House removals can be expensive — but the difference between the cheapest and most expensive way to move the same house can easily be £500 or more. Here's how to keep costs down without ending up with a damaged sofa and a no-show driver.
1. Get drivers to compete for your job
The single biggest way to reduce removal costs is to avoid accepting the first quote you get. When drivers compete, prices fall. Post your job on a comparison platform like We Got The Move — you describe the job once, and drivers send competing bids. You'll quickly see the genuine market rate rather than whatever a single company decides to charge.
2. Move midweek
Friday and Saturday are the most expensive days to move. Demand is highest, drivers are busiest, and they can afford to quote higher. Moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save 15–25% with many drivers. It also means no weekend premium on cleaning services, storage, or anything else connected to your move.
3. Avoid the end of the month
Most rental and mortgage contracts complete at the end of the month, which means removal drivers are swamped. If you have any flexibility in your completion date, moving mid-month can make a significant difference to both cost and availability.
4. Pack yourself
Packing services from removal companies cost £100–£400 on top of the base move price. If you're willing to do it yourself, that's money saved. Start early, use proper boxes, and label everything clearly — it also speeds up the move itself, which may reduce the time charged.
5. Declutter before you move
The less you move, the cheaper it is. A smaller load means a smaller van or fewer trips. Go through each room and be ruthless — sell, donate, or bin anything you haven't used in a year. Furniture selling platforms and charity collections are your friends here.
6. Be flexible on your moving date
If you can give drivers options — "any day this week" rather than "Friday only" — you'll get better prices. Drivers who have a quiet day will quote lower to fill it. Flexibility is one of the most underrated cost-savers.
7. Provide as much detail as possible
Vague job descriptions get cautious quotes. Drivers add a buffer when they don't know what they're walking into. Tell them exactly how many rooms, list your large items, mention the floor number, describe parking, note any narrow staircases. A detailed job gets a more accurate — and often lower — quote.
8. Book early (but not too early)
Last-minute bookings can go either way — sometimes a driver will discount to fill a gap, but often you'll face limited choice and higher prices. 2–3 weeks in advance is usually the sweet spot for getting competitive bids without paying a premium for short notice.
What not to sacrifice to save money
The cheapest quote isn't always the best one. Before accepting any bid, check the driver has Goods in Transit insurance and read their reviews. A driver who drops your belongings or doesn't show up ends up costing far more than the money you saved on the quote.
On We Got The Move, posting is completely free. You describe your job, drivers compete, and you choose the best combination of price and reviews. You only pay £9.99 when you accept a bid.
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