Moving Day Checklist NZ: 8 Steps for a Stress-Free Move

The short version

If you only read one part of this guide, read this. Everything below is the detail behind these eight points.

• Confirm parking and driveway access for a large truck.
• Wrap and box fragile items, clearly labelled FRAGILE.
• Pack every small item into boxes or bags before move day.
• Disassemble beds and large furniture before pickup time.
• Turn off and defrost the fridge and freezer.
• Keep pets and children somewhere safe and out of the carry path.
• Tell us about stairs, lifts, heavy items and access restrictions.
• Keep documents, jewellery and valuables with you, not on the truck.

1. Parking and access — clear the way first

Access decides how long the carry is, and the carry decides how long the day takes. Sort this the week before, not on the morning.

• Check there is space for a large moving truck at both addresses.
• Apartment or gated complex? Book the lift and arrange parking permits with building management in advance.
• Make sure the driveway is wide and high enough — watch for low carports.
• Trim overhanging branches that could block or scrape the truck.
• On-street parking? Reserve the space or give neighbours a heads-up the day before.

2. Fragile items — pack and secure them properly

Movement inside a carton, not the drive, is what breaks things. Fill every gap.

• Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap, packing paper or blankets.
• Use sturdy boxes and label them FRAGILE on two sides and the top.
• Plates travel on edge, not stacked flat.
• Never leave breakables loose — everything goes in a container.

3. Small items — boxed before we arrive

Loose items are the single biggest cause of delays. A crew carrying armfuls of odds and ends moves a fraction of what it can carry in cartons.

• Every small household item in a box or bag before the crew arrives.
• Empty drawers of loose contents unless told otherwise.
• Group boxes by room and stack them near the door of each room.

4. Large items — dismantle before pickup time

Take furniture apart the night before or first thing in the morning so loading can start immediately.

• Break down beds, and remove table legs where possible.
• Take shelves out of bookcases and glass out of cabinets.
• Keep screws and fittings in a labelled bag taped to the item they came from.

5. Fridge and appliances — off in advance

Water is the one thing we cannot mop up mid-load. Appliances need a head start.

• Defrost and switch off the fridge or freezer at least 12 hours before the move.
• Unplug appliances a day ahead so they are dry and at room temperature.
• Drain the washing machine and dishwasher, and secure the hoses.

6. Ready for loading

Loading should start the minute the crew walks in. Everything staged near the door saves real time.

• Bring bags and boxes close to the loading area beforehand.
• Group similar items together.
• Keep passports, documents, medication, jewellery and valuables with you.
• Set aside a kettle, mugs, toilet paper, towels and chargers in one marked box.

7. Pets and children — plan for their safety

Open doors, heavy furniture and a busy hallway are not a safe mix.

• Arrange a secure room, a friend's place or day care for pets and young children.
• Keep the carry path from the front door to the truck completely clear.

8. Tell us what we need to know

Nothing on a move day is a problem when we know about it beforehand. Everything is a problem when we find out on arrival.

• Tell us about stairs, lifts, long carries or limited entry points.
• Flag heavy or specialty items early — pianos, safes, pool tables, large appliances.
• Give clear directions and access details for unloading at the new address.
• Confirm the date and both addresses in writing.

Follow these steps and we take care of the rest

Fixed prices from $70, no deposit and no obligation — pay after the move, not before. Send us your pickup and delivery addresses, your move date and a rough list of what is going, and you will get a written fixed price back.