Moving on a Budget: Smart Ways to Save on Your Move
Moving doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right preparation and a few clever tricks, you can make your next move stress-free and affordable.
1. Plan Ahead and Compare Quotes Early
One of the easiest ways to save money when moving is to start early. By planning ahead, you can compare different man and van prices, find off-peak slots, and avoid last-minute costs.
At Compare the Man and Van, you can get instant man with a van quotes from trusted local drivers, helping you choose the right option for your budget.
2. Choose the Right Van Size for Your Needs
Paying for more van space than you need can waste money — but underestimating can cost even more. Use our Van Size Calculator to match your load with the perfect vehicle size.
- Small Vans – great for single-room moves or small furniture.
- Medium Vans – ideal for 1–2 bedroom flats with minimal furniture.
- Large Vans (XLWB) – suits most 1-2 bedroom homes.
- Luton Vans – perfect for full house moves or bulky items.
3. Handle the Loading & Unloading Yourself
If you’re happy to do the lifting yourself, customer loading is one of the easiest ways to cut your moving costs. The driver provides the van, trolley, and securing straps — you handle the loading and unloading. It’s ideal for smaller moves or when you’ve got a few extra hands to help.
By choosing this option, you could save up to 40% compared to full loading services. For more information, take a look at our Man and Van Price Guide to understand how factors like distance, van size, and help requirements affect your final quote.
4. Move Midweek or During Off-Peak Hours
Fridays, weekends, and the end of the month are the most popular times to move — which often means higher demand and prices.
August is the busiest month for house moves, and so tends to see the highest prices regardless of weekday.
Wherever possible, choosing a day in the middle of the week will help you to find better rates and availability.
5. Declutter Before You Move
Less stuff means less to move — and less time, space, and cost. Donate or sell unwanted items online before your moving day. This not only saves money but makes unpacking easier, too.
Whether it's donating items to local charity shops, or selling higher value items on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Vinted taking the opportunity clear out unwanted and unused items can save you time and monday on moving day.
Decluttering is one of the first steps recommended by our team in our Ultimate House Moving Checklist.
6. Pack Efficiently and Use What You Already Have
Save money on packaging by using what’s already around your home — suitcases, laundry baskets, and reusable bags all make great containers.
Keep hold of any boxes that come with your online purchases and scour your local supermarkets and shops for secondhand boxes.
Towels, sheets, and blankets can also make great padding for fragile items to save on bubble wrap.
Our Packing Tips Guide provides a detailed breakdown on packing smart to avoid damage and save on materials.
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