Home moving prep starts with getting your space organized so the movers can do their job without delays. That’s the short answer.
But anyone who’s moved house in New Zealand knows how quickly things pile up. One minute you’re ticking off your ultimate moving house checklist, the next you’re knee-deep in old magazines and tangled chargers. It happens.
The good news? With a simple plan and a few weeks of lead time, you can get your home ready without the usual overwhelm.
Ready to make moving day easier? Let’s get started.
What Should You Do 3-4 Weeks Before Movers Arrive?
Start by sorting every room, decluttering items you no longer need, and making final decisions on what to sell, donate, or toss. Let’s be real, the earlier you tackle this, the less you’ll be scrambling later. Three to four weeks before your moving dates is the sweet spot for this pre-move checklist phase.
Here’s how to break it down.
Sort Your Belongings Room by Room
Tackling one room at a time keeps you organized and stops the whole process from feeling like a mountain. So pick a starting point, maybe the bedroom or garage, and work through each space. Separate items into keep, sell, donate, or toss piles as you go.
Don’t skip the closets, storage areas, or that cupboard you haven’t opened in months. You’d be surprised what’s hiding back there.
Once you’ve sorted everything, label your boxes by room so you’ve got a clear inventory of what’s staying and what’s leaving.
Sell, Donate, or Toss What You Won’t Take
We’ve all got that drawer full of mystery cables and chargers for phones we haven’t owned in years. The less you move, the less you pay, so now’s the time to rip off the band-aid.
First, list valuable furniture or unwanted items on Facebook Marketplace, or host a quick garage sale. Then, drop usable clothing at local donation centers before moving week. Anything broken or worn out that nobody can use? Skip the guilt and toss it.
Packing Supplies: Everything You Need Before the Truck Shows Up
Having all your supplies ready means no frantic runs to the store when you’re halfway through packing. From what we’ve seen, running out of tape or boxes mid-pack is one of the easiest ways to lose momentum.
To avoid that slowdown, stock up on boxes in multiple sizes, plus tape, markers, and bubble wrap. It’s a good idea to arrange these a week or two before moving day so you’re not scrambling.
For bulkier items, get specialty supplies like mattress covers, wardrobe boxes, and dish barrels early. If you’re moving internationally to New Zealand, check what household items qualify for duty-free concessions on the NZ Customs website.
Don’t forget the smaller essentials, too. Keep extra newspaper or packing paper handy for wrapping fragile kitchen items like glasses, plates, and mugs. A few extra layers can save you from opening a box of broken dishes at your new place.
How to Prep Heavy Furniture and Fragile Items
Empty drawers, remove detachable parts, and wrap anything breakable with blankets or padded covers before movers arrive. Extra prep on your end makes the job safer and faster for everyone.
After that, focus on the heavy furniture like dressers, desks, and bed frames. Take out the drawers, then remove any legs, shelves, or hardware that could get damaged. Keep screws and small parts in labeled bags so you’re not hunting for them later.
For fragile items like mirrors, artwork, and glass tabletops, wrap them with moving blankets or padded covers. Better safe than sorry when it comes to pieces that can’t be replaced.
If you’ve got antiques or expensive furniture, jot down their value in your inventory. This helps if you need extra coverage from your insurance company or want to add an insurance policy for the move.
Kids, Pets, and Clear Pathways for Movers
Keeping kids, pets, and clutter out of the way lets movers work faster and keeps everyone safe. We’ve learned this the hard way, and a toddler running through the hallway during a furniture haul is not fun for anyone.
Based on our firsthand experience, here’s what works:
- Arrange childcare: Have kids stay with family or friends on the big day. If that’s not an option, set up a play area in an empty room with snacks and activities.
- Secure your pets: Place them in a kennel, fenced yard, or another room away from the action. Open doors and strangers can stress them out.
- Clear the pathways: Make sure hallways, doorways, and stairs are free so the moving company crew can carry furniture without obstacles.
We recommend booking an authorized person or asking friends to help supervise while you stay focused on the movers.
The No-Pack Zone: Items That Stay With You
A no-pack zone is a designated spot in your home for essentials that the movers should never touch. You might be thinking, “Why bother”? Because on moving day, the last thing you want is your keys or medications packed in a box heading to storage.
That’s why you should pick a corner or small room to keep important documents, travel papers, valuables, and overnight bags. Include any health items you’ll need immediately as well.
If you’re handling your change of address or arranging services for your new property, keep that paperwork here too.
Be sure to stash your cleaning supplies in this zone so they’re ready once the movers finish loading. Once everything is in place, mark the area clearly with a “Do Not Pack” sign to avoid any confusion.
It only takes a minute and ensures your important items stay exactly where you need them.
Your Final Moving House Checklist
Your home is ready, and the moving truck is on its way. Here’s your pre-move checklist before the truck pulls up.
- Confirm logistics: Verify elevator booking and parking arrangements. Talk to your local council if you need a parking permit for the street.
- Do a walkthrough: Go through every room and closet. People leave keys behind in drawers more often than you’d think.
- Empty fuel sources: Drain gas bottles and lawnmowers before they go on the truck. Same with your car if it’s being transported.
- Prep your fridge: Make sure it’s defrosted and cleaned so it’s ready for the new owners.
- Share your contact info: Pass your phone number to the moving company crew so they can reach you if needed.
Check them off, and you’re ready to hand over the property with confidence.
All Prepped and Ready for Your New Place
Moving house always feels like chaos waiting to happen. But here’s the thing: a bit of prep work makes all the difference. Sort your belongings early, stock up on supplies, and clear pathways before the truck arrives. Do that, and the moving day becomes way more manageable.
Our guide covers all of this. You now know to start decluttering 3–4 weeks out, gather packing supplies ahead of time, prep heavy furniture properly, and set up a no-pack zone for essentials. Plus, you’ve got a plan for keeping kids and pets safely out of the way.
Ready to get started? Pick one room today and begin sorting. And if you need help with the heavy lifting, our team at Ikku Online is here for you.