Removal costs for a 4 bedroom house

Moving house can be stressful, whatever the circumstances, but it can be even worse for larger properties. Not only will you have more to pack, but if you are also taking your family with you, there will also be much more to organise. Of course, this can add to the stress of changing over your utility providers, taking time off work and, naturally, finding a top-notch local removal company.

Many movers believe they can save money on moving house by simply taking care of everything independently rather than hiring a professional removal firm. However, this will often be a false economy. For example, it costs more to hire and insure a moving vehicle than to hire professional help, and the insurance required to put the van on the road and protect your belongings can leave you painfully out of pocket.

There are also many advantages to hiring removal companies. For one, professional removers will have the experience and equipment to prepare and process your move far more efficiently than you would manage on your own. For example, not only will they be able to provide plenty of packaging for even your most delicate belongings, but they will also know the best ways to move heavy or valuable furniture without damaging it. In addition, packing services and materials may come at an extra charge, depending on the company's offerings.

That being said, not every remover will be able to offer you the same level of quality. Therefore, hiring a suitable remover for the right price will be vital if you want your moving day to go off without a hitch.

With that in mind, how much should you expect to pay when moving from a four-bedroom house?

Saving money on a house removal

When hiring tradespeople of any kind, it is essential to collect enough quotes to give yourself a clear idea of the average cost for your local area.

Remember not to choose your final candidate based on price alone. If a remover offers a cost which undercuts the competition, you will usually have to settle for poor-quality service in return. To avoid this, take the time to read through customer reviews for each of your candidates. Remember, you want someone experienced and reliable. Even if this means paying above the cheapest rates available, the resulting quality should speak for itself.

Book your removers well in advance

Plenty of people move house daily in the UK, especially during the summer or on weekends. As such, removers usually have their schedules filled up several weeks in advance. If you fail to book your removers in time, you could have to choose someone other than your ideal candidate, or you may even face additional last-minute booking costs.

The most popular days of the week to move house are usually Mondays and Fridays, as this allows movers to take advantage of the weekend to make last-minute arrangements or settle in before returning to work. However, hiring a remover on a less popular day is usually more accessible - and sometimes cheaper.

As you move from a four-bedroom house, you should be sure to give your removers a clear idea of exactly how much you are taking, which should provide them with enough time to arrange a large enough vehicle and additional insurance coverage if necessary.

Let removers know about awkward furniture

Moving a wardrobe is one thing; moving an antique mahogany wardrobe that weighs a tonne is something else entirely.

If you have any precious, large or delicate furniture you want to take with you, it will be essential to let your removers know well in advance. This foresight will ensure they can bring the necessary packaging materials and equipment to transport your belongings safely. Depending on your situation, they may even need additional workers for the day.

To avoid any frustrating difficulties, it will also be worth telling your removers whether they will be able to use an elevator or need to carry your belongings down several flights of stairs. You will also need to let them know about the parking situation at your current property and your new home in case they need to add the cost of hiring temporary parking spaces to your quote.

Declutter your belongings

A general rule of thumb for moving house is that the less you have to take with you, the easier everything will be. With less furniture, clothing and knick-knacks to pack away, your removers will be able to get on the road faster, and, more importantly, you will have less to unpack before you can start to relax in your new home.

If you want to get rid of any decent-quality belongings, you could sell them second-hand - which is particularly easy for furniture and white goods. Otherwise, why not try donating anything unwanted? Charity shops should be happy to take anything off your hands, whilst freecycling websites like Freegle can help to find new owners for your belongings.

Find free cardboard boxes

If this is your first time organising a moving day, you may be surprised to hear how expensive it can be to buy your packing materials. A set of boxes for a one-bedroom move, along with the packing tape, bubble wrap and other materials, can cost over £30. Depending on how much you have managed to fit into your four-bed house, you could easily have to spend an extra £100.

Luckily, there are several ways to find free cardboard boxes. Most shops will recycle their boxes on a specific day each week and happily give them to anyone who needs them. You can usually find robust boxes at bookstores and pubs, as their packing materials must be sturdy to support their stock safely.

Failing that, you should be able to have your remover supply packing materials. These will be brand new and well-suited to your move, though this will usually cost an additional fee.