Your moving house checklist: A guide to a stress-free move

Confirm the settlement or possession date and time with your solicitor and agent. Your agent will usually provide the details, but keep in mind that pre-settlement inspections often take place at least 48 hours before settlement. That means you’ll need to be cleared out ahead of time.

Don’t leave this to the last minute, especially if you're moving over the summer, as this is peak moving season. Get a few quotes (a tool like Wise Move makes this easy) and confirm your booking. If you’re going DIY, secure the ute or truck hire now.

If you're renting, provide your official notice in line with your tenancy agreement.

Contact your insurance provider. You might need to arrange cover for your new place from the settlement date, and potentially a bit of overlap for your contents insurance. It would also pay to double-check that your contents are covered while in transit.

Be ruthless! Moving is a prime chance to get rid of stuff you don't need. Sell on Trade Me, donate to a local op shop, or plan a trip to the dump. Less stuff to pack = cheaper and easier moving day.

Arrange final meter readings and transfer your account. This is also a good time to review your provider to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Using independent tools like Powerswitch makes this easy.

This one’s crucial. Internet installation can take weeks, so book your transfer or new connection early. That way you won’t be stuck in an empty house without Wi-Fi (just imagine!). If you’re still running a landline, talk to your provider to arrange for the service to be transferred to your new address.

Give your local supplier or council a quick call to see what’s needed for connection or disconnection. Double-check there’s gas ready to go at your new place before moving in, especially if it heats your hot water. No one wants their first shower in a new home to be ice-cold!

The general expectation (and courtesy) is to leave the property “reasonably clean and tidy.” If you’re moving out of a rental, tenants are required to leave the place “reasonably clean and reasonably tidy”.

Stock up on sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and thick marker pens. To save money, ask local businesses or your community Facebook group for spare boxes. Hardware stores have packing supplies sections full of handy tools.

Write the room name on each box (at the new house), and label the sides, not just the top. Colour-coding or numbering can make for an easy inventory. You won't remember what has gone in every box, so it could be worth getting really specific on labelling the contents of each box.

Books, seasonal clothes, stored items, tools, and fancy kitchenware are good places to begin.

If you can live without certain items, take them apart and put all the screws/parts into a small, clearly labelled bag and tape it securely to the main piece of furniture. You'll thank yourself later.

Set up mail redirection (you'll likely need this for at least a month or two).

Update your address with your bank, credit cards, and investment providers.

IRD, Electoral Roll, and Waka Kotahi (for your driver’s licence/car rego).

Magazines, newspapers, and regular delivery services.

Doctor, dentist, vet, and any other specialists.

Touch base with your solicitor, moving company, and/or real estate agent to confirm all details (times, key handovers).

Do this a day or two before the move to avoid a soggy mess. Use up the last of your perishables.

Make sure the lights and power are on, and that the taps are working. You don’t want any surprises on moving day.

Give the garden, lawn, and outdoor areas a quick once-over so you leave the property looking presentable.

Do a final walk-through of every room, cupboard, and even the garden shed. Make sure nothing’s been left behind.

Snap photos of the power, gas, and water meters (handy proof if there are any disputes later).

Do a quick wipe-down of surfaces and a final vacuum.

Say haere rā to your whare and arrange key collection with your agent or the new occupants.

Direct the movers (or your mates) using your labels. The ‘kitchen’ box goes in the kitchen, easy.

Unpack your survival kit first and make yourself a cuppa.

Seriously. You’ll be exhausted, and being able to fall into a made-up bed is a small victory.

Confirm that everything listed in your sale and purchase agreement (drapes, light fittings, appliances) is present and working.