Moving advice
Moving House Checklist NZ. Know what to do, and when.
A practical moving house checklist for planning, packing, moving day and settling into your new home.
Before you start
A move is easier when the jobs are spread out.
You do not need to pack the whole house in one weekend. Start early, deal with the jobs that have deadlines first, and leave the everyday essentials until the end.
Use this checklist as a simple timeline for your move. For more practical guides, visit our moving advice hub.
Your moving timeline
What to do before moving day.
6–8 weeks before
- Confirm your moving date.
- Book your moving company.
- Start decluttering and decide what is coming with you.
- Update your address with banks, insurers, government services, subscriptions and other important providers.
- Start packing items you rarely use.
4 weeks before
- Continue packing non-essential rooms and belongings.
- Label boxes clearly by room and contents.
- Arrange cleaning and any storage you may need.
- Confirm access at both properties.
- Plan how fragile, valuable or unusually large items will be moved.
2 weeks before
- Pack most of the house, leaving daily essentials accessible.
- Finish the garage, shed and other storage areas.
- Pack fragile items carefully or arrange professional packing.
- Confirm your moving arrangements.
- Prepare a separate box of essentials for moving day.
1 week before
- Finish the majority of your packing.
- Keep documents, valuables and medication separate.
- Confirm keys, access and parking arrangements.
- Make sure pathways and entrances will be clear.
- Prepare children and pets for moving day.
2–3 days before
- Finish the last everyday packing.
- Defrost the freezer if necessary.
- Charge phones, tablets and other essentials.
- Set aside toiletries, clothes and food for the first night.
- Clean areas that will become difficult to access once furniture is moved.
Moving day
- Keep your essentials, valuables and important documents with you.
- Make sure the moving team can access the property safely.
- Point out fragile, heavy or particularly important items.
- Check cupboards, wardrobes, garages and outdoor areas before leaving.
- Take final meter readings and make sure you have the keys.
Keep these with you
Your first-night essentials should not go on the truck.
Keep a small bag or box with medication, important documents, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, basic food, drinks and anything children or pets need.
You will be glad to have the essentials available while the rest of the house is still being unpacked.
Easy to overlook
A few jobs people often forget.
Before leaving
- Check every cupboard and drawer.
- Look in the garage, shed and outdoor areas.
- Take meter readings.
At the new home
- Know where the keys, power and water are.
- Make beds before the boxes take over.
- Keep basic bathroom and kitchen supplies accessible.
Important items
- Medication
- Passports and documents
- Jewellery, cash and valuables
Prefer to leave the heavy lifting to us?
Make moving day the easy part.
Fragile Removals provides professional house moving services from our Hamilton and Cambridge bases, helping households move throughout the Waikato and beyond.
We can handle the heavy lifting and transport, with packing services available when you want help getting everything ready.
Moving further away? See our long-distance moving service or explore our intercity moving routes.
Take it with you
Download the printable moving house checklist.
Keep the checklist handy while you work through your move.
Download PDF ChecklistMoving questions
Moving house FAQs.
How much do furniture movers cost?
Moving costs vary depending on the size of the move, distance, access and services required. As a general guide, an average three-bedroom house move will typically cost around $800–$1200, while smaller moves may cost less and larger or more complex moves may cost more.
Long-distance moves, difficult access, packing and additional services can also affect the final cost. The most accurate way to find out what your move will cost is to request a free, no-obligation fixed-price quote.
When should I start preparing for a house move?
Ideally, start six to eight weeks before moving day. This gives you time to book movers, declutter, organise services and begin packing without having to do everything at once.
What should I pack first when moving house?
Start with things you do not use every day, such as seasonal clothing, decorations, books, spare kitchen items and stored belongings. Leave everyday essentials until closer to moving day.
What should I keep with me on moving day?
Keep important documents, valuables, medication, chargers, basic toiletries, a change of clothes and anything you need immediately after arriving at your new home with you.
How can I make moving day easier?
Finish most packing before moving day, identify fragile or special items clearly, keep accessways clear and have an essentials bag ready. A professional moving team can also handle the heavy lifting and transport.
Ready when you are
Planning a move? Let's get it sorted.
Tell us what you're moving, where you're going and when you need to move. We'll prepare a free, no-obligation fixed-price quote.