Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa Real Estate Investor Magazine - August 2017 | Page 21

Step 7: Moving in
M
oving into your first property is, quite possibly,
the most exciting part of this entire process.
Without the necessary planning, however, it
can quite easily turn into a nightmare.
Before the big day
Once you’ve signed the papers and taken ownership of
your property, the real fun can start! An essential part
of this is knowing who you’re going to trust with your
possessions and move. In the same way that knowing
who you’re dealing with when buying a property is
essential, you need to know that those you entrust with
your move won’t let you down.
Again, technological advances and the wide reach of
the internet is your friend in this process. A quick search
for moving companies in your area will provide you with
several options. From there, it is essential to do your own
digging. When selecting a moving company, look for one
with recent and strong referrals or recommendations.
Speak to friends and family who have made use of a
mover in recent times.
Once you’ve found the ideal mover, make sure you
reserve your moving day well in advance. The process
of moving is already a stressful one, since you’ll have a
limited period to move out of your current home. As
anyone in property will tell you, giving yourself sufficient
time to plan your move is essential. This gives you time
to iron out any issues, ensuring you don’t have any nasty
surprises at the last minute.
Don’t rush to fill it up
During the period after you’ve received your property
keys, but before you’ve started moving in, you have the
ideal opportunity to take a closer look at your property.
Without furniture and decorations to hide it, you’ll be able
to see possible problems involving floors or walls. Use this
time to get the necessary repairs done and, while you’re at
it, be sure to clean in all the hard-to-reach places.
This is also an ideal time to evaluate what you’ll need
to fill the space. Don’t fall in the trap of over-furnishing
your first property. Rather, take the time to live with the
basics for a while, taking the opportunity to see what
you’d like to purchase.
Moving day
On the day of your move, be sure to keep a separate box
or bag with essentials (such as keys, wallet, documents,
one day’s clothing, and toiletries) separate from the rest
of your move. Especially in cases where you’re embarking
on a long-distance move, this will ensure you’re not
left stranded without your important belongings were
something to go wrong with the move.
In any case, it’s also a good idea to have an overnight
bag packed for your first night in your new home. After a
long day of unpacking and moving boxes, you’re unlikely
to have the energy to rummage through countless boxes
in search of a toothbrush.
Your moving day will, more than likely, be a little
chaotic. It’s always a good idea to introduce yourself
to your neighbors before the big day. You don’t want
to start off on the wrong foot, so ensure that they
are aware of any possible disruptions related to your
move. If you’re lucky, you might even be offered a
welcoming meal!
For more information and help with buying your
property, visit mybondfitness.co.za.
SOME THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A GOOD MOVER
The following things are important to keep in mind when
selecting someone to take charge of your move.
THE TRUCKS
The first thing to look for when selecting a mover is the quality of
trucks being used. Depending on your needs, you’ll either look
for a mover with closed trucks, or possibly smaller open ones.
Regardless, ensure sufficient protective measures are taken to
keep your belongings safe.
LOCATION
When selecting a mover, make sure they operate within your
area. In the case of a long-distance move, look for a company
with operations in both locations. This not only saves time, but
also money.
www.reimag.co.za
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Items like pianos, large cupboards, or other unusual furniture
often require additional movers or even specific vehicles. When
choosing a moving company, ensure they have the necessary
equipment to handle these situations.
INSURANCE
A reputable mover will have sufficient insurance. This will provide
you with peace of mind, and also come in handy if something
does go wrong.
CHECK THE DETAILS
When selecting a mover, take note of what is included in the initial
quote. When asking for a quote, be sure to include any unusual
items or requests that need to be accommodated in the move.
AUGUST 2017 SA Real Estate Investor
19