Starting early and getting organised are the best ways to plan a low-stress move. Here are moving tips to help you make a seamless transition to your new home.
See what you have
Do you really need that book you’ll never read again? Go through every room and sort through the contents of all your closets, cabinets, drawers and cupboards. Take an objective look at what you own and decide what you need to take and what can be left behind. Remember, more stuff amounts to more money.
Use up things you don’t want to move
Unless you wish to get rid of them, use up all perishable foods and cleaning supplies before you move.
Organise a garage sale
If you own many things worth selling, it may be a good idea to hold a garage sale to dispose of clutter and use the money towards the move.
Research
Obtain cost estimates from several moving companies and request an on-site estimate before choosing one. Get a written confirmation of your moving date and charges.
Create a folder
Use a moving binder to track all your estimates, receipts and record an inventory of all the items you own and are moving.
Order boxes
Make sure you have enough boxes and supplies such as tape, bubble wrap and permanent markers, although professional movers usually provide these supplies themselves.
Take measurements of rooms at your new home
If possible, measure room dimensions to help you decide if your key and large furniture pieces will fit through the door and in your house.
Start packing
Pack the things you use most infrequently first.
Make sure that fragile items are packed separately
Ensure that the movers you’re hiring wrap valuable crystal, porcelain and other breakables properly.
Separate jewellery and valuables
Pack jewellery and important documents separately for you to personally take to your new address.
Pack your first-week box
Pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes, medicines and toiletries to last for a week so that you can unpack slowly and in an organised fashion.
Verify
Once all the boxes have been moved, make sure that you have everything by checking your inventory list.
