Moving? 10 Things you must do! You will thank us later.

So, you've found your dream home, signed the papers and you're staring lovingly at the key that holds your future. Congratulations! Now comes the part that few people romanticise: the actual move.

Yes, moving house can be a logistical marathon, an emotional tug-of-war and a test of how well you and your spouse really communicate under pressure. But fear not - with proper planning, a dash of humour and a hefty checklist, you'll get through it like a seasoned pro. Here's your guide to planning your move like a Homes of Distinction client - with elegance, confidence and perhaps a glass of bubbly in hand.
 

1. Start Planning Like Yesterday
The best time to start planning your move? About two weeks before you even thought about moving. The second-best time? Right now. A minimum of 8 -12 weeks of planning time is ideal for a smooth transition, especially if you're coordinating a long-distance or cross-border move.
Create a moving binder or digital folder (or for the overachievers, both) where you can keep all your checklists, contacts, receipts and to-dos. If colour-coded spreadsheets and sticky notes bring you joy, now is your moment to shine.
 

2. Declutter Like You're Hosting a Royal Visit
Nothing reveals how much "stuff" you own like trying to fit it into boxes. Be ruthless. That juicer you used once in 2019? Out. Those clothes that might fit again? Also out. Give yourself the gift of fewer things to move and more space in your new home.

Start with:

• Donate: Give good-quality items to local charities or shelters.
• Sell: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are great for rehoming larger items.
• Recycle/Dispose: If it's broken and you swore you'd fix it someday, let it go.

3. Budgeting: The Adult Bit

Whether you're hiring a boutique moving company or bribing family with takeaway pizza, moving comes with costs. Create a budget that includes:

• Packing materials
• Movers or truck hire
• Insurance (for your furniture and your sanity)
• Cleaning services
• Travel or accommodation, if it's a long-distance move
• New furniture, if you're moving into a bigger space or just want a new look.

Add a little buffer for surprises. Because there will be surprises. There always are.

4. Book the Best (and Avoid the Rest)

South Africa's moving industry has everything from one-man-and-a-bakkie outfits to white-gloved professionals who'll treat your art collection like it belongs in the Louvre. Research is key.

• Read reviews (actual ones - not the two suspiciously glowing ones from 2013)
• Compare quotes
• Ask about insurance
• ​Confirm dates early

If you're moving internationally, use a reputable company familiar with customs regulations and shipping protocols. Your vintage armoires deserve nothing less than first-class treatment.

5. Tell the World (or at Least the Utilities)

Start updating your address and notifying relevant parties around a month before you move. 

This includes:

• Utility companies (electricity, water, gas, fibre)
• Bank and credit providers
• Insurance companies
• SARS (yes, them too)
• Security company
• The body corporate of the complex or estate (If applicable)
• The bondholder (if applicable)
• Medical professionals
• Magazine and newspaper subscriptions (though let's be honest, we're mostly reading online now)

And of course, don't forget to let friends and family know where to find you - especially if you want housewarming gifts.

6. Pack with Precision (and a Touch of Paranoia)

This is where things get real. Here's how to pack like a pro:

• Label everything: Be specific. "Kitchen - fragile - Mum's teacups - DO NOT SHAKE."
• Room by room: Don't mix bedroom and garage items. You'll regret it.
• Essentials box: Toothbrush, change of clothes, kettle, important documents, charging cables. You'll thank yourself.
• Wardrobe boxes: Because folding ball gowns and tailored suits into plastic bags should be illegal.
• Photo everything: Snap pictures of expensive items and electronics setups. That TV wiring was a mystery even before you unplugged it.

Packing takes longer than expected. Always! Start early and work steadily and reward yourself with a biscuit every time you finish a room.

7. Keep the Kids and Pets Happy (or at Least Distracted)

Moving with little ones or furry companions? It can be like herding cats - especially if you have actual cats.

• Create a moving-day plan: Have friends or family watch them or book them into a pet hotel or kids' play zone.
• Familiar toys and blankets: Keep comfort items easily accessible.
• Talk through the move: Children especially cope better when they understand what's happening.
• Be mindful of pet passports: If you're heading overseas, check quarantine and vaccination requirements well in advance.

8. Clean Like You've Got a Bond on the Line

Even if you're not renting, cleaning your old home is a good idea - it leaves a good impression for buyers or new owners. And arriving at a spotless new home? Bliss.

Hire a professional team or tackle it yourself, but don't skip it. Pay special attention to:

• Bathrooms and kitchens
• Inside cupboards and drawers
• Skirting boards and windows
• The garage (where odd socks go to die)

9. Don't Forget the Small Stuff

These are the sneaky tasks that love to be forgotten:

• Back up your computer
• Empty the fridge and defrost the freezer 24 hours before moving
• Redirect your post (especially important in South Africa where mail can go on unexpected adventures)
• Pack your toolkit last - you'll need it for beds and curtain rails
• Return borrowed items (yes, that casserole dish from your neighbour counts)

10. Arrive with Style (and Sanity)

Congratulations - you've made it! Now resist the urge to unpack everything at once. Start with the essentials box. Then move on to setting up bedrooms, the kitchen and bathrooms.
Take your time. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was your perfectly styled lounge.
And most importantly, celebrate. Pop that bubbly, order your favourite takeout and toast to this next exciting chapter in your life.
 

Bonus Tips for High-Flyers and Long-Haulers

Moving Abroad? Here's a quick checklist:

• Check passport and visa requirements
• Review international tax implications
• Secure international health insurance
• Research schools and healthcare options
• Understand customs rules - especially if you're taking artwork, wine collections or antiques

Moving Locally? Consider traffic patterns, proximity to schools and shops and security measures. And maybe throw a casual "just moved in" get-together to meet your new neighbours. First impressions matter - even if your lounge is still full of boxes.
 

In Closing: Moving Doesn't Have to Be a Horror Show

Yes, there will be moments. There will be tape stuck to your elbow, bubble wrap explosions and misplaced keys. But there will also be fresh starts, new routines and a home that's entirely yours.

At Homes of Distinction, we know our clients don't just move - they elevate. You're not just packing up boxes, you're stepping into a new lifestyle. With a bit of foresight, a good sense of humour and perhaps some help from the professionals, your move can be seamless, stylish and, dare we say, even enjoyable.

And those little tips you followed - like packing a separate box of essentials, photographing your electronics before unplugging them and labelling Mum's teacups like they were crown jewels? Those are the ones you'll thank us for later.

Now go on - plan that move. And remember, your dream home is just the beginning.

Disclaimer:  The information provided in this article is intended as general guidance and inspiration for planning a household move. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Homes of Distinction cannot be held responsible for any decisions made based on this content. Always consult professional service providers for specific advice tailored to your circumstances and location. Moving can be unpredictable - so pack a sense of humour, just in case.

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