AIBU to think there must be an alternative to hiring a removals van?

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AIBU in thinking there MUST be an alternative to hiring a removals company when you are only moving a couple of doors down the road?
It seems bonkers to have to pay over a grand (local rates are expensive!) to load lots of stuff in a van, drive 30 metres and unload it all, but apparently as everyone in the chain needs to exchange at the same time there isn't an alternative as the properties all need to be empty simultaneously.
Any ideas?!!

What alternatives do you think there should be?

Yes, this. Don't make the mistake of thinking that you're only moving your stuff; you're also storing it for as long as it takes before you can unload it in your new house, when you likely don't have anywhere else to store it for that time.

Maybe, if you have a kind friend with a huge garage, or if you hire a storage unit; but then you're doubling the task, with two loadings and two unloadings for every item.

This is one of the few snapshot occasions where you're often luckier if you rent and can stagger your move. A lot of people can stretch to paying rent on one house for a few days whilst also paying the mortgage on a house; but far, far fewer people can afford to own two houses at the same time.

Get a dolly for big heavy stuff, self drive van or people with big cars, family members with work vans after hours

I always DIYed it using vans, trailers and friends, we even used a milk van once! But last time we moved we were lucky enough to have a friend with a removal business who gave us mates rates, and it was SO much easier. If I ever move again I will definitely get the pros in, moving is hell and they are worth every cent.

Every takes a few hours to vacate their house. If you can persuade or pay enough people to carry yous down the road, do it.

I’ve never hired a removals company I’ve hired a Luton van and done it myself. The last time I loaded the van up the night before except the bed, Hoover and cleaning stuff. It’s tough work but it was during Covid and only EXH did it ourselves. We moved slightly further, about 200m
ive only ever done it myself with the addition of family members where they could help

Either, pack and carry everything yourself. And then, when you are so exhausted you could fall asleep on the floor, start making beds, arranging furniture and unpacking.
Or
Budget for professionals.
There is a reason house moves are thought to be as stressful as a divorce or job loss.

Unfortunately, I think you are going to have to pay professionals. Just remember you will need to be out of your house by approximately 1pm which is the contract time.

Hey. We own a removal company.
if you are being quoted circa £1000 for moving a few doors away- you need to check up on this! Get some more quotes because that seems excessive!
We get where you’re coming from, honestly with the price. We hate having to charge so much for the removals. We price the cost to us and add a tiny bit more to make some sort of profit, but believe me, the cost to us has increased so much over the last few years, that our profit has reduced to so little, that we can barely feed our own kids after paying the staff! In the last few years, our cost price (and therefore our profit) has changed so much: The recent increase in fuel has meant that the prices we quoted 3 months ago, now mean we will do moves for no profit whatever.
my best advice is to make sure you have as many quotes from all the different companies in your area. We have found that some people are being quoted up to 20% more or less than our quotes.