Have you been considering ways that you could reduce costs for your upcoming move?
One avenue that is certainly worth considering is a shared move: Any easy way to get belongings from one point to the next at a lower cost if you have fewer items that need to be moved.
A concern that you might have is how you will be able to move your belongings safely to your new house, and how your moving company can ensure your move is hassle free.
In this guide, we provide advice on the cost effective process of a shared move, and how it can potentially make moving day even easier.
What is a shared move?
A shared move is a cost-effective way to move your belongings, where multiple individuals or families share a moving truck or container to transport their goods.
This type of move is ideal for those with limited budget or smaller moving needs.
An important factor to remember here, is that you will be sharing transportation costs, which can easily be as much as half of what you would have spent on a move on your own.
How shared moves work
In a nutshell, shared moves involve consolidating goods from multiple individuals or families into a single moving truck or container.
The moving company will then transport the goods to their respective destinations.
Although you will likely be considering shared loads if you only have a couple of items to move, those with bigger loads can also easily be accommodated with shared moves.
Benefits of shared moves for individuals
An easy way to save on moving costs
If your moving budget is small or you do not need to hire a big truck for minimal items, shared moves are certainly a good idea.
Efficient
A shared move will easily help you to get your belongings at a designated time to their safe haven, without missing moving times or moving start dates.
Less waste when moving
Thanks to moving truck space being optimised during a move, a moving truck can reduce its carbon footprint and instead of four trips, moving can be done in a shorter timespan.
Great for students and young professionals
Students and young professionals can benefit from shared moves, as it’s a cheaper alternative to move their belongings.
Shared moves can also help reduce the stress of moving, as the moving company will handle the logistics.
Are there any disadvantages of shared moves?
Potential for delays
There is a potential for delays, as the moving company may need to wait for other goods to be loaded or unloaded.
This can be a drawback for those who need their goods delivered quickly.
Risk of damage to goods
There is a risk of damage to goods, as they will be transported with other goods.
This can be a drawback for those who have fragile or valuable items.
Packing and organising all your possessions for a shared move
If you are doing a shared move, always pack and label your belongings carefully to ensure they are transported safely. This includes using sturdy boxes and labelling them clearly so that there will be no confusion about which items belong to which party.
Use the same label colours for your belongings and ensure your name and surname, as well as new address are clearly marked and displayed on every item.
Inventory management
Always keep an inventory of your belongings to ensure they are all accounted for during a shared move.
Make a list of your possessions and check them off as they are loaded and unloaded.
Protecting fragile and valuable items
The best way to keep your belongings safe during a shared move is using specialised boxes and packing materials, as well as keeping them separate from other goods.
Also, you can check with your moving company whether they offer additional packing services, which add even more convenience to your move.
Evaluating the cost of a shared move
As your move will not be calculated at the same cost as a regular move, it is important that you get quotes from your removal company to determine exact costs.
There are several factors that can affect moving costs, including the distance of the move, the weight and volume of the goods, and the type of moving service used.
Is a shared move right for you?
If you need to save on service charges, want to pay a smaller deposit or need an affordable way to do your house move, a shared move can generally be worth your while.
Consider your moving needs, budget, and preferences, as well as the advantages and potential disadvantages of a shared move, and base your decision on these factors.
Tips for a successful shared move
Communication with moving partners
- Communicate clearly with your moving partners to ensure a successful shared move. Discuss the details of the move, such as the date, time, and location, as well as any specific requirements or concerns.
- Be flexible and adaptable when it comes to a shared move, including being prepared for delays or changes in the moving schedule, as well as being willing to work with the moving company to resolve any issues that may arise.
Need more information about shared moves?
Shared moves can be a cost effective way to move, and a great option for individuals who are looking to save money on moving costs.
Contact our expert team today if you would like to find out about the benefits of shared moves, and how it can work for your moving arrangements.
