Hamilton's 20th Anniversary Moving Checklist

Moving to a new home is a significant undertaking that can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you're transitioning to a new property or house, ensuring a smooth relocation requires careful planning and organisation. 

To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we have compiled a Moving Checklist to ensure you navigate this complex process easily. From the early stages of preparation to settling into your new home, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to consider, ensuring a seamless transition for you and your family.

1-2 Months Before - Create a Moving Plan

The first steps in your journey involve establishing a solid foundation for the relocation ahead. This section outlines the essential tasks to tackle during the initial planning stages, from setting up a moving budget to researching moving methods.

• Create a folder to record all the details (estimates, receipts, inventory lists, etc.)
• Establish a moving budget to work with for all the expenses involved.
• Plan your moving method (truck rental, hiring movers, etc.)
• Arrange to evaluate cost estimates to compare companies' services.
• Research storage facilities, if required.
• Schedule disconnection/connection of utilities at old and new properties:
• Phone
• Internet provider (Check if fibre connections are available)
• Water
• Waste collection services
• Gas deliveries
• Municipal providers
• Plan how you move vehicles, plants, pets, and other valuable items.
• Create a floor plan at your new residence - This will help arrange your furniture placement and spacing requirements.
• Add all your legal and financial records to your moving folder.
• Hold a garage sale or donate any unnecessary items you may have.
• Acquire packing materials (boxes, tape, stuffing/padding, markers, etc.).
• Complete any maintenance or home repairs that you have committed to.
• Return anything you have borrowed, checked out, and rented and get things back that you have lent out.
• Consider pet requirements - Ensure your pets' documentation is in order if you're moving across borders or have special needs.

3-4 Weeks Before - Finalise Your Moving Arrangements

As the move date approaches, it's time to solidify your plans and prepare for the big day. This section provides insights into confirming your moving details, packing efficiently, and ensuring a smooth transition, even if you are moving into a lifestyle estate.

• Finalise your moving date and method and complete the necessary arrangements (try to avoid moving on a Friday or month's end).
• Begin packing non-essential items and label all your boxes by room and contents.
• Separate valuable items to transport yourself and label them as "DO NOT MOVE."
• Keep a box out for storing essential tools you want to keep with you on move day; label it as "PARTS / DO NOT MOVE."
• Create an inventory list of items and box contents, including serial numbers of major items - use this as an opportunity to update your home inventory.
• Update your Change of Address form at a post office or complete this online.
• Provide important contacts with your new address:
• Employers
• Family & Friends
• Attorney
• Accountant
• Doctors
• Medical Aid & Insurers
• Notify your insurance and credit card companies about the change of address.
• Cancel any automated payments like gym and other local memberships if necessary (1-2 months).
• Take your vehicle(s) in to be serviced, especially if you travel some distance as you move.
• Arrange travel plans or book pet kennels (including medical or vaccination records).
• If you're moving into a lifestyle estate, familiarise yourself with local and estate regulations.

1-2 Weeks Before - Prepare for Moving Day

With the move just around the corner, the final preparations are crucial. This section details steps like packing essentials, notifying critical contacts of your change of address, and taking care of any last-minute tasks to ensure a hassle-free move.

• Continue packing and cleaning room-to-room as you go.
• Pack items separately that you will need right away at your new home.
• Plan to take the whole day off for the moving day.
• Find valuable activities for your children - involve them as much as possible.
• Find someone to help watch small children on move day.
• Get confirmations from all the companies you have requested moving services from.
• Make sure your prescriptions are filled.
• Empty your safe deposit box and secure those items for safe travel.
• Schedule cancellation of services for your old place (1-2 months before)

1. Housecleaning
2. Garden & pool services
3. Water delivery

• Check furniture for damages and note any damages on your inventory list.
• Take furniture apart if necessary (desks, shelves, etc.).
• Make sure all paperwork for the old and new places is complete.
• Remove flammables such as paint, propane, and gasoline in your garage/store room.
• Aim to stop buying more perishable food items.

2-4 Days Before - Countdown to Moving Day

As you approach the final stretch, this section offers guidance on confirming all details, making a day-of-move action plan, and preparing your possessions and yourself for the journey ahead.

• Confirm all moving details and that you have the necessary paperwork.
• Create a schedule or action plan for the day of the move.
• Plan when/how to pick up the truck (if rented).
• Prepare for moving expenses (food, lodging, process payments, draw cash).
• Continue cleaning the house as you are packing up the last few items.
• Defrost your freezer and clean out the fridge.
• Ensure essential tools are handy (screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, tape, etc.).
• Pack a bag for water bottles, pen/paper, snacks, documents, and essentials.
• Set aside boxes/items that you are moving - keep space open in the car(s).
• Consider digital services: Make arrangements for transferring or cancelling internet and cable services.
• Moving day: Prepare for the day by removing all your bedding and preparing beds.
• Leave your contact details with your Estate Agent and for new residents to forward any last mail.

Moving Day - The Big Transition

Moving day has arrived! This section outlines essential tasks to complete on an actual day, ensuring a smooth and efficient move from your old property to your new home.

• Take movers/helpers through the house to inform them what to do.
• Walk through the empty place to check for things left behind - look behind doors and in cupboards.
• Take inventory before movers leave and get a copy signed.
• Ensure your movers have the correct new address and that someone will be there to show them where things go.
• Lock the doors and windows, turn off the lights, and bid farewell.

At the New Property - Settling In

Upon arrival at your new property, it's time to ensure everything is in order. This section covers initial inspections, settling in, and unpacking to make your new house feel like home.

• Verify that utilities are working - especially power, water, heating, and cooling.
• Perform an initial inspection, note any damages, and take photographs if needed.
• Clean the kitchen and vacuum as needed (particularly where the furniture will be going).
• Direct movers/helpers where to put things.
• Assemble beds with bedding and curtains ready for your first night.
• Begin unpacking, starting with the kitchen, bathroom, and other essentials.

Settling into Your New Home - Post-Move Tasks

Your move may be complete, but there are still several essential tasks to wrap up. This section addresses post-move activities, including security, mail, and updating critical records.

• Replace locks if necessary and make at least two copies of your new keys.
• Confirm that mail is now arriving at your new address.
• Make sure your previous utilities have been paid for and cancelled.
• Complete your change of address checklist for insurance, pension plans, accountants, physicians, licenses, and memberships.
• Get local phone books and maps.
• Find new doctors, dentists, etc., depending on your needs.
• After you are moved in, update your home inventory list - include photos of each room.
• Update your rental or homeowners' insurance if needed.
• Meet your neighbours and explore the neighbourhood.

Embrace Your New Beginning

With Hamilton's 20-Year Moving Checklist as your guide, the transition to your new property and home can be seamless and organised. By following this checklist, you'll be well-prepared to embrace your new beginning and enjoy your new home to the fullest. Enjoy your new journey!

Read our previous article here

Contact one of our offices below; we look forward to hearing from you:
Gauteng: 011 463 0155
Cape Town: 021 418 0328 
Garden Route: 044 050 3295
Eastern Cape: 076 927 7787
Winelands: 021 863 0551
Mauritius: +230 5723 0369
Email: reception@hamiltons.co.za

Hamilton's Property Portfolio holds a Fidelity Fund Certificate issued by the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority.