Relocating to a new home can be an overwhelming task, but with careful planning and organization, you can make the process much smoother and less stressful. Follow this comprehensive guide to prepare for your move, starting from a few weeks in advance to the moving day itself. Need other tips for your upcoming move? Check out our resources tab.
4 to 2 Weeks Before Moving
Start Packing and Sorting
- Begin Early: Initiate the packing process at least two weeks before your move to avoid last-minute stress.
- Seasonal Clothes: Pack away clothes that are out of season first.
- Kitchen Items: Pack seldom-used kitchen appliances like the sandwich maker, fondue set, or soda stream machine.
- Books and Media: Box up books, DVDs, and videos.
- Declutter: Get rid of unnecessary items as you pack to lighten your load.
Change of Address
- Notify Companies: Inform banks, clothing accounts, insurance companies, and other relevant organizations about your new address.
- Landline Phone (Telkom)
- Transfer Service: If you’re staying in the same suburb, contact Telkom to transfer your number to your new address.
3 Days Before Moving
Pack an Essentials Bag
Personal Items: Pack a bag with clothes for the day of the move and the day after.
Survival Kit: Include essentials such as toilet paper, light bulbs, candles, basic tools, matches, cash, and a list of important numbers.
Keys
New Home: Ensure you have the keys to your new home and know where your current keys are.
Spare Keys: Label and leave spare keys in a visible but secure place, like the kitchen counter.
Parking Arrangements
Coordinate with Neighbors: Resolve any parking issues to ensure the moving truck can park conveniently.
2 Days Before Moving
Fridges and Freezers
Defrost and Dry: Empty, defrost, and dry out your fridge and freezer to prevent leaks during transport.
Kitchen Cupboards
Check Contents: Dispose of expired items and securely seal packets, bottles, and jars.
Valuables and Documents
Secure Important Items: Pack valuables and important documents and keep them in a safe place.
1 Day Before Moving
Finish Packing
Final Essentials: Complete packing, leaving only a few essential items for the kitchen and bathroom.
Label Boxes: Clearly mark boxes with the names of the rooms they should go to in the new house.
Dismantle and Disconnect
Curtains and Fixtures: Take down any fixtures you’re taking with you.
Appliances: Disconnect washing machines and other appliances.
Toiletry Box
Prepare Toiletries: Pack a box with toiletries you aren’t using and keep it open for last-minute additions.
Outdoor Items
Protect from Weather: Move outdoor items to the garage or a dry place to avoid them getting wet before loading.
Cell Phones
Charge Devices: Ensure your cell phone is fully charged.
Moving Day
Bathroom
Pack Toiletries: Finish packing the toiletry box after everyone has used the essentials.
Strip the Beds
Pack Bedding: Put linen in a clearly marked box.
Final Check
Inspect the House: After loading the truck, walk through the house to check behind doors, in cupboards, and on walls to ensure nothing is left behind.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your home moving experience with Active Transport is as smooth and efficient as possible. Proper planning and organization will help you avoid common pitfalls and make sure all your belongings arrive safely at your new home.
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