Beating the Cost of Living Crisis When Moving (2025 update)

Moving in a High-Cost Era: Smart Strategies to Beat the Cost of Living Crisis

The New Reality: Moving Amidst Rising Costs

Understanding the Impact of Inflation on Your Move

The UK is facing one of its most prolonged cost of living crises in decades. Inflation peaked at over 11% in 2022, and while it's now easing, the effects linger — especially in essentials like food, energy, rent, and transport. Real wages haven't kept up, leaving many households with less disposable income and tighter budgets.

But there's been a recent shift: mortgage rates have begun to fall in 2025, and more properties are returning to the market — particularly second homes and rental properties being sold off due to changing tax rules and increased landlord costs. This has opened a window of opportunity for those who've delayed moving. If you're considering buying, now may feel more viable than it has in recent years.

At the same time, stamp duty thresholds have been rolled back (GOV.UK Stamp Duty), adding costs for some buyers, and competition remains fierce in the rental market. According to Shelter, supply still lags behind demand, with tenants facing both rising rents and tougher application conditions.

Even the act of moving is more expensive. Here's how inflation impacts your move:

• Transport costs: Fuel and energy price increases affect van hire and removal services
• Packing supplies: Boxes, tape, and bubble wrap now cost 20-30% more than pre-2022
• Professional services: Moving company rates have increased to cover higher operational costs
• Hidden extras: Small add-on costs accumulate faster in an inflated economy

In this financial climate, moving isn't just about logistics. It's a financial strategy. That's why this guide focuses on practical, cost-cutting actions before, during, and after your move — helping you stay on budget without sacrificing the essentials.

Key Takeaway: Moving costs have increased 15-25% since 2022, but strategic planning can reduce your total expenses by up to 60%.

This guide is here to help you make smart choices, cut unnecessary costs, and stay in control. For a broader look at how to save across your entire move, check out our full guide on moving house cheaply and saving money (Read more for comprehensive cost-cutting strategies).

Extreme Cost-Cutting Before, During & After Your Move

Pre-Move Frugality: Maximising Savings

Aggressive Decluttering for Maximum Cash

Start your cost-cutting campaign with ruthless decluttering at least 8–12 weeks before your move. This isn't about gentle tidying – it's about turning unwanted possessions into cash while reducing your moving volume. Every item you don't move saves money on transportation, packing materials, and time.

Create three categories: sell, donate, and discard. High-value items like electronics, furniture, and designer clothing should go straight to selling platforms. Use Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Vinted, and local selling groups to maximise your reach. Price items competitively for quick sales if you're racing against time.

For detailed strategies, read our Decluttering Before Moving guide. You can also try trade-in services like musicMagpie for books, tech, and media.

Even clothes that don't sell can earn money at textile recycling centres. The goal? Nothing of value leaves your home without boosting your moving fund.

DIY Packing with Zero-Cost Materials

Professional packing services are a luxury you can't afford during a cost of living crisis. Start collecting boxes months in advance from supermarkets like Tesco, ASDA, and Sainsbury's – their banana boxes are particularly sturdy. Office buildings and liquor stores also discard strong boxes perfect for moving.

Replace expensive bubble wrap with newspaper, old magazines, and clothing. Use towels, blankets, and pillows as padding – they'll serve their purpose in your new home. Wrap delicate items in socks and fill glasses with smaller objects to maximise space efficiency.

Negotiating with Landlords and Estate Agents

Many landlords and estate agents are more flexible during economic uncertainty. If you're a reliable tenant, ask about waiving fees, reducing deposits, or spreading costs over several months. For purchases, timing your move to avoid peak seasons can provide negotiating leverage.

Reducing Non-Essential Spending Months in Advance

Building a moving fund requires discipline across all areas of spending. Cancel subscriptions you don't absolutely need – streaming services, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions. Switch to own-brand products at the supermarket and embrace batch cooking to reduce food costs.

Compare quotes from trusted providers to ensure every saved pound goes directly into your moving fund. When comparing quotes, platforms like Find My Man and Van make it easy to connect with vetted local operators who understand budget constraints.Consider this a temporary sacrifice that will pay dividends when your removal day arrives and you're not scrambling to cover unexpected costs.

On Moving Day: Lean & Efficient

Essential Services Only Strategy

During a cost crisis, strip your moving services back to absolute essentials:

• "Man with a van" transport: 60-70% cheaper than full-service removal companies
• Off-peak booking: Mid-week, mid-month slots offer lower rates
• Local independent operators: Often more competitive than national companies
• Flexible scheduling: Book around driver availability for better prices

Essential Services:

• Vehicle transport for your belongings
• Basic utility connections (gas, electricity, water)
• Mandatory insurance coverage

Optional Services You Can Skip:

• Professional packing and unpacking
• Same-day unpacking services
• Premium utility packages
• Short-term storage (unless absolutely necessary)

Be brutally honest about necessities. Your time and effort can replace most premium services if your budget demands it.

For more detailed help, read Find the best man and van near you and learn how to save money on removal costs with strategic planning.

Enlisting Maximum Free Help

If you're lucky to find outside help, organise your support team weeks in advance with specific time slots and goals rather than vague requests. Create a simple rota so people know exactly when they're needed.

Packing Essential Food and Drink

Avoid the temptation to buy convenience food on moving day. Pack a cool box with sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of water basedon what you have onhand. Moving day hunger can lead to expensive takeaway orders that blow your carefully planned budget.

Prepare these items the night before when you'll have more time and energy. Include high-energy snacks like bananas, nuts, and energy bars to keep everyone's energy levels up throughout the day.

Minimising Travel Costs

Check whether it will be cheaper, when planning your route, to avoid tolls and congestion charges or whether this will add more time to the journey. Be clear on what's included in your quote and give a totally accurate assessment of the items you have.

Post-Move Recovery: Immediate & Long-Term Savings

Prioritising Essential Utility Setup

Resist the urge to upgrade to premium utility packages immediately after moving. Focus on basic gas, electricity, and water connections first. Use price comparison websites to find the cheapest suppliers rather than accepting the previous occupier's arrangements.

Many utility companies offer new customer discounts or cashback deals. Take advantage of these, but read the terms carefully to avoid price increases after introductory periods end.

Thrift Store and Second-Hand Furniture Sourcing

Your new home doesn't need perfect furnishing immediately. Charity shops, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree provide quality items at fraction of retail prices. Set up saved searches online for specific items and be patient – the right piece at the right price will surface.

Energy-Saving Measures from Day One

Implement energy-saving measures immediately in your new home. This includes checking for draughts, adjusting heating timers, and switching to LED bulbs. These small changes compound over time, reducing your monthly bills significantly.

Request free energy assessments from your utility suppliers. Many offer this service and can identify additional savings opportunities specific to your new property.

Checking Eligibility for Local Grants and Support Schemes

Research local authority grants and support schemes available in your new area. Many councils offer assistance with moving costs, utility deposits, or home improvements for eligible residents. Citizens Advice Bureau can provide information about what support might be available to you.

Check if your employer offers any relocation assistance, even for local moves. Some companies provide small grants or interest-free loans to help with moving expenses.

Leveraging Digital Resources to Save Time and Money

Digital Tools for Frugal Moving

Use price comparison websites for everything – removal quotes, utility suppliers, home insurance, and even broadband providers.

Create spreadsheets to track all your moving-related expenses and savings. This helps identify where your strategies are working and where you might need to adjust your approach.

Navigating Unexpected Challenges

Dealing with Unexpected Costs

Despite careful planning, unexpected costs can arise. Build a small emergency fund of 10-15% of your total moving budget if possible. This buffer prevents small surprises from becoming major financial crises.

Some unexpected costs can be negotiated or delayed. Speak with service providers about payment plans or deferred billing if you're facing temporary cash flow problems.

Mental Well-being During Stressful Times

Moving during a cost of living crisis creates additional stress beyond the usual relocation challenges. Acknowledge this emotional toll and prioritise self-care within your limited budget.

Free or low-cost stress-relief activities become particularly important. Walking, meditation apps, library books, and community events can provide mental health support without straining your finances.

Maintain perspective by celebrating small victories along the way. Every successful negotiation, found bargain, or completed task brings you closer to your goal and deserves recognition.

Conclusion: Smart, Resilient Moving

Even in the most challenging economic times, a successful move is entirely achievable with the right strategies and mindset. The key lies in embracing resourcefulness, planning meticulously, and remaining flexible when circumstances change.

Your willingness to work harder, negotiate more, and think creatively about solutions will see you through this process. The skills you develop during this challenging move – budgeting, negotiating, resourcefulness – will serve you well beyond your relocation.

Remember that this period of financial constraint is temporary, but the money you save through smart moving strategies is permanent. Every pound preserved during your move can contribute to building financial resilience in your new home.

For more comprehensive advice on navigating every aspect of your move, including helpful checklists and timelines, explore our comprehensive moving house tips (Read more for moving house tips and guides).

Find reliable man with a van services across the UK to support your cost-effective move.

Consumer prices increased by 20.8% between May 2021 and May 2024. The cost of living crisis may have changed the moving landscape, but it hasn't made smart, affordable relocations impossible. With determination, creativity, and the strategies outlined above, you can successfully navigate your move while protecting your financial well-being. Platforms like Find My Man and Van understand that every pound matters during tough times, which is why our network specializes in no-frills, reliable moving solutions. Get a quote now to see how we can help keep your move affordable.