Tick All the Boxes with this Moving Checklist
Category Advice
Moving can be a daunting task that takes months of planning, effort and hard work. With a myriad of boxes to pack, arrangements to make and belongings to sort through it can be easy to forget something crucial amidst the chaos. Avoid the ‘Big Move’ stress and make the moving process go smoothly by following this checklist that will guide you through the nitty gritty of moving house.
Two Months
Research
Research your new neighbourhood and find out where the nearest hospitals, police stations, plumbers etc. Familiarise yourself with your surrounds and compile a list of emergency numbers so that you are prepared for any situation in your new home.
Get Quotes
Make inquiries to several moving companies to find the best option for your move. Phone them to get a quote and ask for an on-site estimation so that someone from the company comes to the property and evaluates the cost involved. Make sure to get all quotes in writing.
Create Itinerary
Time to get organised - make a list of the tasks you need to complete for your move and order them according to importance. Keep the list in a binder or folder so that you can keep track of everything.
One Month
Measurements
Measure your new home and check the dimensions of every room. This will help you determine whether large pieces of furniture will be able to fit into the available space.
Declutter and Purge
Take one room at a time and pack three different boxes; keep, donate and throw away. Decide what you are going to keep and what you won’t be taking with. Consider whether items will need to be packed in a special way or if they will require extra insurance.
Create Inventory
Once you have decluttered your home it is time to create an inventory. Draw up a record of everything you are packing and which boxes they will be packed into. This will help you keep track of all your belongings.
Start Packing
Begin with items you have not used in a while or do not use very often. Assign categories to each box and label them so that you know exactly where to find what when you have to unpack.
Two Weeks
Pick Mover
Finally select a moving company from your quotes and secure written confirmation of your moving date, the time they will be arriving, the costs involved and all other details pertaining to your move.
Notify Utility Services
Notify all important service providers of your move and request a change of address. Inform your bank, insurance, HR department, cell phone company and other utility companies of your move so that your information is up-to-date.
Clean and Fumigate New House
Before you move in to your new home make sure that there are no unwelcomed visitors taking occupancy. It is a good idea to fumigate the house so that you get rid of all pests and creepy crawlies. After you have fumigate, ensure that you properly clean every surface and check that everything is working properly.
One Week
Pack Suitcases
By this stage most of your packing should already be completed. Now pack a suitcase that you can live out of while the rest of your clothes are in boxes – ensure that everyone has enough outfits to wear for a couple of days.
Pack Essentials
Pack a box full of essentials that you will need when you arrive at your new home, such as trash bags, cleaning products and tool kit – also load this box last so that you have easy access to it later.
Confirm with Movers
Call your moving company to verify all the details for moving day.
Moving Day
Do a Final Walkthrough
Walk through every room one last time and check every drawer and cupboard to check if you haven’t forgotten anything.
Take Final Inventory
Double check your inventory and list the boxes and items the moving company is taking – get them to sign this register so that you can check of everything made it to your new home safely.
Author: Dormehl Phalane Property Group
