Moving Made Easy
Planning is the key to success….
6 to 8 weeks prior to the move
- Confirm the date of your move and obtain quotations from furniture removal companies.
- Obtain ENOUGH! boxes, packaging tape, bubble wrap, unprinted newspaper and permanent markers if you are going to do the packing yourself.
- Confirm all insurance needs. Arrange with your short-term insurer to cover your transport risk for the day of your move – it is far less expensive than insurance provided by the removal company.
- Arrange for the disconnection/transfer of your fixed line telephone and/or broadband service with the help of the communications company and arrange for the correct accounts.
- Arrange for the transfer or disconnection of your water and electricity.
4 weeks
- Create an inventory of all your major belongings and allocate them to the rooms in your new home – write everything down!
- Give away any belongings you no longer need to a charity of your choice or to friends. A garage sale is another option.
- Arrange for the storage of your property, if necessary.
- If possible, visit your new home to take measurements for curtains and electronic appliances.
3 weeks
- Obtain all important records/information that you need to take with you from your doctor, dentist, schools etc.
- Keep important documents like your passports, insurance documents and service accounts handy.
- Start packing if the removal company has not been contracted to do so.
- Create a record keeping system and number each box with a complete list of everything that is in the box.
- Do not make the boxes too heavy to lift – put heavier items in smaller boxes. Do not overload any of the boxes.
- Make the necessary arrangements for your pets.
- Take care of all address changes, e.g. banks, insurance and investment companies, the Receiver of Revenue, SABC, Multichoice, dentist, doctor, professional bodies, employer etc.
- Arrange with the Post Office for the re-direction of your mail and transfer of radio and TV licence.
2 weeks
- Cancel or reschedule newspaper deliveries, garden services etc.
- If you still have a toddler around, arrange for a baby sitter for the day of the move.
The last week
- Defrost and dry your fridge and freezer (at least 2 days prior to the move).
- Contact an electrician for the disconnection of the stove and other electric and electronic appliances.
- Anchor the drum of your automatic washing machine by attaching the shipping brackets.
- Remove or put aside items that must not be packed and mark them clearly: “DO NOT PACK/REMOVE”.
- Make sure that you have kept aside jewellery, money, firearms, insurance policies and documents of high value.
- Pack a box of necessities for the move and mark it clearly: “LAST ON, FIRST OFF”.