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What to consider before moving

There are many things to plan for and consider before moving to a new suburb, town, or city across Aotearoa. Here are some tips to help make the process run as smoothly as possible.

5 minute read

Moving is an exciting time and something that you might be considering for a new job, to be closer to that special someone, or for a fresh start in life. So, if you’re thinking ‘Should I move to a new city?’, here are some things to consider before you take the leap.

Small town vs big smoke

It’s important to consider the kind of lifestyle you want to lead before you make the big decision about where to move. While opportunities in the regions are on the rise, some people prefer the opportunities and the faster pace of city life.

The re-balancing of the job market in the regions means skilled workers are making the move from major centres to areas like the Waikato, the Bay of Plenty, Otago, Nelson and Manawatu-Wanganui. With lower living costs, maybe a regional move would be a good one for you?  

Getting around

In cities like Auckland or Wellington, you’ll need to be prepared to navigate extensive urban sprawl. While public transport varies from city to city, it shouldn’t cause too many issues if you live centrally or on the city fringe. If you’re living further out, it’s likely you’ll need your own vehicle to get around. If this is the case, you’ll have to consider parking costs, which can range from $15 - $40 a day, along with car ownership costs. 

Public transport can be a good option in the larger cities and the monthly cost will depend on where you live. Public transport cards like AT HOP card  (Auckland), Snapper (Wellington), Metrocard (Christchurch), or Bee Card (Dunedin), could give you a discounted rate, or you could be better off with a monthly pass for unlimited use.  Once you know where you’re living you will need to figure out the most cost-effective way to get around.

The cost of flatting

If you’re a first-time flatter, you may not realise the cost of moving into a new property. Bond and rent in advance payments are usually required to get set up in a new flat. On top of rent, bills like power, water, gas and internet can drive the price up. Some other initial expenses you might have to cover include essential items like furniture, whiteware and technology.

When looking at a location to live it is a good idea to weigh up the rent price against the potential transport costs, sometimes it works out better to pay a bit more to be closer if it means you pay less for transport. To find out more about flatting and how much it all can cost, see Get your flatting finances sorted.

Where to put your autograph

If you’re moving into a brand-new flat, you’ll probably be asked to sign a lease. Signing the lease for a property is a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The length of your lease can be determined by many factors, but generally, you’ll choose from a three, six, or 12-month term.

If you join an existing flat, make sure you ask how much they each pay per week for bills and how they run a joint flat account. It’s also good practice to find out who has access to and manages the flat bank account so there are no surprises.

Once the lease is signed, the responsibility of keeping the home reasonably clean and tidy sits on the leaseholder's shoulders – so make sure you keep an eye on the condition of the property and note down any changes or damages over time.

There are many things to consider before you move to a new city. Where you’re going to live, how you’re going to get around and what to spend your money on are just some of the things that need to be factored in. Whether you’re moving to a small town or a big city, it’s important to get the basics locked in as soon as possible. Once that’s done, you’ll be up and running in no time. 

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This article is solely for information purposes and is not intended to be financial advice. If you need help, please contact BNZ or your financial adviser. Neither BNZ nor any person involved in the material accepts any liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance on, all or any part of the content.

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