Planning a home move in South London can be stressful, and unexpected expenses make it worse. Hidden costs in home removals services can blow your budget. This article breaks down potential extra fees like last-minute changes, storage costs, and insurance, helping you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Key Takeaways
- Removal services often come with hidden costs such as additional fees for extra items, late key charges, and last-minute changes. Obtaining a detailed, accurate quote from multiple firms helps avoid unexpected charges.
- Storage costs can significantly add to overall moving expenses if you require temporary storage for your belongings. Combining removal and storage services or using self-storage units can offer cost-effective solutions.
- Additional costs such as cleaning services, packing service charges, and utility set-up fees should be considered in your moving budget. Hiring professional services for packing and cleaning can save time, but verifying the inclusion of all materials and understanding cancellation policies is crucial to prevent unforeseen expenses.
Unexpected Removal Services Costs
Most removal companies in South London provide an initial quote, but beware – this is often just the tip of the iceberg. Additional fees can arise for last-minute changes, such as adding items on the day of the move. Providing an accurate estimate of the volume of items to be moved helps in avoiding extra charges or running out of truck space. Don’t forget the contents of your:
- garden
- loft
- garage
- shed
when considering the amount of stuff to be moved.
Having a couple of firms do a pre-move removals survey provides a more accurate, binding removals quote and helps assess any access problems or items needing extra care. Be cautious of removal quotes that seem too cheap as they may miss important average removal costs. The removal company cost, along with the average removals cost incurred by affected homeowners due to delays or cancellations, and additional charges might be unavoidable for living in a top-floor flat without a lift.
Check the moving firm’s cancellation policy to avoid potential loss of money if cancelled at the last minute. Late-key charges can apply if there are delays in obtaining keys to the new property, and key-wait charges can also add to unexpected costs. A late key waiver can help avoid penalty charges for waiting.
It’s also important to confirm that the quote includes VAT to prevent unexpected tax charges on top of the quoted prices. Unexpected costs can occur if you need to rebook your removal company due to delays in the exchange and completion of contracts. Being thorough and proactive can save you from these additional expenses.
Storage Costs During a Move
Storage costs in South London can significantly add to overall removal costs, often without offering much value for money. Temporary storage fees may be incurred if you can’t move directly into your new property and need to store belongings. These additional removal costs can vary between companies, depending on the size and duration of storage needed.
Some removal companies offer storage services and can provide combined quotes for both removal and storage. For instance, the cost of storing a three-bedroom house’s contents can be around £230 per week. Alternatively, secure, weatherproof storage containers can range from 40 square feet to 160 square feet for a standard household. Specialised storage companies may offer more flexible terms and long-term discounts compared to removal companies.
Opting for a self-storage unit during the relocation process provides an opportunity to:
- Safely store your belongings during the transition period
- Save money and time, especially if you choose a removal company that offers a complete house removal and storage service
- Have the flexibility needed during the transitional phase of moving homes
Cleaning Services and Fees
Budgeting for cleaning services ensures you allocate sufficient funds for essential cleaning tasks. Consideration of cleaning costs is vital during a move as it tends to be expensive and may need specialised cleaning supplies. To ensure the return of a security deposit when moving out of a rented property, all necessary terms must be complied with.
Professional cleaning services can be cost-effective in certain situations, often bringing their own supplies and tools. Hiring professional cleaners can save time, allowing you to focus on other important tasks.
RECOMMENDATION
Keep a close eye on your expenditure for cleaning supplies to ensure your budget remains intact. This careful tracking helps prevent any wasteful spending, safeguarding your finances during the moving process.
Insurance Coverage and Extra Fees
During relocation, factors such as in-transit insurance, late key waiver insurance, and cancellation waiver insurance warrant consideration. When hiring a removal company, check for Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance. Goods-in-transit insurance offered by removal companies covers loss or damage during the move.
Transit insurance generally offers limited protection, often covering only £40 per item regardless of original value. It’s recommended to check if your home insurance policy provides additional coverage for belongings when being moved by a removal company. This can offer peace of mind and additional financial protection.
Ask about ‘late key charges’ and consider a ‘late key waiver’ for peace of mind. If packing items personally, ask if they are covered by removals insurance, as many insurance companies will not cover loss or damage if self-packed.
Packing Service Charges
Removal companies provide a range of packing services, including removal company costs for:
- Packing materials
- Professional packing
- Unpacking (which may carry an extra fee)
- Crating services for valuable items
Professional packing services can cost around £250 depending on the volume of items, with higher costs for high-value or fragile items and the level of protection needed.
Additional packing materials like bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape add to the cost. The inclusion of these materials in the quoted price should be confirmed with the removal company. Ensure to ask about the supplies and equipment provided by the removal company.
Additional Costs for Special Handling
The need for special equipment such as a hoist, tail lift, or cherry picker lift for lifting large items might result in extra costs. Fragile items such as antiques, fine arts, or a piano often require special handling and incur additional charges for materials and time. Verify additional costs for services like packing, unpacking, and specialised handling of items beforehand.
Dismantling and re-assembly of large furniture by the removal company typically costs around £125. These specialised services ensure the safe handling of valuable or fragile items during your move.
Utility and Service Set-Up Costs
Setting up utilities such as electricity and gas in your new home usually necessitates deposits. Installation fees can apply for services such as internet and cable TV, adding to the initial moving costs. Some utility companies may charge activation fees to start services like electricity, gas, or water. Additionally, if the property is new or has been unoccupied for a long period, there could be reconnection fees for utilities.
Some utility companies may charge activation fees to start services …
Service providers may offer bundled packages for internet, cable, and phone services that could reduce overall set-up costs. These bundled packages can offer substantial savings compared to setting up each service individually.
Temporary Accommodation and Travel Expenses
Costs for temporary accommodation, such as hotels or rented properties, could be factored in until the sale of the old home and acquisition of the new one. Subsidies for temporary living accommodation can include food, drink, and the cost of staying in a temporary place. Travel expenses can include preliminary visits to the new location and travel between the old and new homes during the move.
Travel expenses for family members can be eligible if they move from the old home to the new home. These costs can quickly add up, so it’s important to budget for them in advance.
Contingency Fund for Unexpected Expenses
A contingency fund serves as a financial cushion against unexpected moving expenses, thus alleviating stress during the relocation process. It is important to have a contingency fund when moving home to account for unexpected costs. Having a contingency fund can prevent delays in the moving schedule caused by unforeseen financial shortfalls.
Experts recommend setting aside at least 10% of your total moving budget as a contingency fund. This safety net can be a lifesaver when unexpected costs arise.
How to Avoid Hidden Costs
Invite removal companies for a pre-move survey on your property to obtain a binding quote. Add all items to be moved in advance to avoid extra costs and delays on the moving day. Some hidden costs to consider when moving house include:
- Removal services
- Storage units
- Cleaning services
- Babysitting or pet-sitting services
- Hotels
- Fuel
- Food
You can save on house removal costs by:
- Booking your moving company as soon as possible
- Comparing prices and services offered by different removal companies
- Getting quotes in writing
- Packing items yourself
- Finding free packing materials
- Double-checking all quotes to ensure no necessary costs like packing boxes are excluded
Here are some tips for booking your removal date:
- Book your removal date as early as possible.
- Consider moving earlier in the week for potential discounts.
- Inquire about the cancellation policies to understand any potential forfeiture of deposits.
- Check costs and quotes before booking a removal company to avoid surprises and find the best price.
Clear out unwanted possessions before the move to reduce overall removal costs. Declutter by donating, selling, or disposing of items. These actions can significantly reduce the volume of items to be moved, thereby lowering costs.
Summary
Navigating the hidden costs of home removals can be daunting, but with thorough planning and proactive measures, it is entirely manageable. From unexpected removal service costs and storage fees to cleaning services and insurance coverage, understanding these potential expenses can save you both money and stress. Always consider setting aside a contingency fund and adopt strategies to avoid hidden costs. Being prepared ensures a smoother, more cost-effective move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some hidden costs to consider when moving house?
When moving house, consider hidden costs such as removal services, storage, cleaning, and extra expenses for babysitting or pet care. These can add up quickly and impact your budget.
How can you save on house removal costs?
To save on house removal costs, book your moving company early, compare prices and services, and get quotes in writing. This can help you secure the best deal for your move.
Why is cleaning an important cost to consider when moving home?
Cleaning is an important cost to consider when moving home because it can be expensive and may require specialised cleaning materials to ensure the return of a security deposit.
What types of insurance should be considered when moving home?
When moving home, consider in-transit insurance, late key waiver insurance, and cancellation waiver insurance to protect yourself and your belongings during the moving process.
Why is it important to have a contingency fund when moving home?
Having a contingency fund when moving home is important because it accounts for unexpected costs and prevents delays in the moving schedule. It provides a financial safety net for any unforeseen circumstances.
