Moving house? 10 tips from the experts

Insider tips from Cape Removals 

Did you know it’s more expensive to move at the end of the month, when the demand for moving companies is highest? And that moving in winter is less popular and so moving companies are more likely to offer specials then?

These are just a couple of the insider tips we got from Cape Removals, the folks who move thousands of people a month around Cape Town and the country. Here they offer 8 more ways to take the stress out of moving house, including how to pack smart and get a better deal from your moving company.

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. Image: Cape Removals

PLAN AHEAD – HAVE A FEW MOVING DATES

Ideally, plan at least a month in advance – longer if you’re relocating or moving long-distance. 

While finding and booking a moving company is important, first think about factors like jobs, schools and anything else that might need you to be in your new location by a specific date. Consider when the best time is to move and come up with a few moving date options for potential moving companies.

DO YOUR RESEARCH + GET QUOTES

All reputable Cape Town moving companies will offer you a free quote for their services. Get a few different quotes, ask questions and make sure you fully understand what the quotes include (and exclude). Going for the cheapest option isn’t always your best move – look for a company that is well priced for the services they’re offering, suggests Cape Removals.

Curious about moving costs? Get a quick moving quote from Cape Removals. 


Do your research and get quotes before booking a moving company. Image: Cape Removals

HIRE A MOVING COMPANY WITH GOOD REVIEWS

When it comes to choosing a moving company, trust the reviews – check out how your short-listed options score and what other customers say about them on sites like HelloPeter. Also have a look at verified Google reviews.

BOOK EARLY + CHOOSE A GOOD MOVING DAY

According to Cape Removals, Friday to Monday is the busiest time for moving. It might be easier – and possibly cheaper – to book a moving company for a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. December and January are also busy moving months, so avoid those if you can.

Ideally, give your removal company four to six weeks’ notice, longer if you’re moving during peak times. 

If you’re moving at the last minute, try to give your movers at least 10 days’ notice and keep in mind that last-minute bookings might cost more.

Give your moving company at least a month’s notice. Image: Cape Removals

DECLUTTER AND DONATE

Before you start packing, take the time to declutter your home. Sort through your belongings and donate or sell anything you no longer need or use. This will also save you time and money when it comes to packing and moving. Oasis is a great organisation to donate household goods to. 

GET QUALITY PACKING SUPPLIES

Don’t skimp on packing supplies if you want your belongings to be well protected during your move. This means getting sturdy boxes, proper packing tape and bubble wrap. Most moving companies can provide these supplies to you at an extra cost. 

START PACKING EARLY

But also be strategic: Pack room by room and start with the rooms in your home you use the least. 

Label your boxes clearly so unpacking is easier, and mark any boxes with fragile items so your movers know to handle them carefully. If you don’t want to write all over your boxes, you could use a colour-coded sticker system (e.g. red for kitchen, white for bedroom, etc).

You can also skip the packing and pay extra for a moving company to do it for you. 


Start packing as far in advance as you can. Image: Cape Removals

ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR THE KITCHEN

This is the room in the house that takes the longest to pack up, according to Cape Removals, and it’s also the room full of items you’re likely to need right up until you move. Try to pack up most of the kitchen ahead of time – just keep a few things out that you’ll need and add them to your kitchen boxes right before moving day.

Remember to allow enough time to defrost your freezer and make sure your whole fridge/freezer appliance is dry. Washing machines and dishwashers usually have some water in the pipes and need to be disconnected and drained before moving day.

PACK A MOVING DAY BOX

Pack a box of essentials that you'll need on moving day – things like toiletries, bedding, towels, a change of clothes. Keep this with you so you don't have to search through all your boxes to find what you need when you arrive in your new home.

ASK FOR HELP

Don’t be shy – ask your friends or family to help you pack a box or two, in exchange for a couple of beers and slices of pizza. 

Make moving less stressful with some forward planning. Image: Cape Removals

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CAPE REMOVALS

Cape Removals operates: Throughout the Western Cape and nationally across South Africa
To book a move or get a quote: Visit them online here for local removals in the Western Cape or here for national moving company services in South Africa 
Contact Cape Removals: local@caperemovals.co.za| 064 503 1371 | 087 147 4560

By Lee-Anne Spurdens

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