Moving Checklist

This Moving Checklist sets out a household move in South Africa as a timeline, from eight weeks before moving day to the week after. Adjust it for a shorter notice period.

6 to 8 Weeks Before

• Decide what is moving, what you will sell, donate or throw away.
• Draw up a room-by-room inventory, including the garage and garden.
• Request quotes and book surveys. Compare on volume, inclusions and insurance.
• Check your lease notice period or transfer date.
• For school-going children, arrange school transfers and records.

4 Weeks Before

• Book the removal company and confirm the date, crew and price in writing.
• Ask your insurer whether your household policy covers the move, and read the moving insurance guide.
• Order boxes and packing materials, or book packing services.
• Book storage if there is a gap between homes.
• Start packing rooms and items you use least.

2 Weeks Before

• Book lifts, loading bays and gate access at both properties, and get the estate or building moving rules.
• Arrange electricity and water readings and account changes at both addresses with the municipality or landlord.
• Arrange transfer or new installation of internet, DStv and alarm monitoring.
• Update your address with SARS, banks, insurers, medical aid, employers and your vehicle licence records.
• Arrange care for pets and young children for moving day.
• Use up frozen food and plan meals.

The Week Before

• Finish packing and label every box with the room and contents.
• Dismantle what you can, or confirm the crew will dismantle.
• Defrost the fridge and freezer and drain the washing machine.
• Pack an essentials box: kettle, mugs, toilet paper, chargers, medication, bedding, towels, tools.
• Set aside documents, jewellery, cash and keys to travel with you.
• Confirm the arrival time and contact number with the removal company.

Moving Day

• Be there, or have someone you trust there, at both ends.
• Walk the crew through what is moving and what is not.
• Check the inventory and note any existing damage.
• Do a final walk-through of every room, cupboard, roof space and outbuilding.
• Take final meter readings and photos of the empty property.
• Lock up, hand over keys and get the gate remotes.

Delivery Day

• Put a room plan on each door so boxes go to the right place.
• Check items off the inventory as they come in.
• Inspect furniture and note damage on the delivery documents before signing.
• Report damage in writing within the company's claims period, with photos.
• Make sure beds are assembled before the crew leaves.

The Week After

• Unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first.
• Check appliances work and plumbing is reconnected.
• Change locks and alarm codes if needed.
• Confirm all accounts are in your name at the new address.
• Recycle boxes or ask the company to collect them.

Request quotes through Furniture Movers South Africa, check the furniture removal costs guide, or browse services on Furniture Removals South Africa.

Moving Checklist FAQs

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