• Start to clean out things you won't need. Plan a garage sale or Online Auction  (www.trademe.co.nz) to sell it. Transport is not free, so if you don't need it, get rid of it!
• Insurance, Check with your insurer that you're covered for the move.
• Access: Can the Removal truck get close to the house, trim trees back, remove large objects from around steps doorways, pathways, make shore there's ample width/hight to get your furniture from house to truck. You may of changed things since moving in.
• Start talking to young children the impending move. Moves to new locations can be traumatic for young children. Preparing them in advance gives the child plenty of time to prepare for the move.

One Month before your move

• Start Packing. As early as one month before, you can buy boxes, packing supplies (markers, etc.) and tape. Pack rarely used china or off-season clothes. When packing, keep in mind that it's most important to fill boxes to capacity. Under-filled boxes can get crushed and over-filled boxes may fall apart. Pick the right size box for the job--boxes should be between 5-15 kg's each.
• Save all your bills. Remember to save your last bills--they have crucial information like account numbers and customer service telephone numbers that will help you change your utilities, credit cards, magazine subscriptions, etc.
• Change magazine subscriptions to new address. In the last few hectic weeks, you probably won't have time to read them anyway!
• Get a copy of medical records. We've just heard too many horror stories of people losing medical records because they don't see a physician or dentist for a while, etc. Get a copy of your medical records and transfer them to a new physician in your new location.

Two Weeks before your move

• Cancel your local newspaper. Or change the address if you get a major national paper delivered to your house.
• Notify all financial accounts of your move. Banks, credit cards, brokerages (personal stocks/mutual funds, other investments, etc.) all need to know your new address. Make a list and call/write them all!

Three Days Before your move

• Disconnect major appliances. Refrigerator, washer and dryer, etc. should all be disconnected, defrosted, and dried out.
• Finish packing!
• Valuables. There are a small number of things that you'll probably want to carry with you or in a personal suitcase. Passport, jewelry, cash, house deeds and other important documents should be set aside and stored in a safe place.
• First Night. For each member of your household, you'll want to pack a few nights' worth of clothes, bedding, toiletries, etc. And food for meals. Remember that it will take you some time to UNPACK on the other end!

Moving Day

• Enjoy! Since you've prepared so well, just relax while the movers load your well-packed boxes onto the truck!