Four weeks before
- Fix your moving date. Avoid month-end if you can; it is the busiest time for movers and lifts in societies. If you want to move on a muhurat date, check it now, because those days book out first.
- Get two or three quotes. Ask each mover for a survey (in person or on video) and a written, itemised quote. Compare what is included: packing material, dismantling, AC removal, insurance, GST and tolls.
- Give notice. If you rent, check your agreement for the notice period and the condition the flat must be returned in. Book a time with the landlord for the handover and deposit settlement.
- Decide what not to move. Sell, donate or discard what you do not need. Every item you skip lowers the volume and the price.
Three weeks before
- Book your mover and get the confirmed date, time, crew size, vehicle and total price in writing (WhatsApp or email is fine).
- Society permissions. Ask both societies about move-out and move-in rules: permission letters, no-dues certificates, gate passes, lift booking, allowed hours and any refundable deposit. See our guide to Delhi shifting rules.
- Schools and work. Request transfer certificates, and tell your office if you need a day off.
- Vehicles. If a car or bike is moving with you, book it on the same date and keep the RC, insurance and PUC handy.
Two weeks before
- Utilities. Ask BSES, Tata Power-DDL or your discom for a final meter reading at the old home and a new connection or name change at the new one. Do the same for IGL piped gas, broadband and DTH.
- Address change. Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance, Aadhaar (online through the UIDAI portal), gas agency and delivery apps.
- Tenant verification. If you are renting the new home in Delhi, complete tenant police verification; it can be done online through Delhi Police.
- Use up food in the fridge and freezer and stop bulk-buying groceries.
The last week
- Pack an essentials bag for each person: clothes for two days, medicines, chargers, documents, toiletries, a few utensils, snacks and water.
- Keep valuables with you. Jewellery, cash, passports, property papers and laptops should travel with you, not in the truck.
- Defrost the fridge 24 hours before moving day and dry it, and drain the washing machine.
- Photograph expensive furniture and electronics, and note any existing scratches.
- Confirm the crew arrival time and share the exact addresses, floor numbers and lift details with your mover.
Moving day
- Walk the supervisor through each room and point out fragile and do-not-pack items.
- Check the inventory list before the truck leaves and keep a signed copy.
- Do a final round of cupboards, lofts, the balcony and the meter box before handing over the keys.
- At the new home, tell the crew where each room is and check items off the inventory as they come in.
The first week in your new home
- Unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first; the rest can wait.
- Report any damage to your mover within the time stated on your insurance or quote, with photos.
- Get your AC re-installed and check that appliances work.
- Collect your security deposit from the old landlord and the lift deposit from the old society.