The Moving Question

There are many reasons why we move house. Most often it’s because of our work, changing jobs, upgrading to a better location, finding the right schools for our children, marriage and divorce, inheritance, and so on. They say moving your home is one of the most stressful events in life – and there are always so many things to consider. However, depending on your reasons for moving, there are various factors to consider that will make your transition smoother and settling into your new home quicker.  

Things to do before you move

The problem with moving is that many things have to be planned in advance, so it’s best to make a list of what needs attention well before the actual moving day. It is always important to assess the location of your prospective new home. How far to the local shops, doctors, dentists, etc. What transport facilities will you be needing, and their proximity? And if you have young children, you will be looking at schools both for quality and proximity. Animals will also require specific consideration. It’s no good taking a cat to a busy road, or a dog to a tiny yard.

These of course, are the big issues. There are numerous smaller considerations that often escape attention ahead of time.

Start to declutter in advance: get rid of those items that have been taking up space and not in use for the past 6 months.

The electricity and rates accounts: you need to ensure that these are disconnected in your name at your old address on a date selected, and reconnected in your name at your new address on the day you take possession.

Change of address: you’ll need to send out a host of change of address notices to banks, insurances, friends and family, car registration, subscriptions, or any regular mail that you receive. At least a month’s notice is suggested.  

Children and pet sitter: you will need to have someone in charge of looking after children and pets on the day that you move, so that you can concentrate on the packing up and loading of removal vans.  

Miscellaneous box: always keep one box when packing for items that are hard to label. Also put things you will need as soon as you arrive at your new destination in this box.

Update your insurance: remember to contact your insurance provider to ensure you’re covered for the duration of the move. Your current home insurance policy should cease the day after you’ve moved out and your new insurance policy should start the day before you move in. In this way you dovetail the insurance to ensure coverage during the transition.

House cleaning: if you have time and opportunity, it’s a good thing to thoroughly clean your house once the furniture is packed up. And do the same with the new house before you unpack. That way you can get to see if there are any particular problems that need attention, such as stains on carpets or marks on the walls.  

Advance book your internet connection: this is really useful – having your connection set up in tandem with your arrival in the new home will save weeks of frustration waiting for technicians to arrive.

Pack a night box: this should have all the things in it that you need for your first night and saves you digging frantically around in boxes for pyjamas, soap, towels and toothpaste!

Things to do after you move  

The locks: should you change the locks? Probably a good idea. You don’t know how many people may have copies of your keys. And while you’re about it, make sure that you have enough spare sets for members of the household – and a spare set for a friend in case of emergencies.

Service providers: it’s a good idea to get a list of recommendations from your new neighbours of good local service people in the area, such as mechanics, electricians, plumbers, etc, in case of issues that may need to be dealt with urgently.

Financial commitments: make sure that the new rates in your name tally with the previous owner’s payments, and that your household premium remains in line with previous charges, provided all possessions remain the same. (This could be dependent on the area and security features installed.)   

The working change

If you’re relocating because of a promotion or a new job, there are a few more considerations that creep into the mix, such as relocation expenses – will these be paid for by your employer? What are the costs of living in a new city? The culture shock of a new area or new town can be difficult to deal with, and you will need to ensure that you and your family are prepared for this.

Another critical aspect to study would be the location of your new home. Will it suit you, and will it be an area where you can make friends easily? This is important with regard to school-going children and your preference for a school reasonably close and of good reputation. 

A new home is one thing, but adding a new city as well, equals high stress. Be aware that you are moving with the intention of moving your life forward. You will need to adapt to a new work environment and a new social environment at the same time. To do that successfully, it’s a good idea to make your new abode feel like a home as quickly as possible.

Once you have some familiar things around you, and you have found a house that ‘speaks’ to you, it will make all the other adjustments a lot easier. Sometimes the difference you experience will create greater awareness of how you need to personally embrace change – as well as adapting to your new location. Getting to know the area in which you live, the personality of the community, the good restaurants, shops, recreational amenities, and easy ways to get around, will make the move exciting, challenging and enjoyable.

Changing countries

The biggest home relocation is moving to an entirely new country. There may be language issues, an inclement climate and an unsettled political environment, not to mention crime. There are some clear pointers to keep in mind:

• A good idea is to take language lessons both before you leave your own country, and as soon as you arrive in the new. It’s also a great way to meet people who are also new to the country and searching for ways to make contact.
• Job-wise, there are taxes to consider and get to grips with, so you don’t find yourself on the wrong side of complication.
• It’s important to be aware of the medical services available in your area, as well as access to prescription medications. This is particularly important for seniors who are relocating in the retirement years.
• Don’t buy a property too soon. Rather ‘settle in’ and get to know the country and its people before deciding where you want to put down roots. This will also give you time to get to know the better areas, as well as the rules and regulations with regard to buying property in a foreign country. In the Philippines, for instance, unless you are a Filipino, you are not allowed to own property.
• Make a point to get to know your community and where the local police station is situated.
• Always find other ex-pats to talk to about the best places to buy property or rent a house or apartment in relation to schools and transport. They will also be able to provide advice on all relevant required documentation.
• When moving anywhere, but even more so when moving countries, you will need a plan to create a sense of belonging, along with a determination to develop a lifestyle where you feel at home. This is particularly important with regard to moving with children; whether you are moving around the corner, around the country, or around the world, ensure you communicate with your children throughout the process. By involving them, you can avoid anxiety and create a sense of anticipation and excitement.  

Leapfrog Property Group

Leapfrog Property Group offers a fresh and innovative approach to buying, selling, renting and property investments, ensuring the best property deals for clients across South Africa. Our agents are qualified, trained, experienced; our approach bold and spirited, driven by heart, generosity and honesty. It is our mission to advise,  eliminate obstacles and save you unnecessary expense. Trust is our watchword. And value our motto. Armed with our combined credentials, we are the bright face of excellence in the South African market. 

Find us at: http://leapfrog.co.za/