Wellington is a popular city to relocate to. Whether you’re from another part of the country, or moving here from overseas, you may find that nearly everyone you meet has moved to the Windy City from somewhere else.
Wellington’s diversity is a real plus. You’ll find it easy to meet new people, and find friends that share your interests. Whether you are interested in the outdoors or the arts, there’s something to please everyone in Wellington. There are also a few things you should know about before planning your move.
Wellington’s weather is famously unpredictable. It’s the windiest city in the world—so be prepared for strong gusts year-round. The city's hilly landscape means many houses are only accessible by stairs or steep pathways. This can make moving more challenging.
If you're planning a move, consider the timing carefully. The academic year for Wellington’s universities and tertiary institutions begins in mid-February, making this a busy period for finding a rental.
If this sounds like a lot to plan for, don’t worry! With our guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about moving so that your relocation goes off without a hitch. With a little preparation, you can minimise hassle, and enjoy everything Wellington has to offer.
Moving to Wellington can be a big change. The city has lots of advantages—it’s very compact with the entire CBD fitting into a one-kilometre radius. Public transport is affordable and accessible.
The fringe suburbs of Mt Cook, Mt Victoria, Thorndon, Te Aro and Brooklyn are all popular and affordable options.
Some things can make your move a challenge. Finding a rental is often competitive, and the city has some of the most expensive rents outside of Auckland. Furthermore, most suburbs outside of Te Aro are located on a hillside. While this means that many suburbs have stunning views of the harbour, beaches and bays, it can also make accessing your home a bit more difficult and slow your move down. What’s more, Wellington’s weather can be unpredictable. Wind, rain and sun are all possible on any given day!
A little bit of local knowledge can go a long way to help your move run smoothly.
Start planning your move to Wellington (or across the city) at least 8-10 weeks out. This will give you enough time to get sorted, and avoid the competition of trying to find a moving van at short notice.
Book your Wellington mover early, especially in summer and especially around February. Many students are moving this time and you won’t want to miss out.
If you are planning on using a car hire service like Mevo or CityHop, book in early. You can hire a cargo van through CityHop, but these can get booked out in advance. Mevo has a range of SUVs and electric cars that don’t require booking in advance—but it's still a good idea to hire one early in the day to avoid disappointment.
Plan for all types of weather. Even if you are moving in summer, it’s a good idea to prepare for wind and rain. Don’t leave items unprotected from the elements as they could easily be ruined.
Consider the space you are moving into, and whether your existing furniture will fit. Many houses in Wellington have narrow stairways or accessways. Furniture that can be taken apart and transported may be easier to move. For example, a slat bed base is easier to get up a narrow flight of stairs than a solid bed base.
Moving within Wellington is easier when you know what to expect. If you’re early on in your house-hunting journey, these tips can help your move run smoother. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Wellington’s buying and rental property markets are both very competitive—especially in areas close to the city. Suburbs closer to the CBD are more expensive, while apartments in the city tend to be cheaper due to their smaller size.
It’s important to factor travel times into your budget, especially if you are renting. Suburbs such as Brooklyn, Aro Valley, Mt Cook, Kilbirnie and Newtown strike the perfect balance of proximity, affordability and accessibility.
Some of the most expensive suburbs in Wellington to rent or buy are Roseneath, Oriental Bay, Kandallah, Karori, Miramar and Seatoun. These suburbs often have larger houses and plots of land and offer great views of the city or the coast.
Wellington’s public transport is good—but not all of the cities’ areas are serviced by separate bus lanes, which helps reduce travel times. Suburbs to the south of the city—like Newtown, Island Bay, and Berhampmore—have faster travel times by bus than routes that run across the city.
Parking can be an issue in some suburbs. Many city-fringe suburbs offer coupon parking to ensure you have access to on-street parking. Make sure you add this to your weekly or monthly budget.
Wellington’s weather can be unpredictable. The only thing you can count on is that it is often windy. Summer and autumn are often dryer than the end of winter and spring.
The cost of living in Wellington is high compared to other cities. New Zealand is fairly expensive in general, and the cost of housing, groceries, and other bills can add up. It’s important to have a clear budget in mind before you move house.
Planning can make your move to Wellington run smoothly. This checklist can help you organise your move at every stage.
Pack away any non-essential items early on.
Gather your packing materials.
Tell your utilities and service providers about your move.
Change your address with New Zealand Post.
Book your move with a trusted mover.
Organise a cleaning service if you need one.
Make a plan for moving with pets, children, or older family members.
Pack as much as you can leaving only the essentials.
Prepare an essentials box for moving day.
Update local details like your driver’s license, car registration, and electoral roll.
Confirm with your mover.
Start cleaning rooms that have been emptied.
Pack your remaining items.
Prepare your pets or children for the move.
Save a parking spot early in the day for movers.
Give your movers plenty of space.
Do a final walkthrough of your old property.
Check your utilities work at your new residence.
Unpack and organise: Start by unpacking or organising the biggest items first. Prioritise your kitchen and bedrooms, so that your home is at least functional in the first couple of hours.The cost of hiring a mover in Wellington will differ based on how far you are moving and how big your home is.
On average, smaller one-bedroom apartments can cost around NZ$350, while a larger 3-bedroom house could cost around$648.
The cost also depends on whether you're moving within the city or to the Kapiti Coast or the Hutt Valley.
There are other moving costs you should be aware of too. If you’re buying a home, there are additional costs such as LIM and building reports, real estate fees and conveyancing costs. If you’re renting you’ll need to budget for a bond and two weeks of rent in advance.
When moving house, you’ll have to decide whether to hire professional movers or tackle the mover yourself. There are pros and cons to both. The right choice depends on how much time, money and effort you’re prepared to spend. Our breakdown can help you decide which choice is right for you.
Now that you have your budget and checklist in place, it’s time to start organising. Decluttering your house before you move will save you time and money at the other end.
Sell items in good condition that are in demand.
Donate items that are in good condition but have low value.
Get rid of any items that you have multiple of.
Take broken or damaged items to the dump or tip shop.
Make sure you have the right supplies in your home before you begin your move. Having the right supplies on hand will make packing faster and ensure you avoid any last-minute trips to Bunnings or The Warehouse.
Here’s a list of what you’ll need for a typical move 3-bedroom house move in Wellington.
15-20 Small boxes (use these to store heavy items like books, and kitchenware).
15-20 Medium boxes (use these for packing clothes, kitchen items, and decor).
5-10 Large boxes (use these for bedding, blankets, and bigger items that aren’t too heavy).
2-3 Wardrobe boxes (for hanging clothes).
Where to find them: There are lots of places you can get boxes for moving in Wellington. If you want to purchase new boxes head to Bunnings, Officeworks, or Warehouse Stationary. For second-hand options, check out Facebook Marketplace or Facebook buy, sell or swap pages. If you are looking for free cardboard boxes that have already been broken down, keep a look out in the CBD on Tuesday evenings. Most businesses put their cardboard out for recycling on Tuesday nights.
6-8 rolls of masking tape
Where to find them: Bunnings, Officeworks, Kmart, Warehouse Stationery, and The Warehouse all sell packing tape.
1-2 Rolls of bubble wrap (use this to protect fragile items like glassware).
2-3 Packs of packing paper (you can also use newspaper for this).
Where to find them: Look for packing supplies at Bunnings, Officeworks, The Warehouse or Warehouse Stationery.
5-8 Moving blankets (you can also use old blankets from your home or hire these from a mover).
2-3 Plastic bins (these are useful for small but plentiful items like toys, cleaning supplies or knick-knacks).
Where to find them: Stores like Bunnings, Briscoes, the Warehouse or Warehouse Stationary have a wide range of affordable plastic bins. Although not necessary for moving, they also make great storage devices even after you’ve settled into your home.
Packing always feels like a monumental task, but having a plan to follow can make it that much easier. It’s also worth remembering that you can pay professional movers to pack for you!
Make sure you start with the areas that you use the least. That way you won’t be packing up anything you need until after you’ve moved.
Our room-by-room guide can help you get sorted without having to unpack at any stage.
Spend a day completing any necessary maintenance around your home—such as mowing, weeding or spraying. Then start packing your tools, outdoor furniture and gardening stuff away. You can pack pots, plants and other outdoor items into sturdy boxes. If they are heavy leave them unboxed. You can cover large tools, like lawnmowers, with a cover or blanket.
Disassemble any furniture in spare bedrooms and place bedding into a large box or plastic bin. Make sure you keep any screws or bolts in a small bag, and place them in these boxes.
Sort out any documents that you don’t need to take with you. Now is a good time to throw out or shred any outdated or unnecessary filling. Store your printers and other electronics in medium-sized boxes with packing paper around the sides.
While your other rooms can be packed up without much disruption to your household, your living and dining rooms will likely impact your evening routine. Do this closer to your moving date. If you have any original boxes, store your television or other electronics in these. It’s a good idea to buy a television box to store your flatscreen. It’s the safest option whether you’re hiring movers or doing it yourself.
Wardrobe boxes are great for hanging clothes—but don’t forget about your existing suitcases. Since these need to be moved anyway, you may as well use them for clothing. You can also use a suitcase for packing your bedding if need be.
Bathrooms are notorious zones for clutter. Go through your shelves and throw out any expired items, or anything you just don’t use. Pack your daily toiletries into a toilet bag and put everything else in ziplock sandwich bags to protect your other items from leaks. Wrap mirrors or fragile items in bubble wrap.
Most of us have items and pantry staples in our cupboards from months or years ago. Get rid of anything that is expired and sell appliances that you don’t use. Take your time to wrap up dishes and glassware. You can also buy boxes with dividers that prevent glasses from touching. Wrap any appliances you are keeping with a blanket or bubble wrap and pack them in a large box. You can store any food in reusable grocery bags.
Make sure you’ve factored time for cleaning your home into your schedule. You’ll need to do a thorough job, whether you’re renting or selling your home. Our guide can help you tackle this from ceiling to floor.
Begin by dusting ceilings, light fixtures, and air vents. Then move on to walls, windows, and floors, ensuring any debris falls where it can be easily cleaned later.
Wipe down all surfaces, including countertops, sinks, and appliances. Pay special attention to often-overlooked areas like the stove, range hood, and behind the fridge for a truly thorough clean.
Scrub tiles, grout, mirrors, and sinks. Focus on high-touch areas like the toilet and shower, making sure to remove any soap scum or mould buildup.
Vacuum or sweep every surface, including under furniture and into the corners. Give skirting boards a quick wipe to remove dust and grime.
If there are any stains, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner to freshen up the space.
Clear out all rubbish—including anything left in the garage or storage areas.
Do a walk-through to ensure everything is spotless. Taking a few photos can provide peace of mind and help secure the return of your bond.
If you’re moving from a larger home into something smaller, or your new home isn’t quite ready yet, having a storage solution in Wellington can make moving that much easier.
Storage prices in Wellington vary and costs depend on how much space you need.
A medium-sized storage unit can generally set you back around $250–$350 per month.
Expect to pay more for a larger unit if you need to store items from a 3-4 bedroom home.
Facilities in central areas of Wellington tend to be more expensive, whereas units in Lower Hutt or Porirua may offer better rates.
If you need long-term storage, some providers offer discounts for multi-month bookings. It’s also worth checking if the facility has good security, climate control, and easy access hours.
Medium units go for around $250–$350/month.
Larger units—costs increase with size.
Mobile storage is often more flexible and budget-friendly.
Insurance is recommended for extra protection.
Preparing for special circumstances.
Now that your home is packed and organised, there’s one final step you need to take—putting a plan in place for the people and pets who are coming with you. Here are some tips for moving with your family.
Pets can become anxious during a move due to all the changes in your home.
To help them feel more settled, pack their essentials including food, water, and a familiar item, like their favourite blanket or toy.
If you have a dog make sure you walk them in the morning before your move. It's a good idea to keep cats inside for a day or two before your move. Some cats get anxious and like to disappear until they feel safe to return. If you’re moving across New Zealand, consider hiring a pet transport service.
Moving can be an exciting time for children, but it can also be a source of uncertainty—especially if they are moving away from their friends and school. Getting them involved in the move can help. Let them pack some of their belongings, and involve them in conversations about the move.
Keeping a small bag of their favourite toys, snacks, and comfort items handy can also make the transition easier.
Older family members may have health and accessibility needs, and it's a good idea to consider these early on in your planning.
Make sure their medications are packed separately for easy access, and have someone available to assist them throughout the process.
If you or a family member are moving with a disability, extra planning can make the transition much smoother.
Keep anything you need on a given day such as medications, mobility aids, and important documents in a separate, easily accessible place.
It’s also a good idea to research medical services and community support centres near your new home in Wellington so that you are prepared next time you need to visit or access them.
Wellington is a vibrant city with lots to see, do and experience. Whether you’re moving from an outer suburb into the city, moving to the Kapiti Coast or Porirua, a little planning can make your move that much smoother. So can hiring a moving professional. With Wise Move you can find trusted and affordable Wellington removalists and make your move stress-free.
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