsizing your unit by packing it tightly can also reduce your fees.

For more information on UK storage solutions, check the Home Upgrader website for a list of the 10 largest self-store companies in the UK.

Whether you use us or not for your move, White & Company has storage facilities up and down the UK. Ask for a quotation.

7. Watch Out for Hidden Fees

It’s easy to focus on the headline figure in a removal quote, but the hidden extras can quickly blow your budget.

Charges for waiting around on completion day, carrying furniture up flights of stairs, accessing difficult areas requiring a shuttle vehicle, excessive reassembly of furniture, or parking permits outside your property can all add up.

To avoid nasty surprises, ask for a fully itemised quote that outlines every possible additional cost.

If you’re moving into a city centre, check local council websites in advance for parking restrictions.

For example, Westminster Council has strict rules, as do many local councils.

Knowing these details beforehand allows you to prepare, book a place, budget, and avoid overpaying.

The most cost-effective removals are those with no unexpected costs creeping in.

8. Factor in the Bigger Picture Costs

While removal services are a big chunk of your expenses, don’t forget about the other costs that are associated with moving home.

Conveyancing fees average around £2,100 in the UK, while surveys cost about £425, and stamp duty still applies unless you’re a first-time buyer under the threshold.

These costs are unavoidable, but shopping around helps.

Comparison sites like Reallymoving allow you to get instant quotes from solicitors, surveyors, and removal firms in one go.

Keeping an eye on the wider moving budget means you won’t get caught short, and if you make savings here, you’ll have more to put towards essentials in your new home.

9. Mix and Match DIY with Professional Help

Combine self-packing with professional movers for a flexible, affordable approach.

If you’re torn between saving money and saving energy, a hybrid move could be the sweet spot.

Many companies now offer flexible packages where you handle some of the work while they take care of the rest.

For example, you could do all the packing yourself, but let the professionals handle loading, transportation, and unloading the van.

Alternatively, you might just book them for bulky items like wardrobes, sofas, and white goods, while you move the smaller things in your car.

This tailored approach ensures you’re only paying for the help you actually need.

It’s a growing trend is emerging for people seeking affordable removals without compromising on peace of mind.

Just bear in mind that if any items are owner-packed and wrapped or protected, then your removal company will not be able to complete an inventory or offer you any kind of damage cover.

10 What Can’t Go on the Van?

When planning a move, it’s easy to assume everything in your home can go straight onto the truck, but that’s not the case.

Removal companies are bound by safety regulations and will not transport certain items, including:

• Open tins of paint or solvents – prone to leaks and flammable.
• Fertilisers, fuel, or chemicals are considered hazardous for transport.
• Strong cleaning agents – bleach, ammonia, and similar products can cause spills or fumes.
• Plant pots and soil cannot be wrapped and protected. Plants are very fragile and easily damaged.

These rules protect staff, vehicles, and your belongings.

Always confirm with the house move surveyor beforehand if there is anything you are unsure about, to avoid last-minute delays on moving day.

Let White & Company Quote you for your Move!

Moving house will probably never be cheap, but it doesn’t have to drain your bank account either.

By decluttering early, sourcing free supplies, comparing quotes, and being smart with timing, you can shave hundreds, even thousands, off the total cost.

Add in flexible services like van hire or hybrid packages, and you’ll have a move that’s both affordable and stress-free.

With careful planning, it’s absolutely possible to achieve cheap removals in 2025 without cutting corners.

And when you’re ready to book, a trusted, experienced company like White & Company will make sure your move is efficient, reliable, and great value for money.

Contact us for a quotation for your move; it is free and comes with absolutely no obligation, so you have nothing to lose.

You can reach us by phone, email or complete an online quotation form; it is that easy!

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.