Frequently Asked Questions

VanMan provides moving services throughout Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa, and we are always open to discussing intercity moves and farther destinations throughout New Zealand (like Auckland, Nelson and beyond). Contact us with your needs and we’ll figure out the best way to help you.

Yes, we routinely relocate homes to and from the Wairarapa, the Kapiti Coast, the Horowhenua, the Manawatu, and Wanganui. We may work further afield if requested.

We have a diverse and dynamic fleet of small to large trucks and vans going from 6m3 – 32m3.

NOTE: For large jobs with tricky access, big trucks aren’t always the best approach and can often end up costing you more! We will always recommend the most efficient and cost-effective combination for your move.

If a long carry is involved, this will simply result in more time on the clock which we try to reduce for you.

Absolutely, this is all part of the service. Please discuss your requirements before the move so we can plan ahead accordingly. Things like bunk beds and L-shaped desks are especially good to know about.  Each truck is equipped with a toolbox and drill.

For larger loads or properties with tricky/slow access, it really isn’t. While the hourly rate is slightly cheaper, the move will take longer and will end up costing more overall. We’re asked this a lot, and our team will always recommend the most cost-effective option for your move.

From a logistical point of view, a three-person team is much more efficient. One person can organise and stack the truck while protecting items with blankets, while the other two continue loading. With only two movers, tasks slow down — especially when double carries are required.

A two-person team is best suited to smaller moves with straightforward access.

TIP: Apartment moves with elevator access are usually far more efficient with a three-person team. Each mover has a clear role, which helps keep the moves efficient and energetic.

If your load is very small and a third mover isn’t necessary, we’ll absolutely recommend a two-person team instead.

Yes. Each truck is equipped with a copious amount of heavy-duty moving blankets which are used to cover and wrap your belongings safely during transport.

Yes it can and we deal with these moves weekly, but it is very important to communicate with us before the move so we can help plan ahead. We will always advise a later start (where possible) to avoid any settlement delays/time on the clock for you. Two-way settlements can be tricker, but we’re used to it. Please give us a call so we can provide expert guidance and help plan your move smoothly.

Yes. We are also registered and trusted partners with other organisations throughout Wellington who help customers with more sensitive moves.

Unless the conditions are severe or dangerous, we still operate as normal and we’ll always do our best to cover and protect your belongings. We have the appropriate equipment and can take extra precautions where needed.

That’s no problem — we handle extra items all the time and we’re very used to it. Please do let us know before move day if there are significant changes so we can adjust our schedule and keep other customers informed. Our team is always happy to assist, but if it impacts other bookings, we’ll discuss the best approach with you.

Yes. Please contact our office for more info.

We help with house moves, commercial relocations, office moves, senior moves, student moves, packing services, International pro-wrapping and preparation, work and income (WINZ), single items, heavy/specialist relocations including pianos, spa pools, pool tables, commercial kitchens and commercial gyms.

Yes. Please appreciate our trucks are used for furniture so we keep these separate at the end of the load and use tarps and other materials to keep everything clean and dry for the next move.

• Petrol, Fuel or LPG bottles (BBQ cylinders)
• Paint, engine oil or any industrial fluids
• Flammable liquids
• Animals (including your aquatic friends in tanks)
• If you think there’s something we’ve missed, give us a call to discuss in person.

This is a very common question and it’s generally fine to leave the contents in, unless there are heavy or fragile items like books, paperwork or perfume bottles (anything fragile). There are certain factors like access and the structure of the furniture that can impact this but the team will assess on the day and let you know!

We can offer overnight and short-term storage, but we don’t currently offer long-term storage.

Wellington is well served by excellent self-storage facilities with onsite staff, good security and appropriate insurance cover. We work to maintain a good relationship with facilities all over Wellington so please speak to us for recommendations!

TIP: Storage units are not all the same. Before you book your unit, consider your needs and discuss them with the facility staff and even go for a visit to ensure you get something suitable.

VanMan is more than happy to offer advice and once we have received a load description we can help recommend what size storage unit will best suit your needs.

Not usually, no, but we may make an exception to this rule. Please contact us to discuss your needs with us.

You can trust our team to handle your belongings with the same care and attention we would give our own, however VanMan operates at owner’s risk as we cannot insure something that is not ours.

VanMan has Comprehensive Motor Vehicle and Carrier’s Liability Insurance which applies to work we undertake at “Limited Carriers Risk”. When we carry at “Owners Risk” the goods we carry are uninsured.

Our Comprehensive Motor Vehicle policy provides cover for accidental loss or damage to insured motor vehicles and/or damage to third party property or bodily injury, resulting from the use of those vehicles for both business and private purposes within New Zealand.

Our Carriers Liability policy provides cover for legal liability for damage or loss to third party goods that are contracted to be carried at “Limited Carrier’s risk” within New Zealand, in accordance with the provisions of the Contracts and Commercial Law Act 2017.

If your risk needs are not met by this agreement, please arrange Transit Insurance with your insurance provider or call us for advice.

Insurance must be purchased from a licensed insurance professional. Please arrange Transit Insurance with your insurance provider.

No two moves are the same and the cost of your move depends on factors such as the size of your home/volume and nature of your belongings, access at each property, how prepared everything is, and how far you are moving. We only charge based on the time required for your move, which ensures you only pay for the work completed.

We record our time using our comprehensive in-house service application and we record our time in 15-minute intervals, so you are only billed for time worked with no hidden costs! The job starts when the team arrive and finished when the job is completed.

A travel fee is added to each move and covers us getting to you from our depot and paying staff in between jobs. It can often be referred to as a “call-out” fee in other trades.

NOTE: Depot to depot seems more common these days but not for us. Our quoted (fixed price) approach ensures you, our customers aren’t penalised for unnecessary delays like traffic, road works, stopping to fuel up or have a break. This avoids any surprises and is more transparent for you, and for us.

Find out more on our How We Charge page or use our Quote Form to get a quote.

Yes, where appropriate or requested.

We will always do our best to be on time, however, please appreciate that timing isn’t an exact science for us unless we have you booked as the first job of the day. Communication is very important to us and the team will always keep you posted with an ETA on the day. We advise to allow an hour each side of estimated start time (unless we have you booked as the first job). We work on estimates and timing gets harder to manage in the afternoon, so we find offering a timing window for the later bookings is more helpful and transparent for you, and for us.

***Please let us know if the timing of your move is critical.

To help us manage our schedule and update other customers accordingly, please let us know prior to move day with any significant changes or additions that could impact the timing on our day.

Being prepared helps make your move faster, more efficient and cost effective. This includes:

• Letting us know about tricky access complications in advance. Nothing we’re not used to, but it helps us give you the most accurate timing as possible – and helps us stick to the schedule for the rest of the day.
• Clearly label your boxes. Our team will always ask for a quick tour before unloading, which helps ensure an efficient process and allows us to place everything directly into its intended room or space. We prefer to reduce double handing where we can for you.
• Have things dismantled and ready for transportation.
• Advising us of any dismantling or reassembling needed in advance – we’re happy to help, we just like to plan ahead for timing
• Fridge/freezer – make sure contents are cleared in advance and all your favourite snacks are easily accessible! TIP: Please point out what boxes have perishables in them so we can unload them first
• Washer dryer – please ensure these are un-plumbed and ready to go. We can assist if needed, just let us know in advance. TIP: Please remove the hot and cold hoses and pop them in the washer instead of leaving them connected. This makes it easier to cover and wrap
• Keep art organised and together where possible. This will be wrapped as part of our service, but having it together keeps things efficient for you
• Packing smaller items into boxes where applicable. We want to minimise as many loose items as possible as this results in more trips for the team
• Bags are very helpful for stacking and help to fill gaps, keeping the load tight. Only use bags for softer items rather than putting books or fragile items in them.
• Disconnect and packing appliances like coffee machines in their original boxes if you have them
• Ensuring clear access to your property – particularly tying back or trimming any low hanging trees on paths we may be using! No one likes a branch in your face when you’re carrying furniture!

Providing accurate information helps ensure the right team and truck are assigned to your move. Our friendly team are here to help so don’t worry if things have been missed or time has got away from you, we will always work it out.

Yes. We regularly move heavy, bulky and awkward items and specialist objects.

Yes, your help is welcomed but not expected. We like working with our customers but please coordinate with the team to ensure everyone knows their role, keeping the move running smoothly and avoiding any unnecessary double handling.

Yes. We can pack part or all of your move for you. Whatever makes the move easiest for you.

Yes. We can supply and deliver packing materials and boxes regardless of whether you are doing your own packing or we are doing it all for you. This is all part of the service and comes at no extra cost! We are also happy to pick up any unwanted materials once you are finished with them (no extra cost!).

The best place to start is our quote form. If you have any questions about the information you need for your estimate or quote, you can use our Quick Question form, or give us a call at 0800 828 628.

To avoid any mistakes or misunderstanding, we prefer bookings are made through our booking form.