SORT AND WEED
Before you start thinking about which moving company to use, the entire family may want to engage in clearing out their junk. The goal is to reduce the potential load as much as possible by deciding objectively what you REALLY need at the new address.
DESIGNATED AREA
An area such as the garage can be designated as the one location where everyone can slowly store unnecessary items. When the process is complete, you can plan and conduct a garage sale. Anything not sold may be given to a charitable organisation.
DECIDING ON A PROFESSIONAL
It is really a pleasure to have an experienced, professional mover perform the entire task. Most companies charge for each box provided, as well as a separate charge for labour, usually based on the size of each container. Which is why minimising your load and well-planned packing is so much more cost effective. Apart from the well-known companies, the furniture removal network provides a list of accredited suppliers on their website - www.frn.co.za.
DOING-IT-YOURSELF
Moving yourself requires proper supplies, prior planning, and a lot of your time. Start at least one month in advance by packing a few boxes a day. Obtaining free, sturdy boxes is easy if you make an arrangement with your local supermarket or liquor store so they will keep some aside for you.
ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES
Collect old newspapers for protective wrapping and/or plain brown paper for items that mark easily. You will also need plastic bags and bubble wrap for fragile items. Purchase some twist ties or cable ties for sealing bags, plastic packaging tape for sealing the boxes, a razor blade knife and a big marker pen.
ORGANISING THE BOXES
It will help to tackle your house room by room and store them consecutively to ease unpacking on the other side. As each box is packed, mark it to indicate which room the box will be placed in and itemise the contents. Make sure to mark the boxes on both sides for easy identification from the truck.
MOVING YOUR VALUABLES
Do not include your valuables in the shipment of your household goods. It is best to create a special box containing things like bank account books, currency, jewellery, insurance policies, medical, dental and school records which will accompany you.
PACKING FRAGILE ITEMS
Use bubble wrap and flat cardboard strips around mirrors and paintings. Make protective corners for them out of the cardboard too. Wrap all crockery individually and take care not to stack glasses. Zigzag strips of paper through stacked saucers and invert pot lids into the pots before wrapping them together. Loosen guitar strings, secure or remove grandfather clock pendulums. Wrap table and chair legs for added protection and to prevent damage to other items. Secure the washing machine drum with the stabiliser supplied on purchase of product. Move fridges and all white appliances in upright position. Lock piano lids. Pack books in small boxes so as to avoid them becoming too heavy. Pack a core of items surrounded by loose clothing for protection. Pack toiletries in separate sealed plastic bags.
Finally, when you arrive at your new home, make up your beds first so you can have a good night's rest.