Moving in London doesn't have to break the bank!
London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and moving to or within the capital can be a costly task. Whether you are relocating to a new home or office, or just need to transport some items from one place to another, you may be wondering how to find the cheapest way to move in London without compromising on quality and safety. In this post, we will share some insider tips and tricks on how to save money and time on your London move, while getting the best service and ‘bang for your buck’.
- Discover industry tips and tricks to navigate the city's moving industry affordably.
- Learn about budget-friendly methods to relocate your belongings while staying cautious and informed to ensure a smooth and economical move.
- Uncover savvy strategies for cost-effective moving in London.
- Reveal insider insights into budget-friendly ways to relocate your belongings.
- Get essential warnings to navigate the cheapest options safely and efficiently.
How to find the cheapest way to move in London
It's bewildering - run a Google search and you'll find thousands of self drive van hire, taxi vans, ‘man and van’ services and removals companies listings and adverts, all offering London moving services. But there are many factors that can affect the cost of your move in London, such as the size and quantity of your items, the distance and location of your move, the date and time of your move, and the type and quality of the moving service you choose. So to narrow it down, here are some tips on how to find the cheapest way to move in London based on your personal use-case requirements.
Finding the best moving service for your London move
The most important factor that can affect the cost of your removal in London is the type and quality of the moving service you want. Each type of moving service has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and preferences or how much you want to get involved in the actual removal process.
Here's a run down of all available removal services in London from cheapest to most expensive, with pros and cons for each…
Self-Drive Van Hire:
Pros:
- Allows greater control over the moving process.
- Potentially more cost-effective for short distances.
- Flexible rental periods.
Cons:
- Requires driving license and large cash deposit.
- Fuel and insurance costs can add up.
- You will do all the driving and lifting work.
Courier Services:
Pros:
- Ideal for transporting individual items or small loads.
- Quick and efficient for local deliveries.
- Often more affordable than traditional removal services.
Cons:
- Limited capacity for larger moves.
- Drivers generally don't help lift and carry.
- Passengers usually not allowed, nor direct pick-up to drop-off routes.
Peer-to-Peer/Gig Economy Man And Van Aggregation Platforms:
Pros:
- Utilises a shared economy for cost-effective options.
- Can be suitable for small to medium-sized moves.
- Offers a variety of delivery options.
Cons:
- Less control over the professionalism of service providers.
- Limited insurance coverage and accountability.
- Frequent negative reviews for lateness, cancellation, or bad service.
Local Man And Van Services:
Pros:
- More affordable than full-service removal companies.
- Flexible for small to medium-sized moves.
- Quicker and easier to arrange.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for larger moves.
- Limited manpower and resources.
- May only serve local areas.
Full-Service Removal Companies:
Pros:
- Comprehensive service, from packing to unpacking.
- Professional movers handle all aspects of the move.
- Often include insurance for added protection.
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to other options.
- Less flexibility in terms of timing and services.
- ‘Over-servicing’ with more labour or larger vehicle size than required.
It's essential to consider the specific needs and size of your move when choosing among these options, weighing the advantages and disadvantages to find the best fit for your situation. Relōku offers the premium customer care of a full sized removal company with the speed and agility of a man and van service, plus the added convenience of advanced on-demand technology like Uber or Deliveroo. Of course, you can always discuss special offers, discount codes or promotions with each company - for example, Relōku offers introductory discounts and loyalty rewards for returning customers.
Other ways to reduce the cost of your London removal
Reduce the size and quantity of your items: One of the easiest and most effective ways to save money on your move is to reduce the size and quantity of your items. The less you have to move, the less you have to pay for the moving service, the van size, and the packing materials. You can declutter and get rid of anything you don’t need or want, such as old clothes, books, furniture, or appliances. You can sell, donate, or recycle your unwanted items, or store them temporarily or long-term. You can also use online tools to create and organise an inventory of your items, and estimate the volume and weight of your items.
Compare the distance and location of your move: Another factor that can affect the cost of your move is the distance and location of your move. The further you have to move, the more you have to pay for the fuel, the tolls, and the time. The location of your move can also affect the cost, depending on the traffic, congestion, parking, and access conditions. You can check the distance of your move by using online tools such as AA Route Planner, or estimate route times, costs and live availability using Relōku's One-Click Quote system.
Choose the best date and time for your move: Another factor that can affect the cost of your move is the date and time of your move. The demand and supply of moving services can vary depending on the season, the day of the week, and the time of the day. Generally, the cheapest time to move is during the off-peak season, which is from October to March, when the demand for moving services is lower. The cheapest day to move is usually early in the week (Monday to Wednesday), when the supply of moving services is higher. The cheapest time to move is usually during the early morning or early evening, when the traffic congestion is lower - although be aware that some removal companies add a surcharge for evenings and weekends. You can choose the best date and time for your move by checking the availability and prices of different moving services, and booking your move as early as possible to secure the best deal.
Check for hidden extra charges: Unfortunately this is very common - many removals and ‘man with van’ companies in London offer low initial prices to entice you to book, then add fees afterward (including cancellation fees once you realise the deal was too good to be true…). These include charges for walking up stairs, parking too far from your property, more items than you stated when booking, heavy items, fuel or mileage, large items, travelling with the van, and many more. Read the small print carefully and ask questions BEFORE you book…
Moving in London can be a challenging experience, but it doesn’t have to be a risky one. By following these insider tips and tricks, you can find the cheapest way to move in London without compromising on quality and safety. We built Relōku to be the smartest and fastest way to move in London, and it's innovative features and tools make your move smarter, cheaper, and safer. With these tips and tricks (and with Relōku!) you can enjoy the excitement of moving to your new home or office in London with confidence and ease.
