House move checklist: what to do in the weeks before

A move goes smoothly when most of the work is already done by the time the truck arrives. This checklist is written for South African moves and works whether you are moving across town or across the country.

Four weeks before

• Choose your moving date and ask for a transport quote so the date is booked.
• Walk through the house and decide what you are keeping, selling or throwing away. The fewer things you move, the cheaper and faster the move.
• If you rent, give your landlord the notice your lease requires.
• If you live in a complex or estate, ask the body corporate or security office whether you must book the move-out day and the move-in day.
• Ask your internet provider how long a relocation takes. It is often the slowest thing to arrange.

Two weeks before

• Start packing rooms you do not use every day, such as the spare room, garage and books.
• Label every box with the room it belongs in and a short list of what is inside.
• Tell your bank, insurer, medical aid, employer, school and other important contacts your new address.
• Arrange for municipal accounts, electricity and water to be closed at the old address and opened at the new one.

One week before

• Take apart beds, wardrobes and other furniture. Put screws in a labelled bag and tape it to the furniture.
• Pack everything except the things you need every day.
• Pack an essentials box: chargers, toiletries, bedding, a kettle, cups and important documents.
• Confirm the date and both addresses with your transporter. Share the access details, such as stairs, narrow gates and parking.

The day before

• Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer. Wipe them dry so they do not leak on the truck.
• Disconnect the washing machine and secure the drum.
• Keep valuables, documents and medication with you, not on the truck.

On moving day

1. Make sure the truck can reach the front door, or tell the driver where to park.
2. Walk through each room with the driver and point out fragile items.
3. Check each room is empty before the truck leaves.
4. At the new address, tell the crew where each room is so boxes go in the right place.

Need a truck?

MDL Logistics moves households across Gauteng and South Africa in loads from 1 ton up. Tell us your addresses and your list of large items and we will quote.