The secret to a calm move isn’t working harder on moving day — it’s starting earlier. This week-by-week timeline spreads the work out so nothing is rushed and nothing is forgotten. Adjust the pace to your move, but follow the sequence.
8 weeks out: plan
- Set your budget and book your movers (earlier = better dates and pricing).
- Start decluttering room by room — sell, donate or bin what you won’t take.
- Create a “move file” for quotes, contracts, inventories and receipts.
6 weeks out: prepare
- Order or collect packing materials — strong cartons, bubble wrap, paper, tape, markers.
- Begin packing rarely-used items: out-of-season clothing, books, décor, the garage.
- Measure large furniture against the new home’s doors and rooms.
4 weeks out: notify
- Give notice to your landlord and arrange the new lease or transfer dates.
- Update your address: bank, medical aid, insurance, schools, subscriptions, SARS.
- Redirect post and arrange disconnection/connection of utilities and fibre.
- Service any appliances that are moving and book pet or childcare for the day.
2 weeks out: pack in earnest
- Pack everything except daily essentials, labelling each box by room and contents.
- Run down the freezer and pantry so there’s less to move.
- Confirm the moving date, access, parking and lift bookings at both addresses.
- Set aside valuables, documents and medication to carry with you personally.
The final week
- Pack a clearly-marked “first night” box: bedding, toiletries, chargers, kettle, mugs, snacks.
- Defrost the fridge/freezer 24 hours before.
- Photograph electronics and note serial numbers before they’re wrapped.
- Do a final room-by-room check and confirm crew arrival time.
Moving day
- Keep your essentials box, documents and valuables with you.
- Walk the crew through any fragile or special items and where things go at the other end.
- Do a final sweep of cupboards, the roof/loft, the garden and the garage before you leave.
Or let someone do it for you
If the timeline itself feels like too much, that’s exactly what a managed move solves. Our professional packing service handles as much or as little as you like, and a dedicated relocation manager keeps the whole plan on track. Request a quotation and move on schedule, stress-free.
