Guide to stress-free house shifting

At the beginning or end of every month, a familiar sight unfolds on our streets: moving trucks laden with the entire contents of a life, making their way from one chapter to the next. House shifting is an experience that can be both thrilling and daunting. It involves so much more than just transporting furniture. It's a transition filled with the excitement of new beginnings, yet often shadowed by the overwhelming stress of logistics.

Those who have moved before know the surprising volume of belongings one accumulates over time. The endless to-do lists, the fear of forgetting something crucial, and the physical exhaustion can quickly become an ordeal. From finding reliable movers to packing fragile items, the challenges are numerous. The process demands careful time management, a detailed timeline, and a strategy to tackle everything from decluttering your current space to setting up utilities in the new one.

Photo: RDNE

Declutter Before You Pack

The first and most crucial step is to declutter. The less you have to pack and move, the more time, money, and energy you will save, as moving costs are often determined by the weight and volume of your belongings. Sort everything into four categories:

Sort: Items to keep.

Sell: Valuables you no longer need.

Donate: Items in good condition for charity.

Discard: Anything that is broken or unusable.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, tackle your home one room at a time, finishing one space before moving on to the next.

Make a Budget

Create a simple spreadsheet to track all moving-related expenses. List potential costs such as hiring a moving service (truck rental and labour), purchasing packing supplies like boxes and tape, and any utility connection or disconnection fees. This will help prevent overspending.

Photo: Ketut Sobiyanto

DIY or Hire a Professional?

One of the biggest decisions is whether to handle the move yourself or hire a professional company. DIY Move can be cost-effective as you avoid paying for labour. However, it requires significant planning and physical effort, as you are in charge of every detail, from renting a truck to heavy lifting.

Moving Professionals handles all logistics, heavy lifting, and transportation, reducing the risk of damage or injury. In Bangladesh, providers like Sheba.xyz, Lalamove, Trucklagbe, Packshift, and Shiftingbd.com offer a range of services. The cost is a significant drawback, but many find it worth the peace of mind.

Most established service providers in Bangladesh charge for each service separately. Sheba.xyz, for example, uses an itemised model where the transportation cost is based on truck size and distance; a 7-foot truck for a 10-kilometre distance costs around 2000 BDT. Packing services are an additional charge of roughly 3000 BDT, which doesn't include the cost of materials. Specialised services like installing an AC or computer are also billed individually.

Alternatively, you can opt for local, unnamed moving services. For moves within Dhaka city, costs typically range from Tk 8,000 to Tk 12,000. This often includes transport and labour for a standard apartment move but excludes packing, which can add Tk 2,000 to Tk 3,000.

One Month Before the Move

Collect various box sizes, high-quality packing tape, markers, and protective materials like bubble wrap. Begin boxing up items you use least, such as books, off-season clothing, and decorative items. This is non-negotiable. Clearly label every box on at least two sides with its destination room (e.g., "Kitchen") and a brief list of its contents.

Two Weeks Before the Move

Notify Important Parties like banks, insurance companies, and subscription services of your change of address. Schedule the disconnection of services at your old home for the day after you move and the connection at your new home for the day you arrive. Reconfirm all details with your moving company, including the date, arrival time, addresses, and contact information.

The Week of the Move

Pack an "Essentials Box" This is your 24-hour survival kit. Include toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a basic toolkit, snacks, and important documents. Mark it clearly as "OPEN FIRST."

Finish Packing. Aim to have everything packed except the absolute necessities for your last couple of days.

Photo: RDNE

Smooth Moving Day

Be Ready and Available. Clear pathways for the movers. Keep pets or small children in a safe, separate area. Direct Your Movers to arrive at your new home before the truck if possible. As movers bring in boxes, direct them to the correct rooms based on your labels. Taping simple signs ("Bedroom 1," "Office") on doors can be very effective.

Once the truck is loaded, do one last, meticulous sweep of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind. Before the movers leave and you sign the delivery receipt, do a quick inspection of your major items for any new damage. Note any issues on the paperwork before signing, as this is crucial for any potential insurance claims.