The Complete Moving House Checklist (New Zealand)

Moving house has a hundred moving parts, and the stress comes almost entirely from trying to hold them all in your head at once. Don't. Work backwards from moving day with this checklist and each week has a manageable list instead of one overwhelming one.

Six weeks out

• Start gathering quotes from moving companies — good movers book out weeks ahead, especially around month-end, public holidays and over summer.
• Decide what's coming with you and what isn't. Book a decluttering weekend.
• If you're renting, check your notice period and give notice.

Four weeks out

• Book your mover. Lock in the date once you've compared quotes. Aim to have this done three to four weeks before the day.
• Start collecting packing materials — or arrange for the movers to supply them.
• Begin packing rooms you rarely use.

Two weeks out

• Notify the key people and services (see the list below).
• Confirm the details with your mover: date, time, address, access, parking.
• Run down the freezer and pantry so there's less to move.
• Arrange time off work for moving day if you need it.

One week out

• Pack in earnest, room by room, labelling every box with its destination room.
• Set aside a clearly marked "first night" box: chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, tea and coffee, basic tools, medication.
• Confirm final arrangements with your mover.

Moving day

• Keep valuables, documents and medication with you, not on the truck.
• Do a final walk-through — cupboards, the garage, the shed, under beds.
• Take meter readings and photos of the empty place.
• Hand over keys and check you've got the keys to the new place.

Who to notify (change of address)

• IRD, bank, KiwiSaver provider and insurers
• Your electricity, gas, internet and phone providers
• GP, dentist and any specialists
• Your employer and NZ Post (set up a redirect)
• Electoral roll, and your car registration and licence

Book the movers early

The one item on this list that gets harder the longer you leave it is booking your mover. Compare quotes through Smartmove to line up trusted New Zealand moving companies well ahead of the day — see How Far in Advance to Book Movers for the timing detail.