To help get you started when planning your move, Canstar has devised a simple checklist of some of the essentials:
1. Do you need a removalist service?
When moving, you generally have two choices: moving your belongings yourself (perhaps with the help of friends or family), or finding a professional removalist. If you would rather hire a removalist service, word-of-mouth can be an effective way to find one that has a good track record in your area.
Also check reviews online. Most professional removalists offer different levels of support, from packing and unpacking everything, through to simply loading up your pre-packed boxes and furniture.
2. Collect packing boxes
Are you packing your household items yourself? If so, you’ll need a supply of good-quality moving boxes and strong packing tape. Many removalists and storage facilities sell boxes, or you could ask for old cardboard boxes at your local supermarket.
3. Consolidate and pack
When you begin to pack, you may rediscover belongings you have long forgotten about. Think about whether you need to organise a skip bin to dispose of rubbish, arrange a garage sale for any sellable (but unwanted) items, or donate any unwanted items to charity.
When packing, make sure you use adequate padding for your fragile items. And double-check the weight limits of the boxes you are using. For example, don't pack a large box full of books, as it will become too heavy to lift.
Also, clearly marking which room a box is intended for can speed up the unpacking process at the other end.
4. Take care of outstanding bills
Double-check if you have any outstanding rates or utility bills. If you can, it's a good idea to pay them off before you move, and let your provider know you are moving. This will reduce the risk of losing paperwork or accidentally accruing late fees.
5. Disconnect and connect utilities
When you know your move-out date, you can arrange for your utilities to be disconnected at the house you are moving out of, and connected ready for your arrival at your new house. These include:
- Landline/broadband
- Gas
- Electricity
- Water
Sometimes, utility providers will require access to your new house, which may mean a delay in getting connected, so it could be worth ensuring you have a contingency plan in place. Canstar has plenty of advice about finding the best value electricity and broadband providers.
6. Arrange cleaning
When it comes to cleaning a rental property, you have two choices:
- Doing it yourself
- Hiring professional cleaners.
Many cleaners specialise in helping people who are moving house. And for renters, they often guarantee their work to a standard that warrants full bond repayment. Of course, hiring a pro-cleaner is more expensive than the DIY option.
7. Consider insurance
Whether you are home owner or renting, it's always a good idea to organise insurance to protect your belongings in your new home.
You can also ask your provider about cover during your move, just in case anything doesn't arrive at the new property in its original condition. Transit insurance can help provide a level of financial cover for your possessions if they are damaged and/or lost while they are in transit to your new home.
8. Update your address details
Ensure you advise all your service providers of your new address, so your contact details are up to date. These include:
- Banks and any other financial institutions
- Tax and legal advisors
- Medical & dental practitioners
- Electoral Commission
- Clubs, associations and other groups
- Schools
- Any subscription services (e.g. magazines)
- Road authority
- Any online shopping websites you use, for example Amazon or Trade Me
9. Redirect your mail
Even if you are sure you have proactively updated your address with all your providers, it's surprising how much mail could still be sent to you at your previous home. By redirecting your mail for three months, you can see if there are any companies or friends and family who missed the memo. You can apply to redirect your mail on the New Zealand Post website.
10. Cancel any other regular deliveries
Do you still have a newspaper delivered? How about groceries? Ensure you cancel any regular deliveries. Also remember to cancel any other household services you may use, such as a gardener or widow cleaner.