Seven mistakes to avoid when moving home

Our take

Whether you're a first-time buyer collecting keys in Sandton or a family upsizing in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, moving day is rarely as straightforward as it looks on paper. South African buyers face their own version of these pressures: transfer delays at the Deeds Office, last-minute bond conditions from the bank, and sellers who haven't quite vacated on time. Rogers' advice translates directly — especially the warning against choosing a removal company on price alone. In SA, the removals industry is largely unregulated, so vetting a company's reputation, insurance cover, and whether staff are employed (not casual labour) matters even more. Sellers should note that your property must typically be vacant and in agreed condition before occupation is handed over — leaving packing to the last minute risks breaching your sale agreement. Landlords ending a lease should also factor in that a tenant's delayed move-out can trigger disputes under the Rental Housing Act. Build buffer time in, communicate early, and declutter before the truck arrives — your future self will thank you.