Moving day is one of the most exciting—but also potentially stressful—days of your life. Whether you’re transitioning to a new home within Devonport or moving out of the suburb, careful planning can make all the difference.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Move
The key to a stress-free moving day is preparation. The more you organise in advance, the smoother things will go. Here’s a checklist to help you stay on track:
1. Set a Moving Date
- Confirm your moving date as early as possible.
- If you’re buying or selling, ensure the settlement date aligns with your move.
- If you have flexibility, moving on a weekday can be less stressful as moving companies are often less busy.
2. Create a Moving Timeline
- Start packing several weeks in advance, beginning with items you rarely use.
- Book moving services early—especially if moving in peak seasons like summer or spring.
- Arrange for the disconnection and reconnection of utilities (power, water, internet, gas).
3. Notify Service Providers
- Redirect your mail to your new address via NZ Post.
- Update your address with banks, insurance providers, and any other important services.
- Inform schools, doctors, and other essential contacts of your move.
Hiring Movers in Devonport
Choosing the right moving company is crucial for a successful move. Devonport has several local moving services that cater to residential moves, whether it’s across town or further afield.
What to Consider When Hiring Movers:
- Research options: Look for movers with positive reviews and check their credentials (insurance, licensing).
- Compare quotes: Get at least three quotes to compare pricing and services.
- Ask for recommendations: Neighbours or friends in Devonport may have valuable insights into reliable movers.
- Check availability: Moving companies can get booked up, particularly in peak moving seasons, so book early.
Local Moving Companies Recommended in Devonport:
- Auckland Movers: Specialising in local and long-distance moves, they offer packing and unpacking services.
- Smart Express Movers: Known for their efficiency and affordability, with great reviews for moves around Auckland.
- CBD Movers Auckland: A good option for interstate and long-distance moves, with experience in Devonport.
If you prefer to move yourself, you can hire a moving truck from local providers like Hirepool or Budget Truck Rental in nearby areas.
Packing Tips for a Stress-Free Move
Packing can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of moving. A structured approach can make it much more manageable.
1. Start Early
- Begin with non-essential items like books, seasonal clothing, and decorations.
- Pack room by room to stay organised.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
- Moving is a great opportunity to sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need.
- Use local donation centres like Habitat for Humanity ReStore or The Devonport Hospice Shop.
3. Label Everything
- Clearly mark boxes with their contents and destination room in your new home.
- Use colour-coded labels for each room to make unpacking easier.
4. Protect Fragile Items
- Wrap breakables in bubble wrap, towels, or clothing for extra protection.
- Pack heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter ones on top.
5. Pack an Essentials Box
This should include:
- Toiletries
- Change of clothes
- Important documents
- Basic kitchen items (kettle, mugs, cutlery)
- Phone chargers and medications
Moving Day Checklist: What to Expect
On the day of the move, things can get hectic. Here’s how to stay on top of everything:
1. Ensure Your Movers Arrive on Time
- Provide them with clear instructions on parking and access to your property.
- Have a plan for pets and children to keep them safe and out of the way.
2. Do a Final Check of Your Old Home
- Walk through every room to check for forgotten items.
- Ensure all doors and windows are locked before leaving.
3. Supervise the Move
- Direct movers on where to place items at your new home.
- Keep an inventory list of what’s being moved to avoid lost items.
4. Set Up Utilities at Your New Home
- Check that electricity, water, gas, and internet are functioning.
- If anything needs activation, contact your service providers promptly.
Settling Into Your New Home
Once everything has arrived, focus on unpacking efficiently and getting organised in your new space.
1. Unpack Strategically
- Start with the essentials box, followed by kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom items.
- Leave non-urgent items for later—there’s no rush to unpack everything in one day.
2. Organise as You Unpack
- Take time to decide on furniture placement before unpacking everything.
- Store items thoughtfully so your home remains clutter-free from the start.
3. Dispose of Packing Materials
- Recycle cardboard boxes through Auckland Council’s kerbside collection or give them away via local community groups.
- Drop off bubble wrap and packing materials at recycling centres in the area.
DIY vs. Professional Movers: Which Is Best?
When to Hire Professional Movers:
- You have a large home with heavy furniture.
- You’re moving long-distance or internationally.
- You prefer a stress-free experience with minimal effort.
When a DIY Move Might Work:
- You have few possessions or are moving locally.
- You have friends and family to help.
- You’re comfortable with lifting and logistics.
Tools You’ll Need for a Smooth Move
Whether you’re hiring movers or doing it yourself, having the right tools on hand makes the process easier:
- Packing Tape & Dispenser – For securing boxes.
- Bubble Wrap & Protective Padding – To protect fragile items.
- Permanent Markers – For labelling boxes.
- Box Cutter/Scissors – To open boxes quickly.
- Dolly/Trolley – Essential for moving heavy items.
- Screwdrivers & Allen Keys – For disassembling and reassembling furniture.
- Ziplock Bags – For storing small screws and bolts from disassembled furniture.
Get to Know Your New Neighbourhood
Take some time to settle into the community:
- Explore the local shops and cafes
- Visit parks and beaches
- Introduce yourself to neighbours
Final Thoughts
Moving day in Devonport doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning, the right resources, and a solid strategy, you can make your move as seamless as possible.
By hiring a reliable moving company (or organising a DIY approach), packing methodically, and settling in with a plan, you’ll be enjoying your new home in no time.
Happy moving!
