Guide to Moving House on a Budget

Have you finally found your dream home and now need to move all your belongings? Or maybe you just have a few boxes or pieces of furniture to shift? To avoid paying a fortune for a removal company, check out our clever money-saving tips.

Which type of move should you choose to save money?

On your own, with a removal company, or using an alternative solution like Cocolis: here’s a quick overview of the most cost-effective options for moving house for less.

Option #1: Move by yourself

Let’s be honest: the main reason people move by themselves is to save money. Professional movers? Far too expensive!

But you need to be prepared for the adventure of packing boxes and moving furniture. Unless your friends are all gym members, a DIY move can be tough. Renting a cheap van, recruiting friends and family to help, gathering all the necessary equipment: it all takes organisation and discipline. Not to mention the stress, especially if you have young children or no one to lend a hand. So, the key to a successful DIY move is to have a good support network!

Option #2: Move with a professional

Another solution: hire a removal company. Because moving is a real job, it’s often best to call in the experts, who will take care of the whole process for you. Depending on the package you choose, the professionals can even pack and unpack your belongings. The result: a stress-free move and a real time-saver.

But this solution can be a double-edged sword, as it often means spending a fair bit. The bill can quickly add up depending on the volume and distance. To avoid breaking the bank, make sure you compare quotes and budget carefully before hiring professional movers.

Option #3: Move with Cocolis, the most cost-effective solution

What if we told you there’s finally an alternative? With Cocolis, you no longer have to choose between the convenience of a removal company and the savings of a DIY move!

The concept

Cocolis offers a simple way to move house for less: take advantage of the journey of a private individual or a professional who wants to optimise their vehicle load, so you can move without breaking the bank. The idea? We connect you with people who have space in their vehicle (car boot, van, etc.) and are travelling the same route as your belongings.

The benefits of Cocolis

The advantage of the Cocolis platform is that you can choose your transport method based on your needs and the volume to move. Peer-to-peer parcel transfer or professional removals: it’s up to you to decide what suits you best. One thing’s for sure, you’ll always come out on top!

In fact, using the Cocolis platform offers a win-win advantage:

• Cost-effective: You save on transport with competitive rates. As for the drivers, whether private individuals or professionals, they cover their travel costs.
• Convenient: With Cocolis, it’s never been easier to move items, even large and heavy ones.
• Eco-friendly: Cocolis significantly reduces the environmental impact of transport by avoiding extra vehicles on the road.

As you can see, Cocolis offers a win-win moving solution on every level. Just get a quote to estimate your total moving cost, and you’re all set!

Tips for saving money when moving

By choosing to move with Cocolis, you’re sure to save money on transporting your furniture and belongings. But don’t stop there—there are plenty of other clever ways to keep costs down.

1. Choose your moving date wisely

Be careful when choosing your moving date, as it can have a big impact on the final bill! Moving is a seasonal business. The peak season runs from May to September, during spring and summer. During this time, prices tend to soar, especially for van rentals. It’s better to move in autumn or winter, when you’ll have more room to negotiate a good deal with professional movers.

Also to avoid: weekends and public holidays, when demand is higher and prices are steeper. On the other hand, if you’re moving by yourself, weekends are ideal for getting help from friends. They’ll probably be available—and a good meal in exchange for their help is always a winner.

2. Take advantage of government financial aid

To encourage mobility, there are several financial aids from the government, which you may be eligible for depending on your family, financial, and professional situation:

• Moving allowance: This benefit from the CAF is for large families, i.e. households with at least three dependent children. The maximum amount is €995.54 for three children, with an extra €82.96 for each additional child.
• Mobili-Pass aid for professional mobility: If you’re moving for work, you can get up to €3,500 in assistance.
• Action Logement mobility aid: For households with at least three children who want to move closer to work, or who have a job offer. The aid is €1,000.
• Mobi-Jeune aid for young people in professional training: Anyone under 30 in professional training with a salary below the minimum wage can apply.
• Pension fund moving aid: This grant, with a variable amount, is for retirees.

In short, check out the schemes offered by the government to see if you’re eligible for financial help.

3. Sell your unwanted items

Channel your inner Marie Kondo! The queen of minimalism will help you save money by getting rid of old clothes you no longer wear. Moving is the perfect opportunity to say goodbye to clutter. Open up your cupboards and wardrobes—it’s time for the big clear-out.

Not only will you save on the volume to be moved, but you could also make some money by selling unwanted items. Just make two piles: one for damaged or broken things, and one for items you can sell. It’s both economical and eco-friendly!

4. Get free boxes

You can’t move without boxes. Instead of buying them from specialist shops, you can easily get them from supermarkets, pharmacies, bookshops, and all sorts of stores. Just ask the manager or staff—they’re usually happy to get rid of bulky boxes.

5. Don’t leave your move to the last minute

Sorry, procrastinators! The key to a cheaper move is planning ahead. The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to compare offers, pick the right date, and avoid last-minute expenses.

6. Make your van journey pay

If you have a van or lorry and there’s space left, why not make your move pay for itself? Post an ad on the Cocolis platform and offer to transport other people’s parcels at a low price. That way, you move house and cover your travel costs at the same time.

With these tips, we hope you can organise your move cheaply and stress-free!