How to prepare for daylight saving time in NZ
Jul 22, 2023
September is a big month in NZ! The Rugby World Cup is on, spring well… springs, and daylight saving time begins!
We change the clocks twice a year in NZ – in spring and autumn. However even though it’s a regular on our calendars, changing the clocks can still take a bit to get used to.
In this blog, we take a break from talking about renting a cabin in NZ, and instead we look at how you can prepare for the start of daylight saving time this September.
Do the clocks go forward or back in September?
First things first… the clocks go forward at 2am this Sunday 24 September. This marks the start of daylight saving time.
In New Zealand, daylight saving time always begins in spring on the last Sunday in September, and ends in autumn on the first Sunday in April. The clocks go back at 3am on Sunday 7 April, 2024.
The phrase ‘Spring forward, fall back’ is an easy way to remember if the clocks go forward or back. The clocks spring forward in spring, and fall back in autumn (or ‘fall’ as our American friends call it!)
Or closer to home, just think of the lyrics from the popular Shihad song, Home Again: “Put your clocks back for the winter…”
Check your smoke alarms!
Many people use the start and end of daylight saving time as a reminder to check their home smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are an important part of your home’s safety systems, and it’s so important to make sure they’re working.
Here are a few simple tips on how to check your smoke alarm:
- Wipe or vacuum any debris or dust, as this can accumulate and affect the alarm’s performance.
- Check the date. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, and your smoke alarms should have a manufacturers date on it. If yours is older than 10 years, it’s time to replace.
- Test the alarm. Press and hold the test button until you hear the alarm sound. If it doesn’t work, you may need to replace the battery or the entire unit.
- Replace batteries. Smoke alarm batteries should be replaced every year. Daylight saving is a good reminder to replace the batteries.
- Check the fit. Make sure your smoke alarm is securely attached to the ceiling, and not loose or hanging.
- Contact your local cabin supplier if the smoke alarm in your RoomMate Cabin isn’t working.
Check your emergency supplies
The start and end of daylight saving time is also a great time to check your emergency readiness. Check your home to make sure you have the proper tools and supplies to help you in an emergency. This could include:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable foods
- First aid items
- Torch
- Personal hygiene items
- Extra batteries
- Check out the Civil Defence NZ website for more information on preparing emergency supplies.
Set your clocks before you go to bed
The time change officially occurs at 2am, however it’s a good idea to set your watch and household clocks to the new time before you go to bed. This can make it less confusing when you wake up in the morning.
Most mobile phones, tablets and computers will automatically update overnight, so you’ll wake up to the new time in the morning.
Start your day with sunlight
Soaking up natural sunlight in the morning can help your body clock adjust to the time-change.
Whether you step outside or drink your morning coffee next to the window, getting light early in the morning will help your body catch up.
Get a good night’s sleep in your RoomMate rental cabin
If you’re looking for a space to call home for a good night’s sleep, consider a rental cabin from RoomMate Cabins. RoomMate Cabins rental cabins are warm, dry, modern, and available in 3 sizes. Our cabins are insulated for comfort and fitted with good-quality carpet and curtains, to help you get a good night’s sleep. Rent a cabin from your nearest RoomMate Cabins supplier.