8 Ways to save on moving costs

How to reduce moving house expenses

Your big move is coming up - which means you should already be organised, you've started packing and taken care of future arrangements, right?

It's an understatement to say moving house is a stressful time. There's so much needed to be done. So use your common sense and these savvy tips to make the move as cost effective and easy as possible.

1. Coordinate your move

Give your friends or a removalist service plenty of notice. This ensures you lock in the date to move as soon as possible. You may even get a cheaper early-bird rate for booking in advance or for booking on midweek day (avoid Fridays and Saturdays). Don't forget to notify occupancy dates at your new home to avoid delays and storage costs.

2. Do your research

Just like window shopping for clothes or groceries, it's amazing how much you can save if you shop around and do your research. Compare furniture removalist services online, phone and broadband services, as well as car insurers to secure the most competitive deal in your new location.

Tip: Compare broadband plans at Moneyhound to source the best deal

3. Notify utility companies

Contact your gas, electricity and water companies in advance and notify them of your move. You'll save money by discontinuing your service on a specific date and requesting a final meter reading.

Tip: Compare electricity plans and prices at your new postcode on Moneyhound. We'll even organise the switch for you.

4. Cancel extra services

Request to end or relocate any extra services you pay for at your current residency; such as a weekly newspaper delivery, pay tv or gardening services.

5. Organise a mail redirect

Visit your local post office or go to AustPost Online to arrange for mail to be redirected to your new address. The last thing you want is to never receive an outstanding surprise bill or credit card statement that has racked up hefty interest.

6. Have a garage sale

The more items you move, the more your move will cost. So ignore your "I might need it syndrome" and get rid of your junk. Your trash becoming somebody else's treasure can be very profitable. Uniqie items or those of high value could fetch more than you expect on eBay. If you don't think somebody would buy an item, toss it in a skip bin.

How to guide: Selling your stuff on eBay, successfully

7. Collect outstanding deposits

If you're renting, arrange to transfer your tenancy bond money into your bank account immediately. This ensures that you don't lose interest. It's also a lot easier to get your deposit back when you speak to your landlord face to face, as opposed to long distance.

Related: 10 Ways to lower your rent

8. Transfer all insurance

Whether it's your homeowners insurance or car insurance, transfer it to your new address. You may be surprised to learn that car and home insurance rates can vary from suburb to suburb, so you may be entitled to a better price if your moving to a safer area.

Tip: Get a car insurance quote in 2 minutes at Moneyhound

Was this article useful? Use the feedback button below on the left, or comment and share your thoughts on our facebook page.