In the month before you move, apart from all the packing and panicking, there are a few things that you need to remember to do: newspaper and magazine subscriptions need to be either cancelled or moved to the new address, you’ll also need to notify your creditors of your new address (bank, credit card, medical aid etc.).



Don’t forget to send a letter or an email to all of your friends and family members notifying them of your new address (you never know they may just send you something nice for the new place).

Packing Up

One of the greatest things about moving is that you get to get rid of all of the junk unworn clothes and unused items that are inherent to every home. As you are packing be ruthless; anything that you don’t need or want needs to be put aside and can be given to a charity. This way you’ll at least start off with a clutter free home on the other side.

It’s important to remember to pack all boxes to capacity, the undefiled ones are more likely to be crushed in the move and the overfilled ones will inevitable break under the strain.

Packing up one room at a time is a great idea. This way you can ensure that you have everything in that room packed up together and labelled accordingly. Make sure you indicate which way is up with an arrow – you’ll be thankful once the movers arrive. It’s also a good idea to label the furniture according to which room it is going to be in, in the new home.

Once you’re in the new house it’ll then be really easy to get the right boxes and items of furniture into the relevant rooms.

It’s advisable to make sure that everything is cleaned before it goes into boxes or the moving truck – you don’t want to have to clean everything once it arrives at the new place. On that note making sure that your new home is spotless the day before you move is highly recommended.

Buy unplugging your major appliances at least 24 hours before you move you will not only decrease the chances of them being damaged but it’ll give you time to clean them as well. On that note it’s always a good idea to let the appliances stand in your new home for 24 hours before you plug them in – this ensures that they adjust to the new room temperature which also prevents damage.

When it comes to packing the fragile stuff, like glassware, crockery and other breakables don’t cram as much in as you can – you’ll be sorry when the clink clink sounds start. Rather wrap each and every single item in either newspaper, bubble wrap, towels etc. It may take a lot more time but it is defiantly worth it.

When it comes to packing your valuables like your jewellery, passports and important documentation it’s quite a good idea to put them in your personal suitcase rather than one of the boxes – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Moving It All

When it comes to hiring a moving company the keyword should not be cheap but reputable – you really don’t want to put all of your possessions into the hands of someone who isn’t exceptional at what they do.

Also check out each prospect’s insurance policies, if something breaks you are definitely going to want to be able to claim for it. To save money you’ll want to do as much of the packing and preparation yourself - the movers will pack up for you but they’ll also charge you, so it’s up to you.

You can also transport quite a bit in your own vehicle. While I don’t advise strapping Great Aunt Alice’s chest of draws to the roof your car, transporting suitcases and some boxes is a good idea.

Get the movers to pack the furniture in according to the way you’ll want to take it out. The furniture for furthest room from the entrance in your new home should be accessible long before the furniture you’re wanting to put in your entrance way.

Once the truck is loaded hop in your car and let the movers follow you to your new home and stay there with the while they are unloading.

If you have moved your pets please make sure they are in a closed room and can not get out as all the commotion is likely to scare them which may cause them to run away. If you have very young children it’s also a good idea if you can leave them with a family member or a friend until the chaos has calmed down as all the disorder can upset them – which in turn will inevitably upset you. It’s nice to only have the kids arrive once their bedrooms are set up – that ay they immediately feel at home and safe.

What To Do When You Get To Your New Home

Before the movers arrive make sure that each room in the house is labelled correctly that way the movers will be able to put the correct boxes and furniture in the correct rooms. Once they’re gone lugging all of that stuff from room to room is not going to be fun.

Concentrate on the main areas first. Once the beds are set up the kitchen and the bathroom are good places to start. But it all takes quite a bit of time (unless you have a small army to assist you). Failing that I can assure you that when it gets round to nightfall on your first day in your new home you are going to be tired, overwhelmed and in need of a long hot shower.

It may be tempting to throw yourself head first into unpacking and making your new home yours but trust me when I say – all you really need to do is get your bedroom sorted out. The rest can wait.

A good idea is to pack an easy-to-access first night kit (box) which contains your bedding, essential toiletries (don’t forget the towels), PJ’s and a change of clothing. It’s also advisable to pack in a pair or scissors, a torch, candles and matches (just in case). This kit together with the take outs you’re going to get (because trust me – cooking is not going to be an option) is all you really need for your first night.

After a great night’s sleep you’ll be able to tackle the rest of the house and sooner than you know it your house will become your home.

Good Luck!