Moving Made Easy

Six to eight 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.
Four 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.
Three weeks
Obtain all important records/information that you need to take with you from your doctor, dentist, schools etc.
Keep important documents like your passport, 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.
Two 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”.