Moving on a Budget

There’s no denying that the costs of moving can mount up quickly whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner. Whilst a lot of moving expenses are unavoidable, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down by planning ahead.

Packing

Start collecting packing materials as soon as possible. Source old boxes where you can, from friends, family and neighbours. Some stores and supermarkets will even have old boxes that they give away for free.

Go through your things before you pack them, there’s no point in packing things away that you no longer want nor need so have a declutter well in advance of moving. You can even sell unwanted items to put towards your moving fund.

Pack the items yourself, some removal companies charge by the hour, and if they are packing for you, that’s extra time being added to your bill.

If you are feeling brave enough, consider doing the move yourself and hire a van. It’s a good option, especially if you have helpers in the form of friends and family willing to help you move.

Changing services & utility bills before moving

Make sure you cancel your current utility suppliers and get to onto your new household energy suppliers as soon as you can at your new address, it can become costly to have two services running at once. Take the opportunity to source a new deal with quotes from other suppliers at your new property. Before you leave your old property, take a note of meter readings, you could be due a refund.

Similarly, if you are out of a contract for other services such as Telephone & Broadband, it might be worth having a look at what suppliers and services are available in your area. Look at comparison sites to source a cheaper deal on broadband packages. Consider your broadband usage needs i.e. if you use the internet for gaming, how many people in your household etc as this can help narrow down the type of broadband package that would be most beneficial to you. Take into account setup fees, monthly download limits and also the length of contract. Look for special offers i.e. cash back schemes, free evening and weekend calls etc, as they can save you money.

Reduce your outgoings before moving day, notify other services such as council tax, car insurance and home insurance. Council tax can change dependent on the area and type of property. Also, some insurers can charge an admin fee or alter your premium when you move. It’s always best to find out all the costs so you are prepared.

Mortgages

Mortgages can seem like a complete minefield, especially if you are a first-time buyer. Look for a competitive fixed-term deal. It might seem a little scary locking yourself into a mortgage with the same lender for a set amount of time, but you have peace of mind that your rates will not change for that period. You can calculate mortgage costs using an online calculator before moving to ensure affordability.

Extra fees

There are a few extra costs to consider when buying a house, things like stamp duty, solicitor fees and surveyor costs all add up. Make sure you plan ahead for these costs and source the best deals available for you.  Check what is included in the service to avoid hidden extras.

Insurance

Building insurance, contents insurance, life insurance, and boiler cover etc are all necessary, and you may find that a lot of mortgage lenders stipulate that they are a requirement. Again, it’s worth shopping around to find the best deals.