Moving as a student can be both exciting and stressful, especially when you’re trying to stick to a tight budget. The costs can quickly add up – from packing supplies and transport to renting storage space. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make moving more affordable. In this guide, we’ll share top tips and strategies for moving on a budget, helping you save money without compromising on convenience.
As a student, you’ve got plenty of expenses to worry about – tuition fees, textbooks, rent, and living costs. The last thing you need is to overspend when it comes to relocating. By adopting cost-saving strategies, you can focus more on your studies and less on the financial stress of moving.
The sooner you start planning your move, the more time you have to explore cost-effective options. Moving on a budget doesn’t mean cutting corners; it means being smart with your choices.
Create a moving checklist that outlines everything you need to do before the big day. Include tasks like packing, hiring a van, and finding storage solutions. This will help you stay organised and prevent last-minute spending on items you may not need.
Booking services early, whether it’s a moving van, storage unit, or packing materials, often results in discounted rates. At Simple Storage, we offer storage units from just £6 per week, making it an affordable choice for students.
Moving on a budget is much easier when you have fewer things to transport. Take this opportunity to declutter your belongings and only take what you truly need.
Why not make some extra cash by selling items you no longer use? Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or even a good old-fashioned car boot sale can help you offload things you don’t need while boosting your moving budget.
If you’ve got items that aren’t worth selling, consider donating them to a local charity shop or recycling centre. This not only reduces what you have to move but also helps you support the community.
Buying packing materials can be surprisingly expensive. Luckily, there are ways to cut down on these costs.
Supermarkets, local shops, or even friends who’ve recently moved are great sources of free boxes. You can also check out online communities like Freecycle, where people often give away packing materials.
Use towels, blankets, or clothing to wrap fragile items instead of buying bubble wrap. You’ll protect your belongings and save money at the same time. Simple Storage offers affordable packing supplies such as padlocks, pallets, and other packaging materials that you can purchase if needed, ensuring your move is as smooth as possible.
Moving on a budget is much easier when you split costs. If you have friends or roommates who are also moving, consider sharing expenses.
Hiring a moving van can be one of the biggest expenses when relocating. By sharing a van with friends who are moving to a similar area, you can significantly cut costs.
If you’re heading home for the summer or need somewhere to store your belongings temporarily, consider sharing a storage unit with friends. Simple Storage offers a variety of unit sizes located on the ground floor, making it easy for groups to find an accessible and suitable option.
Many students find themselves needing storage between term times, especially if they’re travelling or heading home for the holidays. Opting for flexible storage solutions is key to moving on a budget.
Consider how long you’ll need storage. Short-term options are great for a few months, while long-term storage can be more cost-effective if you need to keep your items secure for an extended period. At Simple Storage, we offer flexible contracts with no hidden extras, so you’re not tied down to a long-term commitment if you only need storage for a short while.
Many storage facilities, including Simple Storage, offer student discounts. Be sure to ask about any promotions or deals that could help you save even more.
Transport is often one of the most significant expenses when moving. However, there are several ways to reduce these costs.
While hiring a moving company is convenient, doing it yourself is much cheaper. Borrow a friend’s car, hire a van for a few hours, or use a car-sharing service to cut down on transport costs. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons to decide what works best for your budget.
Sometimes, the cheapest option is to enlist the help of friends and family. Offer them a meal or some drinks as a thank-you, and you’ll have an affordable moving team ready to lend a hand.
Believe it or not, the date you choose to move can impact your costs. Moving on weekends or at the end of the month is often more expensive, as this is when demand is highest.
If you have the flexibility, try moving midweek or during off-peak times to secure better rates on moving vans or storage units. Simple Storage offers competitive prices year-round, but you might find even greater savings by avoiding peak times.
Maximising your storage space can help you save money in the long run.
Make the most of your storage unit by packing items efficiently. Use stackable boxes, fill empty spaces with smaller items, and disassemble furniture where possible. This way, you can opt for a smaller, more affordable unit.
Overestimating the space you need can be a costly mistake. Simple Storage offers a range of unit sizes, and you can use our Storage Estimator tool to determine the ideal size for your belongings.
At Simple Storage, we understand the challenges students face when moving. Our affordable, flexible storage solutions start from just £6 per week, and we ensure there are no hidden extras. All our units are located on the ground floor for easy access and come with cutting-edge CCTV technology, 24-hour onsite security, and motion sensor lighting for your peace of mind. With ample free parking and a large covered bay for loading and unloading, we’re here to make your move as stress-free and budget-friendly as possible.
Moving doesn’t have to be an expensive ordeal. By planning ahead, decluttering, and making smart choices, you can relocate without putting a strain on your finances. If you’re looking for affordable storage solutions to help you move on a budget, Simple Storage has you covered.
Ready to save money on your move? Get in touch with Simple Storage HERE today and find out how we can help you with your student relocation needs.
Moving on a budget becomes much easier with careful planning and by starting the process early. Creating a clear budget, comparing moving quotes, and booking services in advance can help you save money. Consider using free packing materials like boxes from local shops or items you already own, such as towels, to protect delicate items instead of buying bubble wrap.
The cheapest way to move is to handle most of the work yourself, including packing and transport. You can also potentially save money by borrowing a friend’s car, hiring a van for just a few hours, or sharing transport costs with other students. If you’re moving house or need a larger vehicle, compare multiple quotes from moving companies to find the most cost-effective option.
Hiring professional movers can make the process smoother, but it often comes with a higher price tag. If you’re looking to cut costs, handling the move yourself or enlisting friends and family is a budget-friendly alternative. However, if you have many fragile items or need to move a lot of heavy furniture, hiring professional movers might be worth the investment for a safer and more efficient move.
You can significantly reduce your packing expenses by finding free boxes from local supermarkets, shops, or online communities like Freecycle. Additionally, using household items such as towels, blankets, and clothing as padding can help you avoid paying for packing materials like bubble wrap. Simple Storage also offers affordable packing supplies to help you with the moving process.
Moving during the peak moving season, typically in the summer months or at the end of university terms, can be more expensive due to higher demand. To achieve cost savings, consider moving during off-peak times like weekdays or mid-month when rates are usually lower. Early booking can also help you secure lower rates and avoid paying premium prices.
Check out this moving home checklist from MoneySavingExpert
MoneySavingExpert – Guide to Saving Money When Moving Home
