Making moving day as painless as possible

You've found the new home of your dreams, you've signed on the dotted line, packed up your existing home and waited for everything to be ready. The next step is the most exciting of all - it's time to move into your new home! With years of experience in facilitating property sales and rentals, Jawitz Properties provides some tips for making your moving day painless.

Set your moving date and make plans in advance

Phoning a moving company for a quote isn't something you should be doing the week before the big move. For starters, the company you want to use might not have the capacity to help you and even if they did, they would be likely to charge you a premium. It's also worth noting that moving companies charge a premium for moves done at month end. If possible, try to arrange your move for a date towards the middle of the month. You'll also need to ensure that your home contents are insured during the move. Most moving companies will offer an insurance package, but it can be cheaper to get this cover through your existing household contents insurance provider.

Another important aspect of getting ready for moving day is organising to have the keys in time and ensuring that you've liaised with your new home's previous residents to ensure that they have moved out before you want to move in.

If you're semigrating to another part of South Africa, make sure you've got accommodation en route arranged, and that you've made the necessary arrangements for your pets. Make sure you pack a separate overnight bag with everything that you'll need for the journey. Even if you're just moving around the corner, it's well worth having the items you'll want immediately (think kettle, some plates and mugs etc) in a separate box that's easily accessible.

Pack your boxes in a way that makes the move easier

If you've packed your boxes well, moving day automatically goes more smoothly. The most important thing is to tape each box up thoroughly when you've finished packing it. The last thing you want is a box breaking open as it's being carried to or from the moving truck. Another thing you'll thank yourself for later is labelling your boxes - even if it's just a room label like "kitchen", "bedroom" or "living room". Avoid making your boxes too heavy. You may not be the one doing the heavy lifting on moving day, but you'll need to move your boxes around as you're unpacking on the other side.

10 quick practical tips for a smooth moving day

1. Have some basic cleaning supplies at hand. You'll want to clean surfaces and cupboards before you start unpacking.
2. Make sure your phone is fully charged and have a power bank charged and ready to use.
3. Keep your loadshedding lamps with you - the last thing you want is to try and get settled in the dark.
4. Pack a cooler bag with some drinks, sandwiches and snacks for a meal on the go.
5. Have a plan for which room in your new home you want each piece of furniture to go.
6. Before you leave your old home, do a final sweep and make sure you haven't left anything behind.
7. If possible, have someone not involved in the move look after your children for the day.
8. If they are available and willing to help, enlist a couple of friends or family members to help you - whether they help you carry things, keep an eye on the moving team or bring you a meal to enjoy on your first night in your new home.
9. Make a moving day checklist so you can have peace of mind that you haven't forgotten to do anything.
10. If you're donating or selling any furniture or other items that you don't want anymore, make sure these have been paid for and collected before moving day.

Moving day can be an incredibly stressful day, but it doesn't need to be. Chat to your property practitioner and ask if there are any other pointers you should bear in mind for your specific circumstances and move. If you've just decided that it's time to move, get in touch with the Jawitz Properties team and let us help you sell your home and buy a new one!