Auckland has always drawn people from across New Zealand and beyond, but even the most loyal Aucklanders sometimes feel the pull of a new start.
Our latest data provides fascinating insights into where Aucklanders are moving, what kinds of homes they’re choosing, and just how much they’re packing up for the journey. Here’s the inside scoop!
Surprisingly, almost half (49.1%) of Auckland movers aren’t going far; they’re relocating within Auckland itself.
This high percentage shows that, while they may crave more space, many Aucklanders value the city’s lifestyle, work opportunities, and proximity to friends and family.
For those ready to venture beyond Auckland, Wellington is the top choice, drawing 17.7% of movers. With its vibrant arts scene, waterfront, and relaxed pace, Wellington has a lot to offer. Christchurch is close behind, attracting 13.8%—a city known for its resilience and redevelopment. Hamilton and Dunedin round out the top five, with each city appealing to movers looking for smaller-city perks like affordability and a slower pace of life.
| Moving from | Moving to | |
| 3 bedroom house | 3 bedroom house | 19.5% |
| 1 bedroom apartment | 1 bedroom apartment | 17.1% |
| 2 bedroom apartment | 2 bedroom apartment | 11.2% |
| 4+ bedroom house | 4+ bedroom house | 9.5% |
| 3 bedroom house | 4+ bedroom house | 9.0% |
| 2 bedroom house | 3 bedroom house | 7.6% |
| 1 bedroom apartment | 2 bedroom apartment | 6.9% |
| 2 bedroom house | 2 bedroom house | 6.8% |
| Flatshare | Flatshare | 6.7% |
| 2 bedroom apartment | 3 bedroom house | 5.8% |
Nearly 20% of all moves involve a 3-bedroom house—a popular choice for families, remote workers, and those who want extra room without overwhelming upkeep.
Big isn't always better, though. Apartments are also highly sought-after, with 17.1% of movers simply relocating from one one-bedroom apartment to another. These compact homes are ideal for singles and young professionals who prioritise convenience, location, and affordability.
The data also reflects a strong interest in upsizing, as 9.0% of movers are shifting from a 3-bedroom house to a 4+ bedroom home, often to accommodate growing families or work-from-home needs.
Flatshares are also a popular choice, making up 6.7% of moves. This setup is especially attractive to younger movers who enjoy community living and saving on rent.
| Moving from | Inventory volume, m3 |
| 1 bedroom house | 8m3 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | 13m3 |
| 2 bedroom house | 14.8m3 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | 10.6m3 |
| 4+ bedroom apartment | 12.4m3 |
| 4+ bedroom house | 18.1m3 |
| Flatshare | 4.8m3 |
| Studio | 4.2m3 |
Packing up for a move is no small feat, especially when you’ve accumulated belongings. The volume of items varies widely by property size. Movers leaving a one-bedroom house typically need around 8 cubic metres of moving space—enough for essential furniture and personal items.
Those leaving a 4+ bedroom house have much more to pack, requiring about 18.1 cubic metres. With multiple rooms of furniture and storage items, these moves require extra planning and often, a larger moving team.
Apartments generally need between 10 and 13 cubic metres, depending on size. For instance, a 2-bedroom apartment requires about 13 cubic metres, while a 3-bedroom apartment needs around 10.6 cubic metres. These amounts can usually be managed within a day and with a smaller crew, making apartment moves somewhat easier to coordinate.
Studio and flatshare moves are the simplest, requiring only about 4-5 cubic metres. These smaller moves suit the minimalists and those who prefer flexibility, allowing for easy transitions without excessive possessions.
Our data shows Aucklanders balancing adventure and familiarity. While half stay in the city they love, others head to new horizons like Wellington and Christchurch, choosing spaces that suit their lifestyles.
Every move tells a story, and at Wise Move, we’re thrilled to support these journeys. Whether staying local or exploring new places, each relocation marks an exciting new chapter, and we’re here to make it seamless.
Wise Move is New Zealand’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
