How Can I Make Moving Less Expensive In Cambridge?

According to the latest census, the population of Cambridge increased by approximately 17%, and it’s easy to see why. Renowned for its historical architecture, famous university and beautiful scenery, Cambridge is one of the most famous cities in England.

However, moving to Cambridge may not be that easy. With high costs associated with relocating, money can be a deterring factor, that can stop people from making their move. So long as you consider thoughtful planning and adopt resourceful measures, you can reduce costs for a smooth and stress-free transition.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways you can do just that, so that your new venture to this exciting city is a positive one! After all, it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.

Step 1: Plan Ahead

For any successful move, pre-planning is key. By organising your move in advance, you can save a significant amount of money. Take the time to research and compare prices for removal companies and any additional costs that may come into play. This will allow you to set a specific budget, so that you can focus on spending extra money on other important factors.

You can even create a budget for buying furniture, paint or other elements that you might need when moving into a new home. Then you will have a clear idea of your exact budget, which will help you avoid overspending. It’s also important to spend time to get to know Cambridge, so that you’re aware of various aspects, such as the cost of living, amenities, housing options and more.

Moving Home Checklist

If you feel overwhelmed about what to plan for first, it’s always a useful idea to create a moving checklist. This will help you create a list of tasks and deadlines to stay organised, and will make it easier for you to know how to budget. For example, this can include contacting your utility suppliers and asking them for the best deals. Have a look at this example checklist below:

• Find out what to consider when choosing a mortgage, shop around for suitable deals.
• If you want to sell your property, compare estate agents for the best price.
• Call other utility providers for quotes for your new home.
• Create an inventory of the furniture you’re taking with you. Then write a shopping list of the furniture you need.
• Organise the packing supplies you need.
• Look for a professional removals company online. It’s always good to check reviews for reliable companies.

Having your own checklist can help determine where your spending is going. Then you can streamline your move more easily.

Step 2: Declutter Before the Move

Ever heard the phrase less is more? When relocating, moving fewer items reduces costs and transportation fees. You can do this by going through your belongings and picking some to sell or donate. This will not only minimise the amount you will need to pack for when you move, but is also an opportunity for you to generate more money which you can use towards your moving costs and other expenses.

How Can I Declutter Effectively?

Deciding where to start can be stressful. That’s why it’s best to set up a system to categorise what you want to keep, donate, and sell. There are many local Cambridge donation centres and online marketing sites for selling items that can help. You can also use storage solutions for downsizing. There are many removal companies that can accommodate this.

Step 3: Choose an Affordable Moving Option

Don’t settle for the first moving company you come across. To ensure you’re getting the best deal possible and good value for money, compare multiple quotes from local Cambridge moving companies. Getting quotes from multiple companies means you will get a good price. Be sure to check reviews, ratings and recommendations, so that you can be safe in the knowledge that your items are handled by experts.

Renting a Moving Van vs. Borrowing a Friend’s Vehicle

If you don’t know anyone with a big enough vehicle to borrow for moving house, hiring a van is a good alternative. Although it may initially cost more than borrowing, it will save you time and money on multiple trips that would be made on your car.

Top Tip: You can always use professional movers for heavy items and use your own vehicle for the smaller items. This hybrid approach will ensure you’re not having to use your own vehicle for large belongings, but you can save money by using your own car.

Step 4: Save on Packing Supplies

Rather than spending money on brand new big boxes, look for cheaper options. You can find free packing materials at some retail stores, offices and online community groups. You can also use alternatives, such as newspapers and towels, for your more fragile or smaller items.

Our Smart Packing Tips

If you prefer to use boxes to pack your belongings, there are ways you can follow to maximise space, so that you use less packaging. These include:

• Packing smartly, so that your items are not taking up a lot of unnecessary space.
• Labelling each box for easy unpacking.
• Start packing early, so you will have more time to declutter and assess what you’re moving.

Step 5: Move During Off-Peak Times

Moving in off-peak times usually results in lower removal costs. This includes the spring, late summer, weekends and month-ends. Also, it’s a good idea to take into account any Cambridge-specific timing insights, such as local events or university schedules that may affect demand.

Do Removal Companies Work on Weekends?

Yes, removal companies work on weekends and can work outside of regular business hours. So pick a date that is typically lower, and if unsure, contact your chosen removal company for more advice. After all, timing is everything!

Step 6: Take Advantage of Local Resources

When moving to a new city, finding the best tips and cost-effective solutions can be hard. You can always turn to Cambridge community groups, such as Facebook groups and local forums, for valuable advice and resources. This will not only help you gain access to experienced locals who can share their insights, helping you save time and money, but will allow you to engage with the local community.

The University of Cambridge also offers University Moving Programs that can provide resources for students or alumni who are looking to relocate. Alternatively, you can always search for city-specific services for discounts or rebates for eco-friendly moving practises.

Step 7: Bonus Tips for Cost-Saving

Aside from these relocation tips, there are other things you can do to ensure you’re saving as much money as possible.

• Meal Planning Before the Move

Save by cooking at home instead of eating out during the transition.

• Enlist Help

Asking friends or family for help with packing or transport.

• Avoid Hidden Fees

Reading contracts carefully to avoid surprise charges.

How to Find a Reliable Removal Company?

There we have it, moving house can be stressful and costly, but there’s no law saying it has to be. As long as you’re well-organised, you can do a lot to save time and money. Ultimately, your readiness depends on your resourcefulness. Cambridge is a quaint and beautiful city, almost a British emblem saddled with prospects and opportunities. So, why not cherish every moment?

At DS Movements, we offer expert removals in Cambridge to help you do just that. With over 200 five-star reviews under our belt, our skilled team is trained to make your move hassle-free as possible. We offer packing supplies and secure storage solutions for your every need. Get a quote with us today to start your journey to Cambridge!