A guide to moving house

A guide to moving house

Category News

As exciting as moving into a new house or apartment is, it is a well-known fact that after death and divorce, it can also be one of the most headache-inducing and stressful events a person can go through.

Take the nightmare out of the equation with these simple tips.

Be prepared

Don’t leave everything to the last minute. Being organized and well-prepared ahead of time will eliminate most of your stress.

Make sure to transfer all of your information over to your new home, including mail forwarding, connecting your internet and tv satellite and ensuring that all of your utilities have been switched over. Remember that these things can take time so get on top of this a couple of months in advance.

Take measurements

Be thorough in taking measurements of every room and door frame in your new home. This will help you in deciding on exactly where everything needs to go and whether or not it will fit.

Packing supplies

Getting boxes for free at grocery stores is the easiest way to go. Choose boxes that are sturdy and aren’t likely to fall apart.

Make sure that you have enough tape, markers and stickers if you’re wanting to colour-code your boxes by room.  

DIY moving vs moving companies

Depending on how much you have to move, a bakkie or truck and a few friends are all that you might need. But if you have a lot of heavy furniture and it’s a longer distance move, hiring a moving company might be the less stressful option. If that’s the course you decide to take remember to get at least three written quotes from established moving companies. Get recommendations from colleagues, friends and family members and do plenty of research before making your decision.

Declutter and clean as you pack

Go through each room and begin by decluttering and getting rid of all the things you’ve accumulated over time that you really don’t need. It’s important to move into your new home with a completely fresh slate. It’s always a good idea to have two boxes and a black bag as you go from room to room. Pack everything you intend on taking with you into one box and pack everything you can donate into the other. Throw away all the junk in the black bag. Remember to use white butcher paper for wrapping up items like plates and valuables as newspaper can soil items. It may also be a good idea to hold a garage sale.

Label and manage everything

Make sure you clearly label what each box contains and what room it needs to go into. You can do this by using colour coded stickers for each room.

Pack a survival kit

The first few nights of moving into a new home are always a little chaotic. Pack a box full of essential items such as your kettle, tea and coffee, phone chargers, pet requirements, basic toiletries, medication, snacks, bedding, towels and a change of clothing including pyjamas.

Moving

• It’s important to move your furniture into your house first and your boxes second.  

• Have both homes professionally cleaned.

• Make sure to have someone taking care of the kids and pets on the big day.

• Once you start the process of unpacking don’t rush it. Take your time, one room at a time, organizing and placing every item methodically.  

• When you’re done, remember to recycle your plastic and cardboard boxes.

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Here are four amazing home décor DIY ideas by Suzelle for you to try, “because anybody can!”

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Useful tips to help you declutter and get rid of all of the unnecessary things you no longer need.

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With over half a century of expertise buying and selling properties, we understand it is more than just a transaction - this is your story - and we are honoured to write this chapter with you. Allow us to provide you with our expert knowledge on the Plumstead and Diep River area, ensuring you have the most accurate information and support when buying or selling your property. Contact us on +27(0) 21 794 5252. We are here to ensure that you prosper through property!

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Author: Seeff