The Moving Companies listed with Ask Donkey understand that moving can be a huge and daunting task, therefore we have created a Moving Checklist in order to help you be fully prepared for your household or office move.

Two Months Before your Move:

1. Acquire numerous moving quotations from various removal companies and decide on a suitable remover.
2. Be sure to secure your moving date by paying the requested deposits. Some moving companies, although few, will not show up on the day without the necessary proof of payment.
3. Arrange a storage facility should this be needed. Various storage options are available.
4. Go through all your belongings and decide what you want to keep, what you want to sell or give to charity, and return borrowed items to its owners.
5. Write down any items that will need special wrapping, packing or insurance while in transit. Discuss and arrange this with your removal company.
6. Get your new address details and keep it close by in case you need to give it our and don’t’ remember it. Change your postal address if necessary.
7. If your children are in school, arrange that school records be transferred to the new school.

1. If you have chosen to self-pack your boxes, order the packing materials through the removal company or from a packaging supplier. Remember to order boxes, tape, wrapping paper, bubble wrap and permanent markers.
2. Enquire about the price of hanger boxes for clothing, as these are normally quite expensive.
3. Take measurements at the new home to make sure that larger items such as couches & pool tables fit through the doors / entrances. Discuss any possible problems with the removal consultant.
4. Start to empty out the grocery cupboard and do not buy any additional groceries that will not be used before the moving day. Eat any frozen and perishable foods before the move.

1. Keep two boxes aside and label the first one “Move Day Box”. This can be used for any items that will be used on the day such as keys, tools, removal company contact details, first aid kit, toiletries, prescription medications, etc.
2. Label the second box “Personal Belongings” and place in it any items that you would like to move yourself, such as jewelry, personal files, cheque books, etc.
3. Start to pack. Start with items that are used less frequently. Winters clothing can be packed if it is summer or visa versa. Label boxes clearly and indicate the room where it should go to at the new home.
4. Get out the list of items that will require special wrapping or packing and continue with this as you pack. Remember to contact the removal company with any additional items that will require special wrapping or insurance.
5. Label & number boxes that will go into storage clearly and make a list in a notebook of all items in each box. This way you will be able to find items easier should you need to get it out some time later.
6. Send out change of address letters via post or email to all banks, insurance companies, accountant, healthcare-providers, magazine / newspaper subscriptions, etc.
7. If you are renting, give one month’s written notice to your landlord.
8. Arrange for leave days at your place of work.

Two Weeks Before your Move:

1. Rent a carpet cleaning machine or have any loose carpets and rugs send to the cleaners.
2. Get a handyman to tend to any repairs in the house or unit.
3. Inform your short-term insurance broker / company of your change of address and enquire about any possible price increases / decreases due to higher / lower risk area, alarm systems, etc.
4. Inform the new owner or tenant of your exact removal date and time to avoid any problems on the day.
5. Arrange for the disconnection & reconnection of telephone lines, internet connections, DSTV or TopTV and installation of your satellite dish.
6. If you have pets, get the address and contact details of a veterinarian in your new area in case of an emergency.

One Week Before your Move:

1. Confirm the arrangements with your removal company again and enquire when final payment is due.
2. Refill any prescription medications that will be needed for at least two weeks.
3. Go through the entire Checklist again and make a new list of things that have not yet been attended to.
4. If necessary, inform the body corporate / landlord of your removal date and make the necessary arrangements for large vehicles to enter. Be sure to disclose all truck restrictions to the removal company as this might have an additional cost implication to you.
5. Return library books.
6. Collect carpets, clothing etc from the cleaners.
7. Disassemble any items that will not be done by the movers.

Few Days Before your Move:

1. It is recommended that al packing is done at least 2 days prior to the move day. Pack suitcases for each family member with enough clothing for a few days.
2. Do the same in the kitchen: plan meals beforehand and only keep out the required food stuffs for these meals. Almost like going on holiday.
3. Empty and defrost the refrigerator the night before.
4. Back-up computer files.
5. Make arrangements for final payment with the removal company. Keep any cash in the “Move day box”.
6. Confirm the directions and address details of your new home with the movers.
7. Pack TV’s, plasmas, computers and printers; preferably in its original packaging.
8. If possible, label the doors at the new address to match your labeled boxes, e.g. Main Bedroom, Second Bedroom, Study, etc. This will assist the movers to place the boxes in the correct rooms.
9. Keep out a picnic basket or cooler box with snacks, food & drinks for the day. This can be kept with the “Move day box”.

On the Day of your Move:

1. Try to be present the entire time it takes the movers to load your furniture and goods. They might need you to answer questions or give directions as to which items need special wrapping or need to be disassembled.
2. Before leaving the home, check that nothing has been left behind. Double check the cupboards.
3. Someone must also be present at the new home to assist the movers with the placement of goods and furniture in the correct rooms and to check that all items are in the same condition as before loading. Supply the removal company with a list of damages in writing, either by doing so on the inventory form or by sending a list via fax or email within 48 hours. Check the Terms and Conditions before accepting the quotation.
4. Make arrangements for the delivery / collection of remote controls, keys, etc at the old home.
5. Start making beds first and if possible hang curtains in the bedrooms. Start unpacking necessities first such as cutlery, kettle, toiletries, etc. (Make your own list of what you will need unpacked first).

After the Move:

1. Inform friends and family of your new address.
2. Return unpacked boxes to the moving company or find out about recycling options.
3. Familiarize yourself with your new area by buying an area map and driving around. Also obtain a few local newspapers to find out about events in your area, location of popular shopping malls, restaurants, etc.
4. Arrange a house warming party.

For additional ideas be sure to read more of our furniture moving articles.