The Moving Company

Do you want every day to feel like you’re on holiday? To wake up to picturesque views of beaches, hinterland, and rainforests. Then it’s time to pack your bags and move to the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

Named the most loved place in the world, the Sunshine Coast is fast becoming a popular for young professionals, international students, families, and retirees.

About the Sunshine Coast

Located an hour from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is surrounded by 65kms of beautiful coastline and stunning mountain vistas. Home to the five different national parks in Queensland including; The Glass House Mountains National Park, Noosa National Park, and the Great Sandy National Park, the biodiversity of the Sunshine Coast is unmatched.

The untouched landscapes are just one of the reasons why over 3.2 million people visit the Sunshine Coast every year.

What’s more, the Sunshine Coast has fantastic weather, averaging around 300 days of sunshine per year. The temperature rarely drops below 28oc in summer and averages around 20oc in winter. It is no wonder 359,000 people call it home.

Here are 6 more reasons to move to the Sunshine Coast!

(1) There is Plenty to Do

Whether you’re the outdoor adventure type or the brunch and shopping type there is something for everyone on the Sunshine Coast.

For all the foodies, the Sunshine Coast has a fantastic dining scene. The Mooloolaba Esplanade has an array of restaurants to cater to all your food cravings. While Alexandra Parade has dining with a view, located on the waterfront you can enjoy your meal while taking in the spectacular scenery.

For those who love a bit of retail therapy, the Sunshine Coast has got you covered. The Sunshine Coasts Sunshine Plaza has over 320 speciality stores, a cinema, and a high ropes course so you can keep the whole family entertained while shopping. The Local Markets are also a very popular Friday night activity, showcasing the vibrant culture of the city.

For nature lovers, the Glass House Mountains will be your new stomping ground with 11 breath-taking ranges to explore, each with its unique landscapes, views, and tracks.

(2) It’s the Perfect Place to Have a Family

One of the best things about the Sunshine Coast is the incredibly relaxed lifestyle and a strong sense of community, the locals are very friendly and welcoming to newcomers. No matter your age, it’s easy to make friends, with lots of community groups, activities, and events to attend.

What’s more, the education facilities on the Sunshine Coast are second to none. Sunshine Coast Grammar School is a very highly rated private school that teaches from prep to year 12 (the final year of school in Australia). While Chancellor State College is a popular public primary school and Sunshine Beach State School is an internationally accredited public secondary school.

(3) Housing Options

The Sunshine Coast housing market is booming and there are plenty of housing options to suit all lifestyles with the average median house price varying depending on what suburb you choose.

Peregian Springs is a popular choice with families. The median four-bedroom house price is roughly $965,000 and rent is around $720 a week. Over half of the households in this neighbourhood have children with an array of education facilities, cafes, restaurants, parks, and sporting fields there is so much to keep the kids entertained.

While Coolum Beach is a fantastic location for those wanting to retiree. The median price for a one-bedroom unit is $585,000 and rent is roughly $420 a week. There is a strong neighbourly spirit in this suburb and plenty of cafes, restaurants, medical facilities, and shopping. Additionally, it is conveniently only 10 minutes from the airport.

Another favourite is the seaside suburb of Buddina, home to the Sunshine Coasts largest shopping centre, plenty of dog-friendly cafes, and magnificent walking trails. The median four-bedroom house price in Buddina is higher than the others at 1,498,500 and rent is $800 per week.

(4) Stable Job Market

Much like the housing market on the Sunshine Coast, the job market is growing with plenty of opportunities in a range of industries.

While the Sunshine Coast is known for its aerospace and specialist IT offerings, if you’re wanting a career in health and wellbeing, education, professional services, tourism, agriculture, clean technologies, aviation, or hospitality then you are in luck! These sectors are continuing to grow with jobs available at all skill levels.

You can check out current job opportunities on the Sunshine Coast here.

(5) Accessibility

What’s more, the Sunshine Coast is super central. Only one hours drive from Brisbane you can head away for an adventure-packed weekend or jump on a flight and be in Sydney within an hour and a half.

There are also regular flights back to New Zealand from the Sunshine Coast Airport, making it easier than ever to plan a trip home.

(6) The Beaches

For surfers, swimmers, and beach lovers the Sunshine Coast is a paradise. Home to some of the world’s best beaches, including, Mooloolaba Beach which has been voted the best beach in Queensland. This family-friendly, surfing beach offers the best of both worlds with shallow paddling areas and surf breaks with larger swells. The Mooloolaba esplanade also has a range of cafes, restaurants, and shops if you don’t feel like swimming.

Other popular beaches with families include Bulcock Beach and King Beach due to the array of facilities close by, including playgrounds, BBQs, and patrolled sections of the beach.

Surfers’ favourites include Coolum Beach and Noosa National Park, both of which have a range of swells and surf breaks to cater to different levels of experience.

Considering a move to Perth, Australia? Do you want over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year? Breath-taking beaches at your doorstep? How about minimal traffic, safe suburbs, and friendly locals? If you’re answering yes, yes, and yes, then Perth, Western Australia is the place for you!

It doesn’t matter what stage of your life you’re in, there is something to accommodate all lifestyles in Perth.

About Perth

Perth, Western Australia’s capital city, is located on the Swan River and lies between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Scarp Ranges making it one of the most isolated cities in the world. Yet, it is the fourth largest city in Australia home to over 2.2 million people with over 33,000 of these locals being kiwis.

With over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year the city Perth has earned itself the title of sunniest city in Australia with temperatures in summer averaging 25 oc. It’s also home to some of Australia’s best botanical gardens, parks, and the famous Cottesloe Beach.

If that isn’t reason enough to cross the ditch here are 6 more reasons to relocate to Perth!

(1) It’s one of the most liveable cities in the world!

A surf before work, BBQs with friends, and more free time are staples for people living in Perth. Voted as one of the most liveable cities in the world -we can see why.

In Perth people prioritise work-life balance, the locals are friendly and there is an overall laidback lifestyle. With commutes shorter due to less traffic, flexible workdays, and a lower crime rate it is no wonder people are happier living in Perth.

What’s more, Perth is an incredibly affordable city with the average cost for a single person estimated to be $1,431 a month without rent and for a family of four around $5,146 a month excluding rent.

If you’re looking to buy a home in Perth, your dollar goes a long way. With the median house price roughly $525,000 it is the cheapest capital city in Australia. Compared to Melbourne at $1.125 million and $1.6 million in Sydney.

If you’re looking to rent the average monthly cost of a three-bedroom apartment in Perth’s city centre is $2,829 compared to $3,664 in Auckland – that is 29.55% lower!

(2) You’re Spoilt for Choice!

Whether you’re looking to rent or buy you are spoilt for choice in Perth! With each suburb full of apartments, townhouses, and standalone houses you can find the perfect home in the perfect suburb for you.

Here are some of the most popular suburbs in Perth:

Dalkeith – Perth’s most affluent suburb is popular with families and people looking for larger homes. Located on the peninsula of the Swan River, it is a low-traffic area with quiet leafy streets. With 8 parks and many reserves all within walking distance, Dalkeith is a beautiful suburb the whole family can enjoy.

Swanbourne – Located 10km from the CBD this beachside suburb is another popular choice for families.  It has an excellent array of schools, parks, walking track, cafes, and restaurants all within easy reach. Popular facilities include Swanbourne beach, the Cottesloe Golf Club, and Allen Park which has tennis, football, and cricket facilities.

Northbridge – This vibrant suburb is perfect for millennials located only one kilometre from the CBD making it an easy commute to work.

What’s more, there is an array of bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and clubs right at your doorstep.

Not only this, but it also has a booming cultural precinct home to the Perth Cultural Centre and the annual Fringe Festival.

Murdoch – This centrally located suburb is perfect for those looking to downsize or retire. The quiet and affordable suburb has close proximity to the Fiona Stanley Hospital and the Bull Creek Shopping Centre. It has excellent public transport and plenty of parks and reserves ready to be enjoyed.

(3) Quality Education

If you’re an international student looking to further your studies in Perth, you’re in luck with five world-class universities to choose from.

Notre Dame University is a popular choice with international students as it ranks number one for the best international student experience.

While the University of Western Australia is popular with students interested in Medicine, Science, Nutrition, Psychology, and Communications and is ranked 86th in the world.

Other universities include Curtin University, Murdoch University, and Edith Cowan University.

Relocating to Perth with kids? Perth also has a fantastic range of public and private schools to choose from. Popular schools with expats include All Saints College and Guildford Grammar School which are co-ed schools that teach from age four to age 18 (primary to secondary school).

(4) Job Opportunities

If you are interested in a career in resources, energy, mining, or technology then Perth is the perfect place for you. It is recognised internationally for its expertise in these fields and is home to eight of the world’s top international energy companies.

What’s more, Perth currently has a skills shortage and is after an additional 40,000 skilled labour workers.

Other popular industries include agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, professional services, and education.

(5) Culture

While Melbourne might be the cultural capital of Australia, Perth isn’t far behind. Perth has an abundance of cultural experiences and attractions to explore.

Whether you prefer live music, theatre, comedy, dance, or visual arts you can experience it all in Perth.

Popular attractions include the Art Gallery of Western Australia which showcases artwork from the 1800’s to now and the Boola Bardip Museum which tells the stories of the local Whadjuk Nyooar tribe who have occupied western Australia for over 40,000 years.

(6) International Gateway!

Perth may be Australia’s most isolated city, but it’s also a gateway to the rest of the world.

Whether a trip home for the holidays or a vacation in Bali with Perth’s International Airport located just 30 mins from the CBD you’re never far away from your next international adventure.

While it may be Australia’s holiday capital, the Gold Coast isn’t just a great place to visit, it’s an even better place to live. With fantastic weather, beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and a booming dining scene it’s no wonder hundreds of Kiwis cross the ditch every year for a better life on the Gold Coast.

Whether you’re a university student wanting to study abroad, a young professional looking to further your career, a family looking for a different lifestyle, or a retiree looking to settle down in the sunny city you will find everything you need and more living in the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast is a coastal city situated on the southeast corner of Queensland, just south of the state’s capital Brisbane. It is Australia’s largest non-capital state where over 720,000 people call it home (7.95% of these people are Kiwis!)

What’s more, the Gold Coast has a sub-tropical climate meaning they have over 300 days of sunshine per year. With yearly temperatures averaging between 17 to 25 degrees, there is no need to pack your winter clothes when relocating to the Gold Coast.

If you’re planning on moving to Australia, here are six more reasons why you should choose the Gold Coast!

(1) It has some of the best beaches in the world!

No matter where you are on the Gold Coast you’re never far from the beach.

Surfers Paradise is the most popular beach on the Gold Coast, it’s a great place for swimming and is close to shops and cafes making it the perfect location for a fun day out.

Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, and Miami Beach are all ideal beaches for families. With smaller swells making them perfect swimming spots, they also have BBQ areas, picnic tables, and playgrounds to keep the little ones entertained all day long.

If you are a keen surfer after bigger swells, then Kirra Beach is the one for you, with decent waves all year round it is a surfing hotspot.

(2) Its central location!

Not only, is it not far from the beach – The Gold Coast is super central. No more than an hour’s drive from Brisbane and Bryon Bay you can pack up the car and head north for an adventure-packed 24 hours or south for a relaxing weekend escape.

What’s more, it’s only a one and half hour flight to Sydney and a two- and half-hour flight to Melbourne from The Gold Coast Airport.

Plus, if you are feeling a little homesick it’s only a three- and half-hour flight direct from The Gold Coast to Auckland, New Zealand – making it easier than ever to pop back across the ditch. If you’d prefer to fly direct to Wellington or Christchurch, the Brisbane Airport offers direct flights frequently.

(3) It’s affordable

It gets better… the Gold Coast is an extremely affordable city to live in! According to the Numbeo cost of living index, the cost of living in the Gold Coast is 2.36% lower than the cost of living in Auckland, New Zealand.

While rent is slightly higher than rent in New Zealand, due to the low cost of utilities, food, and transport it still works out as a more affordable location.

The average rent per month for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around $1,966 and $1,349 outside the city centre.  While a three-bedroom apartment in the city averages $4,366 a month and $2,366 in the outer suburbs.

If you’re planning to retire in the coastal city, you will need $540,000 in savings according to Oasis Financial Planning. Popular suburbs with retirees include Coomera, due to the accessibility to goods and services, including medical facilities, shopping centres and the Coomera Golf Course and Hope Island due to its relaxed lifestyle which is especially popular with keen boaties and golfers.

For families the most popular suburbs include Robina due to plentiful work opportunities, first-rate private and public schools, large amounts of green space and its close proximity to the Gold Coast CBD and the beach. As well as Labrador, which is ranked as one of the best suburbs in the Gold Coast by locals with plenty of walking tracks, parks, education facilities, and shopping centres.

If you are a student, you’ll want to consider Southport in Main Beach, a busy inner-city suburb that is very popular with international students due to its close proximity to the universities and range of accommodation choices.

(4) It has world-class education and job opportunities

When choosing a school on the Gold Coast, you’re spoilt for choice. With over 150 private and public schools you will find the perfect education centre for your children.

One of the top private schools on the Gold Coast is Somerset College which goes from pre-school to year 12 – the final year of study in Australia. While Broadbeach State School is a highly ranked public school that teaches from year 1 to year 6.

Not only does the Gold Coast have world-class schools, but it also has three top universities including Griffith University, which is popular with students interested in medicine, dentistry, and healthcare and Bond University, which is ranked as one of Australia’s leading universities.

For those of you who are looking for a job on the Gold Coast, there are plenty of opportunities in the booming hospitality industry. Other popular sectors include construction, education, ICT, tourism, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare.

(5) You’ll never be bored!

If you don’t feel like a day at the beach, then not to worry, there is plenty more to do. With over 12 million tourists visiting the Gold Coast every year there are activities for everyone!

With yearly local passes available at Australia’s biggest theme parks, Dreamworld, Movie World, Wet n Wild, and White-Water World you and your family can enjoy a wide range of rides, shows, and attractions all year round!

If you’re not exhausted from your day out at parks, the nightlife in the Gold Coast is some of the best in Australia. Whether you’re wanting a drink after work with friends, a romantic dinner for two or to dance into the early hours of the morning, whatever you’re after you’ll find it on the Gold Coast.

Surfers Paradise is a popular spot known for its bars, clubs, and pubs – most famously the Ultra Lounge and Club which has an extensive cocktail menu. While, Broadbeach is known for its dining scene, restaurants wine bars, and live music. The Star, the Gold Coasts’ only casino is also located in Broadbeach.

If you’re in need of retail therapy, the Gold Coast is home to some of the biggest shopping centres in Australia, including premium shopping centre Pacific Fair which is especially popular with tourists.

(6) It has a diverse environment

Last but not least, the environment! The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most biodiverse regions, with over 57kms of magnificent coastline, hinterland ranges, 21,000kms of lush forest, and breath-taking rivers all within reach. Positioned between the Burleigh National Park and Lamington National Park, the Gold Coast is home to over 1,300 animal species and 1,700 plant species so you can expect to see a plethora of spectacular wildlife when living on the Gold Coast.

No matter whether you’re a university student, young couple, family, or retiree there is something for everyone in the Gold Coast, Australia!

Over the weekend, The Moving Company Christchurch was busy helping the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre with their annual Little Gems Fundraiser. 

The crew assisted in the set-up and pack down of the event that evening by moving furniture from the local football club to the function room at the Christchurch Arts Centre. 

Cholmondeley Children’s Centre, General Manager Toni Tinirau says, “We’re thrilled with how Cholmondeley’s Little Gems Party – presented by ILAM Toyota was received by guests and so incredibly grateful for the support The Moving Company provided in donating their time and resources, transporting large, borrowed items for the event and saving our team several human hours that we could not afford.”

Cholmondeley Children’s Centre provides short-term planned and emergency respite care for tamariki ages 3-12 years. Cholmondeley is the only community-based children’s respite care and education centre in New Zealand, with over 500 children staying at the centre each year.

The Moving Company, Assistant Branch Manager Jo Cochrane commented, “The Moving Company was privileged to move items of furniture for this very worthy cause, helping the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre with their annual Little Gems fundraiser event. Our staff are honoured to help in any way possible to this very deserving charity helping the children of Christchurch in need.”

Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of a huge city but still be central? Want to save your money when it comes to buying or renting a house? Feel like living somewhere where they work smarter and not harder?It sounds like you need to pack your bags and head to Hamilton! This city has all of those qualities and many more – in this post, we’ll outline our top 5 reasons to move to Hamilton. 

It’s a big city with a small-town feel

Hamilton has a population of 165,000 people, and yet it feels like a small town: It is easy to get around, and everything feels super close by. From Rototuna, the top of the city, to Melville, the bottom, only takes 14 minutes by car. So, it’s the best of both worlds: a big place with lots to see and do and a small place in which you can instantly feel at home.

It’s affordable

Another reason to move to Hamilton is that it isn’t as expensive as other cities like Auckland and Wellington, meaning your dollar will go further and you can score yourself a better house on a bigger piece of land. In general, the cost of living is considerably cheaper in Hamilton, with goods and groceries not burning as much of a hole in your pocket.

Great cuisine and nightlife

Hamilton is young, upcoming, vibrant, and multicultural. And what do these elements mean for a city? Two things: fantastic choice of cuisine and a pumping nightlife. You can find just about whatever type of cuisine you crave in Hamilton, followed by an entertainment filled night out.

There is plenty to do!

You won’t have trouble finding things to do on the weekend. Hamilton is home to a major tourist attraction, The Hamilton Gardens, New Zealand’s largest botanical gardens, a must-see for both travellers and locals. Not to mention Hamilton also has many museums, art galleries, and a zoo.

For the outdoor adventure type the Waikato River cuts through the centre providing the perfect place for swimming, watersports and fishing!

Central location

Hamilton is just a 90-minute drive to Auckland and just a few hours from Rotorua, Tauranga, Raglan and Taupo. You’re never too far from a major city, beach, or international airport.

Top Tips for Moving with Kids!

We know it can be challenging to move houses when you’ve got kids but, luckily, there are a few sneaky tricks of the trade that moving companies have learned over the years to make it easier than ever to handle your kids during the move. Here are some of our top tips brought to you by the experts at The Moving Company.

Ramp up the adventure

Moving is normally exciting for adults, but it’s not unusual for the kids to take it a little hard. Saying goodbye to friends, leaving the house they grew up in, and getting used to a big change in life – these are the things to which kids might not take so well. Here, you’ve got to use these things to your advantage. Moving is an opportunity to make new friends, live in a brand-new house and see somewhere completely different. It’s like a little family adventure, and your kids are leading the expedition.

Get your essentials bag ready

When moving with kids, it’s essential to have an essentials bag! Your essentials bag should contain all the items you need on the day of your move. Think about medications, favourite toys, snacks, water bottles, electronic devices, and chargers.

‘It’s a tradition!’

Most kids, whether you know it or not, have a keen interest in history: especially family history. If you’ve got any moving traditions, like pizza for dinner on the first night of moving into a new home, then teach your kids about them before the move – this will give them something to look forward to. If you don’t have any traditions, well, now’s the perfect time to start some!

Get your kids’ rooms ready first

You want your kids to settle in as quickly as possible, so concentrate on their rooms first and get them pumped about setting up their new space. This is a chance to make them feel welcome in their new rooms, giving them a chance to get comfortable with the idea of moving.

Choose an expert team of movers

Lastly, it’s important to choose the right team of movers. Specialising in family moves, The Moving Company is New Zealand’s most trusted team of movers and packers, understanding the pressure of family life and the stress and inconvenience moving can create. There services are designed to ensure that you’re not distracted by the moving process, which means you can focus on your new home, city, or country.

6 Best Places for Families to Move to in NZ

We Kiwis are spoilt for choice when it comes to family living. So many great cities, great neighbourhoods, and great places to be. With all these choices, however, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. Today, we’re going to try and help you in deciding the best place for your family to settle down in New Zealand.

1) Auckland

If you’re after beautiful beaches, world-class public and private schools, and a community feel, Devonport, Auckland is the place for you. This family-friendly beachside suburb has long been one of the most sought-after in Auckland. With a short ferry ride into the city, Devonport is popular for parents working in the CBD. Devonport has everything you need from quaint cafes, shops, and a number of places to explore.

2) Wellington

The Southern Hemisphere’s Brooklyn may not be as large or busy as the one in New York, but it sure is perfect for families. Situated on one of Wellingtons hilltops, more and more families are flocking to Brooklyn for its spacious feel and green surroundings. It’s also close to bars, cinemas, and great restaurants. What’s more, it’s only a 10-minute bus ride to the city – even less so by car.

Another beautiful Wellington ‘burb that makes our list is Mount Cook. A lovely residential area in Wellington. Mount Cook is a highly desirable location, with quiet streets and well-presented houses. Perfect for established families and anyone wanting to live in a quiet and safe part of Wellington.

3) Christchurch

Consistently ranked as one of the most liveable suburbs in New Zealand, Addington, Christchurch is one suburb that can’t be left out. Fantastic schools, quaint cafes, and eateries, diverse culture – all the things would suit a slightly more Bohemian family perfectly.

4) Rotorua

Rotorua is a tourist hotspot on the North Island, and it’s also a perfect place to raise a family. It’s got the ideal weather, never too hot, never too cold. It’s just a short road trip to other major cities like Auckland and Hamilton. And it’s one of the most affordable cities in the country.

5) Queenstown

Known as the ‘adventure capital’ of New Zealand, Queenstown is the perfect location for an adventure family. You’ll never be short of activities with world-class skiing in the winter and hiking and white-water rafting in summer. With picturesque mountain views as your backdrop, Queenstown is the place to be.

6) Dunedin

Last but not least, Dunedin, ‘The Great Small City’ is the perfect place to raise a family. Consistently ranked as one of the best places to live due to its affordable housing, low crime rate, world-class education facilities, and a strong sense of community, it’s no wonder it’s a popular destination for families.

If you need help moving to any of these great New Zealand family areas, get in touch with The Moving Company on 0800 668 464.

The Moving Company Celebrates Their 35th Anniversary!

On 27th of March The Moving Company celebrated 35 years in business.

Today The Moving Company are the mover of choice for kiwi families and businesses, annually moving thousands of kiwis around New Zealand and across the world. What’s more, we are also the largest moving company in New Zealand for handling inbound household goods and car shipments for returning kiwis, visa holders and new residents.

We have developed our core business over the last three and a half decades to focus on intercity and international moves earning us an enviable reputation worldwide for customer-focused service delivery.

The Moving Company have a team of over 240 staff and a significant fleet of 85+ furniture & container trucks, inhouse container handling equipment, over 800 x 20’ storage containers to cater for our international, intercity, or local moving services.

“In 2001 the company had twenty staff and a dozen furniture vans, today it’s part of the largest moving group in NZ,” says Managing Director, Mark Pitcher.

The Moving Company has achieved a lot over the last 35 years and is proud of its history.

“I started in the industry part-time sweeping the warehouse floor as an after-school job, and learning to pack. Louie Martin was my trainer, today Louie is our National Commercial Move Manager. Post high school upon accepting a full-time job with The Moving Company I was given the opportunity to learn all of the business units from operations, sales, International, linehaul, finance over 10 years, to ultimately being promoted to General Manager. Being offered the opportunity to purchase the company in 2001, it is incredible being here today to see how the business has grown, and reflect on our success and achievements,” says Mark.

THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS!

The Moving Company credits our success over the last 35 years to the staff.

Mark says “The success of the company is down to the hard work, focus, and strategy of our team, especially from our operational teams who are packing and delivering in our customers’ homes every day. They are the face of the company – where the rubber hits to road.“

“Our international recognition is down to the consistently high standard of service and our long-standing team. 65% of our staff are 10 plus years’ service and 20% are 20 plus years of service which represents significant experience and expertise.”

Tofi Tapasu, National Operations Manager has been with the company for 27 years starting as a Packer and progressing to his current role. “For me, The Moving Company is more than a business it is part of my family. The people, the personal growth opportunities, and the loyalty of The Moving Company to its staff are what makes working here so great.”

Summer Croucher, International Move Manager, has been with The Moving Company for 20 years and added that it’s the people that make the company.

“My colleagues are what I love most about my job, many of us are long-serving and have worked together for years.”

While, Margaret Tourell, Shipping Manager says that she is proud to be part of a winning team and internationally recognised company.

“I have also been with the company 20 years, and we stand out in the international market. Our reputation is bright and symbolises that we are 100% New Zealand owned and operated and have pride in our service, fleet, and the people behind it.

“There really is only one word to summarise how I feel about the last 35 years, and that’s proud.”

A MAJOR PLAYER WAS BORN

The Moving Company was established in 1987 by Clive McCall, starting life as The Nelson Moving Company. Clive had been in the industry for many years and was a founding shareholder of Movements International Movers.

The business was originally based in Nelson delivering new furniture orders nationally for large manufacturers before evolving into a national and international household moving company.

A BRIEF HISTORY

The company grew through the acquisition and merger of Banner Removals and Action Pack Express in the early ’90s.

In September 1992, the company was rebranded to The Moving Company, as it is known today.

The Head Office relocated from Nelson to Christchurch in 1992 and expanded its branch network to service Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga, Hamilton, and Auckland.

Around the same time, the company obtained its FIDI Global Alliance and OMNI membership cementing new global partnerships for our international business and expanding our network to over 60 countries.

In the late 90s, the company moved away from new furniture deliveries to focus on international relocations and large intercity moves. We rationalised locations to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch with purpose-built warehousing and container handling equipment, which helped grow the international and storage business.

In 2001 the company was purchased by its current owners and is privately held.

MEMORABLE MILESTONES

Our first international move to Australia was completed in 1989.

Receiving our first FAIM accreditation certification (FIDI Accredited International Mover) in 2005, which is the most stringent, all-encompassing quality programme for the international moving industry. Recognised as the supreme seal of quality by global customers. We still have this accreditation today, which is audited on a bi-annual basis by EY.

In 2007, seeing our first purpose-built building in Christchurch being constructed

Seeing our first 100 purpose-built and branded high-cube shipping containers arrive in 2004.

The opening of our purpose-built facility in 2011 in Auckland, which was market-leading in being able to store 20ft containers inside 3 high.

Hosting 50 of our international partners in 2010 for The Moving Company Golf Tournament, where friend of The Moving Company Steve Williams flew back from the Masters to be with our partners for the tournament offering tips and support to each participant. Our attendees represented 24 countries from South America, Canada, USA, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

Moving into our new larger building in December 2021 in Christchurch.

THE GAME CHANGERS

The company has experienced many changes over its 35 years in business. Mark says, “The company has grown at a steady pace ensuring we meet the commitments we make to our staff and customers. Having been purchased three weeks after 9/11 growth has been solid. We have been through the GFC, seen the trends with global relocation from the brain drain to Australia, to the massive migration to live and work in New Zealand, the corporate moves from Wellington to Auckland in the early 2011s, to today where the movement is to the South Island from the greater Auckland region, and Australia, particularly Brisbane is back on the radar post covid.”

One of the biggest changes the company has seen over the years is the evolution of IT. What was once a very manual system for booking, management, and communications is now a globally integrated operating system that incorporates the transfer of shipment information worldwide at the push of a button.

“Technology has played a large part in our business with things we thought 10 years ago that could never be transformed have been! New technology for us includes AI-driven surveys where the software can cube the goods to be moved whilst creating the list of items to be moved. It’s game-changing technology!” says Mark.

What’s more, the evolution of our company fleet and fuel efficiency through Ad blue and euro 5/6 engines (reducing carbon emissions) and new packaging materials, such as for flat-screen televisions and hanging wardrobe cartons help meet customer expectations and the household goods customers have in their homes today.

Another massive change for the company has been move lead times. “Historically moves would be planned up to two months out, now we can receive a call today to move Internationally next week. We have had to adapt to the fast pace of life today and customer expectations to reflect that,” says Mark.

“What hasn’t changed is it is still a very physical job, so training our team is really important. Driver shortages are a challenge for the entire trucking sector, so we have invested in an internal driver trainer to work with our staff to upskill and obtain the licenses to drive the larger trucks, which they all want to do,” continues Mark.

INTERESTING MOVES

Over the years, The Moving Company has moved a high number of professional sporting stars, high-profile dignitaries, and large-scale businesses.

One of the more interesting moves was relocating all of New Zealand Posts mail sorting equipment. The Moving Company were selected due to the delicate nature of the equipment and the careful handling required with household goods.

Other interesting moves include large diplomatic relocations to countries that don’t have much traffic from NZ, such as Israel, Kenya, and Argentina. The unique challenges presented with local authorities mean our team needs to be experienced and informed on the local regulations at each country of destination.

We have also featured on one of New Zealand’s longest running TV series Shortland Street, moving Dr Chris Warner and family.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Moving Company cares about giving back to our local community and appreciates that we live in a world of limited resources and an environment that needs protecting. Having a sustainable business is vital to our future success.

The Big Egg Hunt

In 2014 and 2015 the company was involved with fundraising initiative from the Starship Foundation called the Big Egg Hunt. The Starship Foundation is New Zealand’s national children’s hospital, providing over 140,000 children with lifesaving care every year.

New Zealand’s leading artists, designers and architects turned 100 giant eggs into unique masterpieces which were hidden throughout Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in historic, landmark and public spaces. The public then went on a hunt to find the eggs and enter in the draw to win a grand prize.

The Moving Company were a major sponsor of this event and were responsible for moving, storing, and installing the 100 giant eggs across New Zealand.

The Eggs were later auctioned at the end of the hunt and in 2015 the campaign raised over $204,000 for Starship.

The Moving Company purchased one that is still displayed at our global HQ in Auckland. It has a large padlock on it with the egg spilt like a vault, which reflected the security we offer to our customers when moving.

Full Circle Recycling

The Moving Company received the ‘Making a Difference’ award from Fullcircle Recycling, New Zealand’s leading paper recyclers for our efforts in managing moving packaging that is end of life.

“This year, the company will commence a carbon reduce programme which will help us identify key areas where we can make a difference and get us on the path to our sustainability goals. The company has always recycled packaging materials but it’s more than that now,” says Mark.

LOOKING FORWARD

The company has an incredibly bright future. “International Mobility looks incredibly strong for full-service bricks and mortar moving companies like ours, where we own our facilities, equipment, fleet and directly employ our staff. With the global upheaval created by covid representing the largest global mobility cycle in decades we are going to be very busy with our inter-city, international moving and storage services.

The supply chain challenges currently being experienced globally will eventually settle returning capacity and transit times for more ‘normalised’ pre covid levels.