How do I move house cheaply?

SuzySu

Thanks LandyAndy but we won't even have enough to cover essentials so no way will be able to afford a 'proper' removal firm. That would be my ideal, but we have no choice other than to move ourselves.

eslick

get the boxes from the supermarket but dont do it your self, you will be amazed how much stuff you will have took us 2 days to move from a small flat when we got married and it was only my things to move. When we moved again, it was a local company and it was so much easier.

jaype

Moved from a 2 bed flat to a 3 bed house last year and it took a day. Mind you, we were only going 3/4 mile so four loads wasn't a great hassle. Van hire from National cost us £50 for the day. Next time we are moving from London to Wales - no way I am doing a five hour trip with a van four times!!!!! Is going to cost us about £1200 but worth every penny IMHO. What we saved last time we are spending this time... ah well, at least we are escaping the big smoke at last. If you are only going a short distance, do it yourself and hire a transit.

facingthefuture

Done this a few times myself....
heres a few things I have learnt...
Get rid of what you don't want or need FIRST, either by ebay, freecycle or car boot.
go to your 24 hr tesco to the freezer section and get the boxes, mid size & strong, so as not too heavy to lift and if possible as many as possible the one size because it aids packing
go to fruit section and around various fruit particularly apples is bubblewrap for FREE
JJB Sport shops normally have a box load of tissue paper gained from the inside of the trainers.
Au Naturelle also does boxes & packaging (some branches have stayed open)
You may be able to hire a trolley which make lifting fridges/washing machines lots easier (or buy one for about £30)
Label the boxes clearly (room and some idea of contents)
Get the packing done gradually, start piling the boxes behind the sofa. If you can clear out rooms, clean them and shut the door- reduce it so that moving day is boxes, suitcases and furniture.
Try and keep the fridge upright, they don't like lying down.
If you have a dog/cat, let a friend care for it for a day or two, it can be traumatising for them too.
Oh and if you are moving washing machine do you need an end cap for the water connection to stop the leak? If so get it now, fiddly and pennies but saves you running about later
Take some pics at the end!
Get some friends to help! What are friends for.....
If you have a partner, give them a hug and agree to try and stay in a GOOD MOOD.
Good luck:beer:

Bungarm2001

If you want some really strong boxes and big ones (two man lift probly) get some from you local Costco or Makro...they'll have loads, plus plenty of paper packing type stuff if you are there at the right time.

If you have to buy bubble wrap, get it on a huge roll from big garden centres...they sell it as greenhouse insulation, don't bother with those silly little bits they sell in the P.O.s. Too expensive.

Cheapo kitchen roll is great for your breakables like glasses etc and if you're careful unwrapping at the other end, you can still save it and use! (yes I squeak when I walk!)

Rope in as many mates as you can on moving/packing up day and last but not least...don't forget to pack the tea, coffee, kettle and the rest of the brewing kit last and unpack first!

Ravenmoonstone

I will be moving over the next month from Oxford (cowley area) To Preston, Lancashire. I am disabled and am looking for a van (large) plus driver and strong person?? that can also do the packing of my items as it is just my husband and self. We are in a three bed house. Family already in Lancashire so unable to help me. I've had a few quotes but they are a bit high over £2,700 for all to be done.
Can anyone suggest a cheaper company please?

thank you

geoffky

Do A Garage Sale///

Alleycat

Could you advertise in the local shops or newspaper for a "man with a van" to help?