Plan ahead and move smarter, not harder

When you buy a newly-built home, it is customary not to sign your occupation documents until you've checked that all the fittings and finishes are in line with the original specifications - and that any obvious building defects have been remedied.

It's also likely that someone will be available to show you how everything works, including any built-in appliances or equipment - but this is usually not the case when you buy a pre-owned home, says Gerhard Kotzé, MD of the RealNet national estate agency group.

"In fact, it can often take quite a while before buyers of existing homes become really familiar with how everything works and where everything is.

"However, you can avoid this by asking your agent to set up a hand-over meeting with the seller a few days before you move in. This will give you the opportunity to find out how to operate the alarm system, for example, or the pool pump, the irrigation system and any Smart automation.

"You will also be able to ask things like where the water and electricity meters are, or even the second switch for the garage light, and if the seller is unavailable, the agent should be happy to stand in and help you to get properly orientated."

He says buyers should also request that home sellers leave behind any system operating manuals and warranties, as well as the names and telephone numbers of the plumbers, electricians and other service companies they have found reliable.

"In addition, you can further ease the stress of moving day if you can arrange to get certain tasks finished ahead of time.

"You may want to repaint the living, room, for example, or steam-clean all the carpets, or even fumigate, and such jobs are definitely easier to manage if you're not trying to arrange furniture or unpack boxes at the same time."

Alternatively, says Kotzé, your new home may need some minor repairs or alterations, and messy jobs like laying new floor coverings, tile regrouting, installing new shelves or cupboards and repairing roofs or ceilings are all best tackled when you don't have to work around family, pets and belongings.

"In fact, even if the property is in excellent condition, there are bound to be things you'd like to change, like the plug covers or tap tops, the light fitting in the kitchen or drawer handles in the spare bedroom. And your move will certainly go better if you are first able to spend a couple of days just focusing on getting all these chores done."

So if it is at all possible, you should ask the seller if you can have access to the (empty) property for a few days before you actually move.

"This will also give you time to visualise where you want to place your furniture and where your other things should go, so you can unpack straight into the right cupboards and shelves on the Big Day."