The Ultimate Moving Checklist for Hawke’s Bay Homeowners

Moving house is one of those life events that’s exciting and exhausting in equal measure. Whether you’re upsizing in Hastings, downsizing in Napier, relocating to Havelock North or heading out to Central Hawke’s Bay, a clear plan can make all the difference.

This moving checklist for Hawke’s Bay homeowners is designed to keep things calm, organised and on track with practical steps that reflect how people actually move here. Think school zones, summer heat, rural driveways and the realities of juggling work, family and life along the way.

Eight to Ten Weeks Before Moving: Get Clear Early

Confirm your timeline
As soon as your sale or purchase is underway, confirm key dates:

• Settlement date
• Possession date
• Any overlap between homes

If you’re selling and buying at the same time, clarity here reduces stress later.

Declutter with intention
Before you start packing, decide what’s coming with you and what’s not.

• Donate or sell items you no longer need
• Recycle responsibly where possible
• Book a skip if required (especially for garage clear-outs)

Hawke’s Bay homes often have sheds, outdoor storage and hobby gear, allowing time to sort these properly.

Six to Eight Weeks Before: Lock in the Essentials

Book your movers early
Good moving companies book out quickly, especially during:

• Spring and summer
• School holiday periods
• Month-end settlement rushes

If you’re moving rurally or to a lifestyle property, make sure your movers understand access, driveway length and parking.

Start collecting packing supplies

• Boxes (varied sizes)
• Packing paper or bubble wrap
• Permanent markers
• Labels or colour-coded stickers

Local tip: Smaller boxes are your friend, especially for books and kitchenware.

Four to Six Weeks Before: Start Packing Smart

Pack room by room
Start with areas you use least:

• Spare rooms
• Storage cupboards
• Garage and sheds

Label each box clearly with:

• Room name
• Contents
• “Fragile” if needed

This makes unpacking far easier later.

Organise change-of-address details
Prepare a list for:

• NZ Post
• Banks and insurers
• Utilities and service providers
• Subscriptions and deliveries
• Schools and early childhood centres

Doing this gradually avoids last-minute scrambles.

Three to Four Weeks Before: Think Local and Practical

Transfer or cancel local services
If you’re staying within Hawke’s Bay, some services may transfer easily.
Check:

• Power and gas
• Internet and fibre
• Water (especially in rural areas)
• Rubbish and recycling collection

Rural moves often require extra notice for utilities, so allow time.

Plan for pets and children
Moving day can be overwhelming.

• Arrange childcare if possible
• Organise pet care or a quiet room
• Keep routines as normal as you can

This helps everyone settle more smoothly.

Two Weeks Before: Finalise the Details

Confirm with your moving company
Double-check:

• Arrival time
• Access details
• Special items (pianos, artwork, spa pools)

Prepare an essentials box
Pack one clearly marked box with:

• Kettle, mugs, tea and coffee
• Toilet paper and hand soap
• Phone chargers
• Snacks
• Cleaning wipes
• Important documents

This box stays with you, not on the truck.

One Week Before: Wrap Things Up

Finish packing

• Aim to have most packing done before the final few days.
• Leave out only daily essentials
• Disassemble furniture if needed
• Keep hardware in labelled bags

Clean or book a cleaner
If you’re selling, a clean home at handover matters.

• Book professional cleaners if possible
• Don’t forget ovens, bathrooms and outdoor areas
• A tidy handover sets the tone for settlement day.

Moving Day: Keep It Simple

Before the movers arrive

• Do a final walkthrough
• Check cupboards, sheds and outdoor areas
• Take photos if needed

During the move

• Keep valuables with you
• Stay available to answer questions
• Direct boxes to the correct rooms
• If it’s a warm Hawke’s Bay day, keep water handy for you and the movers.

After You’ve Moved In: Settle In Smoothly

Do an initial walkthrough
Check:

• Power and water are connected
• Appliances are working
• Any agreed inclusions are in place

Unpack in stages
Start with:

• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen

Don’t rush everything at once; settling in takes time.

Introduce yourself locally

Hawke’s Bay communities are welcoming.

• Say hello to neighbours
• Visit local cafés and shops
• Learn rubbish collection days
• Find nearby parks and schools
• It’s one of the best ways to feel at home quickly.

Extra Tips for Hawke’s Bay Moves

• Summer moves: Plan around heat, early starts help
• Rural properties: Allow extra time for access and utilities
• School zones: Confirm enrolments early
• Lifestyle blocks: Plan fencing, animals and storage ahead
• Local knowledge makes moving easier and more enjoyable.

Moving as Part of a Bigger Property Change

For many homeowners, moving is part of a bigger journey, upsizing, downsizing, investing or relocating within the region. Having the right advice early can simplify everything from timing to logistics.

Need a Hand With Your Next Move?

If you’re planning a move in Hawke’s Bay or thinking about selling and buying, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with our Ray White team for friendly guidance, local insight and support through every step of your move.

Whether you’re just starting to plan or already packing boxes, we’ll help make the process feel clear and manageable.