How can you save on moving to your new home?

Moving is an expensive joke, but if you do it smartly, you can save hundreds of dollars on the transition to your new place. The costs of moving often lie in the small things that add up unnoticed: from moving boxes and bus rental to furnishing and the deposit.

By taking a critical look at what you really need and using the sharing economy, you'll save more money for the fun things in your new home. Here are the best ways to keep your move affordable without causing you too much stress.

Moving equipment doesn't have to cost anything

There is a great temptation to drive to the hardware store and buy dozens of euros worth of brand-new moving boxes. Don't do that because it's a waste of money.

• The supermarket route: Banana boxes are sturdy, have handles and are free. Ask your local supermarket if they'd like to keep a few of them aside for you.
• Marktplaats and Facebook: Search for “free moving boxes”. Many people are already happy when they get rid of their stack of boxes after their own move. Often, all you have to do is pick them up.
• Creative packaging: Use your towels, bed linen, and tea towels to pack fragile items. That saves you from buying bubble wrap or wrapping paper and you have to move those towels too.

Smart timing for your transport

Hiring a moving company is the most expensive option. If you do it yourself with a rented bus or trailer, there is a lot of profit to be made with the right timing.

Preferably rent a van on a weekday, such as a Tuesday or Wednesday. The weekend rates are considerably higher at most rental companies because then everyone wants to move. Do you have a car with a towbar? Renting a trailer for one day often costs only a fraction of the price of a van. Also, don't forget to check if you can rent a cheap bus from a private person near you via apps like SnappCar.

The big clean-up: earn money from your move

Only move the things you really want to take with you to your new place. Every box you don't have to pack, lift and unpack is pure profit for your back and wallet.

Go all over your home one month before moving. Anything you haven't used in the past year can probably go away. Sell clothes, books or small furniture via Vinted or Marktplaats. The money you raise with this can be used directly for the paint for your new walls or the moving van. In addition, the less stuff you have, the smaller the bus you have to rent.

Furnishing: new to you, not from the store

A new home cries out for new furniture, but you don't have to immediately empty out the entire catalog of an expensive home store to make it cozy.

• Recycling and marketplace: Here you will often find quality solid wood furniture that can last for years with just a coat of paint.
• Takeover from the previous tenant: Sometimes the departing tenant wants to leave the floor, curtains or white goods behind for a small amount. This is often much cheaper than buying everything new and having to install or install it yourself.
• Borrow tools: Does it have to be done? Do not immediately buy an expensive drill or sander that you will never use again afterwards. Check out Peerby to borrow tools from your new neighbors. That's cheap and a great way to get acquainted right away.

Prevent double burdens

The biggest cost of moving is often the overlap between your old and new rent. Try to get your new contract as close to the end date of your old contract as possible. If you have a few days of overlap to do jobs, that's nice, but paying double rent for an entire month is a big hit.

Also check whether your current internet and energy contracts can be carried to your new address or whether you can actually make use of a switching bonus with a new provider. Sometimes it pays to switch suppliers right now for that welcome discount.