It’s fun to move house! Not. It can be stressful and logistically difficult, even with the pot of gold at its end (the new house). It’s possible to make it a breeze with some careful planning. It’s almost there…

De-clutter like you mean it

Hoarders are all human to some degree. Now is a great time for you to get rid of stuff that hasn’t been seen in months or even years. It will help you save time unpacking and packing. Why pay to ship stuff that you will just dump at the other side? It doesn’t matter if it comes in handy one of these days, but when you move, it won’t.

Make sure you measure the space before you move furniture. You can sell or donate surplus items online if they are not in use. Sites like Freecycle make it easy to give things away. You can save days by starting the disposal process early.

Hire a removalist

To ensure that your chosen movers are available for the job, it is important to get in touch early. Good removal companies are often booked up quickly. Get at least three quotes before you make your decision. Make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions of each mover.

To ensure you are covered for the entire shift, check with your insurance provider. Ask your moving company about their insurance to cover you in the event of an emergency.

Pack your bag

Start collecting cardboard boxes. You will need more boxes than you realize. Because it reduces disposal costs, supermarkets and friendly retailers are often happy to donate empty boxes to you moving mission.

You can get different sizes of boxes. Large ones are for heavy items like bedding, while smaller boxes are for books and crockery. You should choose the strongest boxes for your breakables.

Bubble wrap is best for delicate items. Most hardware stores carry rolls. You can also re-use bubble wrapping from friends who have it. You might also find out-of-date newspapers at your local dairy for packing. You might also want to get hi-viz fragile’ stickers. Movers will appreciate knowing which boxes need extra care.

Pack with precision

Before you begin packing, make sure to check what items the movers will not take. You will need to transport hazardous items such as LPG cylinders if they refuse to move them. (Go online to learn how to safely do this).

  • Pack up your rooms early so you can start packing. Start by packing your garage, garden shed, and spare room. You can pack winter clothes, books, winter sports gear, and golf clubs if it’s not summer. You won’t have time to play 18 holes with your friends!
  • It is best to pack each room individually, and leave out any items that you won’t use until the day of your move. Make sure to pack a survival kit. Access to quick and easy bedding, medication, liquid refreshments and snacks, as well as loo paper, is essential.
  • All items should be packed. Box everything.
  • Photograph the cables connections before packing up your TV and computer. This will make it easier to reconnect. Use original packaging if you’ve still got it. To cushion any bumps on the journey, place electronics in an oversized container. Mark electronic items as fragile and pack them individually. Before packing your computer, make sure you back up all important files.
  • Use coloured stickers to indicate which room you want to place boxes. Do not just write “Master Bedroom” on the box. Include details about the contents to make it easier for you when looking for your work shoes and bedside lamps.
  • You can make it easier to move your clothes by storing them in drawers. It will save you money on shipping and make it easy to find clean clothes.
  • Do not leave any empty spaces in your boxes. They will crush easily if they aren’t full and can cause damage to items. You could find yourself in a new place with a face full crushed cartons.
  • Avoid overloading cartons. You can save your back by adding lighter items to a carton that is becoming too heavy. To save space, fill suitcases, bags for sports and laundry baskets.
  • Tape an X onto glass cabinet doors and mirrors, and cover them with cardboard. Corner protectors can be used to protect edges from damage and keep mirrors and glasses upright.
  • To save space, dismantle furniture. Take out table legs, beds legs, and shelves. Wrap the lounge suite squabs, pillows and other items in separate sheets. Tape up the microwave and fridge doors. Don’t forget to freeze fridges and freezers the night before you move.
  • Last but not the least, you will probably need a cold one by the end of the move. So get ice for your chilly bin!

Make the ultimate “to-do” list

To ensure you take care of all arrangements and changes that are involved in a move, create a to-do listing.

  • Talk to your electricity supplier, and request a disconnection date and connection date. Ask for a final account of the area you are leaving. For your phone, do the same. Last but not least, take your final water reading.
  • Renters who have been renting should arrange a final inspection that is convenient for them and provide their landlord with the bank details so they can reimburse their bond.
  • It’s a good idea to research the area before you move. Find out who is a trusted electrician, plumber, doctor, and dentist in your area by joining local Facebook groups. Find the closest hardware store, recycling station, and supermarket.
  • Contact New Zealand Post to arrange for your mail to redirected at your new address. You can have your mail redirected for 2, 4, 6, or 12 months at a cost.
  • Make a list of your suppliers to make it easier to change your address within a few days.
  • You might consider renting storage on-site if you have a lot of stuff. This will typically cost you between $200 and $300 per month to store approximately 80 cartons. Prices will vary depending on where you live. By allowing you to take the stress out moving, off-site storage will allow you more time to pack and organize your new home. This is a great option if you are renting between your homes.
  • Organise as much ahead of time as possible if your new home needs minor repairs. It is always easier to update window treatments, paintwork and replace floor coverings before house relocation in auckland.
  • Make sure to have your emergency kit in your car, as well as your important papers and valuables.

Get your insurance updated

Last, but not least update your insurance with the new address. To ensure you have the correct amount of insurance, you can use our contents calculator if you’ve reduced or increased your contents.