Five dos and don’ts of moving

We all know how difficult, stressful, expensive and time-consuming moving abroad can be, so we got the low down on how to avoid the craziness that comes with a big move by chatting to the experts at Stuttaford Van Lines who know a thing or two about moving.

What do most people get wrong when moving?

No insurance

One of the most common mistakes is to assume you don’t need insurance. This is short-sighted and can lead to huge cost down the road if anything gets damaged.

The length of time

Some people assume that household goods can be packed and sent overnight within South Africa. This is almost impossible, and a significant amount of time should always be left in the moving schedule for the packing and delivery of boxes.

Pets

Pets cannot be transported in the moving van, although some people assume that they can be. Your vet should be contacted in advance so that they can medicate your pets and help you with suggestions for the safest and most comfortable way to transport your furry friends.

How can you save money when moving?

1. You only pay for the space you use, so it is advised that only the essentials are moved.
2. Demand for moving companies is always higher over holidays and at the end of the month. By moving mid-month and during off-peak periods, moving companies become far more flexible with their pricing.
3. Do it yourself. This is a way to save money, but is not always advised as it is easy to misjudge the amount of stuff you have or the number of boxes you may need. It is also time-consuming and exhausting to pack for yourself.

Which items are better left behind?

Certain pieces of furniture are bulky and easily replaceable so avoid packing these.

Certain appliances may not work at your new residence, so these should not be taken either.

Children grow out of clothes quickly – it is not worth packing up every item of children’s clothing as they may well grow out of it and it is easy to replace once you settle in your new home.

DVDs and CDs should be transferred onto USBs as these take up a lot of space and are quickly becoming redundant.

What takes longer than expected?

Packing

People generally underestimate the length of time it will take them to pack up their entire house. Depending on the size of your home, you should give yourself a good few weeks to pack up so that you can approach the task slowly and methodically.

Documentation

Documents and application forms take time to be completed. Allow plenty of time to fill in and submit important documents.

Transit times

Transit times sometimes take longer than expected due to reasons ranging from inclement weather to trans-shipment delays, customs and quarantine clearances.

What should you remember NOT to pack into your shipment container?

1. Passports and travel documents
2. Batteries
3. Keys
4. Valuable such as laptops, cameras and jewellery
5. Toys or pacifiers for children