Summer is the busiest time of year for moving in Auckland. Leases end, families shift before the new school year, and plenty of people use the Christmas break to finally make the move they have been planning. That means trucks, crews and moving dates book up fast between December and February.
The good news: a summer move can be one of the easiest of the year if you plan it well. Here is how to get it right.
1. Book your movers early
The weeks either side of Christmas and New Year, and the end of January, are the most popular dates of the year. If you already know your moving date, book it as soon as you can. Four to six weeks ahead is a good rule for a summer move, and earlier again if you need a weekend or a specific day.
If your dates are flexible, tell us when you request your quote. A mid-week move is often easier to fit in than a Saturday in peak season.
2. Plan around the public holidays
Summer in New Zealand has several public holidays close together: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, the day after New Year’s Day, Auckland Anniversary Day and Waitangi Day. Banks, real estate offices, landlords and utility companies may be closed or running reduced hours on and around these days.
- Check when you will actually get the keys to your new place, and when you need to hand back the old one.
- Confirm any settlement or bond paperwork well before the holiday break.
- Arrange power, internet and mail redirection early, as these can take longer over the holidays.
3. Start packing before the Christmas rush
December fills up quickly with work events, school prize-givings and family plans. Packing in small batches from early December takes the pressure off.
- Start with things you will not need until after summer, like winter clothes, heaters and spare bedding.
- Pack Christmas decorations straight into labelled moving boxes once they come down.
- Keep a “first night” box with chargers, toiletries, snacks, a kettle and bedding for each person.
Short on time? Our team can do a full or partial packing service, and we supply moving boxes and packing materials too.
4. Beat the summer heat on moving day
A hot Auckland day can make moving tiring for everyone and hard on some of your belongings.
- Start early. Morning moves are cooler and usually quicker.
- Keep water handy for your family and the crew, and keep pets somewhere cool and quiet.
- Protect heat-sensitive items. Candles, vinyl records, photos, wine and some electronics do not like a hot car or truck. Move them yourself in an air-conditioned car if you can.
- Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer the day before, and plan meals so there is little food left to transport.
5. Allow for holiday traffic
Summer traffic in Auckland is unpredictable. Shopping centres are busy before Christmas, holiday traffic builds on the motorways around long weekends, and summer roadworks are common. Allow extra time between pickup and drop-off, and let us know about any tricky access, such as steep driveways, narrow streets or limited parking, so we can plan the right truck and crew.
6. Book your exit clean at the same time
If you are renting, the end-of-tenancy inspection matters for getting your bond back. Cleaners are in high demand over summer too, so book your house and exit clean alongside your move. Then one team handles the whole job.
Ready to plan your summer move?
Rio Movers helps Auckland families and businesses move all year round, including over the busy summer season. Tell us your dates and what you are moving, and we will come back to you with a clear, no-obligation quote, usually the same day.
Get your free moving quote or call us on 021 314 243.