10 Things to Do Before Moving Day

Moving home can be exciting, but it can also be stressful if you’re not fully prepared. Whether you’re relocating across town or to another province, a smooth moving day starts with smart planning. To help you stay organised and avoid last-minute panic, here are 10 important things to do before moving day.

1. Create a Moving Checklist

Before anything else, make a detailed moving checklist. This will help you stay on top of all your tasks — from booking your moving company to changing your address.

Include key deadlines such as:

• When to start packing
• When to cancel utilities
• When to collect keys or hand over your current property

Having a timeline helps prevent rushed decisions and forgotten tasks in the final days before your move.

2. Book a Trusted Moving Company Early

Truck space on popular long distance moving routes, such as when moving from Johannesburg to Cape Town, get booked up quickly especially at month end. As soon as you have your moving date, get a quote and book your movers.

Look for a reliable, insured moving company with good reviews and transparent pricing. Ask whether they offer packing, wrapping, or storage services if you need them. Booking early also gives you a chance to compare options and secure a date that suits your schedule.

3. Declutter and Donate Before You Pack

Moving is the perfect opportunity to start fresh. Go through every room and sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Decluttering reduces how much you’ll need to move — which can also save money on transport costs.

You can donate usable clothes, furniture, and household items to local charities or sell unwanted items online. The lighter your move, the faster and cheaper it becomes.

4. Gather Quality Packing Supplies

Don’t leave packing materials until the last minute. You’ll need:

• Strong boxes in various sizes
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Heavy-duty tape
• Permanent markers for labelling

Label every box clearly with its contents and destination room. For fragile items, mark the box as "Handle with Care." Having all your supplies ready ensures a smoother and safer packing process.

5. Start Packing Early — and Smartly

Begin packing at least two to three weeks before moving day, starting with items you don’t use daily.

Pack one room at a time, and keep similar items together. Make sure to use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and larger boxes for lighter items like bedding or decor.

Don’t forget to pack a "first night" essentials box with toiletries, chargers, bedding, and a few kitchen items so you can settle in comfortably without unpacking everything at once.

6. Update Your Address and Notify Service Providers

One of the most commonly forgotten moving tasks is updating your address. Notify your:

• Bank and insurance provider
• Employer or HR department
• School or university
• Subscription and delivery services
• Municipality and tax offices

Redirect your mail at the post office to ensure you don’t miss any important correspondence. Taking care of this early prevents administrative headaches later.

7. Arrange Utilities and Internet at Your New Home

You don’t want to arrive at your new home only to find there’s no electricity, water, or Wi-Fi. Contact your new utility providers a week or two before moving to ensure everything is ready on arrival day.

Likewise, schedule disconnections or final meter readings for your old home. If you’re moving into an apartment complex or estate, double-check moving access rules and gate codes.

8. Clean and Prepare Both Homes

A deep clean before you leave your old home ensures you hand it over in good condition — and it’s courteous for the next occupants.

If possible, visit your new home a few days before the move to:

• Clean floors, cupboards, and bathrooms
• Check that lights and plumbing work
• Confirm there’s parking or truck access for moving day

Having a clean, prepared space means you can unpack immediately without extra hassle.

9. Plan for Kids and Pets on Moving Day

Moving day can be overwhelming for children and pets. If possible, arrange for them to stay with friends, family, or a pet sitter during the move. This keeps them safe and out of the movers’ way.

If that’s not an option, pack comfort items, snacks, and essentials to keep them calm and occupied. Having a plan for your family members makes the move less chaotic for everyone involved.

10. Confirm All Details with Your Moving Company

A day or two before your move, confirm everything with your movers:

• Collection and delivery addresses
• Moving date and time
• Contact numbers
• List of services (packing, storage, etc.)

Double-check that fragile or valuable items are clearly noted. Clear communication avoids confusion and ensures your moving team arrives prepared.

Bonus Tip: Take Photos Before You Move

Before your movers start loading, take quick photos of your furniture and electronics. This serves as a record in case anything gets scratched or damaged in transit — and helps you remember how to reassemble or reconnect complex setups later.

Final Thoughts

Preparation is the secret to a stress-free moving experience. By following these 10 steps, you’ll reduce last-minute chaos, protect your belongings, and make your move as efficient as possible.

If you’re ready to start planning your move, contact Biggles Removals for a free moving quote. Our experienced team offers local and long-distance moving services across South Africa. Our affordable shared load services cover all major cities in South Africa, including furniture removals from Cape Town to Durban, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, and more. We also offer options for packing, storage, and shared-load transport to fit your budget.

Lize is a professional writer specialising in content for moving and removals companies. Having personally moved 7 times in the past decade and with more than 2 years experience as a moving consultant, her work is driven by personal experience.