The less you take, the smaller the van and the fewer hours you pay for. So declutter beforehand: sell or give away what you no longer use. Unsure about things you might want to keep? Store them temporarily instead of moving them — then decide later with a clear head.

Moving is most expensive at weekends, at the start and end of the month, and in summer. Pick a midweek day mid-month outside peak season and you can easily save hundreds of euros. Do book in time — about four to six weeks ahead — because last-minute costs more and the good companies are full by then.

Every hour you do yourself, you don't pay for. Pack yourself, disassemble your furniture and have everything ready by the door. Borrow or buy second-hand boxes and use towels and blankets as protection instead of pricey bubble wrap. And ask friends or family to help carry — every free pair of hands lowers the bill.

Get at least three quotes and lay them side by side — but look beyond the price. Is (dis)assembly included? Is insurance covered? Is a furniture lift included if you live high up? The cheapest quote is sometimes more expensive once the surcharges are added. Comparing on content usually saves the most.

On a midweek day, mid-month and outside summer. Weekends, the first and last days of the month and the summer months are busiest and therefore priciest. If you're flexible on the date, you save most easily.

Sometimes. In certain cases — for instance a work-related move that isn't reimbursed — costs may be deductible. An ordinary, voluntary move usually isn't. The rules are specific, so check your situation with the tax office or an adviser before counting on it.

Not required, but appreciated for good work. A small tip, or simply coffee, lunch and drinks for the team, always goes down well. Keep it to what feels right to you — it shouldn't sit in your budget as a mandatory cost.

Doing as much as possible yourself with help from friends and family is cheapest on paper. But for a large home, a tight schedule or an awkward property, a professional is often worth it — less risk of damage and overruns. Feel free to combine: pack yourself, pros for the heavy lifting.