MOVING IN & SETTLING DOWN: YOUR GUIDE TO A SMOOTH RELOCATION TO MIRPUR 1

Moving In & Settling Down: Your Guide to a Smooth Relocation to Mirpur 1

Moving In & Settling Down: Your Guide to a Smooth Relocation to Mirpur 1

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Here's another article for you! Given our previous discussions about finding and renting an apartment in Mirpur 1, the next logical step is to consider the actual process of moving in.

This article will focus on Moving In and Settling Down in Your New Mirpur 1 Apartment, covering the practical steps and considerations for a smooth transition.


Moving In & Settling Down: Your Guide to a Smooth Relocation to Mirpur 1


Congratulations on finding your new apartment in Mirpur 1! The excitement of a new home is often coupled with the challenges of relocation. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of moving in and settling down, from packing your bags to getting your utilities sorted, ensuring a smoother transition to your new life in Dhaka.



Part 1: Pre-Move Preparations – Planning for Efficiency


A well-planned move saves time, money, and stress.

  1. Declutter Ruthlessly: Before packing, go through all your belongings. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need. Less stuff means less to pack, move, and unpack.

  2. Create an Inventory: Make a list of all your boxes and important items. This helps in tracking and unpacking. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to.

  3. Gather Packing Supplies: Acquire sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, newspapers, and markers. You can often find these at local grocery stores, stationery shops, or from professional movers.

  4. Pack an "Essentials Box": This box should contain items you'll need immediately upon arrival: toiletries, a change of clothes, basic tools, chargers, important documents, snacks, and medications.

  5. Inform Key Contacts: Update your address with banks, postal services, subscription services, and important personal contacts.





Part 2: The Moving Day – Hiring Movers & Transport


Dhaka's traffic and narrow lanes can make moving challenging. Professional help is often advisable.

  1. Hire Professional Movers & Packers (Recommended):

    • Research Reputable Companies: Look for companies like PacknMove, Pack & Shift, or Bengal Movers & Packers. Check their reviews and ask for recommendations.

    • Get Multiple Quotes: Contact 2-3 companies to compare prices and services. Ensure the quote includes packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking services.

    • Clarify Insurance: Ask if they offer insurance for your belongings in case of damage or loss during transit.

    • On-site Survey: A good moving company will send a representative to your current home to survey your items and provide an accurate estimate.

    • Book in Advance: Especially if you're moving during peak times (e.g., end of month), book your movers at least 1-2 weeks in advance.

    • Supervise: On moving day, supervise the packing and loading process. Make sure fragile items are handled with extra care.



  2. DIY Moving (If Less Items):

    • If you have very few items, you might rent a pickup truck (known as 'pickup' or 'goods van' locally) and hire daily laborers ('labor') from local markets for loading and unloading. This is cheaper but requires more personal effort and management.







Part 3: Utility Transfers & Connections in Your New Mirpur 1 Home


Getting your utilities up and running is critical.

  1. Electricity (DESCO/DPDC):

    • Existing Connection: Most rented flats will have an existing electricity meter. Ensure the previous tenant's dues are cleared. Your landlord will usually help you transfer the account name or guide you on how to pay.

    • New Connection (Less Common for Renters): If it's a completely new connection (rare for rental flats), you'll need the landlord's consent and property documents. The process involves application, inspection, and payment of fees to your local DESCO (Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited) or DPDC (Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited) office.

    • Bill Payment: Most electricity bills can be paid online via mobile banking apps (bKash, Nagad, Rocket), through bank apps, or at designated bill collection points.



  2. Gas (Titas Gas):

    • Existing Connection: Most apartments in Mirpur 1 will have a Titas Gas connection. Confirm with your landlord that all previous dues are cleared.

    • Metered vs. Fixed: Understand if the gas connection is metered (you pay based on consumption) or if it's a fixed monthly charge. Metered connections generally require you to pay only what you use.

    • Bill Payment: Similar to electricity, gas bills can often be paid online or at designated collection points.



  3. Water (DWASA):

    • Existing Connection: Water supply usually comes from DWASA (Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority). The bill is often included in the service charge paid to the building management/landlord. Clarify this.

    • Supply Hours: Ask your landlord about water supply hours, as some areas might have specific times for water availability, although continuous supply is becoming more common.



  4. Internet & Cable TV:

    • Dhaka has numerous internet service providers (ISPs) like Grameenphone, Banglalink, Link3, or local fiber providers. Research providers active in Mirpur 1, compare packages, and arrange for installation.

    • Cable TV services are usually provided by local operators. Inquire with building residents or the caretaker for contacts.



  5. Police Verification:

    • Mandatory Requirement: In Dhaka, police verification of tenants is a mandatory requirement by law for landlords.

    • Your Role: You will need to provide your NID (National ID) copy, copyright-sized photos, and other relevant information to your landlord. The landlord will then submit these details to the local police station (e.g., Mirpur Police Station) for verification. Cooperate fully with this process as it's for everyone's safety.







Part 4: Settling In & Adapting to Mirpur 1 Life


Once the boxes are in, it's time to make your new place a home.

  1. First Day Essentials:

    • Unpack your "essentials box" first.

    • Set up your bed for a good night's sleep.

    • Locate the main power switch, gas valve, and water stopcock.

    • Clean high-touch surfaces in the kitchen and bathrooms.



  2. Familiarize Yourself with the Neighborhood:

    • Local Markets: Discover your nearest grocery stores, vegetable markets, and pharmacies. Mirpur 1 has many bustling markets.

    • Transport Hubs: Identify the closest Metro Rail station, bus stops, and CNG stands.

    • Emergency Services: Know the location of the nearest hospital/clinic and police station.

    • Eateries: Explore local restaurants and cafes. Mirpur 1 offers a wide variety of food options.



  3. Connect with Your Community:

    • Introduce yourself to your neighbors and the building caretaker. A good relationship with them can be invaluable for local advice and assistance.

    • Join local Facebook groups for Mirpur residents for community updates and recommendations.



  4. Security Measures:

    • Ensure all door and window locks are functional. Consider adding extra locks if needed (with landlord's permission).

    • Familiarize yourself with the building's security protocols.







Relocating can be taxing, but by following these steps, you can ensure a smoother transition to your new apartment in Mirpur 1, allowing you to quickly settle in and enjoy all that this vibrant Dhaka neighborhood has to offer.

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