Moving house involves a lot more than boxes. This checklist takes you from the weeks before your move through to your first days in the new place, including all the organisations you need to update when you change address in New Zealand.
Official information was last checked in September 2026. Always confirm details on the official websites linked below.
4 to 6 weeks before you move
- Book your movers, especially if you’re moving on a weekend, at month end or during school holidays. Get a quote from us.
- If you’re renting, check your notice period and give notice in writing. See our guide to moving out of a rental.
- Start decluttering. Sell, donate or dump anything you don’t want to take.
- Check school zones and enrol children at a new school if needed.
- Order boxes and packing supplies and start packing items you rarely use.
2 to 3 weeks before
- Arrange power, gas and internet at your new address. Powerswitch lets you compare power plans.
- Book lifts or loading docks if you’re moving into or out of an apartment.
- Work out parking for the truck at both addresses.
- Set up NZ Post mail redirection (see below).
- Use up frozen food and pantry items.
The week before
- Confirm your moving time and access details with your movers.
- Pack everything except daily essentials, and label boxes by room.
- Arrange for plumbed or gas appliances to be disconnected.
- Defrost and dry the fridge and freezer the day before.
- Pack a “first night” box: kettle, mugs, phone chargers, toilet paper, bedding, medication and a change of clothes.
Who to tell when you change address in NZ
NZ Post: mail redirection
NZ Post’s Mail Redirection Service forwards your mail to your new address. Apply online at least 4 working days before you want it to start, or 6 working days if you apply in store. It covers mail delivered by NZ Post. Redirect your mail with NZ Post.
NZTA Waka Kotahi: driver licence and vehicles
If you own a vehicle, you’re required to tell NZTA about your new address without delay. You can update your vehicle address online. Update the address on your driver licence at the same time so you receive renewal reminders: update your driver licence details.
Electoral Commission
Your enrolment doesn’t update automatically when you move. Update your enrolment at vote.nz using your driver licence, passport or RealMe.
Your council: dog registration
If you have a registered dog and move within the same council area, you must tell the council within 14 days. If you move to a different district, both councils need to know. Wellington City Council has details on updating your dog’s details.
Everyone else
- IRD (update your address in myIR)
- Your bank, credit card providers and KiwiSaver provider
- Home, contents and car insurance
- Your employer
- Your GP, dentist and pharmacy
- Schools and early childhood centres
- Phone, internet, streaming and subscription services
- Online stores you shop with regularly
Moving day
- Be there when the movers arrive, or have someone you trust there to help.
- Walk through each room before leaving to check nothing is left behind.
- Take photos of the empty property, especially if you’re renting.
- Keep valuables, documents and keys with you.
After you move
- Check furniture and boxes as they’re unloaded.
- Take meter readings at the new place.
- Find your new rubbish and recycling days on your council website.
- Update any addresses you missed.
Planning a move in the Wellington region? Get a quote from Central Relocations.
Moving in the Wellington region?
Tell us about your move and we'll get back to you with a quote. House, apartment and office moves across Wellington, the Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kapiti and the Wairarapa.
