A relocation – whether local or international – can be very stressful for and your family. It involves much more than just moving your belongings – there is the excitement of a new house, new surroundings, and neighbours, plus a whole lot of organising and planning to do. 

It is off utmost importance that you plan the whole process, as the success in any move lies in the planning thereof. Relogstics Services’ personal checklist is usually completed before the relocation and includes tips for moving to your new house, as well as packing of special items. It’s just another way we assist to make your move a success.  

4-8 weeks before moving:

• Create a folder to keep all your moving documents like quotations, receipts, etc.
• Declutter your house. Decide which items you are keeping and which you want to sell or donate – do away with useless stuff you are not using.
• Obtain written quotations from reputable removal companies to ensure a stress-free moving experience. Supply the company with a detailed list of all the items/goods that you require to be moved. If possible, have one of our expert removal consultants visit your home for a free no-obligation in-home survey to assess the goods that you need to be moved.
• Advise your removal consultant of any items that will need special attention or care during the move. Relogistics Services will provide special protective packing materials or crating, when required, to ensure your items reach their destination safely. 
• Inform the removal company of any obstacles that may complicate the moving process, like staircases, long carry (more than 20 meters), weight/height restrictions in your townhouse complex, a cul-de-sac and low-hanging trees.
• Arrange insurance (for full replacement value) for your belongings in case of loss or damage during transit to your new home. 
• Sign and return your “Quotation Acceptance” to your removal consultant as soon as possible. Confirm your removal dates.
• Complete your “Value Declaration Form” accurately and return it to your removal company, if you require full liability accepted for loss or damage. 
• Speak to your removal consultant to arrange pet or vehicle transport requirements.
• Arrange secure storage facilities, if required. Relogistics Services offers secure storage for short- and long-term at very competitive rates.
• Notify your Landlord (if you are renting), at least one (1) month before your move, if required.
• Notify institutions of change of address or transfer/cancelation of services: This includes SARS (or the tax authority from any country outside South Africa), insurance broker, church, motor licensing authority, cable company, security company, etc.
• If you own a firearm(s), you are required by law to notify your local police that you are moving. You need to report to your new local police authority with your new address.
• Research information on your new location (schools, hospitals, etc.)

4-2 weeks before moving:

• Sort all important documents (like birth certificates, wills, life and insurance policies, medical records, house title deeds, vet cards, etc.) and keep it in a safe place.
• Obtain letters of reference from schools.
• Service your motor vehicle before the long journey and check the spare tire, if you are moving long distance.
• Have rugs and curtains dry-cleaned, wrap in plastic until after the move.
• Start packing. Label and number cardboard boxes and indicate the contents and the room allocation. (you can use color-coded stickers/labels).  This will help with the placing and unpacking at your new home. You can obtain the correct cardboard boxes and packing material from Relogistics Services at an additional cost. Allow plenty of time for packing.
• Compile your own inventory of the cardboard boxes that you packed and keep it in a safe place.

1-2 weeks before moving:

• Ensure all accommodation and travel arrangements have been booked and confirmed.
• Make sure all gas cylinders are empty and fuel drained from all fuel-driven appliances (lawnmowers, bush-cutters, etc.)
• Dismantle pre-fabricated furniture such as computer desks and wall units. The locking screws/mechanisms in pre-fabricated furniture can vibrate loose during transport, causing the item to collapse and suffer severe damage. The removal company cannot be held liable for this.
• Dismantle outdoor items such as swing sets, dollhouses, trampolines, etc. Keep all the screws, nut and bolts in zip-lock bags and mark them clearly.
• If you are paying for the removal yourself, ensure that the final payment has been confirmed three (3) days prior to the moving date.

1-2 Day before moving:

If you packed your own boxes, ensure that all the boxes are clearly marked and sealed.

• Keep all valuables (like jewelry, coin/stamp collections), passports, travel documents, other important documents, money, firearms, and ammunition are in a safe place. This can not be packed and travel with the removal company.
• Empty and defrost your fridge and freezers thoroughly. Leave the doors open and allow enough time to dry properly.
• Drain washing machines, dishwashers, and drain hoses. Leave doors open to air.
• If you have a front-loader washing machine, ensure that the stabilizer rods are fitted, to secure the drum. If not, the machine can be permanently damaged by the move.
• Disconnect electrical/electronic equipment and remove television antennas and your satellite dish.
• Make backups of computer files.
• If Relogistics Services has arranged for the transport of your vehicle, have it ready for collection and ensure you have removed all personal belongings.
• Clean and spray dog kennels, empty it and clean fish tanks and bird cages.
• Remove all waste from kitchen and pantry bins and ensure that they are clean and dry – ready for the move.
• Pack a box of essential items to travel with you or that needs to be immediately available at your new home, such as a kettle, coffee & tea bags, basic cutlery, plates & cups, toiletries, soap, towels, toilet paper, washing liquid, etc.   
• Arrange to collect keys and alarm codes for your new home.

Now that you have done what you should, have a good night’s rest and leave the rest to Relogistics Services. We’ll get you there!

Moving Day:

Now that moving day is here a few final checks.

• Do not leave any valuables, handbags or essential items (travel documents, cellular phones, laptops, iPads, medication, house, and car keys) in an open view, as they may be packed with your household goods. Ensure that everything that will be traveling with you is placed in one cupboard or room.
• Take the supervisor around your home and provide clear instructions on what needs to go.
• Ensure the boxes containing essential items (that will be going with your load) are clearly marked and pointed out to the supervisor.
• Check that all items are loaded and specified on the inventory list. 
• Do one last check, make sure nothing has been left behind. Check cupboards, attic, outside rooms, garage, etc. 
• Close all taps, secure water mains, switch off hot water geyser, secure gas mains, close all windows and lock doors.
• Confirm with the supervisor that they have your correct delivery address and contact numbers.
• Hand over house keys, alarm codes and remote controls to the estate agent or new owner.

Delivery:

• If you cannot be available to receive your goods at your new home, please ensure that someone responsible will be available to receive the goods.
• Check the inventory and confirm that all goods have been delivered.
• If you need items moved or placed, speak to the supervisor.
• Allow us to unpack cardboard boxes that we have packed and remove packing material and debris.
• If anything is missing or damaged, note this on the delivery documents and notify our office telephonically and in writing within 7 (seven) days after delivery.

We wish you a happy stay in your new home.

Remember to update your address with the following authorities and service providers:

• Post office – mail redirection.
• Banks, credit card institutions, finance companies 
• Receiver of Revenue.
• Accountant.
• Insurance companies – medical aid, car, house, property, etc.
• Vehicle registration authority/traffic department.
• Police department/office – if you own firearms.
• Family and friends.
• Doctor, dentist, etc. Remember to collect records from them.
• Club membership: any social clubs, gym, etc.
• Schools. Arrange for records to be transferred.
• Vet. Obtain records. Remember to keep the vet cards with you if the pets will be traveling with you.

• Dispose of expired medication and flammable substances (including paint, oil, thinners, benzine, paraffin, full gas bottles). Do not pack anything flammable or explosive nature.
• Drain fuel from lawnmowers, motorbikes, paraffin heaters and/or any other fuel driven equipment.
• Secure the lids of all liquid-filled containers and pack them upright.
• When packing glassware, China, general crockery and kitchenware or any fragile items, ensure that crumpled paper is placed at the bottom of the cardboard boxes +/- 10 cm deep. This will act as a cushion. 
• Fill gaps in the box with crumpled paper, there should be no movement in the packed box.
• Pack breakables in a sturdy box.
• Pack glasses & cups upright and plates on their side. If plates are packed flat, downward pressure on the box from the rest of the load during transit may crack the plates.
• Do not pack a lot of heavy plates onto other plates as this will cause breakages.
• Use enough packing paper and bubble wrap to pack breakables.
• Wrap electronic equipment in paper and bubble wrap.
• Mark the cardboard boxes where needed with “Fragile” and “Handle with Care”.
• Wrap upholstered items in plastic sheeting/covers.
• Ensure that the arrows printed on the boxes point upwards or mark the boxes with “This Side Up”.
• Pack heavy items at the bottom of the boxes and lighter items on top.
• Pack boxes to the brim, as half-full cartons may collapse during transit.
• Do not pack too many heavy items in one box, as there is a strong possibility that the box can burst open. Restrict the weight of a box to 15 to 20Kg.  
• Ensure that the boxes are sealed properly at the bottom and top.
• Do not pack linen, curtains, and clothes in plastic bags for the move, as there is a strong possibility the bags might tear in transit. Rather use cardboard boxes.
• By law, moving companies may not transport firearms, ammunition or dangerous weapons. You need to make appropriate arrangements for these items.