Moving House in Dhaka, a Stress Free Plan

Moving house in Dhaka can swallow a whole weekend and most of your patience. The pickup arrives late, the lift is out of order, a box of plates breaks on the Mirpur road, and by evening nobody can find the kettle. Most of that stress comes from doing everything on the same day with no plan. This guide breaks the move into simple steps so moving day becomes the easy part.

Start two weeks before

The earlier you begin, the less you pay in rush and broken items.

1. Confirm the dates with both landlords. Many Dhaka leases run month to month, so check when the old flat must be empty and when the new one is ready. Ask about the advance and when it will be returned.
2. Check building rules. Some buildings in Gulshan, Banani and Uttara only allow moving during set hours, or need the lift booked. Ask the caretaker at both buildings.
3. Book the truck early. Pickup trucks and covered vans get busy at the start and end of each month, when most leases change. Ask local shifting services for a written quote that says the truck size, number of loaders, and whether stairs cost extra.
4. Plan utilities. Arrange gas, electricity meter readings and internet transfer. Wi Fi often takes a few days to move, so request it early.

Choose the right moving day and time

Traffic decides how long your move takes. A truck that sits on the road for three hours costs you time and sometimes extra money.

• Friday morning: Why it helps Roads are much quieter across most of the city
• Early start, around 7 AM: Why it helps You finish loading before the midday jam
• Avoid the last day of the month: Why it helps Trucks and loaders are in highest demand
• Avoid heavy rain days: Why it helps Wet furniture and slippery stairs cause damage

If your new home is far, for example from Mohakhali to Uttara, an early Friday start can save hours compared to a weekday afternoon.

Pack in rooms, not in a rush

Good packing protects your things and makes unpacking quick.

1. Collect boxes and material. Cartons from local shops, newspaper, old bedsheets, tape and a marker are enough for most homes.
2. Pack one room at a time. Write the room and a short list on every box, for example "Kitchen, plates and glasses".
3. Keep boxes light. Books and kitchen items go in small boxes. Big boxes are for light things like pillows and clothes.
4. Wrap fragile items one by one. Plates stand on their edge, not flat. Fill gaps so nothing moves.
5. Take photos of wiring. Before you disconnect the TV, router or computer, take a photo so you can set it up again quickly.
6. Pack a first night bag. Clothes, toothbrush, charger, medicine, important papers, a few plates, a kettle and tea. This bag travels with you, not in the truck.

What should not go in the truck

Loaders work fast and the truck bed shakes. Some things are safer with you or sent separately.

1. Documents and valuables. Passports, deeds, jewellery, cash and laptops stay in your own hands.
2. Medicine and baby supplies. You may need them before the truck is unloaded.
3. Small fragile items. Glass decor, a small aquarium, plants and a few delicate pieces travel better in a car with you.
4. Items going to a different address. If some things are going to a relative's home or a storage room in another area, sending them separately saves the truck an extra stop.

Moving day checklist

1. Have someone at the old flat and someone at the new flat.
2. Point the loaders to fragile boxes first so they go on top.
3. Walk through every room, cupboard and the roof before you leave.
4. Take final meter photos at the old flat.
5. At the new flat, tell loaders which room each box goes in, using the labels.
6. Set up beds and the kitchen first. Everything else can wait.

Getting your family there safely

Children, older parents and pets should not ride in the truck. While the loaders work, they can wait comfortably and travel later, once the new home has beds and a working fan. Book a car or a micro for the family so they arrive together with the first night bag.

How Arohon helps

Arohon does not provide trucks or shifting services, so book your truck with a local shifting company. Arohon helps with the parts around it:

1. Rides for your family. Book a car, car plus or micro with an upfront fare shown before you book, so there is no bargaining on a busy day. Rides are paid in cash.
2. Parcels for small items. Send documents, a few boxes or small fragile things across Dhaka, delivered within 1 hour, or to all 64 districts in 1 to 3 days if some items are going to family outside the city.
3. Safety. See the driver's name, photo and number plate before boarding, and share the trip with family so they can follow along.
4. Food and medicine on the first night. Order food or medicine to the new address and pay with cash, bKash, Nagad or card.

Keep reading

• Parcel delivery
• Rent a car with driver
• Sending a Parcel to Any District, Time and Cost Guide
• Same Day Parcel Delivery in Dhaka: Options, Weights and Tips

Frequently asked questions

When is the best day to move house in Dhaka?

Friday morning is usually best because roads are quieter. Avoid the last days of the month, when most leases change and trucks are busy.

Does Arohon rent pickup trucks for house shifting?

No. Arohon does not offer trucks or shifting services. You can use Arohon for rides for your family and for sending small items as parcels.

How do I protect fragile items during a move?

Wrap each item separately, stand plates on their edge, fill gaps in the box, and mark it fragile. Very delicate items are safer travelling with you in a car.

Can I send a few boxes to family in another district?

Yes. Arohon parcel delivers to all 64 districts in 1 to 3 days. Pack each box well and label it clearly with the receiver's name and phone number.

How should my family travel on moving day?

Book a car or a micro so everyone travels together with the first night bag. You see the fare before you book and pay the driver in cash.