20 Crazy Moving tips- not so crazy after all

When moving, no effort or detail is too great in making an otherwise hellish experience become a narrative on snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. We hope the unusual tips below, will save you time, energy – and some frustration when relocating.

Before you move…

• Did I hear someone say “fire sale”?

It can never be overemphasised – declutter, declutter, declutter is the MO when moving. What you can’t sell, give away – you will be thankful for the extra space, believe me.

• Fridge raid

There’s never been a better time to raid your fridge. Eat as much as you can and give out the rest.

• Eat out, or out of a paper plate

Washing dishes is never fun, and it’s less likely to make your day when you’re planning a gruelling move. My advice – avoid dishes at all cost.

Protect breakables

• Use old clothing, for instance worn towels, to wrap fragile items. Stuffing your drinking glasses in old socks may sound crazy but it works!

Packing techniques

• Should you choose to retain your favourite meal be sure to pack it tightly in a container, it may come in handy as takeaway during the move.
• Packing jewellery can be stressful. However, wrapping chains, bracelets and laces around straws and toilet paper rolls can work wonders for your precious time.
• When moving, theft of valuables is a real threat. You can counter this by hiding valuables in boxes labelled with misleading titles, or pack them in nondescript boxes.
• Use a corn cob as a cork, or a cut off rubber sole, to tightly seal containers with sensitive liquids like turpentine or kerosene – usually found in your garage.
• It’s so easy to lose earrings, to avoid this consider reusing torn egg trays to mount your earrings by piercing through them. It really works!

Have a photographic mind

Wacky home videos have never come in handier. Do a video shoot of your stuff to keep track of your belongings before and after your move – plus it will make for good memories down the road.

Email yourself: send all important inventory information to your email to check on once you’re in your new home

Download a moving app. There are tons of them on the internet that can help you manage your inventory and budget

Make the home ready for the move

• Moving will involve the discarding of some items, including match boxes. Wet the matches to avoid your house catching fire at a time when it’s the last thing you need.
• Has the access road to your home been rendered impassable by fallen branches or wash-outs? Making it accessible should become your new vocation – until you’ve successfully seen off the moving truck

D Day

• Temporarily disconnect from social media platforms to avoid the temptation of posting your moving details – such updates can pose security threats.
• To avoid stopovers for snacks and meals, carry enough food for yourself and the movers too. Moving is a time for sharing.
• To avoid losing valuable jewels, wear them or distribute them to be worn by members of your family. You might as well look flash while moving.
• Leave pets and children at a secure location during the move, collect them once you’ve made the new place ready for them.
• Stock enough toilet paper, prepare for any eventuality including an upset stomach

Settling after moving

• You need to unpack your television as the last thing when you finally put up your feet, otherwise it will distract you from organising your new house.