De-stressing Checklist For Moving

Moving home and family is an uncomfortable experience and is considered among the most stressful events we can experience. You have to entrust all your worldly possessions to a company and hope they deliver them back to you when you want them, where you want them, and within a reasonable price range. The key to a successful move is careful planning. Moving everything you own can be overwhelming unless you are organized from the start.

6 TO 8 WEEKS BEFORE.     

1. Confirm moving dates with moving company
2. Get an appraisal on your expensive items so you can insure them for your move
3. Confirm insurance coverage
4. Prepare up-to-date inventory with pictures
5. Apply for new telephone line at new address & transfer of number if possible

4 WEEKS BEFORE

1. Sort your belongings and decide what you do not want to take.
2. Hold a garage sale or give items you do not need to family or friends
3. Arrange for storage of your items if needed.
4. Notify DSTV / banks / lawyers / insurance companies / SARS / Motor licensing authorities / Municipality (rates) / Shops (where you have accounts) / subscriptions companies for magazines & newspapers / school / Gym / Social clubs / Church of new address.
5. Cancel or notify security company to transfer account to new address

3 WEEKS BEFORE:

1. Obtain records you will need: medical, school.
2. If necessary, obtain veterinary records and arrange for transport for your pet (if necessary).
3. Make travel arrangements and reservations.
4. Research clubs, churches and affiliations in your new area.
5. Schedule disconnection of telephone in your old home.
6. Arrange for connection dates in your new home.
7. Begin packing, unless you have arranged for all packing to be handled by the mover.
8. Arrange for special transport of plants.

2 WEEKS BEFORE:

1. Organize important documents, such as insurance records and automobile registration.
2. Send change of address announcements by letter or card and confirm by e-mail.
3. Arrange for transfer of bank and other financial accounts.
4. Handle necessary bills and transfer of address.
5. If you have a young child, schedule a baby-sitter for moving day.
6. Return borrowed / hired items

1 WEEK BEFORE:

1. Cancel or transfer newspaper subscription and other deliveries.
2. Notifies post office to redirect your mail
3. Confirm with security company when you will move to new address
4. Inspect your car.
5. Defrost and dry refrigerator / freezer (3 days prior)
6. Remove / pack items not to be moved; label "DO NOT MOVE"
7. Anchor the drum of your washing machine
8. Arrange for your stove to be disconnected and reconnected.
9. Seal all bottles and jars in kitchen & bathroom.
10. Safely disposed of old medicine and unwanted items.

 DEPARTURE DAY:

1. Check the following before leaving:
2. Lights, taps, gas & geyser turned off.
3. Windows and doors locked
4. Check if anything is left behind.
5. House keys handed over.
6. Pack boxes of essentials needed for moving and label; "LAST ON, FIRST OFF"