Shifting a home involves hundreds of small tasks, and it is easy to forget some of them when you are busy. A checklist turns a stressful event into a series of small, manageable steps. Use the list below, and adjust it for your own situation.
Four weeks before the move
- Fix your shifting date, and tell your landlord or society office about it, and ask about the notice period and any deposit.
- Check the shifting rules of the new society: permitted timings, lift booking, deposit and gate pass for the truck.
- Get quotes from two or three packers and movers, and compare what is included, not only the price.
- Start sorting your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate or throw away.
- Start collecting cartons if you plan to pack some things yourself, or ask your mover to bring packing material.
Two weeks before the move
- Book your mover and confirm the date, the time and the size of the vehicle in writing.
- Apply for new connections: internet, gas, electricity and water at the new address.
- Inform the bank, insurance companies, your employer, schools and subscriptions about your new address.
- Pack things you rarely use, such as off-season clothes, books, decor and extra crockery.
- Take photographs of expensive furniture and electronics for your own record.
One week before the move
- Label every carton with the room name and a number, and keep a list of what is inside.
- Keep a separate bag for essentials: clothes, toiletries, medicines, chargers, a few utensils and bedding.
- Arrange to take your valuables, jewellery, cash and important documents with you, and not in the truck.
- Confirm the date and the time with your mover, and share the exact addresses and contact numbers.
- Arrange care for pets and small children on the day of the move.
The day before
- Defrost and drain the fridge, and empty the washing machine and the geyser.
- Disconnect the television, computer and other electronics, and keep their cables together with the device.
- Finish packing everything except the items needed for the last night and the morning.
- Check the lift booking and the permission at both societies.
On the moving day
- Be present when the team arrives, and show them the items that need special care.
- Check the list of the goods as they are loaded, and note down any existing damage.
- Go through every room, cupboard and balcony once more, so that nothing is left behind.
- Take meter readings of electricity and gas, and return the keys to the owner or society office.
- At the new home, show the team where each piece of furniture and each carton should go.
After the move
- Check the goods against your list before you sign the delivery receipt, and report any damage immediately.
- Set up the kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom first, and unpack the rest slowly over the next few days.
- Update your address on your Aadhaar, bank accounts, driving licence and vehicle documents.
- Introduce yourself to the neighbours and the security staff, and note the emergency numbers.
If you would like trained packers and a planned move, see our home shifting and packing and unpacking services.
Need help with your move?
Shree Shyam Logistics Movers is based in Pune and serves all of Pune and cities across India. Use the quote form on this page or call us, and we will call you back with a clear plan. See our services and routes.