Moving House Checklist (NZ)

4 weeks before Get the big decisions made

• Book your movers for your date. Good dates (end of month, Fridays, school holidays) go first.
• If you rent: give your landlord or agent the correct written notice and ask about the final inspection and bond refund.
• Start decluttering. Everything you don't take is less to pack, carry and pay to move.
• Decide how much packing you want help with: full, fragile-only or materials from us, or all DIY.
• Check what your contents insurance covers during a move.

2 weeks before Admin and utilities

• Arrange power, gas and internet at your new address, and a disconnection date for the old one. Internet can take days to connect, so book it early.
• Set up mail redirection with NZ Post.
• Update your address with your bank, insurer, employer, doctor, school and any subscriptions.
• Start packing rooms you rarely use: books, off-season clothes, spare room, garage shelves.
• Tell your movers about anything unusual: steep driveways, stairs, narrow access, or very heavy items like a safe or gym equipment.

Tip: Photos of the rooms and access help your movers plan the right truck and the right amount of time.

1 week before Pack and label

• Pack everything except daily essentials. Label every box with the room it's going to, on the side, not the top.
• Put heavy items (books) in small boxes and light items (bedding) in large ones.
• Use up or plan to carry freezer and fridge food, and any opened cleaning products.
• Arrange parking for the truck at both addresses, including permission from neighbours or body corporate if needed.
• Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day if you can.

The day before Last pass

• Defrost the freezer and drain the washing machine if it's moving.
• Disassemble beds and tables that need it, and keep screws and bolts in a labelled bag taped to the item.
• Pack an "open first" box: kettle, mugs, toilet paper, phone chargers, basic tools, bedding, medications and snacks.
• Charge your phone and keep important documents, keys and valuables with you, not on the truck.
• Clear a path: move cars, bins and loose items away from doors and driveways.

Moving day Keep it calm

• Be there when the movers arrive and walk them through what's going and what's staying.
• Photograph meter readings and the condition of the old place before you leave.
• Do a final walk-through of every cupboard, shelf, shed and the garage.
• At the new place, tell the movers where each room is so boxes land in the right spot.
• Check large furniture and fittings for damage before the movers leave, and raise anything straight away.
• Hand back keys and lock up at the old address.

After the move First week

• Unpack bedrooms and the kitchen first so the house is livable fast.
• Check smoke alarms work, and find the water main and switchboard.
• Update your address on your driver licence, vehicle registration and electoral roll.
• Leave a review for the people who helped. It means a lot to a small local business.