Moving house is never easy. Beyond the stress and chaos, there are unexpected challenges - from decluttering to handling the emotional side of a new beginning - that go far beyond just packing boxes.
READ: Renewable energy and semigration fuel Northern Cape property surge
The emotional rollercoaster
Yes, there are major logistics involved in moving, but the emotional ‘logistics’ to navigate should not be overlooked. Leaving a home, whether you’ve lived there for two years or twenty, can stir up feelings you didn't anticipate. Chante Venter, CEO of Wise Move - South Africa’s online moving solution, says recognising the emotional toll of a move is crucial.
“New beginnings are exciting but it’s also ok to be sad, anxious or frightened, or indeed any other feeling you have,” she says. There may be a sense of loss for your old space and the memories tied to it. At the same time, you’ll likely feel excited and hopeful about the future. Leave into these feelings – the good ones and the uncomfortable ones.
The thing about “stuff”
Nothing highlights the amount of ‘stuff’ we have than having to pack it up and move it. The sheer volume of your belongings can be an overwhelming awakening, and attempting to pack everything without a plan can lead to chaos.
“Whatever you do, never underestimate the move!” Venter advises. “If there’s one thing you do, make sure to start planning for the move well in advance.”
READ: Pretoria and Cape Town’s prestige ambassadorial suburbs are booming
A crucial first step in any move is decluttering. Before you even think about putting things into a box, take the time to go through your belongings. This is an ideal opportunity to donate, sell, or throw away items you no longer need. Not only does this reduce the number of boxes you have to pack, but it also means less to unpack and organise in your new home. Venter suggests making a plan for decluttering even before you start packing.
Take measurements early on
One of the most common frustrations people face after moving is realising their furniture doesn’t fit the way they had hoped. Whether it’s your sofa being too big for the living room or the dining table crowding your kitchen, these issues can be avoided with a bit of pre-move planning.
“Take detailed measurements of your new home before moving,” advises David Jacobs, Regional Sales Manager for the Rawson Property Group. “This will help you map out exactly where each piece of furniture should go, making it easier to direct your movers with confidence and avoid any disappointment on moving day.”
Make sure to measure window heights and widths as well, so you know whether your existing curtains will work, or if you need new ones. This little step can make a real difference to your comfort in your first few days in the new space.
Label boxes for easy unpacking
It’s tempting to just throw things into boxes, thinking you’ll sort it all out later. Spoiler alert: “later” often translates to weeks of living out of boxes searching for things you know you packed, but can’t remember where. Jacobs suggests avoiding this by implementing a smart labelling system.
READ: Mould on your mattress? Here is how you can get rid of it
“Label each box not just with its contents, but also with the room it belongs to,” he says. “You’ll thank yourself when movers or friends helping you are able to put everything in its rightful place without asking you constantly where things go.”
For extra efficiency, Jacobs says some people even use colour-coded labels for different rooms, making it effortless to tell which boxes belong where.
The myth of the "friend with a bakkie"
It can be tempting to save money by enlisting friends and family to help you move, especially if you have access to a bakkie or a van. While it might seem like a cost-effective solution, it often leads to more stress and potential damage.
“Many hands make light work,” Venter says. "But when it comes to moving, professional movers have the experience and equipment to handle the process efficiently and safely.”
Professional movers know how to pack, load, and transport belongings correctly, and they have the right tools to protect your furniture and fragile items. They can also navigate tricky situations like narrow staircases or heavy furniture, which can prevent injury and damage to your belongings or the property itself. While you'll still be busy on moving day, you'll have the peace of mind that your possessions are in good hands.
READ: Understanding wall cracks: Causes, repairs, and prevention
An easy first night
There are few things around a move that your future self will thank you for as much as thinking to pack a “first-night box”.
“On that first night in your new place, when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, emotional and just plain-old over it, a ‘survival box’ with things like your phone charger, a change of clothes and toiletries, may be all you need to bring you back from the edge!” Venter says.
Insurance matters
According to Just Property, 295,989 residential properties changed hands in South Africa during 2023. If you include the old owners moving out and the new owners moving in, that’s 591,978 households that were potentially uninsured for at least a portion of their move.
King Price Insurance’s partner of client experience Wynand van Vuuren says that it’s easy to forget about the insurance implications during the stress of moving house, but keeping your insurance up to date should be at the top of your to-do list.
Here are Van Vuuren’s top insurance tips for consumers who’re planning a move:
- Notify your insurer: Let them know you’re moving so your address and premiums are updated.
- Use insured movers: Choose a professional moving company that covers your belongings in transit.
- Stage moves carefully: Insure items at both addresses if moving in stages.
- Update inventory: Compile a current list of your home contents and their values.
Van Vuuren adds that if you’re building your new home from the ground up, or renovating it before you move in, you should check that the contractor/s have the correct commercial insurance for the building works, materials, and associated liability, for your property. The bonding bank may require proof of this insurance, but either way, it’s critical that the cover is in place before any work starts.
“Moving house is considered one of the five most stressful life events. Lean on your insurer to take care of the details, while you focus on the actual move knowing that your new home and all your treasured possessions are safely covered,” says Van Vuuren.
Want all the latest property news and curated hot property listings sent directly to your inbox? Register for Property24’s Hot Properties, Lifestyle and Weekly Property Trends newsletters or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
