Moving home can be exciting. But it can also be expensive. Therefore, it is essential that you spend time accurately working out how much your removal costs will be so that you can budget accordingly.
Factors and Average Costs
The exact cost of your move will depend on your specific circumstances, such as the number of belongings you need to move, how far away your new property is, and how easy it is to access both properties.
According to Reallymoving, the average costs of moving to a new property in the U.K. that is less than twenty miles away are:
- Between £350 and £550 for a one to a two-bedroom house.
- £800 for a three-bedroom house.
- £1,100 for a four-bedroom house.
- £1,400 for a five-bedroom house.
If you are planning on moving further away, the average cost rises to £800 for a one-bedroom property and £2,000 for a four-bedroom property.
Use an Online Moving Costs Calculator
The only way to get an accurate estimate for your move is to use a moving costs calculator.
Simply enter your location and the destination you are moving to into an online moving costs calculator. Using variables like the distance, the time of year, and the size of the move, the calculator will provide you with an instant moving cost estimate that is highly accurate.
Extra Costs
While the main cost of hiring a removals company for your move will be based on things like the size of your property, the amount of stuff you own, and the distance to your new home, you also need to determine which extras you want to take advantage of so that you can come up with an accurate budget.
You may want to do some things yourself, such as safely packing your belongings, whereas you may want the removal company to do other things, or you might like your move to be as hassle-free as possible by getting the removal firm to do everything for you.
Packing and Unpacking Services
If you get the removal company to pack and unpack your belongings, you can be sure that all your stuff is expertly packed for maximum protection. Packing services typically cost around £250, but the exact amount will depend on how many belongings you have.
Also, you may need to pay extra for packing fragile items. If you want the removal company to unpack your belongings, there will also be an additional fee to pay.
Packing Materials
When getting quotes for packing and unpacking services, check whether the cost includes packing materials. It could be worth buying your own if you have to pay an additional cost for packing materials.
Furthermore, you may need special packaging for valuables, such as crates. If special packaging is required, ask the removal company what the cost will be.
Special Equipment
Similarly, your movers may need special equipment to move some of your items. For instance, you may have a piano that will not fit down the stairs and needs to be removed through the window.
If things like cherry pickers are required to move items, you can expect to pay a hefty additional fee, so make sure you talk through any unique or heavy items that need to be moved with the removal company ahead of time.
Dismantling Items
Unless you have agreed otherwise, all items to be moved should be dismantled before the removal company arrives. If the movers need to spend time dismantling beds, they will charge you an additional fee.
Storage
You may need to store your stuff if there is a delay between your move-out and move-in dates.
Many removal companies will provide storage. But you should compare the cost with renting out a self-storage unit to ensure you choose the most cost-effective method.
Insurance
Many removal companies provide insurance to protect your belongings while in transit but ensure you know what level of protection the company provides.
Also, check if your insurance will be invalid if you do your packing. You should also see whether your home insurance policy covers your belongings while in transit. If it does, you can avoid the additional cost of insurance with your removal company.
The Takeaway
To get an accurate estimate, you must carefully consider the above things, perform calculations, and get quotes. The more attention you pay to each cost factor, the easier it will be to come up with an accurate budget and avoid being more out of pocket than you had planned.
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