There’s no greater feeling than moving into your own home. Whether you bought or just finally found that perfect space to rent, a place of your own is the pinnacle of independence.
With great freedom comes great responsibility though. A stress-free move requires planning… and lots of it. So, you’ve planned the layout, signed the home insurance policy, plastered and painted – what else is there left to do before moving day?
This handy list from Old Mutual iWYZE will help you to plan for those little things everyone seem to forget.
1. Chuck it out
Getting a new place provides the perfect opportunity to declutter and make a fresh start without the unnecessary baggage. If you haven’t worn it or used it in the last six months, then get rid of it. Donate old (but good) clothes, toys and homeware to a charity for an extra dose of “feel-good”. Most importantly, don’t leave it too late – the last thing you want on moving day is to be stuck with extra bags and boxes you don’t know what to do with.
2. Store your stuff
Plan and book extra storage well in advance for the things you don’t use often but still want to keep. With advanced planning, not only will you have less stuff to move on the big day, but also less stuff to make space for in your new home.
3. Packing peripherals
There’s no getting around it – moving day WILL be chaotic. The last thing you want is to suddenly realise you don’t have all the necessary materials on hand. Plan ahead and make sure you get enough boxes, plus all the little things like packing tape, scissors, cheap blankets to protect your appliances and those “fragile” stickers for your glassware.
4. Rather safe than sorry
Most moving companies, especially “bakkie brigades” won’t insure your stuff – if something goes wrong on the day and your household items get damaged, you’ll be stuck with the bill to replace them. Take out transit insurance for the big day.
5. Know your numbers
There are few things as frustrating as sorting through boxes when you’re trying to find something specific. Here’s a pro tip: number each room in your new place with a piece of paper on the room. Then label your boxes and furniture with the corresponding numbers. This way, the movers will know exactly where to put each box and make it easy for you to unpack and find things.
6. Stay cool
Not just your nerves… but the food and perishables in your fridge as well. If you don’t want to be lugging around cooler boxes with the risk of food spoiling, here’s an idea: throw a packing party a day before the move. Get your mates around to help you take care of the last minute packing, and reward them with a home-cooked meal using all the food you have left. A win-win for everyone.
7. Scout out your new hood
Speaking of food… on moving day (and the next few days after that) you’ll be pretty busy directing movers and unpacking boxes. Know beforehand where your closest grocery store (and maybe pizza delivery place – you deserve it!) is so that you can quickly run back and forth for supplies while you get settled.
8. Electronics
Once the movers are done, you’ll probably want to kick back for an hour or two in your place to de-stress. Make sure you’ve packed and labelled your remote controls and user manuals in a way that you can easily find them and quickly set –up your TV or sound system for some R&R. If you have satellite TV or Internet, remember to arrange installation so you're not cut off from the world.
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Moving can be stressful, but at least insuring your stuff and your new place needn’t be. Chat to Old Mutual iWYZE for an affordable, reliable and comprehensive home insurance quote. We offer both homeowner’s insurance and home contents insurance to protect your home and everything in it.
Old Mutual Insure Ltd is an authorised FSP (FSP12). Risk profile dependent. Terms and conditions apply.
