Moving isn’t hard because of the boxes. It’s hard because it messes with your routine. Suddenly, everything’s in-between. You’re half here, half somewhere else. If you’re moving house in Auckland, you’ve got a bit more to think about too—hills, weather, traffic, and the fact that not all movers will tell you they can’t get their truck up your driveway until they actually show up.
So, let’s just break this down the way a friend would explain it over a coffee.
Figure out your dates early
Don’t wait until you’ve packed your last spoon to start making calls. If you know you’re moving out at the end of the month, try not to book your movers for the 30th or 1st. Everyone does that, and movers get booked out. Also, that’s when prices magically go up.
Even if you’re not 100% sure of the exact date, at least start pencilling things in. Moving during the week is usually cheaper and less chaotic.
Get rid of the “why do I still own this?” pile
You know that drawer with cables you haven’t touched since high school? Now’s the time.
Go through one room at a time and just be honest with yourself. If it’s broken, useless, or makes you roll your eyes, toss it, donate it, or list it on Trade Me. Don’t move things you’re going to throw out later.
Keep a “donate” box by the door and just chuck stuff in as you go. It makes a bigger difference than you’d think.
Don’t trust every moving company’s website
Anyone can say they’re the best movers in Auckland. The real question is whether they’ll show up on time, with enough people, and not chuck your things around like they’re gym bags.
Here’s what matters:
- Ask around—friends, neighbours, even your local Facebook group.
- Be specific. Do they charge by the hour or flat rate? What happens if it rains? What if they scratch your fridge? Is there an extra fee for stairs or longer driveways?
- If you’re moving from a place with tight parking, let them know upfront.
You don’t want surprises on the day. That’s when things fall apart.
Start packing way earlier than seems normal
If you think packing will take two days, it’ll probably take five. No joke.
Begin with stuff you won’t miss—books, winter coats, old decorations. Leave daily-use items for last. Use proper boxes, tape them properly, and label the top and side with where they go (e.g. “Kitchen – cutlery”, not just “stuff”).
Also, don’t overpack. You’re not trying to win Tetris. One snapped box can ruin your day.
Pro tip: pack one “first night” box. Toothbrush, change of clothes, snacks, phone charger, toilet paper, kettle. You’ll be too tired to dig through everything.
Let people know you’re moving
Not just your mates. You’ll need to tell:
- Power and gas company
- Internet provider
- NZ Post (set up mail redirection—it’s worth it)
- IRD, insurance, bank, car rego
- Your doctor, if you want to stay in the same network
Write it all down and knock them off one by one. Saves chasing mail or unpaid bills later.
Don’t assume the power’s on at the new place
It’s Auckland. Sometimes things don’t work especially if the house was empty before you moved in.
Call the power company at least a few days before and confirm everything’s connected. Same with gas, water, and internet. If you’re renting, double-check what’s your job and what’s the landlord’s.
Also, if it’s a fibre-only property and your modem’s not compatible, it’s a slow start to your first week.
Clean both places (or pay someone to)
If you’re leaving a rental, your bond depends on how clean it is. Some property managers are stricter than others. Either way, clean like it’s your parents coming over.
- Wipe cupboards inside and out
- Clean the oven (you’ll hate it but do it anyway)
- Check for cobwebs, especially in high corners
- Steam clean the carpet if needed
If you’re selling or just being decent, do the same for the new place before moving everything in. Even if it looks clean, you’ll feel better.
Be ready on the day
It’ll feel like everything’s happening too fast. Stay calm.
Have a clear spot for boxes. Stack by room or weight. Keep your essentials (wallet, keys, phone, coffee) in one bag you don’t let go of. Take photos of everything you care about—TV wires, shelf setups, meter readings. Trust me, you won’t remember where anything plugs in.
And breathe. The movers are just people too. Offer a coffee or water. Direct them if needed but don’t hover.
At the new place
Don’t aim to unpack everything that night. You won’t. Get your bed sorted. Set up the kettle. Plug in the fridge. Do what you need to feel okay.
If you’ve got kids or pets, try to have someone watch them or at least take them out for part of the day. Moving’s stressful enough without a toddler chasing the vacuum or the cat hiding in a drawer.
Over the next few days, unpack one room at a time. Don’t rush to make it perfect. You’ll move things around anyway.
Extra tips just for Auckland
- Rain comes out of nowhere, so have tarps or plastic wrap ready. Even if it looks sunny when you wake up.
- Driveways can be nightmares. If your street is steep or narrow, check if the truck can get close. If not, they may need to walk things up.
- Parking’s a pain in some areas. Try to save a space near your place with bins or cones if you can. If it’s an apartment or complex, check if you need to book a lift or access slot.
- Traffic is real. Let the movers know what time you want them and keep things flexible. A 15-minute delay can easily become 45 on a Friday.
A quick recap, without fluff
- Don’t leave packing or booking to the last minute
- Throw away or give away what you don’t need
- Ask the right questions before hiring movers
- Label everything
- Tell your service providers
- Take photos for proof
- Clean both homes
- Keep snacks and phone chargers handy
- Don’t expect to unpack everything on day one
- Take your time settling in
Conclusion
Moving in Auckland takes effort, but with a bit of planning, clear thinking, and honesty about what you actually need, it’s completely doable. You’ll get through it—just not all in one day.