Shifting a home or office is more than just moving items from one place to another. It involves planning, organizing, packing, transportation, and unpacking. Understanding the time required at each stage and what to prepare beforehand can save a lot of stress.
Step 2: Booking a Moving Service
Once you have a clear plan, the next step is to book a professional moving service. This ensures you have experienced staff, proper vehicles, and equipment ready on your chosen date.
Activities Involved:
- Choose a trusted moving company: Check reviews, experience, and pricing.
- Confirm services required: Packing, furniture dismantling, transportation, loading, unloading, and unpacking.
- Finalize contract and payment terms: Some companies require a partial advance.
Time Estimate:
1–2 hours if booking online or over the phone. If confirming multiple movers, it may take 1–2 days.
Tip: Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving seasons.
1. Packing: The Most Crucial Step
Packing is the most critical step in shifting. The time required depends on the size of your home or office and the number of items.
For a small home, like a 1–2 BHK, packing usually takes 4 to 6 hours. A medium home with 2–3 BHKs may require 8 to 12 hours, while larger homes with 4 or more BHKs can take 1–2 days.
Tips for Faster Packing:
- Organize by Category: Divide items into kitchen, bedroom, living room, office supplies, and fragile items.
- Use Quality Packing Material: Bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and packing tape protect your belongings.
- Label Boxes Clearly: Mention the room and contents for easier unpacking.
- Separate Fragile Items: Wrap glassware, crockery, and electronics carefully with extra padding.
2. Loading: Transferring Items to the Vehicle
Once packing is done, the next step is loading items onto the truck or van.
Small homes usually take 1–2 hours. Medium homes may take 2–3 hours, while large homes or offices could take 3–5 hours, depending on the number and size of furniture and boxes.
Loading Tips:
- Load Heavy Items First: Place furniture and appliances first, then lighter boxes.
- Balance the Load: Distribute weight evenly to ensure safe transportation.
- Use Proper Tools: Dollies, ropes, and padding protect furniture from damage.
Professional movers can handle this step efficiently, saving time and effort.
3. Moving: Transportation Time
The moving time depends mainly on the distance between locations and traffic conditions.
For short distances under 20 km, moving usually takes 1–2 hours. Medium distances between 20–100 km may take 3–6 hours, while long-distance relocations of over 100 km can take 1–2 days.
Tips for Smooth Moving:
- Plan Your Route: Check traffic and road conditions in advance.
- Keep Essentials Handy: Carry important documents, valuables, and medicines separately.
- Hire Trusted Movers: Professional moving companies ensure safe and timely delivery.
4. Unloading: Setting Up in Your New Home or Office
Unloading ensures that your items are placed safely and organized in your new space.
Small homes usually take 1–2 hours to unload. Medium-sized homes or offices may require 2–4 hours, while large homes could take 4–6 hours.
Tips for Efficient Unloading:
- Assign Rooms: Place each box in its designated room for easier unpacking.
- Assemble Furniture: Plan furniture setup; hire professionals if needed.
- Check Items: Inspect for damage and note any issues for insurance claims.
Key Tips for a Smooth and Efficient Shifting
- Start preparation at least 1–2 weeks before moving day.
- Hire experienced movers for heavy and fragile items.
- Keep a checklist to track each stage.
- Declutter to reduce packing and moving time.
- Keep a bag of essentials for quick access during and after moving.
Conclusion
Shifting involves multiple steps—from planning and booking to packing, loading, moving, unloading, and unpacking. Each stage takes time, depending on the size of the home or office, the distance, and the preparation level. By following a structured approach and hiring professionals, you can make your move efficient, safe, and stress-free.
