Home Shifting Checklist: A Step-by-Step Plan for a Smooth Move

Shifting your home is easier when you break it into small, clear steps. Most moving-day stress comes from things left to the last minute — a missing document, an appliance not disconnected, or boxes with no labels. This step-by-step checklist helps you plan your home shifting from the first enquiry to the first night in your new home.

Step 1: Decide the Moving Date and Get a Free Quote

Start by fixing your moving date. If you have flexibility, choose a weekday and avoid the last days of the month, when many people shift. Then ask for a quote.

• Share your moving-from and moving-to addresses, floor numbers and whether there is a lift.
• Make a rough list of your goods: furniture, appliances, number of rooms, and any car or bike.
• Ask for a survey — in person or on a video call — so the quote matches your actual goods.
• Ask what is included: packing materials, loading, transport, unloading and unpacking.

At Century Packers and Movers, a move is booked only after we confirm it in writing. You can request a free quote here.

Step 2: Sort and Declutter Before You Pack

Every item you do not move saves packing time and space in the vehicle. Go room by room and make three groups:

• Keep — things you use and want in your new home.
• Give away or sell — clothes, books, toys and furniture you no longer need.
• Discard — broken items, old papers and expired food or medicines.

Decluttering early also helps the survey and quote, because the list of goods is final.

Step 3: Collect Important Documents

Keep these in one folder that travels with you, not in the moving vehicle:

• ID proofs, passports and property or rent papers.
• School records, medical files and prescriptions.
• Vehicle RC and insurance papers if your car or bike is being moved.
• Your booking confirmation and the moving company's contact details.

Step 4: Inform and Transfer Services

• Update your address with your bank, employer, gas agency and mobile operator.
• Arrange disconnection of electricity, water and internet at the old home, and connection at the new one.
• Inform your housing society on both ends and ask about lift booking, parking and any moving-day rules.
• If you have children, collect transfer certificates from school.

Step 5: Plan the Packing Room by Room

Whether you pack yourself or use professional packing, a plan saves confusion:

• Pack rarely used rooms first — store room, guest room, showcase items.
• Pack daily-use items last — kitchen basics, toiletries and bedding.
• Label every box with the room name and a short list of contents.
• Mark boxes with glass or crockery as FRAGILE on all sides.

If you choose our packing service, our team brings bubble wrap, corrugated boxes, stretch film and padding, and packs each item for the journey.

Step 6: Prepare Appliances

• Refrigerator — empty it, defrost it the night before and wipe it dry.
• Washing machine — drain all water and fit the transit bolts if you still have them.
• Air conditioner — get a technician to uninstall it safely; keep the brackets and screws in a labelled bag.
• TV and computer — photograph the cable connections so reconnecting is easy.

Step 7: Pack an Essentials Bag

Keep one bag or box with you for the first day in your new home:

• Phone chargers, medicines and a small first aid kit.
• A change of clothes for everyone, towels and toiletries.
• Snacks, water bottles, a kettle and a few cups.
• Keys, cash, documents and jewellery.

Step 8: On Moving Day

• Be present, or have someone you trust present, at pickup.
• Walk through every room, cupboard and balcony before the vehicle leaves.
• Check the list of goods and keep a copy.
• Note meter readings and hand over keys as agreed.

Step 9: At the New Home

• Show the team where each room's boxes and furniture should go.
• Check your goods at delivery and note any damage or missing item on the delivery receipt.
• If something is wrong, take photos and inform the moving company in writing quickly — at Century Packers and Movers, claims are reported within 24 hours of delivery (see our Terms and Conditions).
• Unpack the essentials bag, kitchen and beds first.

A Quick Note on Payment and Insurance

Ask your mover about payment terms before you book. With us, you pay 50% as advance at booking and the balance at delivery, by cash, UPI or bank transfer, and you get a receipt for every payment. Transit insurance is not included in our services, so if you want it, arrange a policy with an insurance company before the move.

Plan Your Home Shifting With Us

Century Packers and Movers is based in Zirakpur and handles local shifting across the Tricity and intercity moves across India. Learn more about our household shifting service or contact us for a free quote.