If you’re at University, you may find yourself switching accommodation between years. Whether it’s from halls into a house, or between houses; changing homes is part of University life, happening at the end of most academic years.

Yet moving houses doesn’t need to be costly. With some smart savings techniques, you can complete this process quickly and, more importantly, cheaply. Here are four techniques for any students moving house in need of help.

1. A team effort

It’s likely that you’re not moving into a house by yourself. Most students typically move into houses with colleagues and this means you can consider sharing any of the big costs, such as storage or moving costs: it’s all going towards the same goal after all. By pitching in together, you’ll reduce some of the costs by not paying separately.

2. Plan ahead

A lot of costs can occur from a careless lack of planning. By taking time to arrange a schedule, you can sort costs out in advance. Leaving it to the last minute might force you to choose a more expensive option, as the cheaper methods might not be available. As with the previous point, planning ahead might also allow you and your friends to pool resources.

3. Storage options

It may be the cheapest option, but don’t just throw your stuff into plastic bags and try to transport them between locations in one go. Instead, never underestimate the power of the humble box. For any students moving house, buying a combo pack of cardboard boxes will save you a fair amount of money whilst providing the easiest way to stack and store your stuff.

4.  Packing Your Stuff

You’ll also require boxes for moving. Try visiting your local supermarket and asking them if they have any boxes out back they could give to you. This will be much cheaper than buying new card board boxes.

For packing equipment like tape and scissors, visit your university’s art department. They frequently have items like tape and scissors lying around. Be sure to return the items when you’re done borrowing them!

5. Be aware of space

A house may be big, but always be aware of your individual and personal space. Don’t bring too much stuff as if it doesn’t all fit in your room, your housemates might not appreciate it being left elsewhere.

This could result in further costs, or simply having to remove items you’ve already paid for. To this end, you should consider discussing house items you don’t need duplicates of. You don’t, for instance, need four difference kettles so make sure you shop as a team when kitting out your new student accommodation.

For more information on storing student belongings, buying cardboard boxes, and moving on a budget check out Access Self Storage.