Relocation Moving Tips. Ease the stress of moving home with our relocation pointers
Here are some relocation moving tips for you. Moving home or office can be very stressful. Naturally, there are many things to think of. Here are some helpful tips leading up to the big day.
Two Months Before Moving:
- Obtain written quotations from reputable moving companies, preferably members of the PMA (Professional Movers Association) with AMOSA accreditation, and make your selection.
- Insure your consignment at replacement value.
- Supply the moving company with loading and delivery addresses, and details of obstacles that may complicate the moving process, eg. staircases, long carry (more than 20 metres), weight / height restriction in townhouse complex, cul-de-sac, low-hanging trees.
- Arrange transfer of telephone, electricity and water.
- Discard items that you no longer need, and pack items that you seldom use.
- Compile an inventory of packed items, and label the boxes.
- Measure your new home for curtains and appliances.
- Arrange kennelling for your pets: moving is a stressful experience for them. If your journey will be a long one, contact your veterinarian for pet sedatives, or let Cape Express Removals arrange transportation with a professional animal mover.
- Start using up frozen food.

Four Weeks Before Moving:
- Confirm removal date.
- Change delivery address for magazine and newspaper subscriptions.
- Notify these institutions of your new address: SARS, banks, insurance broker, Church, motor licensing authority etc.
- Arrange for cancellation or transfer of services such as DSTV and security.
- If you own a firearm, you are required by law to notify your local SAPS office that you are moving and to report at your new local SAPS office with your new address.
- Obtain letters of reference from School Principals and Religious institutions.
- Service motor vehicles before the long journey; check spare tyres.
- Have loose rugs and curtains dry-cleaned; wrap in plastic until after the move.
- Start packing. Label each carton, indicating contents and room allocation. Cape Express Removals can supply packing materials or we can pack for you at additional cost; this should be arranged now.


Packing Tips:
- Dispose of old medication and flammable substances (including paint, oil, thinners, benzine, paraffin, cleaning fluids, fireworks, and acid).
- Drain fuel from your lawnmower, motorbike, heaters, and other machinery.
- Secure the lids on all liquid-filled containers; pack upright.
- Pack breakables in paper / bubble wrap and sturdy cartons.
- Pack glasses and cups upright; plates on their side.
- Wrap electronic equipment in bubble wrap.
- Wrap upholstered furniture in plastic sheeting.
- Ensure that the arrows printed on cartons point upward, or mark them “This side up”.
- Pack cartons to the brim – a half-full carton may collapse during the move.
- Don’t pack too many heavy items in one carton.
- When stacking the cartons for collection, place heavy cartons at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- By law, movers may not transport firearms, ammunition or dangerous weapons. Please make appropriate arrangements for these items.


The Day Before Moving:
- Defrost the fridge and freezer, and leave the doors open to air. Remove glass shelves and loose parts.
- Drain water from the washing machine and dishwasher.
- Stabilise the drum and motor of your washing machine.
- Ensure glass cylinders are empty.
- Disconnect electrical and electronic equipment.
- Disconnect and remove satellite dish.
- Dismantle any collapsable furniture.
- Keep valuables, firearms, ammunition, and important documents aside. These items should travel with you.
- Make backups of computer files.
- Pack a box of essential items to travel with you, such as a kettle, coffee, mugs, toiletries and towels.
- Pack an overnight bag.
- Arrange to pick up keys and alarm codes for your new home.
- Plan the position of all heavy items of furniture in the new house, so that the removal Supervisor can know where to place them.


Moving Day:
- Don’t leave valuables, handbags or essential items in plain view, as they may be loaded with your household effects.
- Point out to the Supervisor all items that must go.
- Check that all items are loaded and specified on the inventory.
- Do not offer the removal staff any alcohol or cigarettes.
- Do not leave your old home until all items have been loaded.
- Confirm that the Supervisor has your correct delivery address and contact numbers.
- Take one last look around to ensure that you haven’t forgotten anything. Check cupboards, attic, outside rooms etc.
- Close all taps, secure water mains and switch off geyser; close all windows and lock all doors.
- Hand over keys, alarm codes and remote controls to the estate agent or new owner.
- Ensure that someone responsible is at your new home when the truck arrives.
- Check the inventory; confirm that all goods that were loaded have been delivered.
- If you need items moved or placed, speak to the Supervisor.
- In the unfortunate event of items being lost / damaged during the removal process, note this on the “Quality Control Sheet” and notify our nearest office.
- Allow us to unpack cartons packed by us, and to remove packing material and debris.
- Make your new house a home.


Wishing you a happy stay in your new home!

