Moving house is one of life's most significant transitions, and when you're relocating in Diss & Norfolk, proper preparation is key to ensuring everything goes smoothly. Whether you're moving locally within Norfolk or Suffolk, or making a longer journey, having a comprehensive moving checklist will help you stay organised and reduce stress. At We One Removals, we've helped hundreds of families move successfully across East Anglia, and we've compiled this essential checklist based on our experience.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
Start your planning early to avoid last-minute panics. Eight weeks gives you plenty of time to prepare thoroughly.
- Get quotes from removals companies: Contact We One Removals and at least two other local removals companies in Diss and Norfolk for quotes. Compare prices, insurance coverage, and services offered.
- Book your removals company: Once you've chosen your preferred company, secure your moving date. Popular dates in Diss and Norfolk can book up quickly, especially during summer months.
- Start decluttering: Go through each room and decide what you want to keep, sell, donate, or dispose of. This will reduce your moving costs and make unpacking easier.
- Create a moving folder: Keep all important documents, quotes, contracts, and receipts in one place - both physical and digital copies.
- Notify your current landlord: If you're renting, give proper notice according to your tenancy agreement.
6 Weeks Before Moving Day
Now is the time to start organising the details of your move and notifying important parties.
- Notify utility companies: Contact your electricity, gas, water, and broadband providers. Arrange for disconnection at your old property and connection at your new one. Allow extra time for installations in Diss and rural Norfolk areas.
- Update your address: Start notifying banks, insurance companies, credit card providers, and subscription services of your new address.
- Order packing supplies: Stock up on boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. We One Removals can provide high-quality packing materials if needed.
- Measure your new home: Check that large furniture will fit through doorways and up stairs. This is especially important in Norfolk's period properties with narrower doorways.
- Arrange time off work: Book moving day off, plus a day or two after for unpacking and settling in.
"Preparation is the key to a stress-free move. Taking the time to plan ahead and declutter properly can save you hours on moving day and reduce your overall moving costs." - We One Removals Team
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
The countdown is getting serious. Now's the time to start packing non-essential items and confirming arrangements.
- Start packing: Begin with items you rarely use - seasonal clothing, books, decorative items, and out-of-season equipment.
- Label everything clearly: Mark each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This is crucial for efficient unpacking.
- Confirm moving day details: Reconfirm your booking with We One Removals, including arrival time, contact numbers, and any special requirements.
- Arrange childcare/pet care: If you have children or pets, arrange for them to be looked after on moving day to keep them safe and reduce stress.
- Cancel or redirect services: Cancel local services like gym memberships, milk deliveries, newspaper subscriptions, and notify your GP and dentist of your move.
- Change your address with Royal Mail: Set up a mail redirection service to catch any post sent to your old address.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
The final preparations are underway. Focus on essential services and final packing.
- Pack most of your belongings: By now, most items should be packed. Keep out only daily essentials.
- Confirm utility connections: Double-check that all utilities will be connected at your new property on moving day.
- Clean your old property: Start cleaning rooms as they become empty. This makes final cleaning much easier.
- Prepare an essentials box: Pack a box with items you'll need immediately - toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items, important documents, phone chargers, and cleaning supplies.
- Notify neighbours: Let your current and new neighbours know about your move, especially if parking or access might be affected.
- Finalise insurance: Ensure your belongings are covered during transit. We One Removals offers Goods in Transit insurance up to £50,000.
1 Week Before Moving Day
The home stretch! Finalise everything and prepare for the big day.
- Final packing: Pack everything except absolute essentials. Keep your essentials box accessible.
- Defrost freezers: If you're taking your fridge or freezer, defrost it at least 24 hours before moving.
- Dismantle furniture: Take apart beds, tables, and other large items (unless your removals team will do this).
- Prepare directions: Provide clear directions to both properties for your removals team, including parking arrangements.
- Confirm moving day schedule: Final call with We One Removals to confirm times and any special instructions.
- Check weather forecast: In Norfolk, weather can be unpredictable. Have a backup plan if moving during winter months.
- Final house clean: Complete the deep clean of your old property, or arrange for a professional cleaning service.
The Day Before Moving
Make final preparations and ensure everything is ready for an early start.
- Pack final items: Finish packing everything except what you need for the morning.
- Charge all devices: Ensure phones, tablets, and cameras are fully charged.
- Prepare payment: Have payment ready for your removals company (cash or card as arranged).
- Get a good night's sleep: Moving day is physically demanding. Rest well the night before.
- Prepare snacks and drinks: Moving is hard work. Have refreshments ready for you and the removal team.
- Check vehicle fuel: If you're driving separately, ensure your vehicle is fuelled and ready.
Moving Day
The big day has arrived! Stay calm, organised, and work with your removal team.
- Early start: Wake up early and have a good breakfast. You'll need the energy.
- Final checks: Do a final walkthrough of your old property to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Be present for loading: Stay with the removal team to answer questions and direct where items should go.
- Check inventory: Keep a note of what's being loaded, especially valuable items.
- Lock up properly: Ensure all windows and doors are locked, and keys are handed over as required.
- Arrive at new property: If possible, arrive before or with the removal van to ensure access.
- Direct unloading: Guide the team on where to place items in your new home to minimise rearranging later.
- Inspect items: Check for any damage as items are unloaded. Report any issues immediately.
- Tip appropriately: If you're happy with the service, consider tipping the removal team.
After Moving Day
The move is complete, but there's still work to do to settle into your new home.
- Unpack essentials first: Start with your essentials box - you'll need toiletries, clean clothes, and basic kitchen items.
- Set up beds: Make beds first so you have somewhere comfortable to sleep after a long day.
- Check utilities: Verify that all utilities are working - heating, water, electricity, and internet.
- Update your address everywhere: Complete any remaining address changes you didn't do earlier.
- Register with local services: Register with a new GP, dentist, and update your driving licence and vehicle registration if needed.
- Explore your new area: Take time to familiarise yourself with Diss and Norfolk - find local shops, services, and amenities.
- Unpack systematically: Work through rooms methodically. Don't try to unpack everything at once.
Special Considerations for Diss & Norfolk Moves
Moving in Diss and Norfolk has some unique considerations that don't apply to all areas.
- Rural access: Many properties in Norfolk have narrow lanes or driveways. Ensure your removal van can access the property. We One Removals uses appropriately sized vehicles for different locations.
- Period properties: Norfolk has many beautiful period properties with unique features. Measure doorways and staircases carefully - some items may need to be moved through windows.
- Weather considerations: Norfolk weather can be unpredictable. Plan for potential delays if moving during winter months.
- Local knowledge: Choose a removal company, like We One Removals, that knows the local area well - they'll understand the best routes and access points.
- Parking permits: If moving to a town centre property in Diss, check if parking permits are needed for the removal van.
Why Choose We One Removals for Your Diss & Norfolk Move
As a trusted removals company serving Diss, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire since 2016, We One Removals brings local expertise and professional service to every move. Our team understands the unique challenges of moving in rural Norfolk and period properties, and we're equipped with the right vehicles and equipment to handle your move efficiently and safely.
We offer flexible pricing - hourly rates for local moves (up to 30 miles) or bespoke quotes for larger jobs. All our vehicles are fully equipped with straps, sack barrows, blankets, and moving wheels, and we're fully insured with Goods in Transit coverage up to £50,000 and Public Liability of £5 million.
Ready to start planning your move? Contact We One Removals today for a free, no-obligation quote. We're here to make your house move in Diss and Norfolk as smooth and stress-free as possible.