So, once you know where you are moving to, it’s important to try and change all your pertinent details, before you move. Some examples are:
Moving school
Most schools require a term’s notice. This is not always possible, especially if you find yourself in the position of having to relocate to another province/city/country. However, wherever possible, give them immediate notice so that you can try eliminate being charged unnecessarily. Remember, you require a transfer letter from the school to give to the new school. This won’t be given to you unless your fees are up to date and you have followed procedures.
If you know where you are moving to, immediately start looking for a new school. If you know someone in the area, ask their advice on which school/s are best. It’s not easy getting a child into a new school mid-term/ year. They may well be full. Hopefully the curriculum will be the same and you will be able to transfer the children without complications. I had to sit in the waiting room daily, for a couple of weeks to get my child into the high school in our area when we moved. Persistence is key.
When you know what school, you are going to transfer to, see if there are comparisons in their uniforms, items you can keep and re-use. Luckily, we could use the same blazers as they were navy - I just had to change badge. Shirts, if the colours are the same and there are no logos on the pockets, thankfully, can be re-used. These are all items that add even more expense to your move if they need be purchased again.
Lights and water
Give notice to your local municipality so that they can schedule to come and do final readings before you leave. If you have pre-paid electricity, this is unnecessary. Check the procedure to have the water/electricity connected where you are moving to, ahead of time.
Moving other accounts
Most of us pay our accounts online these days, whether on our phones or via EFT from our computers. This eliminates the need to receive physical account/s through the post. However, you should still contact the customer service centres of places where you have accounts and update your details where possible. Examples of accounts to bear in mind are:
- Bank
- Medical Aid / Gap Cover - Check which doctor/ dentist / hospital is on the preferred supplier’s list in your new area if applicable. That way, if a family member suddenly becomes ill or needs treatment, you already know where to go. Put the contact details into a folder along with important documents which you keep on you i.e. passports / ID’s / medical information etc.
- Clothing accounts i.e. Woolworths, Foschini, Milady’s etc.
- Insurance – new address to ensure your insured items are covered if required.
Moving
Request a quote (Two Men and a Truck is the obvious choice and you’re reading this, so well done).
Book a move as far as possible ahead of your move date. Bear in mind end of month moves always cost more. These bookings are filled quickly so the sooner you book a move, that’s one more thing to tick off your to-do list. If you can move mid-month, this will generally be more cost-effective.
Remember, depending on whether you are an owner or renting, you need to sort our handing over of keys and the collection of keys for your new home.
Along with moving, comes the packing. You might need many boxes and if you have not been collecting them from your local supermarket etc., see our article on boxes here.
I’ve tried to cover the basics of things to remember to do, I hope this helps in some way to get you started.
Yours in great service,
Patricia Gardner
Bookings Co-Ordinator – Two Men & A Truck