Three simple ways to cut costs when moving home and soften the financial blow

AUGUST is a popular month for moving home, but packing up for a new pad can be hard on your wallet. You can open the door to savings, though, if you try a few simple ideas. You can open the door to savings if you try a few simple ideas Credit: Getty Images Here’s are ways to soften the financial blow of moving . . . PACK IT IN: You will save cash on your move if you do the packing yourself, rather than paying professionals, though the job can feel daunting at the outset. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Start by cutting down on belongings you don’t want to take to your next home. The British Heart Foundation will pick up bulky items in good condition for free if you are struggling to sell on second-hand sites. Check local sites for free cardboard boxes and wrapping paper and complete one room at a time. After packing a box, clearly label it by designated room and contents. MOVING PARTS: It’s much cheaper to hire a van and round up the manpower to help with lifting. But if that’s not an option, you can upload a removals job to a comparison site such as getamover. co.uk to get quotes. Clarify exactly what is or isn’t covered by the quote and ask specifically about any extra charges, such as taking down outdoor trampolines. Some charge by the hour and others will charge a set price. If you are opting for an hourly rate, consider in advance ways you can cut down on time, such as getting boxes to the front of your home, or taking apart furniture such as beds. Most read in Money BILL POWER: If you are within a broadband contract, you may be able to continue at your new home to avoid early exit fees. But get in touch as soon as possible to schedule the switch. Don’t forget to take the router with you. If you don’t want to pay for post redirection, start to change addresses on vital bills a few days in advance of your move. Take final meter readings with photographs at your old home before you hand over the keys. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day Boots’ Trending Beauty Box features items worth £191.71 Credit: Boots STAY on top of the latest skincare and make-up with Boots’ Trending Beauty Box, £45, featuring items worth £191.71, including Color Wow full-size conditioner and Iconic mascara. SAVE: £146.71 Cheap treat Get this underwear collection in the sale at New Look Credit: supplied Give your underwear collection some new life with this red heart print bra, £7 in the sale at New Look. What's new? CO-OP has brought back its popular deal, until September 8, allowing members to buy two pizzas and a tub of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for £5, saving £8.90. Top swap Marks & Spencer’s leopard-print trainers cost £42 Credit: M&S Sainsbury’s have a similar pair for just £18 Credit: Sainsburys STEP out in style with Marks & Spencer’s leopard-print trainers, £42 down from £56. Or hotfoot it to Sainsbury’s to get your hands on a similar pair, for £18. SAVE: £24 Little helper SHIFT marks on white and coloured clothing with help from The Pink Stuff stain remover, £1.50 from Dunelm. Just spray before chucking in your machine. Shop & save Silentnight’s pair of Luxe Hotel pillows are just £9 at Asda Credit: Asda TAKE your bedding up a notch with Silentnight’s pair of Luxe Hotel pillows, down from £15 to £9 at George from Asda. SAVE: £6 Hot right now UNTIL October 25 at Ikea, students kitting out new pads will get a £10 coupon when spending £75 and £20 when spending £150. PLAY NOW TO WIN £100 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning! Comment now