Moving Tips
1. Pack an overnight bag containing all the essentials.
Chances are, you will be too tired to unpack your things. You will want your essentials within easy access, including a change of clothes if you are going back to work the next day as well as all your toiletries. Its also a great way to transport a laptop, which could run the risk of getting stolen during a move.
2. Pack the items you will need FIRST in a clear plastic bin.
This includes things like a box cutter, paper towels, trash bags, eating utensils, select cookware, power strips, phone chargers, toilet paper, tools, etc. The clear bin allows you to see inside; it also separates itself from the myriad of cardboard boxes.
3. Wrap your breakables (dishes, glasses, etc.) in clothing to save on bubble wrap.
Two birds, one stone: you are packing your clothes and kitchenware at the same time
4. For extra padding, pack your glasses and stemware in clean socks.
5. In addition to labeling whats in your boxes, add what room they will be going into, as well.
When you arrive at your new home, unpack BY ROOM. The unpacking process will feel more manageable. And remember to label the SIDES of the boxes, not the tops. This way, you will be able to identify them even if they are stacked.
6. If you can, show up to your new home before the move and pre-clean the bathroom and kitchen.
Put up a new shower curtain liner and stock some new bath towels and toilet paper, as well. You will want to take a hot shower after a long day of moving.
7. Place an extra cotton pad or ball into your powder cosmetics to keep them from breaking.
8. Cover the openings of your toiletries with saran wrap, then put the tops back on.
This will keep your toiletries from breaking and leaking all over your stuff during the move
9. Pack plates vertically, like records. They will be less likely to break.
10. Keep drawers intact by covering them with Press and Seal.
Dresser drawers are like their own moving boxes — this will keep you from having to unpack and re-fold their contents. It’ll also make moving the actual dresser much more manageable.
11. Buy a roll of stretch wrap.
It works like Press and Seal but on a bigger scale. You can group items together, and it will protect your furniture from getting scuffed and scratched.
12. Keep sandwich bags handy for holding any small parts of things you have to take apart, like curtain rods or mounted flat-screen TVs.
Tape the sandwich bags to the back of the item they correspond to. ALSO: use this method with the cords for your electronics
13. Take a photo of how your electronics are connected so you can remember how and where all the wires go.
14. Cut down on boxes by making all of your baskets, laundry bins, hampers, and suitcases work for you.
15. Along with food and alcohol, give your friends who help you move first dibs on anything you originally planned to sell or donate.
Its just an extra perk, since you wont be paying them.
16. Make sure everything is completely packed before your friends show up to help you move.
17. It doesnt hurt to number your boxes.
Make a detailed corresponding list of whats in each box by number. This makes it easier to make sure you didnt forget any boxes, or god forbid, someone stole one. AND, if there is anything valuable in there, you won’t be broadcasting it to the world by writing it down right there on the boxes
18. If you have a lot of fragile valuables, hiring movers as opposed to asking friends can end up paying for itself.
Leopard Movers come with insurance, which means if something breaks, they have to compensate you. You might want to weigh the pros and cons though they wont want to be responsible for a television that isnt properly packed in its original box and could end up charging you upwards of R150 to pack it as they see fit. Also remember to book them weeks in advance as you are not the only person trying to get out of your space on the last day of the month.
19. If you do hire Furniture movers, be sure to read the fine print and find out if they have any weird rules.
For instance, some movers will only move things in boxes, not garbage bags. Which means you will be paying them extra for unnecessary boxes at a marked-up price.
20. If you are renting, take photos of your cleaned-out old home and your new home before moving in.
This is essential if you ever hope to get your deposit back. It will save you major headaches with difficult landlords who charge you cleaning and repair fees unnecessarily when moving out
21. Change your address at least two weeks prior to moving.
If you own items that you want to get rid of but are too valuable to just give away, start selling on Gumtree or Olx at least 6 weeks before moving.
Its an easy way to make you feel like you are not procrastinating, and you might be able to make enough money back to pay for the entire move itself.
22. Arrange for a charity organization to come pick up the items you dont want at least a week or two before moving.
23. Remember to defrost your refrigerator at least a day before moving and wipe up any liquid.