Is there anyone on the Coast who does this?
Sometimes the honest answer is that the nearest is in Christchurch or Nelson, and the quote should say so with travel in it. NovaPay asks locally first and tells you when it has had to look further rather than quietly widening the search.
How much does it cost to move house in NZ?
It moves with volume, access and distance far more than with the size of the house on paper. A two-bedroom flat with lift access and a two-bedroom villa up a flight of steps are different jobs. Say what the access is like and the quotes come back realistic.
How far ahead should I book?
Two to three weeks in normal times, and longer at the end of the month and over summer, when most tenancies turn over. Give a couple of possible dates and you will get more options.
Is my stuff insured while it is on the truck?
Not automatically, and this is the question people forget. Ask what cover is included and what it excludes, then check whether your contents insurance covers a move.
Should I pack myself?
Packing yourself saves money and costs time. Many people pack the boxes and pay the movers for the awkward things: the wardrobe, the artwork, the kitchen. Ask for it quoted both ways.