Moving to a new home in Dhaka is exciting, but without proper planning, it can quickly become overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating within Gulshan, moving from Dhanmondi to Uttara, or shifting to a different city, having a comprehensive checklist ensures nothing gets forgotten.
This ultimate house shifting checklist will guide you through every stage of your move, from initial planning to settling into your new home.
8 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY
Start Planning Early
The key to a successful move is early preparation. Begin planning at least two months in advance, especially if you’re moving during peak season (month-end or weekends when demand is high).
Create Your Moving Binder
- Gather important documents (lease agreements, property papers, school records)
- Start a moving expense tracker
- Create a timeline with key deadlines
- Keep all moving-related receipts in one place
Research Moving Companies Finding a reliable house shifting service in Dhaka is crucial. Don’t wait until the last minute when availability is limited.
✓ Get quotes from at least 3-4 reputable companies
✓ Check online reviews and ask for references
✓ Verify they have proper licenses and insurance
✓ Compare services included (packing, unpacking, insurance)
✓ Read the fine print on contracts and damage policies
Budget Planning Moving expenses add up quickly. Create a realistic budget including:
- Moving company charges
- Packing materials
- Temporary accommodation (if needed)
- Cleaning services
- Utility deposits
- Transportation costs
6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY
Declutter and Organize
Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter. The less you move, the lower your costs and the easier unpacking becomes.
Room-by-Room Decluttering
Go through every room and sort items into four categories:
- Keep: Items you use regularly or have sentimental value
- Sell: Good condition items you no longer need
- Donate: Usable items for charity
- Discard: Broken or unusable items
Dhaka-Specific Donation Options
- Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (used books)
- Local mosques and community centers
- NGOs like Shujan Foundation
- Facebook groups like “Dhaka Giveaway Group”
Start Using Consumables Begin using up frozen foods, pantry items, and cleaning supplies. This reduces what you need to pack and prevents waste.
4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY
Book Your Moving Service
By now, you should have selected your professional moving company. Peak moving times in Dhaka (month-end, weekends) get booked quickly.
Confirm Details with Your Mover
- Moving date and time
- Exact pickup and delivery addresses
- Special items requiring extra care (piano, artwork, antiques)
- Services included (packing, unpacking, appliance installation)
- Payment terms and schedule
Notify Important Parties
Start informing relevant parties about your move:
✓ Landlord: Give proper notice as per your agreement (usually 1-2 months)
✓ Employer: Update HR with new address
✓ Schools: Arrange transfer certificates if changing schools
✓ Banks: Update address on accounts and cards
✓ Insurance Companies: Update home and vehicle insurance
✓ Magazine/Newspaper Subscriptions: Change delivery address
Transfer or Disconnect Utilities
- DESCO/DPDC: Electricity meter transfer or disconnection
- WASA: Water connection transfer
- Gas (Titas): Gas connection transfer process
- Internet/Cable: Contact provider for relocation
- Landline: BTCL transfer if applicable
3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY
Start Packing Non-Essentials
Begin with items you don’t use daily. If you’ve hired professional packing services, they’ll handle this, but you may want to pack personal items yourself.
Gather Packing Supplies
- Sturdy cardboard boxes (various sizes)
- Bubble wrap for fragile items
- Packing paper or old newspapers
- Strong packing tape
- Permanent markers for labeling
- Furniture blankets or old bed sheets
- Plastic wrap for furniture protection
What to Pack First
- Out-of-season clothes
- Books and decorative items
- Extra linens and towels
- Rarely used kitchen items
- Artwork and decorations
- Hobby and sports equipment
Labeling System Create a clear labeling system that works for you:
- Room name (Kitchen, Bedroom 1, Living Room)
- General contents description
- “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” warnings
- “Open First” for essential boxes
- Number boxes for inventory tracking
Pro Tip: Take photos of electronics setup before disconnecting. This makes reassembly much easier at your new home.
2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY
Handle Dhaka-Specific Logistics
Moving in Dhaka requires navigating some unique challenges. Plan for these specifically.
Traffic Considerations Dhaka’s notorious traffic can significantly impact moving time:
- Schedule your move early morning (6-8 AM) to avoid peak traffic
- Avoid moving on Sundays when traffic is particularly heavy
- Consider the route—some areas have narrow lanes unsuitable for large trucks
- Check for any hartals or political processions scheduled
Building/Society Permissions If moving to/from an apartment building:
- Notify building management at least 2 weeks ahead
- Check if there are specific moving hours
- Reserve elevator access if needed
- Understand any building entry/exit requirements for moving trucks
- Get any required gate passes or permissions
Address Change Notifications Update your address with:
- National ID card (visit local union parishad or city corporation)
- Passport (if time permits before expiry)
- Driver’s license
- Voter registration (if changing constituency)
- Credit card billing addresses
Vehicle Preparations If you’re moving outside Dhaka and taking a personal vehicle:
- Service your car before the journey
- Update vehicle registration if changing division
- Get route tax clearance if applicable
1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING DAY
Final Preparations
The final week is about confirming details and packing remaining items.
Confirm with Moving Company
- Reconfirm date, time, and addresses
- Clarify the number of workers coming
- Discuss parking arrangements at both locations
- Review payment terms
Pack Your “Essentials” Box Create a box (or suitcase) with items you’ll need immediately:
First Night Essentials:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, towels)
- Change of clothes for each family member
- Phone chargers
- Basic medicines
- Important documents
- Snacks and water
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer)
- Light bulbs (Dhaka apartments often don’t have them)
Prepare Appliances
- Defrost refrigerator 24-48 hours before moving
- Disconnect and clean washing machine
- Prepare AC for uninstallation (if including AC installation service)
- Secure any loose parts on appliances
Deep Clean Your Current Home Or schedule professional cleaning services if required by your landlord. This helps ensure you get your security deposit back.
Backup Important Data
- External hard drive backup of computers
- Cloud backup of important files
- Photos of important documents
3 DAYS BEFORE MOVING DAY
Last-Minute Tasks
Pack Remaining Items Everything except absolute essentials should be packed now:
- Finish packing kitchen items (keep only few essentials)
- Pack bathroom items (except toiletries for final days)
- Pack most clothing (keep only outfits for remaining days)
- Disassemble furniture that needs it
Prepare Dhaka Traffic Plan
- Check weather forecast (monsoon season can cause delays)
- Monitor news for any political events or hartals
- Have backup moving dates if possible
- Download offline maps in case of internet issues
Food Planning
- Clean out refrigerator completely
- Use up perishables
- Plan simple meals for final days
- Stock up on disposable plates/cups if needed
Cash and Valuables
- Withdraw enough cash for moving day tips and incidentals
- Pack jewelry and important documents separately
- Keep valuables with you, not in the moving truck
MOVING DAY
The Big Day Checklist
Morning Preparations
- Wake up early (especially important in Dhaka to beat traffic)
- Do final walkthrough of every room, closet, and storage area
- Check that nothing is left behind
- Have cash ready for any tips or unexpected expenses
When Movers Arrive ✓ Walk through with the supervisor
✓ Show them items requiring special care
✓ Provide clear directions to new location
✓ Keep your phone charged for coordination
✓ Keep your essentials box with you
At Your Old Home
- Supervise packing and loading
- Check all rooms, including bathrooms, balconies, and storage
- Take photos of property condition
- Do final meter readings (electricity, gas, water)
- Hand over keys to landlord
- Get back your security deposit or confirmation
At Your New Home
- Arrive before or with the moving truck if possible
- Walk through the property first
- Note any existing damage for your records
- Direct movers where to place items
- Check all items as they’re unloaded
- Verify nothing is damaged
End of Day
- Do a final count of boxes
- Report any issues immediately
- Complete payment as agreed
- Get written confirmation/receipt
- Thank your moving team (tips are appreciated)
FIRST WEEK IN YOUR NEW HOME
Settling In
Immediate Tasks
- Change locks or get new keys cut
- Test all electrical outlets and switches
- Check water pressure and drainage
- Test gas connections
- Verify internet connectivity
- Locate main water valve, electrical panel, and gas shutoff
Unpack Strategically Priority order for unpacking:
- Essentials box: Set up immediately
- Bathrooms: Get these functional first
- Kitchen: At least basic cooking capability
- Bedrooms: Set up beds for first night’s sleep
- Living areas: Take your time with these
Update New Address Now that you’re settled, update:
- Government IDs (start the process)
- Bank accounts and credit cards
- Online shopping accounts (Daraz, Foodpanda, Pathao)
- Subscription services
- Friends and family
Explore Your New Neighborhood
- Locate nearest grocery stores (Shwapno, Meena Bazar, Agora)
- Find nearest pharmacy
- Identify nearby hospitals/clinics
- Locate nearest police station
- Check public transport options
- Introduce yourself to neighbors
Building Relationships In Dhaka’s close-knit communities:
- Introduce yourself to neighbors
- Get building security’s contact
- Join community WhatsApp groups if available
- Learn about neighborhood services (dhobi, maid services, etc.)
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR DHAKA MOVES
Monsoon Season Moving (June-September)
Moving during Dhaka’s monsoon requires extra planning:
- Use extra plastic wrapping for all items
- Protect electronics with waterproof covering
- Have tarps ready for loading/unloading
- Build in extra time for weather delays
- Keep important documents in waterproof bags
- Have indoor shoes ready (you’ll be tracking water)
Moving with Children
Keep children’s routine stable:
- Pack a separate bag with favorite toys
- Set up kids’ rooms first in new home
- Visit new home before moving day if possible
- Maintain school routine if changing schools
- Explain the moving process to reduce anxiety
Moving with Pets
Dhaka’s traffic and noise can stress pets:
- Keep pets in quiet room during move
- Update pet registration with area veterinary
- Locate nearest vet clinic immediately
- Pet-proof new home before letting them explore
- Maintain feeding and walking schedule
Religious Considerations
Many Dhaka families observe these traditions:
- Schedule move on auspicious day if that matters to you
- Perform any religious ceremonies before or after move
- Consider first day timing (some prefer morning entry)
MOVING COST BREAKDOWN IN DHAKA
Understanding typical costs helps with budgeting:
Professional Moving Services:
- Studio/1BHK: ৳8,000 – ৳15,000
- 2BHK: ৳12,000 – ৳25,000
- 3BHK: ৳18,000 – ৳35,000
- 4BHK+: ৳25,000 – ৳50,000+
Prices vary based on distance, floor level, items volume, and services included
Additional Costs:
- Packing materials: ৳2,000 – ৳5,000
- AC uninstallation/installation: ৳1,500 – ৳3,000 per unit
- Deep cleaning: ৳3,000 – ৳8,000
- Temporary storage (if needed): ৳5,000 – ৳15,000/month
Money-Saving Tips:
- Move mid-month instead of month-end
- Choose weekday over weekend
- Do your own packing for non-fragile items
- Declutter to reduce volume
- Compare multiple quotes
- Book early for better rates
COMMON DHAKA MOVING MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Underestimating Dhaka Traffic Always add 2-3 hours buffer time for traffic. What seems like a 1-hour drive can take 4+ hours during peak times.
- Not Getting Building Permissions Many buildings require advance notice. Don’t assume you can just show up with a truck.
- Forgetting About Narrow Lanes Some Dhaka neighborhoods have lanes too narrow for large trucks. Verify vehicle access beforehand.
- Choosing Cheapest Option Without Research The cheapest mover often cuts corners. Balance cost with reputation and service quality.
- Not Labeling Boxes Properly In the chaos of unpacking, unlabeled boxes become frustrating mysteries. Label everything clearly.
- Packing Everything Yourself to Save Money While DIY packing saves money, improper packing causes damage. Let professionals handle fragile and valuable items.
- Not Taking Photos Photo documentation of property condition and electronics setup saves countless headaches later.
- Forgetting to Defrost Refrigerator A non-defrosted fridge creates water mess in the truck. Start defrosting 48 hours before moving.
FINAL THOUGHTS
House shifting in Dhaka doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning, the right professional moving service, and this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
Remember, the key to successful moving is:
- Start early (8 weeks ahead)
- Stay organized (use checklists)
- Hire professionals (don’t DIY everything)
- Plan for Dhaka-specific challenges (traffic, weather, narrow lanes)
- Be flexible (have backup plans)
Whether you’re moving within Dhaka or to another city in Bangladesh, BasaChange is here to make your relocation stress-free and efficient.
READY TO MOVE?
Don’t let moving stress overwhelm you. Get a free quote from BasaChange today and experience professional house shifting service that thousands of Dhaka residents trust.
Call us now: 01766-628133