5 Top Tips for a Successful Move

According to the latest census data from StatsSA, about 17% of South African households moved in the past year. That’s a lot of moving.

It’s January, we’re deep into summer and you’ve got your eyes on a wonderful new spot. Wow, this place is fantastic! It’s close to shops, trendy restaurants and activities. What more could you ask for? There’s only one problem, you absolutely dread the process of having to move again. This is an attitude shared by many. It’s a numbers game. The more you do something, the greater your chances of having a bad experience. According to the latest census data from StatsSA, about 17% of South African households moved in the past year. That’s a lot of moving, like a huge proportion of the population! It only takes one extremely bad experience to put one completely off. In the moving game, that could be losing a cherished or expensive item, leaving something behind, property damage, or fly-by-night movers running off with deposit, or even your treasures!

Avoiding responsibility or putting off your next big move can cost you opportunities, whether that be economical or social. Moving is a natural part of being human. Don’t let a poor experience get you down. To help you take charge of your next move, I’ve got a few gems to share that will turn you from a moving beginner into a moving champion!

Plan Ahead

Now I know, some of us absolutely thrive off anxiety-inducing spontaneity, but moving is generally not something that should be rushed, or planned overnight. Start planning for your move well in advance, and I mean, like super well in advance. If you’re a creative that revels in the passion brought about by new places, experiences and people, it’s likely you move quite often. Separate the knowns from the unknowns. Pick a time of the year a few weeks or months before you need to relocate and use this time to brew a good cuppa, research moving companies, obtain estimates, and create a moving plan. Take it slow, there’s no rush. See that? With a good amount of time, there’s more room to explore different perspectives, goals and challenges. And no, I’m not talking about writing the next best-selling novella on moving. Grab some sticky notes, clear your fridge and jot down some ideas, including do's and don'ts.

Get Organized

This brings us to organizing. Create a moving checklist and keep track of all the tasks you need to complete before, during, and after the move. This will help you stay organized and ensure that nothing gets overlooked. Again, build this up over time. Ideas will come to you before bed, when you’re in the shower or doing the weekly shop. Use past experiences to bring attention to things that are especially tough or problematic. Importantly, don’t forget to strike things off the list as they are completed. There are entire studies dedicated to the psychology of the todo list, especially the effects of marking things as done.

Pack Smart

This is it. You’ve got a couple days to go because you’ve been following this guide, but now you need to pack. Use the right packing materials and techniques to protect your belongings during the move. Label all your boxes clearly and keep an inventory of what's inside each one where possible. And for the love of everything that is moving, don’t pack away your eating utensils or bathing gadgets too early or deeply in random boxes, else you’ll be hunting for a bar of soap or fork at the worst possible time. If you absolutely must pack everything away, place some essentials in a separate, clearly marked box called “The Day & Day Before”. Need a bar of soap? That’s easy. Having one last meal just before the move? No problem, you know where at least one fork is. If possible, keep this box close to you or move it yourself in the vehicle that will get you to your new place just in case. I think at this point it’s also good to stress the need for strong, quality boxes and packing material. And no, I’m not talking about the hoard of Takealot boxes you’ve been saving over the years. I’m talking about double-walled moving boxes. It’s difficult to beat the durability and stack-ability of double-walled moving boxes. Double-walled moving boxes are a little pricier than their single-walled counterparts, but what you spend on the prep, you’ll reap after the move. Nothing quite beats the feeling of finding your belongings in good shape after an unavoidable moving mishap. Oh, and don’t fret too much about all that spare cardboard at the end. Put your surviving boxes up on Facebook marketplace or similar classified app to reabsorb the cost - there’s always someone moving!

Choose the Right Moving Company

I can’t stress enough how much I highly recommend you procure the services of a professional moving team. You know how you’re good at what you do for a living? Well, there are teams of professionals out there that are incredibly good at what they do for a living, and that’s getting you moved from A to B . Research and choose a reputable moving company that can provide the services you need at a price you can afford. Make sure to read reviews and check their credentials before making a decision. MoveChamp takes a huge amount of this work off your shoulders right off the bat. Did you know each and every moving partner is vetted for quality before being accepted to the partner program? You’re guaranteed to be working with a team that has proven their exceptional talent, reliability and trust. The best part is, it only takes a few clicks to discover quality moving experiences and teams.

Take Care of Yourself

Moving can be a stressful and emotional experience, so make sure to take care of yourself and your loved ones during this time. Get plenty of rest, eat well, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. In the words of Sheriff Woody from Toy Story, “Has everyone picked a moving buddy?” Grab a friend to chat over your plan, or even give you moral support on the big day. If you’re completely alone and need a comforting word, reach out to MoveChamp support. These guys know moving. They know the ins and outs of the business, the pain points, the good and the bad. Heck they built an entire ecosystem around it!

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your move goes as smoothly and successfully as possible. Remember to stay organized, plan ahead, choose a reputable moving company, and take care of yourself during this process. Knock one more thing off your list by finding a trusted, reliable moving professional on MoveChamp today!