Moving House Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

– Here’s How to Make it Easier (and Even Enjoyable!)

Spring in New Zealand is often seen as the season of fresh starts. The days get longer, gardens start blooming, and it’s the time of year when many Kiwis begin thinking about selling or moving house. With that in mind, we’ve pulled together this blog to share some practical tips and creative ideas to help make the moving process a whole lot smoother.

Moving house often tops the list of life’s most stressful events—but it really doesn’t have to be that way. With a little preparation, a positive mindset, and some clever tricks up your sleeve, shifting homes can actually be an adventure. It’s a chance to create new memories, declutter your life, and look forward to fresh beginnings here in Canterbury.

Preparation: Setting Yourself Up for Success

The key to a smooth move is preparation. Here are a few must-dos before the big day:

Create a moving checklist – Start weeks in advance and break it into small, manageable steps.
Gather supplies – Stock up on more boxes, tape, and packing materials than you think you’ll need. Different box sizes help keep things manageable, while a tape gun will save you a world of frustration.
Sort your utilities – Notify your providers to close off accounts and set up essentials like power, water, and internet at your new address in advance.
Update your address – Don’t forget banks, phone accounts, insurance, and even subscriptions.
Research new local services – If you’re new to the area, think ahead about doctors, vets, hairdressers, or gyms you might want to join.

Declutter Before You Pack

There’s no better time to clear out the things you no longer use. Work room by room, creating “keep,” “donate,” and “discard” piles. If you haven’t touched it in a couple of years, you probably don’t need it!

Large items that won’t make the cut? Try listing them on Trade Me or Facebook Marketplace—locals are often keen to grab a bargain. And if all else fails, a skip bin is worth it for peace of mind.

Packing Smarter, Not Harder

Pack an Essentials Box – Toiletries, clothes, snacks, chargers, and important documents all in one easy-to-grab spot.
Label clearly – Go beyond “kitchen” or “bedroom.” Add detail like “Kitchen – glasses & mugs.” Colour-coding for each room also makes unpacking a breeze.
Book movers early – If you’re hiring a moving company or van, lock it in as soon as possible, especially during busy periods.

Tips You Might Not Have Thought Of

Snap photos of your electronics before unplugging everything—it’ll make setting up again much easier.
Use linens to pack fragile items—towels and blankets are eco-friendly bubble wrap!
Plan meals for moving week so you don’t end up living on fish ’n’ chips every night.
Label boxes by priority—“Unpack First” versus “Unpack Later.”
Create a cleaning kit for your new place—you’ll likely want to give it a quick spruce-up

Make it Fun for the Whole Family

Moving doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Try:

Hosting a “packing party” with music, snacks, and friendly competition.
Creating a family time capsule with favourite memories from your old home.
Take a farewell walk around your favourite local spots before you leave.
Letting kids decorate their own boxes with stickers or drawings.
Celebrating your first night with a floor picnic or movie marathon.

Settling Into Your New Canterbury Home

The move might be over, but the adventure continues:

Unpack room by room, starting with the kitchen and bedrooms.
Get to know your neighbours—Cantabrians are famously friendly, so don’t be shy about introducing yourself.
Start a new tradition—maybe a weekly BBQ, a veggie patch in the garden, or a weekend family bike ride on one of Canterbury’s trails.

Our Final Thoughts

Moving is about more than boxes and tape—it’s about fresh starts and new memories. With some planning and creativity, you can make your move less stressful and more exciting.

If you’re dreaming about how to style and set up your new space, the Canterbury Home Show is the perfect place for ideas and inspiration. From expert advice to the latest trends in interiors, building, and renovations, it’s your one-stop shop for turning your house into a home.

Come along and let’s make your next move the best one yet!