Amid the excitement and stress of buying a home, it’s easy to become so focused on the sales process that the actual move itself is given very little thought. Instead of leaving it to the last minute, by being organised and doing as much as possible in advance, you’ll be able save money at a time when it's most needed.

1. Plan ahead

Start organising the move as soon as you’ve found somewhere you like — even if you haven’t had your offer accepted yet, or are still seeking a purchaser for your current home.

"It’s sensible to book your removals firm well in advance, which will help you budget costs — then firm up arrangements at the point of exchange to ensure they can move you on your completion date," advises Rob Houghton, CEO of Reallymoving, a comparison site for home movers.

2. Declutter ruthlessly

There’s no point in paying to move items you don’t need, so declutter room by room — and the garage and shed too.

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Decluttering can earn you extra cash, as Lexi Burgess, a personal finance expert at CredAbility explains. "Use the likes of Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, eBay and Gumtree to list any unwanted items for sale. You'd be surprised at how much money you can make and it'll help offset some of the costs of moving."

Donate, recycle or throw away anything that doesn’t sell.

3. Shop around for quotes

The amount a professional removal service charges depends on factors including the size of your home, how much stuff you have and the distance it’s being transported.

Prices vary and comparison sites such as Reallymoving and Comparemymove are good starting points.

"It’s worth carving out time to get quotes from several different removals companies rather than booking the first one you find," says Amy Knight, personal finance expert at NerdWallet UK.

"Smaller companies may have fewer overheads and therefore can charge cheaper rates. Ask whether they’re able to offer a discount, especially if they've been recommended by a friend. Sole traders and small firms are likely to have more flexibility on price than big businesses or franchises."

Secure the best rates by booking early and enquiring whether your age or job entitle you to further savings as some firms provide discounts to pensioners, key workers or members of the armed forces.

4. Be flexible on dates

According to HomeOwners Alliance, which champions the interests of the UK’s homeowners, Friday is the most popular day of the week to move, chosen by 29% of households.

But a survey conducted last year by Reallymoving found that one in five removal companies is willing to offer mid-week deals and negotiate on price to encourage moves on less busy days.

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The time of year also makes a difference. "If you can, try and move during quieter periods when there’s less competition for services, such as late autumn and the new year, and avoiding peak times like the end of the summer holidays," adds Rob Houghton, Reallymoving's CEO.

5. Do as much as you can yourself

The more of the move you tackle yourself, the less you have to pay others to do it for you.

Jo Pocklington, managing director of Purplebricks Mortgages, advises giving careful thought to how much you can realistically take on, and enlisting the help of family and friends. "Ask yourself if could you move without a removal firm, and if they can help with cleaning and supply you with boxes etc rather than having to buy them," she says.

A full DIY move involves packing up every room and transporting all your possessions in your own vehicle — and those of friends and relatives — or in a hired van. It’s hard work, particularly if there’s lots to move, poor access at either end or you’re relocating some distance away. You can still make savings by doing your own packing and leaving the lifting, loading and driving to the pros.

6. Source free packing materials

When packing yourself, check whether anyone you know who's moved recently has boxes, paper and bubble wrap gathering dust in their spare room or loft, and scout nearby supermarkets.

"Ask local shops if they have spare boxes, or check online community groups for people giving away free moving supplies," recommends Nick Woodward, lettings director at Essential Living.

He points out that being creative with existing belongings means you won't have to fork out for pricey packaging. "Use what you already have, like suitcases, laundry baskets and soft furnishings to protect delicate items."

7. Check your contents insurance

Make sure you’re fully ensured for the move or you could find yourself out of pocket if valuables get broken or go missing.

"Check your home contents policy to see whether removals cover is included. DIY moves aren’t usually covered by removals insurance, so look at the exclusions carefully," says Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.compare.

"Valuable items like jewellery or watches may not be covered for damage, theft or accidental loss during a house move, so you may require additional cover."

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