What’s it Really Like Living in Auckland, New Zealand?

Having called the heart of Sydney Australia home for my entire life I knew a change and moving to Auckland, New Zealand was going to be huge and a life changing event for me and my family. New Zealand has always been a familiar home away from home in my heart, I’ve travelled numerous times to this beautiful country where there are endless rolling hills, snow capped mountains, pristine beaches and a homey culture that just feels good. From the adventure capital of Queenstown in the South island to the hustle and bustle of Auckland in the North Island, New Zealand is a country that has something for everyone and every type of lifestyle.

When the opportunity came to move to Auckland where my husband’s work was transferring him, I knew it was time to take the plunge and make the move. I didn’t waste any time in searching for Auckland movers to make this dream a reality, Auckland is one of the most amazing cities in the world and never seems to stop impressing. Auckland is by far the most populated city in New Zealand with more than 1.73 million people calling it home, it’s a vibrant and multicultural city with something for everyone. With the glimmering Waitemata Harbour on one side and the lush green Hauraki Gulf on the other, Auckland really is blessed with some of the most beautiful surroundings you could ask for.

But what’s it really like living in Auckland? If you are thinking of making the switch and crossing the Tasman, here is an insight of what life is like in Auckland.

The People

Everywhere I go from shops to markets to the bus driver, everyone has common courtesy, is well-mannered and friendly. Unlike a over-populated city like Sydney where everyone seems to be in a rush, Aucklanders are a placid bunch and happy to help and lend a hand.

Well-connected City

Auckland is truly a well-connected city with the city centre being the economic and cultural heart. There are many sustainable options with public transport, walking and cycling tracks. The city is always looking to improve the movement of light goods and heavy freight, improve healthier and more accessible streets.

The Scenery

Describing Auckland as a beautiful city is an understatement. It has many attractions that are not too far away, such as hiking, beaches and wine tasting. There are also a number of events that take place in the city, such as the Auckland Arts Festival, the Sevens Tournament and City of Sails Regatta. Everywhere you turn is a picture perfect moment and the locals will be sure to tell you about their favourite spot.

Affordable Cost of Living

Compared to Sydney, the cost of living in Auckland is much more affordable. You can get a lot more for your money here, whether it’s rent, groceries or dining out. Wages continue to rise steadily in a strong and stable economy.

Natural is Best

New Zealanders embrace nature and the beauty and you’ll often find this is reflected in their day to day activities. They prefer free range and prefer to grass feed their cattle. You’ll find cosmetic companies that do not test products on animals and you’ll see the average Kiwi venture out to some of the best markets for fresh farm produce rather than shopping at the supermarket.

Environmentally Friendly

People in Auckland care for their city and surroundings. You’ll find that there are growing commitment to build more bike lanes to cater for the many who choose to bike to work in the CBD. More and more people are choosing to switch to electric vehicles and solar panel installation on homes has never had higher demand in recent years.

Life in Auckland has many positives, it’s a city that is constantly growing and evolving, with plenty of opportunity for anyone who wants to get involved. With its friendly locals, diverse culture and natural surrounds, Auckland is a city I’m proud to call home.

10 Simple Hacks To Organize The Home And Transform Your Sanctuary

The home is a safe and secure space for any family, a place where there is comfort, where you can feel most at ease and be yourself without judgement. However, when the home is cluttered and messy, it can be difficult to relax and create a positive flow of energy. I am a true believer that having a well organized home can exude positive energy and in return…great things will follow. This is where effective organization comes in – by taking a little time to organize your home, not only can you save yourself a lot of time and headaches in the long run but also establish a space that attracts positivity and welcoming energy. Here are 10 simple hacks to organizing your home that anyone can follow.

1. Create a designated space for everything and put things back in their place after using them. This hack may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s amazing how many people don’t have a specific place for everything in their home. By having a designated space for all of your belongings, you will know exactly where to find everything when the time comes to use it.

2. Utilize vertical storage whenever possible. There are many ways to utilize vertical space in order to organize the home – shelves, cabinets, and racks can all be used to store belongings vertically, rather than taking up horizontal space. This is especially helpful when trying to organize a small room and floor space is at a premium.

3. Group like items together. This hack is especially helpful when it comes to the pantry, closet, or garage. By grouping like items together, it will be easier to find what you are looking for and you won’t have to spend time rummaging through piles of belongings looking for that one specific item.

4. Invest in some good quality storage containers and baskets. Storage containers and baskets come in all shapes and sizes, and there is definitely one out there that will fit your needs. Not only do they help to organize belongings but they can also add a touch of personality to any room.

5. Don’t be afraid to get rid of excess belongings that has been sitting still for years. If you haven’t touched an item for 2 years or more, then it’s probably time to let it go. Don’t keep things around just for the sake of it – if you don’t love it or use it, then get rid of it!

6. Use hooks, pegs, and racks whenever possible. These are all great ways to organize belongings while also freeing up floor and counter space. Don’t be afraid to fix some nails in the wall or use removable adhesive options in order to add some hooks – they can be used for hanging coats, bags, towels, and more.

7. Take advantage of empty wall space. There is a lot of potential in empty wall space – it can be used to organize belongings, display artwork or family photos, or even create a functional work area. Don’t let that blank wall go to waste, it’s like an open canvas inviting some of your personality. Some floating shelves or investment in new cabinetry can help find a home for bits and pieces.

8. Create a routine and stick to it. This hack is especially helpful when it comes to the kitchen and bathroom. By creating a routine for cleaning these two areas, you will be able to keep them organized and clean on a regular basis.