The Complete House Moving Checklist for Christchurch Homes

Confirm Your Moving Date

• Book your move with Christchurch Movers as soon as your date is set.
• Note that popular times like weekends and school holidays fill quickly.
• Contact us with any additional questions

Budget & Moving Costs

Estimate costs for:

• Truck Hire
• Professional Movers
• Packing Materials
• Insurance
• Cleaning Fees

Declutter & Downsize

• Sort wardrobes, cupboards, sheds, and garages. Go room by room.
• Donate, recycle, or sell items you no longer need.
• Safely dispose of expired medicines, paints, or flammable goods.
• Back up important documents and digital files.
• Shred old documents you no longer need.

Create an Inventory

• List every room and its furniture/items.
• Measure large furniture and appliances.
• Check doorways, hallways, and stairwells for fit.

Gather Packing Supplies

• Collect sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and labels.
• Label boxes by room and contents from the start.
• Need help? Check out our packing services.

Review Insurance & Cover

• Check if your insurance covers items in transit.
• If needed, arrange moving-specific insurance.

Notify Services & Organisations

• Utilities: power, gas, water
• Internet, phone, Sky/Paid TV
• Banks, KiwiSaver, finance providers
• IRD, ACC, Work & Income
• Insurance policies: house, contents, car, health
• Electoral roll
• Schools and preschools (collect student records)
• Clubs, gyms, subscriptions
• Friends and family

Packing Plan

• Decide which rooms to pack first
• Use a colour-coded system for each room to make unpacking easier.
• Include “Fragile” stickers for delicate items.
• Maintain a master list of all boxes.

Plan Meals & Essentials

• Create a meal plan for the last week before moving – reduces food waste and stress.
• Keep a small “moving week essentials” kit: snacks, water, tools, cleaning supplies.

Plan Transportation for Vehicles

• Organise transport for cars if moving long distances.
• Update insurance and registration details for the new address.

Organise Special Items

Arrange crates or specialist transport for pets, plants, pianos, spa pools, or delicate artwork. Christchurch Movers can advise on moving bulky or fragile items safely.

Pack Non-Essential Items

• Books, DVDs, rarely used media
• Seasonal clothing
• Decorative ornaments
• Extra linens and bedding

Maintenance and Repairs

• Complete painting, minor repairs, or garden maintenance.
• Ensure appliances are functional.

Utility Transfers and Mail Redirection

• Schedule meter readings and reconnections
• Compare service providers for potential savings
• Set up mail forwarding with the Post

Pack an Essentials Box

• Toiletries, medications
• Chargers, laptops
• Bedding for the first night
• Snacks, kettle, tea/coffee, mugs
• Kids’ and pets’ comfort items
• Important documents

Confirm with Movers

Double-check move times, access at both properties, parking, and special handling requirements.

Confirm Accessibility

• Measure elevators, stairways, and hallways for large furniture.
• Reserve parking permits if necessary.

Pets & Plants

• Schedule veterinary checks or vaccinations if required.
• Prepare travel crates and comfort items.
• Check out our moving with pets advice

Utilities Check

• Confirm disconnection/reconnection dates for gas, electricity, water, internet, phone.
• Notify neighbours of potential disruptions if moving day traffic may block driveways.

School, Childcare & Pet Arrangements

• Prepare pet travel plans.
• Notify schools and arrange childcare if necessary.
• Check out our moving with kids help

Legal and Administrative Tasks

• Ensure mortgage/settlement paperwork is completed.
• Collect keys, remotes, and manuals.
• Update your address with all necessary parties.

The Day Before Moving

Final preparation ensures a smooth moving day.

Appliances & Equipment

• Drain petrol from garden equipment and tools.
• Defrost and clean fridges and freezers.
• Disconnect and drain washing machines, dishwashers, and water filters.

Packing & Essentials

• Identify priority boxes to unload first at your new home.
• Prepare overnight bags for each family member with clothes, toiletries, and essentials.
• Keep important documents and valuables in a secure, accessible place (passports, jewellery, cash, insurance papers).

Home Prep

• Empty bins and recycling.
• Water plants a week before a long-distance move — they travel better when not freshly watered.
• Prepare a simple breakfast for moving day to keep everyone fueled.

Moving Day

Stay organised and ensure your belongings are handled safely.

Valuables & Documents

• Keep passports, jewellery, cash, and important documents with you at all times.

Protect Your Home

• Use rugs or padding to protect floors and high-traffic areas during the move.

Emergency & Essentials Kit

• Keep a first aid kit, flashlights, tools, and cleaning wipes handy.
• Have a small box of essentials (snacks, water, chargers) for the first hours in your new home.

Inventory & Documentation

• Go room by room to ensure all items are loaded onto the truck.
• Take photos of valuable or fragile items for insurance purposes.

After Moving

Settling into your new home.

Utilities Check

• Confirm electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone are working.

Safety & Security

• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Change locks or get spare keys cut.

Unpack Essentials First

• Bedding, kitchen supplies, toiletries, kids’ items.

Meet the Neighbours & Explore

• Introduce yourself and learn local amenities.

Update Address

Banks, IRD, vehicle registration, insurance, subscriptions.

Other Tips

Moving with Kids

• Assign a “moving buddy” to help supervise children.
• Keep toys, games, and snacks accessible.

Moving with Pets

• Pack a “pet essentials kit” with food, water, bedding, and toys.

Packing Fragile Items

• Use towels, blankets, or bubble wrap for extra padding.
• Pack dishes vertically to prevent breakage.

International / Long-Distance Moves

• Prepare for customs, quarantine rules, or ferry bookings.
• Consider seasonal or climate-related challenges (snow, heat, humidity).