Using Student Moving Services Tips

by Bianka | Published on 08/11/23 | 5 min read

When considering hiring student moving services, you are probably looking for a cost-effective solution. Moving with just a few bags and suitcases will not be a problem at all. You won`t even need a van. The issue finding cheap student moving services comes when you have furniture too. Moving a sofa, a bed and even the desk you are using for writing are too big and heavy.

So what do I do?

Book A Mover can help you find and compare various local experts. Using professional help doesn’t necessarily mean spending lots of money. But before you start looking for a student removal company, check what are the average prices on the market, what you will be asked and how to prepare for your move.

How Much Does Student Moving Services Cost?

The average local student moving costs is £275. The prices for a long-distance student move will vary greatly depending on the distance travelled. Exactly the same as any house removals services, each student move price will depend on a few important factors-:

The volume of the move – the more items needed moving, the more expensive your move will be.

Travel distance – moving to a university or college in another city will be more expensive compared to moving to a local one. The chosen student moving company has to add the expenses for fuel and staff hours to the final bill.

Using additional services – extra services like packing, furniture assembly, and storage will increase the moving price.

Moving date – if you decide to move on a busy day or you start looking for movers at the last moment, it is highly likely the movers to charge you more. Urgent requests are in most cases 20-30% more expensive compared to a request sent 2-3 weeks before your moving date.

You also need to be aware that many companies have a minimum charge, even if your move is very small. This means that even if your move is 1-1.5 hours as labor, the student moving company might want to charge you for at least 3 or 4 hours. Speak with the chosen company about the minimum charge, before accepting their quote.

Do Student Moving Services Include Packing?

All moving experts providing student removals, offer packing too. But, you need to decide if you want to spend more money or simply do it yourself and save the money for yourself.

You can expect to around £50-£60 per hour for 2 movers to pack the moving boxes for you. On average, 2 experienced movers should be able to pack around 15-20 boxes. Don`t forget that buying boxes and packing supplies will cost money too. Depending on the source, size, and quality of the packing materials, you can expect to pay around £100-£120 for every 20 boxes ( this includes packing tape, bubble wrap, paper, and markers ).

Having all rough estimates regarding the packing, you can create an initial budget for the packing if you believe you want professional packing help.

Can I Hire A Driver With A Van For My Student Move?

Absolutely yes. If you are strong enough you can help the driver to load and unload the stuff you have. If you are not able to help, most man & van companies will offer to add extra helper which will cost a little bit extra. Moving as a student is not like moving from a big house, so a small local company can help you much better compared to a large-scale relocation firm.

What Factors Should I Prioritize?

When choosing a student moving firm, several factors should be a priority to ensure a smooth and cost-effective move. Here are some key considerations:

• Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend and look for options that fit within your financial constraints. Many students have limited budgets, so affordability is often a top priority.
• Reputation: Research the reputation and reliability of the removal companies you’re considering. Read reviews from other students or customers to get an idea of their track record. Be aware that 100% good reviews don`t mean they would be the perfect fit for your move. There are other factors too.
• Insurance: Ensure that the student movers offer adequate insurance coverage for your belongings. You may have valuable items like electronics and furniture that need protection during the move.
• Experience: Look for removal companies with experience in handling student moves. They may be more attuned to the specific needs and challenges students face.
• Services Offered: Consider the range of services offered. Some removal companies provide packing and unpacking services, which can be a big help for busy students.
• Availability: Check if they can accommodate your move date and time, especially if you have a tight schedule.
• Size of the Move: Assess the size of items you have. You will be asked to give an inventory list with what needs moving. Every moving salesman will use it to calculate the costs. If they do not care about what needs moving, avoid using this company as they might add a lot of extra charges at the end.
• Distance: Determine the distance of your move. If moving to another city, we will try to select companies experienced in cross-country moves. Book A Mover works with many long-distance movers offering lower rates.
• Additional Fees: Inquire about any additional fees or hidden costs, such as fuel charges, packing materials, or extra labour fees. Transparency in pricing is crucial for students on a budget.
• Student Discounts: Ask about discounts or promotions that may be available. There could be firms that offer special rates for students.
• References: Request references or reviews from other students who have used the relocation company’s services. This can provide valuable insights into their experiences.
• Customer Support: Assess the responsiveness and helpfulness of the removal company’s customer support. Good communication is essential for addressing any concerns or questions.
• Licensing and Credentials: Ensure that the student moving company you choose is properly licensed and insured, providing you with legal protections.
• Flexibility: Consider the company’s flexibility in accommodating changes or rescheduling, as student plans can sometimes be subject to unexpected alterations.

By prioritizing these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a removal company that aligns with your needs and budget as a student.

Can I Pack And Load My Items Into The Truck Myself To Save Money?

Yes, you can typically pack and load your items into the truck yourself to save money when hiring a removal company. This option is known as a “self-pack” or “self-load” service. It allows you to take control of the packing process and reduce labor costs associated with professional packing services. However, it’s important to ensure that your items are properly packed and secured to prevent damage during transit, and you should also confirm with the removal company whether they have any specific guidelines or requirements for self-packing and loading.

Will Student Moving Companies Offer A Discount?

Many student moving services come with a discount already. Most removal business owners understand the challenges, high student fees, and limited budgets of a student, so it is most likely that the prices you will get are the minimum they can get.

This is where the power of using a comparison service like Book A Mover comes in great help. By comparing prices, you will be able to find the cheapest prices on the market. Simply by comparing prices you will be able to save 20-30% from the average student moving price.

How Can I Save Money But Still Using Moving Help?

• Do the packing by yourself
• Get free second-hand boxes from your local shops
• Group move – moving with your friends or colleagues is a way to save you money if you split the bill. Same as sharing a taxi!
• Sell furniture and items you won`t need
• Submit your details through Book A Mover at least 4-5 weeks before your move
• Use the help of friends to load and hire only a man and van service

Do Student Moving Companies Provide Storage Or Do I Need To Use Self-Storage?

Student moving companies may offer various services, but whether they provide storage solutions can vary. Some student moving companies do offer storage facilities as part of their services, designed to cater specifically to the needs of students who often require storage during holiday periods or between leases. However, not all student moving companies include storage options, and in such cases, you may need to seek self-storage solutions. Self-storage facilities can offer more flexibility in terms of size and duration of storage, which might be beneficial depending on your specific needs. It’s always best to inquire directly with the student moving company about their services or seek recommendations for reliable self-storage facilities in your area.