Moving house in Wellington: tips for hills, stairs, parking and wind

Wellington is a great place to live, but it isn’t the easiest place to move house. Steep sections, narrow streets, apartment buildings and the odd southerly all need a bit of planning. Here are our tips from moving households around the region.

Plan for hills and steps

Plenty of Wellington homes can’t be reached by driveway. Homes in suburbs like Northland, Kelburn, Brooklyn and Island Bay often sit up long flights of steps or winding paths, and some even have private cable cars. It’s all doable, but it takes longer than a ground-level move.

• Count the steps at both addresses and tell your movers when you get a quote.
• Measure tight spots such as narrow stairs, landings and doorways, especially for large sofas and fridges.
• Take apart what you can so furniture is lighter and easier to carry.
• Pack in manageable boxes. Smaller, lighter boxes are much safer on steep steps.

Sort out parking early

On moving day the truck needs to park as close as possible to your front door. In many Wellington streets that isn’t easy.

• Use your driveway if the truck can safely fit.
• Ask neighbours to leave space outside your house on the day.
• Look out for clearways, bus stops, yellow lines and time limits.
• If you need to reserve on-street space or use part of the road or footpath, you may need permission from the council. Wellington City Council has information on permissions for using the road. Contact them well before your move.

Moving into or out of an apartment

Inner-city apartments come with their own rules.

• Book the lift with your building manager. Many buildings only allow moves at certain times.
• Check the loading zone or dock and how long you can use it.
• Protect common areas. Some buildings require lift padding or floor protection.
• Measure the lift for large furniture.

Keep an eye on the weather

Wellington weather can change quickly. Rain and wind don’t usually stop a move, but they do affect how it goes.

• Check the forecast in the days before.
• Have old towels ready for wet floors and doormats.
• Keep a clear path from the door to the truck.
• Tie down anything light outside, like outdoor cushions and plants.

Good movers wrap furniture in blankets and keep working in normal rain. If conditions are genuinely unsafe, they’ll talk to you about moving the date.

Moving across the region

If you’re heading out of the city, allow for travel time. Transmission Gully (SH1) makes trips to the Kapiti Coast much quicker, while Wairarapa moves need to be planned around the Remutaka Hill Road. Read our guide to moving from Wellington to Kapiti or the Wairarapa.

Get local movers who know Wellington

We move homes and businesses across Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Kapiti and the Wairarapa. Hills and stairs are our everyday. Get a quote and tell us about your access.