Ways to cut moving costs

Moving your belongings halfway across the world to somewhere like the UAE is expensive so if there’s any way you can cut costs, we say… go for it!

We’ve got a few ideas of how you can save yourself some cash in the removals process but the list isn’t exhaustive and we’re sure you’ll be able to come up with a few ideas of your own.

·         An obvious tip - but not an easy one - is to cut back on the belongings you’re taking. Less volume and weight in transportation means less cost.  What do you really need for your new life in the sun and what can be purchased once you’ve arrived?

·         Pack the goods yourself and you’ll save around 25 per cent of the total moving company bill. If you can’t face packing everything, see if you can do the small stuff like books and clothes etc, and leave the big things to the professionals.

·         Time your move so that it’s less expensive ie midweek or the less popular hotter months in the UAE such as July and August

·         When buying your packing boxes try to get them from removal firms who’ll take them back and refund the cost of the ones you don’t use

·         Ensure all your possessions are in the one location (rather than some at home and others in a storage unit) as the fewer trips the removal firm has to make, the less they’ll charge

·         Disassemble children’s swings and similar equipment yourself to save time and labour costs

·         Moving for work?  Keep all your removal receipts and claim in your end of year tax return

·         Store linen and other lightweight items such as sleeping bags and children’s teddies in large furniture eg sideboards and wardrobes

·         Always shop around for quotes and get at least three. It’s time-consuming but the variation in cost can be huge

·         Think about items you could buy while you’re out in Dubai such as lamps, towels and coffee tables

·         Organise your boxes so you know exactly where everything is and in which room they should be deposited. This will save time and money

·         Be ruthless and give to charity shops anything you’ve had in the house for years and never used (hint - that rowing machine in the basement). Chances are you won’t use it once you get to your new home either

So there you have it... some quick – and not so quick - means of saving money on your move. Congratulate your thriftiness by treating the family to a sumptuous meal on arrival in the UAE.  Let’s face it, the last thing you’ll want to do after sitting on a plane for hours is cook!