Some useful tips to ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible.
Collect newspapers and boxes a couple of weeks before the move.
Pack one room at a time.
First pack the goods that you do not use often.
Donate the goods you no longer use to a charity… PLEASE REMEMBER… The SPCA collects paper, which they sell to recycling companies to generate funding. They also sell your old give-aways on Jumble Sales for income.
Clear out as much of your frozen foods as possible in the time before you move and be careful not to stock up. Your fridge and freezer may be defrosted for a while during your move.
Mark your boxes clearly and indicate in which room they are to go.
Make a list of what is inside each box, for easy reference in case you need something out of them urgently.
Mark the boxes with breakables clearly with the word "FRAGILE" and/or "THIS WAY UP".
Draw a rough floor plan of where your furniture must go, to avoid having to move it there yourself.
Arrange to visit your new home so you can measure up curtains, get the previous owner's forwarding address and make other arrangements that you might need to, such as agreeing to transfer phone and electricity accounts.
Pack a basket complete with kettle, tea, coffee, milk, sugar, salt & pepper, cold ready-to-eat food, snacks, cold drinks, cups, plates, knives & forks & spoons, paper towel/serviettes, tin opener and don't forget a water bowl and food for the dogs if you have any.
Pack an "essentials basket" with screwdrivers, hammer, toilet paper, tissues, bar of soap, hand towel, light bulbs, candles, matches, cleaning detergents and cloths.
Arrange for your new and old home to be cleaned on the moving day.
This article originally appeared in Property Power 11th Edition Magazine. To order your copy at the discounted price of R120 click here.