Moving house can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning and smart decision-making, you can move efficiently and affordably without cutting corners.
From packing materials to removals, this guide covers practical ways to save money while keeping your move stress-free.
1. Start Planning Early
The earlier you plan, the more control you’ll have over costs. Last-minute bookings for removals or van hire are usually more expensive.
Key steps to take early:
- Compare multiple removal companies
- Book midweek or off-peak to save money
- Start collecting free boxes
- Sell or donate items you no longer need
Having a clear timeline helps you spread expenses and avoid unexpected fees.
If you need somewhere to keep items while preparing, Cheap Storage Manchester offers home storage with no deposit required.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
Every box you move costs time and money, so the fewer items you take, the cheaper your move will be.
How to declutter effectively:
- Sort items into “keep”, “donate”, “sell”, and “recycle” piles
- Sell furniture or electronics on Facebook Marketplace or Vinted
- Donate clothes or homeware to local charities
- Recycle old paperwork and unwanted goods
If you can’t decide yet, place non-essentials into temporary storage so you can sort through them later without rushing.
3. Find Free or Cheap Packing Materials
Packing supplies add up quickly. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to find boxes and wrapping materials for free.
Where to find free packing supplies:
- Supermarkets and local shops often give away boxes
- Friends or family who’ve recently moved
- Online community groups like Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle
- Reuse old newspapers, towels, or clothes for padding
At Cheap Storage Manchester, we also provide free packing boxes with every storage unit, saving you extra expense.
4. Compare Removal Options
Removal services vary widely in price, depending on distance, property size, and timing. Compare quotes carefully to find the best deal.
Ways to save on removals:
- Get at least three quotes before booking
- Move midweek or mid-month to avoid peak rates
- Do your own packing to reduce labour costs
- Consider hiring a van for smaller moves
We offer free van hire for customers storing with us, helping you move items affordably without paying for professional movers.
5. Use Self Storage Strategically
If your move-in and move-out dates don’t align, self storage can save you from paying double rent or rushing to move everything in one day.
How storage saves money:
- Avoids paying for emergency removals
- Lets you move in stages
- Protects items during renovation or cleaning
- Keeps belongings secure during short delays
Our 50% off your first 9 weeks offer makes storage one of the most affordable solutions in Manchester.
6. Move Smaller Items Yourself
You can save money by handling smaller loads on your own. It’s especially cost-effective for short-distance moves.
Tips for moving yourself:
- Use your car or borrow a van from a friend
- Pack boxes that are easy to lift and carry
- Move lighter items first and leave heavy furniture to professionals
- Enlist help from friends or family
With our free collections and removals service, we can also help transport your items safely into storage at no extra cost.
7. Budget for the Essentials Only
It’s easy to overspend on moving extras like cleaning services or new furniture. Focus on the essentials first and add luxuries later.
Budget priorities:
- Removal or van hire costs
- Fuel or travel expenses
- Deposit or rent overlap
- Essential cleaning supplies and tools
Everything else can wait until you’re settled and know what you actually need.
8. Avoid Common Moving Day Costs
Even small expenses can add up on moving day. Plan ahead to prevent last-minute spending.
Ways to cut costs on the day:
- Pack your own food and drinks instead of buying takeaways
- Keep cleaning products handy so you don’t need to buy new ones
- Return borrowed items before you move
- Reuse boxes and materials when unpacking
Little savings like these can make a big difference if you’re working with a tight budget.
9. Track Every Expense
When money’s tight, keeping track of costs helps you stay in control.
Simple ways to track spending:
- Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app
- Record every expense as soon as it’s made
- Keep all receipts and moving-related invoices
- Review weekly to check you’re staying on budget
If things start to add up, look for areas to cut back or delay spending — for example, using short-term storage instead of renting extra space right away.
10. Take Advantage of Discounts and Offers
Many moving and storage companies run seasonal promotions or multi-week discounts. Always ask what deals are available before booking.
At Cheap Storage Manchester, you can benefit from:
Combining these offers can save you hundreds of pounds on your move.
Final Thoughts
Moving on a budget is all about planning, organisation, and using smart resources. Declutter early, make the most of free options, and use self storage to stay flexible and in control.
If you’re planning a move in or around Manchester, Cheap Storage Manchester offers affordable, secure, and convenient storage to help you save money and reduce stress.
Visit our moving home page for more moving advice or get a quote through our contact page.
