Before your moving consultant starts working, you should make sure his is properly informed. Show him everything that needs to be moved – from the corners of the cupboards to the garden shed. This will ensure that the removal company allocates the right amount of space and time for your move. Also discuss the pre-packing of small items with the company.

Check that chandeliers and stoves are correctly disconnected. Ask the manufacturer of domestic and electric appliances about the stabilization of your appliances for transport. If you don’t arrange this stabilization and your appliances get damaged, your mechanical derangement insurance won’t pay out.

Empty all cupboards, chests and desk drawers before the move to avoid damage. A cabinetmaker should dismantle and reassemble custom-made or extra large pieces of furniture like wall units.

Clean out bathroom cabinets and safely dispose of old medicine bottles. Tighten the lids of all medicine jars and bottles.

Jewellery, glasses, watches, money and cell phones are not covered by insurance. All these valuables as well as keys are your responsibility. Also take note that is illegal for a removal company to transport firearms, ammunition, chemicals, paints and detergents. Removal companies can also not store any food or perishables that are not tinned. Make provision for the above-mentioned items yourself. Remember to back up your computer files. Although the physical computer is insurable, computer data is not.

Remember to terminate or disconnect the following:

Newspaper or magazine delivery, telephone, water and electricity and M-Net / DSTV. Notify important institutions and contacts of your change of address.

Amongst others, these include:

The post office, bank Department of Home Affairs, Receiver of Revenue, Motor Licensing Authority, insurance companies, life assurance companies, municipality, relatives, friends and regular correspondents.

People often forget to take care of important domestic matters. Remember to defrost the fridge, dismantle outside aerials, disconnect the stove and drain the fuel from primus stoves, heaters, lamps and lawn mowers. It’s also important to anchor the drum of your automatic washing machine before transporting it. You can do this by simply attaching the shipping brackets.

Before you leave, check all the rooms, attic, garden and garage t make sure you haven’t left anything behind.
Turn off the geyser and all the taps. Close all the windows and lock all the doors. And finally, surrender your old house keys. Now you can sit back and relax… before the unpacking starts