Moving house checklist

Found a new place? Congrats – that’s one of the hardest parts done! We all know there’s a fair bit left to tick off from here, though. So here’s a handy moving checklist to help get you from “we’re moving” to “we’re home”.

We know a house move isn’t always organised two months out. Sometimes life doesn't work that way. So, if you need to move your power urgently, give us a call on 0800 496 496 and we’ll get you sorted.

It’s good to be well organised with plenty of time to manage any unexpected admin challenges:

Choose your moving day

• We reckon Friday’s a good shout – it gives you the whole weekend to get organised and more time to put your feet up. Book leave now if it’s your usual workday.
• DIY move or moving company? Decide if you’re going to put the call out to family and friends or get a professional crew in to help you move. Either way, it’s time to ask them to mark their diaries or book you in.

Decluttering time

• Sift through your stuff. We’ve all held on to things we haven’t used or worn in five years…just in case. Well, here’s your chance to make an executive decision to ditch it, so you've got less to pack. Silver linings, right? Check out our decluttering tips to help you with this one.

Get your utilities arranged

• Funnily enough, we can help with that! Well, the power at least. Moving your power is easy – it just takes a few clicks and we’ll do the rest. Remember to do your internet and landline connections too.

Take a look around

• Check out the new neighbourhood. If you’re moving further than around the corner, do you need to arrange new schools, childcare or doctors?

When it comes to moving house, one month is no time at all! Here’s where it all starts to feel real:

Get your moving packaging

• Start collecting moving boxes. You can buy these or ask around your local shops – they’re often just recycled, so some might consider it a favour. It’s a good idea to stock up on heavy-duty tape, bubble wrap, newspaper, scissors and labels too.

Label everything – future you will thank you

• Label your boxes. We’ve all got a unique method to our madness. Do this however works best for you – numbered, by room or with different coloured stickers. Clearly mark what’s fragile – we don’t want grandma’s china crushed underneath the pots and pans.

Pack it up

• Get packing. Start with the things you don’t use often. Doing a little bit every few days will save on stress later.
• Make an inventory list. It’s always helpful to note down what items are in which box so you can tell your hoses from your hosiery.

Notify everyone about the address change

Put the word out that you’re moving. Here’s a starter for ten:

• Subscriptions (eg food, magazines and newspapers)
• Insurance
• Car registration
• NZ Post
• Banks
• IRD
• Workplace
• Medical centres
• School

Finish off ingredients

• Start eating. The less in your pantry, fridge and freezer, the better! Get creative in the kitchen and use up as much as you can before you move.

Nerves, excitement and a big fortnight ahead. Here’s some useful things to sort out:

Arrange childcare

• Find someone to look after the little ones. That goes for children and furry friends – as much as we love them, we all know it’ll be easier to have them out of our hair on moving day.

Line up professional cleaning.

• Book a cleaning company if you need your house spick and span before someone else moves in. How about choosing a company that uses environmentally friendly cleaning products?
• If you’re doing a DIY clean, make the most of your 15% off Ecostore products online for Meridian customers. Please get in touch to get the code.

Pack up stuff you won’t need in the next few weeks.

Keep packing. We’re sure you haven’t forgotten that part, but we thought it was worth a mention.

On the home straight now. This will all be a distant memory before long. But before then, you’ll have some things to sort:

Key handover

The last thing we want on moving day is to be locked out of the new place! Make sure to figure out when, where and who you’ll pick up the new keys from. Then you’ll want to do the same with your old keys. Find out who to leave your keys with, whether it’s a landlord, real estate agent or the owners of your old place.

Sweat the big stuff

Finish packing the big items that you’ve needed up until now. If you’re left with only your essentials, you’re on track for a smooth move.

It might feel like living out of a suitcase for the next couple of days:

Washing

• Chuck on a final load of washing. Have enough clean clothes to last the family at least a few days into your new place. This gives you a bit of a wiggle room should you face any challenges with getting the laundry appliances sorted.

Map out the move in

• Print out some floor plans of your new place. This will come in handy for your moving crew.

Move-in essentials

Pack an essentials box or two with everything you’ll need for the first night:

• Pillows, sheets and towels
• Pyjamas
• A change of clothes
• Toiletries and medication
• Tea, coffee and the jug
• First aid kit
• Pet food and bowl
• Snacks
• Phone chargers

Tomorrow’s the big shifting day. Here are some last-minute tips to make it all go smoother:

Switch off, unplug and empty

• Unplug the whiteware, defrost the freezer and drain the washing machine hose – it’s almost moving day!
• Empty the bins.

Charged up and ready to go

• Charge the essentials. We want everyone to be at 100% on moving day. The same goes for your phone. And if you drive an EV – good on you – don’t forget to juice that up too.
• Hit the supermarket. No one wants a hangry mover on their hands. Moving day breakfast, lunch and snacks are essential.
• Set an alarm. Or maybe more than one...just in case.

Okay this is it, you’ll be going to bed tonight in your new home. Let’s get this move done!

Eat before you lift a thing

• Have a decent breakfast. Trying to move without proper nutrition is asking for trouble.
• If you've got the kids with you, find a spot for them to hang out while your moving crew are doing their thing. The snacks we bought yesterday will pay off big time right about now.

Moving crew briefing

• Meet the moving crew and ensure they know where everything should go in the new place (cue the floor plan that you organised a few days ago). If you’ve got a friends and family crew, delegate them a job or room each.

Get stuck in

• Whether you have professional movers or not, you’ll likely have a few bits you’ll shift yourself in the car. This could be priceless heirlooms, office equipment or simply stuff you’ll need straight away upon arrival at your new home.
• Always observe careful lifting and shifting practices. Don’t try and move anything outside of your ability and bend your knees!
• Take care of everyone involved – rest when you need and make sure everyone has water nearby.

Clean and check

• Do one last check and clean (if you’re not getting the pros in).
• Lock up, say goodbye to your old place and look forward to new beginnings.

Welcome to your new home! Let’s keep the post-move list short and sweet:

• Check all your boxes have arrived.
• Unpack your essentials.
• Make the beds.
• Plug in the fridge/freezer and put the jug on.
• Become acquainted with your new local takeaway spot.
• Sleep like a log. You earned it and the rest can wait until tomorrow.