Here are a few tips to help make your move easier… or at least less chaotic:
Moving can be a stressful process. Lots of clothes, appliances, furniture, valuable belongings, and then the occasional impulsive purchase, all need to be packed up and ready to go when the big day arrives. But packing up your life and moving down the street, or even across the country, doesn’t have to be such a pain. Here are a few tips on how you can get the best out of your move.
1. Everything you don’t need, has to go
Well not everything, just the things you don’t find useful anymore, whether it be clothes you don’t wear or old appliances that are just gathering dust somewhere in a corner. So before you even think of touching a box, get rid of unused and unnecessary items. Less to move = less to pack = less to unpack. Make things easier on yourself by cutting back on as much clutter as possible.
2. Make a “moving” folder
Start collecting your new address, rental or purchase papers, moving contracts, records of payment agreements, and more. Preferably hard copy, but in case the folder grows legs and runs away, also have digital copies on hand. So if any questions should come up during the planning process, or even the move itself, you’ll have the answers on hand in a neat, organised folder.
3. Start packing early
No, not early as in getting up at 4am to start packing. You need to be well-rested and fresh for the big day, and not a sleep-deprived zombie. Early as in a few months or weeks prior to your move. Pack according to the season. If you’re moving in the summer, start by packing your winter clothes in advance, and things like books and items you know you rarely use but need. So when moving day arrives, most of your items will already be packed and prepared to go…just like you.
4. Book the necessary services early
Believe it or not, you won’t be the only person moving that day. So make sure that if you’re using a moving company, you book as far in advance as possible. If you wait until moving day arrives, you’ll likely pay a higher price or will struggle to get movers on such short notice, especially if its peak moving season. The same principle applies when you need to rent moving supplies or equipment. Book as early as possible.
5. Make sure the utilities for your new place are set up and ready
Once you have finalised the official date of the big move, make sure utilities such as water and electricity are all set up and ready to use in your new place. The last thing you want is to arrive there, exhausted from the move, and there’s no electricity or running water.
6. Stock up on supplies
A few days before the big move, go and stock up on a few supplies. Things like box cutters, adhesive bandages, permanent markers, box-sealing tape, paper towels, and garbage bags. Even if you don’t use it during the move, it can still be very useful later in life. If you’re moving large furniture, consider renting moving tools from a moving company, such as a furniture dolly, furniture pads or covers, tie-down straps or rope.
7. Prepare a bag of essentials
The night before the move, pack a few everyday essentials into a bag that you’ll keep with you at all times during the journey to your new home. A fresh change of clothes, a toothbrush, medication, your ‘’moving’’ folder, maybe a few snacks, etc. The reasoning behind this? Worst case scenario, the moving truck gets lost, but at least you’ll have some essentials with you.
8. If you use a moving company, get a truck with a loading ramp
If you’re a DIY mover, maybe you should consider this option. Why? Because lifting heavy boxes and furniture high enough to get into the moving truck will not only waste hours of your time but will also leave your body feeling sore for days to come. Most of us aren’t spring chickens anymore, so spare yourself the hassle and get a loading ramp.
BONUS Tips!
- When packing your belongings into boxes, it’s important that you use the right size boxes.
- Pack the heavier items at the bottom of the box and the lighter ones at the top.
- Most important tip of all, don’t leave any empty spaces in the boxes.
So now that you know what you need to do before you even think of moving, there’s no reason for you not to make it the easiest and most stress-free move of your life. Perhaps consider a move to Mooikloof Country Estate? We have nice weather, but do you know what’s even better? Our Kloofsig Apartments are currently selling from just only R750 000! Situated in a safe and secure security estate with guarded access, come and live life to the fullest in the Garden Route.
If you’d like to view or buy one of our apartments, contact our team today.
