Seven simple tips to make shifting houses in Qatar a hassle-free experience

During the span of your stay in Doha, you’ve probably experienced moving houses at least once. But if you haven’t and are considering a move soon, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. Whether you’re moving to be closer to work or opting for a better area, if you plan well in advance, you can shift to your new home and make the experience as hassle-free as possible.

Have you found the place you’re looking to move into? If you haven’t, it’s worth visiting Qatar Living Properties to find the best neighborhoods in Qatar. You can also find great apartments and villas in every area.

And if you have found something, here are some handy tips that will help make your move smooth and you might even save a few riyals.

1. Set a date for shifting

The first thing you need to do, after the legal formalities of renting an apartment or a villa, is to set a date for moving. If the apartment isn’t currently occupied, the real estate agents or the landlords usually agree to hand over the keys earlier. Try having a word with either party, to ensure this happens. This way, you’ll get a few extra days and have a plan B in case of any unforeseen emergencies or change of plans.

2. Identify your need and set a budget 

After finalizing the date of moving, decide what sort of service to opt for and how much money you are ready to spend on that. You do have the option to pack yourself, rent a truck and driver and have everything moved, but this would also entail the long and exhausting process of unpacking and rearranging everything. A great idea would be to consider a moving company. The sound of it might be expensive, but there are plenty of moving companies that operate on a budget. You might not get the unpack service out of this, but it still saves you half the work. A professional packing and moving service will make sure everything goes smooth. 

3. Find a mover

Research on different packers and movers in Qatar and their budgets, get recommendations from your friends and colleagues or just refer to Qatar Living Services. Talk to at least three companies to compare the prices and the services they offer. It is always better to opt for an established firm even if it costs slightly more. You’ll most likely get more reliable service and will save you the hassle of dealing with damaged or mismanaged goods.

4. Be clear with the deal

Every company will have different modes of operation. Ask all the questions and make comparisons. Understand what exactly is on offer before you sign up for anything. Check what materials will be used for packing and unpacking fragile items and crockery and make sure you get bubble wrap for those kinds of items. Companies that charge less might cut corners with the packaging material and in an attempt to save some money, you might end up losing some valuable items.

5. Carpentry

Certain furniture might need a bit of time and expertise to disassemble and reassemble. Check if your choice of packers and movers are professionals with carpentry as well. Some packers and movers offer this service as part of the package, but this is something you’ll need to double-check when selecting the company. These services will also be needed when installing shelves or rearranging furniture, whether new or used, in your new apartment. Another option would be to look for a carpenter separately, which you can find on Qatar Living.

6. Label the boxes

It is important to categorize your items and label the boxes carefully, so unpacking won't be a messy business. Categorize things as per their position in the old house. For instance, items from the kitchen can be labeled together and the same for the bedroom, kids’ room etc. This will make placing the boxes in the right location in the new house easier, and then unpacking without too much lifting and shifting.

7. Donate unused items such as clothes and toys

Shifting to a new house will be a good time to identify clothes, toys and other items which may find better uses with the less privileged. This can also help ease up plenty of space while you simultaneously do a good deed. There are plenty of donation boxes located around the city, usually near malls and schools. You can also directly drop off the stuff at Qatar Charity.

Moving houses is not as stressful as it sounds, with proper planning and selecting the right service providers to make the whole process smooth and convenient. 

If you’re looking to enhance your new apartment and make it feel like home, there are plenty of things you can do from painting and decorating to custom-made furniture and gypsum additions. You’ll find ideas, inspiration and the right people and services to help you get the job done.

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