What people don't tell you about moving to a new house

With the new level 3 regulations in place, tenants and new homeowners are now permitted to move into their new homes - exciting times! But, moving can also be one of life's most stressful events, if not done in a well-organised way, says Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Christie's International Real Estate. However, moving into your new home doesn't have to be too taxing - a well-considered approach will be your secret weapon to tackling what has the potential to be an overwhelming task.

Moving to a new house is all about careful planning, says Greeff, and focusing on lightening the load. If you apply the three simple actions - clear, sort and toss - you can be almost certain that every item you take with you will have a place in your new home.

Below are tips to help you significantly when moving to a new house - they are easy to follow and will help you get through this process efficiently and pain-free!

1. Decluttering is key

This is the most important step when moving to a new house. It's imperative that you decide early on what to take with you and what to throw away. Not only does decluttering help you ''purge'' for your fresh start, but it also reduces your moving costs, should you be using a moving company.

It is also important to declutter one space at a time. By focusing on one area, you will avoid feeling overwhelmed and you will be able to implement the three actions - clear, sort and toss - more effectively.

Tip: Start decluttering in the space or room that is used the least

2. Essentials first

It's very easy for important documents and essentials to disappear during the move and this can cause problems down the line. It's imperative that all essential documents like utility bills, tax and insurance forms are packed up as early as possible and placed in a secure spot so that it can be easily accessed if and when necessary.

3. Create an inventory

Creating an inventory helps you keep an eye on all your belongings and ensure that nothing is lost throughout the moving process. While you're creating an inventory list, go ahead and label your belongings too. By doing this, you will not come across any confusing while unpacking which reduces the stress when settling into your new abode.

4. Dismantle in advance, if possible

It takes surprisingly longer than you could imagine to dismantle items of furniture like a bed or an heirloom chest of drawers, not to mention how physically taxing it is. Greeff advises that you start dismantling furniture as early as possible so when moving day arrives, you do not waste any time.

5. Keep cupboard doors open

This is one of the most underrated moving tips and here's why. Often, we think that once we've packed up everything, we can shut the door on that area and move on, but leaving the doors open allows you the chance to double and even triple check that everything has been cleared out.

6. Introduce the kids to the new house, post-unpacking

When a family moves to a new home in movies, it is always portrayed as fun and exciting and it's very likely that you envision your move to be just like that. Kids running excitedly through the new home, choosing their rooms, exploring all the nooks and crannies - but the reality is that that is not always the case. Approximately one hour into the moving into the new house, they will be bored, and you will not only have to unpack, but keep the kids entertained. It is advisable to leave the kids with a babysitter or trusted friend/relative, just until everything is in place.

7. Have a survival kit

Once you have moved into your new abode, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement and forget where all your essentials are. Greeff suggests a nifty survival kit packed with everything you might need for the first night and next morning i.e. toiletries, first-aid kit, a few kitchen essentials like a kettle and basic groceries. This will reduce the stress of you having to hunt for these items in a pile of boxes when all you want to do is relax and enjoy your new home.

8. Snap a pic

There is nothing more frustrating than not knowing how something was, when you are supposed to recreate it. Take a TV set for example, there is an endless array of wires that need to be reconnected and unless you're a fundi at electronics, it might not be a walk in the park for you. Take a picture of the back of your TV set up, or any electronics for that matter, so that when the time comes for you to reconnect them, you can refer back to the picture you took, which will ultimately serve as a guide.

Tip: You can also take pictures of any décor arrangements you would like to recreate in your new home.

9. Update your address as soon as possible

It's always a good idea to get a head start on your admin. Once the sale has gone through and everything is done and dusted, start updating your address with your bank, your doctor, your cellphone company, and any other company that requires personal information.

10. Bits and bobs

When moving, certain things can be overlooked and that's understandable given how stressful it can be. Below are just a few reminders of what to do with certain items in your home.

• Mirrors and glass frames
  • Tape an ''x'' onto the glass to prevent shattering
  • Use corner protectors to guard the edges from damage
  • Cover the surface of the mirror or frame with a layer of cardboard or bubble wrap
  • Keep both mirrors and frames upright and ensure that nothing is stacked on it during transit.
• Electronics
  • Backup your important files and documents
  • Check if you have the original packaging of the gadget, to make it easier to pack
  • Use bubble wrap to protect your electronics
• Rugs
  • Clean the rugs before you pack it up
  • Roll and tie each end of the rug with string to secure it
  • Do not rap your rugs in plastic as this causes mold and mildew
• Furniture
  • Cover furniture with protective covers
  • Wrap tape around the covers to secure the furniture further
  • Take off chair/couch covers as well as pillow covers and pack them separately
• Crockery and fragile items
  • Stack your plates with polystyrene plates in between each one to avoid damage
  • Do not wrap your plates in newspaper, this will not stop any form of breakage
  • Create a ''cushion'' at the bottom of the box to protect all fragile items
• Jewellery
  • Pack chained necklaces through a straw to avoid tangling
  • Pack jewellery in a large egg box to avoid damage
  • Small, dainty earrings can be transported in pill/medication containers

Remember, do not be too hard on yourself. If you do not manage to unpack everything on the day-of, or even in the first week, don't worry about it. Go at your own pace. So, what's the bottom line? By following these tips and tricks, you can now easily make your moving experience much less stressful and much more enjoyable.