Tips for Moving
We've been doing this a long time. Here are the things that actually make a difference on moving day — based on real experience (and a few mistakes we've seen over the years).
Access
Good access can be the difference between 30 minutes loading a full van or two hours. The closer we can park to your door, the quicker everything goes.
If you have on-street parking, try saving a space next to your house the day before with a couple of cars. The vans are 6.8 metres long, but we need about 7.5 metres to open the back doors properly.
No cars? Wheelie bins with a note work surprisingly well. If your flat is set back from the road, block a space once your car has gone so we can get closer.
Trees and bushes on the drive? A quick trim beforehand (leaving at least 3 metres of headroom) saves time and stops us having to fight with the foliage.
Packing
Good double or triple-wall boxes that are properly taped up will always beat bin bags. Bin bags are fine for soft stuff like bedding and clothes, but everything else stacks better and travels safer in proper boxes.
Label every box clearly on the top with the room it’s going to. It saves us (and you) a lot of time on the day.
Use bigger boxes for lighter items and smaller ones for heavy things like books, vinyl and tools. Your back will thank you.
Take lampshades off lamps before packing — they’re surprisingly fragile and take up loads of space if left on.
Time Saving
We always load the big, heavy stuff first (sofas, beds, cabinets). Everything else goes on top. If boxes and bags are blocking the big items, we have to move them twice — which slows everything down.
Try not to leave stuff piled up in hallways or on the stairs. It might not seem like much, but it adds up.
Flat-pack furniture takes time. If you can take it apart before we arrive, great. If not, we’ve got the tools and we’re used to it (we usually end up making those wobbly IKEA pieces solid again anyway).
One last thing — if you’ve got pets, especially the cute ones, maybe keep them out the way on moving day. We get distracted easily.
A Few Extra Things Most People Forget
Start early and declutter hard
The biggest stress-saver is starting early. Even just packing one room a week makes a massive difference. While you’re at it, be ruthless with stuff you don’t use anymore — the less you move, the cheaper and faster it is.
Make an “Essentials Box”
Pack a clearly labelled box (or two) with everything you’ll need on the first night: kettle, tea, coffee, phone chargers, toilet roll, basic toiletries, a change of clothes, medication, and any important documents. Keep it in your car so it doesn’t disappear into the van.
Take photos before you pack
Photograph the back of your TV, computer setup, and any complicated wiring. Also take a few photos of each room before we start. It’s surprisingly useful for insurance and makes unpacking way easier.
Update your address early
Redirect your post and update your address with banks, DVLA, doctors, insurance companies and utilities at least a couple of weeks before moving. It saves a lot of hassle later.
Measure your big furniture
Check that your biggest pieces will actually fit through the doors and up the stairs in the new place. We can usually help with this if you’re not sure.
Keep valuables with you
Jewellery, important documents, passports, cash and anything sentimental should travel in your own car — never on the van.
Don’t overfill boxes
A box should be heavy but still comfortable for one person to lift. Overfilled boxes are more likely to break and slow us down.
Use decent packing materials
Bubble wrap or proper packing paper is worth it for fragile items. Old towels and clothes work well as padding too and save money.
Have a plan for moving day
Know roughly where the big furniture is going in the new house before we arrive. It saves a lot of “where do you want this?” questions.
Let your neighbours know
A quick note or knock on the door to let them know you’re moving can make parking easier and keeps things friendly.
Get a quote for your move
For the quickest response just call or text Matt on 07914 688835.
Email: info@thetransporternorwich.co.uk
Or message us on Facebook — we’re pretty quick at replying.