Intercity House Shifting in Pakistan: How to Move Between Cities

Intercity house shifting means packing your home for a long road trip, so it needs stronger packing, a numbered inventory and more planning than a local move. Book a mover who does door-to-door intercity work, decide between a dedicated truck and shared space, pack fragile items for hours of motorway vibration, and arrive at the new city before the truck so you can receive your goods. This guide covers each step for moves between Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other cities.

How Intercity Moves Differ From Local Moves

Popular Intercity Routes in Pakistan

• Karachi to Lahore: one of the longest common routes, roughly 1,200 km by road.
• Karachi to Islamabad and Rawalpindi: the longest of the major routes, around 1,400 km.
• Lahore to Islamabad: roughly 375 km on the M-2 motorway, often done in a day.
• Islamabad to Peshawar, Lahore to Multan and Faisalabad: shorter regional moves that are usually straightforward.

Distances are approximate and depend on the exact route.

Dedicated Truck or Shared Space?

• Dedicated truck: the vehicle carries only your goods and comes straight to your new home. It costs more but is faster and safer, and suits full-house moves.
• Shared or part-load: your goods share a truck with other customers’ loads. It can be cheaper for a few items, but delivery takes longer and goods are handled more often.

For a full home with furniture and crockery, a dedicated covered truck is usually worth the difference.

Plan Your Intercity Move: 4-Week Timeline

• 4 weeks before: fix the date, declutter, and get written quotes from movers who handle intercity routes.
• 3 weeks before: book the mover, arrange a home in the new city, and start school and office changes.
• 2 weeks before: start packing rooms you use least, and arrange utilities at the new home.
• 1 week before: book transport for your car, prepare appliances, and confirm the date and truck details.
• Moving day: check the inventory, supervise loading, and keep valuables with you.

For a detailed list, see our week-by-week house shifting checklist.

Packing for a Long-Distance Move

A long route means hours of vibration and boxes stacked high, so packing has to be stronger than for a local move.

• Double-wall cartons: weak boxes crush under the weight of others on a long trip.
• Extra layers on fragile items: wrap crockery and glass in paper and bubble wrap, and fill every gap.
• Furniture fully wrapped: stretch film and blankets on all wooden pieces, with corner guards.
• Electronics sealed: TVs upright and padded, and devices sealed against dust and moisture.
• Nothing loose: every item boxed or wrapped so it cannot slide around.

Our guide on how to pack for house shifting explains each item in detail.

Make a Numbered Inventory

Number every box and large item, write a short list of what each box holds, and take photos of valuable furniture and electronics before loading. Ask the movers to sign or confirm the count. At the destination, tick off each number as it comes off the truck and check for damage before the crew leaves.

Timing and Weather

• Avoid month-end if you can: it is the busiest time for movers.
• Winter fog: dense fog in December and January can close motorways in Punjab, so keep a buffer day.
• Monsoon: heavy rain in July and August can affect roads, especially in Sindh and southern Punjab. Insist on a fully covered vehicle.
• Summer heat: keep electronics and candles away from direct sun, and start loading early in the day.

Moving Your Car

You can drive your car yourself or use a car carrier service. A car carrier saves you a long drive and kilometres on the clock, which is useful if you are flying to the new city or travelling with family.

Arriving in the New City

• Arrive before the truck so someone is there to receive your goods.
• Check that electricity, gas and water are working, and that the house is cleaned.
• Share the exact location pin and any gate or lift rules with the driver.
• Count every item against your inventory and inspect fragile boxes first.
• Unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first, then the rest over the next few days.

Intercity Shifting FAQs

How long does an intercity house move take?

Shorter routes like Lahore to Islamabad can often be done door to door in a day. Long routes like Karachi to Lahore or Islamabad usually take longer, depending on loading time, the route and whether the truck is dedicated or shared.

What affects the cost of intercity shifting?

Distance, the volume of goods, packing needs, the type of truck, floors and access at both homes, and the moving date.

Should I choose a dedicated truck or shared space?

A dedicated truck is better for a full house because it is faster and your goods are handled less. Shared space can work for a few boxes or a single room.

Can my car be moved with my household goods?

Cars are moved separately on a car carrier, not in the same truck as furniture. Ask your mover if they can arrange both.

What should I carry with me during an intercity move?

Cash, jewellery, CNICs and property papers, medicines, laptops, chargers and a few days of clothes.