If property prices were not already high enough, then the costs associated with moving can really make your eyes water, and can have serious implications for your property dreams.
These additional costs may limit the amount of money left for renovating and furnishing a new property or diminish some of the equity you had hoped to release. Luckily, there are some ways you can reduce this cost, leaving more money for you and your family down the line.
Stick to One Real Estate Agent
Having multiple real estate agents does increase the chance of a sale. However, it can also allow your agents budget to rack up fast. Some estimates even place this at around 1% of the property’s value. So, sell a house for £300,000, and you may pay an extra £3000 on top of the existing fee.
It is, however, entirely possible to sell a house with much reduced additional fees, if any at all. Some companies offer certain sell my house services for free, while providing cash offers and quick turnaround times.
As they have all the paperwork in place, you cut down on the hidden fees and charges. Very often you can also sell in a timeframe that suits you. Having the flexibility to sell when you want can also reduce costs in and of itself, as it allows you to plan well in advance.
Timing Your Move
Then, there are times when moving doesn’t cost as much, generally when demand is lower. The Summer months are the busiest, with Winter being almost non-existent when it comes to moves. If you can manage to do it all in the off-season, you will not only find more availability, but you may also be able to haggle for cheaper quotes.
Even specific days of the week can be that bit cheaper. Sunday is a very overlooked day, as people avoid unpacking come Monday morning when it is time for work. You should also steer clear of holidays. They may be readily available, but most other services are closed. Should something go wrong, you may not be able to contact lawyers, agents, or banks.
Of course, the cheapest way to do this is to do it yourself. If you rent a van far enough in advance, prices will be lower. You can also enlist family and friends to help you pack up, perhaps only calling in professional assistance for more cumbersome items that need moving.
Prepare for the Unseen Costs
Where your budget will really take a hit is with the small hidden costs that slip between the cracks. For example, will you have to pay for somebody to house your children and pets in-between moves? Or will you be able to cook your own meals during unboxing or renovation periods, or will you need to order in and eat out?
Finally, it’s advisable to set aside a budget for you and the family to have some downtime once this move is done.
Here, you are paying for a convenience, but it’s an important one to help you settle in. The more you spend, the less stressful it will be, so doing everything D.I.Y. will necessitate some leisure when it’s over. Luckily, with these tips, you should already have saved a few coppers.
