Moves go wrong when everything lands in the last four days. This is the sequence we see work, counted back from move day.
Eight to six weeks out
Book your movers. Quotes are free, and holding a date early costs you nothing but locks in the crew size you need.
Start the cull. Every carton you do not move is money saved, and charity shops need lead time for furniture pickups.
If you are renting, check your notice period and confirm the end-of-tenancy clean requirements in writing.
Four weeks out
Order packing materials, or book packers if you want the job done for you. Order roughly 20% more cartons than you think you need — running out mid-pack is the classic delay.
Book utilities: power, internet and gas at the new address, with disconnection at the old one for the day after you leave, not the day of.
Arrange a mail redirect with NZ Post and start a list of everyone who needs the new address: bank, IRD, GP, vet, employer.
Two weeks out
Pack everything you will not use before the move: books, off-season clothes, spare linen, decor, garage contents. Label every carton by destination room, not by contents.
Confirm access at both ends — parking for the truck, lift bookings for apartments, gate codes and any building sign-in.
Use up the freezer. Frozen food does not travel well and a defrosted chest freezer needs 24 hours to dry out.
The final week
Pack an 'open first' carton per person: bedding, towels, toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, basic tools, coffee. Carry it in your own car.
Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer 24 hours before the truck arrives.
Take photos of high-value furniture before it is wrapped. It takes five minutes and gives you a clear record of its condition.
On the day, keep passports, jewellery, medication and documents with you rather than on the truck.
