Cost Guide
How Much Does House Shifting Cost in Pakistan (2026)
Straight talk on what families actually pay to move house in Pakistan — and the levers that change the number.
We've shifted homes across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi since 2014, and the first question every family asks is the same: "Bhai, kitna praysha?" The honest answer is that house shifting cost in Pakistan is not one number — it depends on the size of your load, how far you're going, and how much packing you want us to do.
This guide gives you realistic 2026 ranges and, more importantly, explains why the price moves so you can read a quote without getting lost. If you want a fixed figure for your own home, our house shifting service team will survey it free of cost.
Local Shifting Rates (Within One City)
For a move inside the same city, labour and truck time dominate the cost:
- Studio / 1-bed: Rs. 18,000 – Rs. 32,000
- 2-bed apartment: Rs. 35,000 – Rs. 60,000
- 3-bed house / upper portion: Rs. 60,000 – Rs. 110,000
- Add Rs. 8,000 – Rs. 20,000 if you want full professional packing
Ground-floor to ground-floor is cheapest. A fourth-floor walk-up with no lift, or a narrow street where the truck parks two lanes away, adds carry labour we have to price honestly.
Inter-City Shifting Rates
Crossing cities means fuel, tolls and usually an overnight halt:
- Lahore ↔ Islamabad (full 2-bed): Rs. 80,000 – Rs. 140,000
- Karachi ↔ Lahore (full household): Rs. 150,000 – Rs. 240,000
- Karachi ↔ Islamabad (full household): Rs. 170,000 – Rs. 260,000
- Closed-container option adds 15–25% over open truck
What Pushes the Price Up or Down
- Volume: more cartons and furniture mean a bigger truck and more hands
- Distance and route: Islamabad to Peshawar costs less than Karachi to Peshawar
- Packing material: corrugated, bubble wrap and stretch film are charged by use
- Floors and access: no lift and tight lanes add carry time
- Season: Eid, June and month-ends are busy and slightly pricier
- Insurance: optional cover is a small percentage of declared value
How We Quote — and How to Read Any Quote
A proper quote lists labour, vehicle, packing material, and any insurance separately. We take roughly 70% advance to confirm the booking and crew, and the balance 30% on delivery after you've inspected. If a quote bundles everything into one round number with no breakdown, ask what's inside it. Hidden charges in this trade are usually just items nobody mentioned — not malice, just poor habits. Clear line items fix that.
A Note on Cheap Quotes
The lowest number is not always the cheapest move. A bare truck with no padding and untrained labour can cost you far more in broken crockery and scratched furniture. For a balanced view, compare our packers and movers in Pakistanapproach — trained crew, inventory lists, and padded loading — against any bare-bones rate you're weighing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to shift a 2-bed apartment in Lahore?
In 2026 a local 2-bed shift within Lahore typically runs between Rs. 35,000 and Rs. 60,000 with packing. Distance, floor, and the volume of cartons are what push it to either end.
Why is inter-city shifting more expensive than local?
Long routes add fuel, tolls, driver halt allowance, and usually an overnight stay. Karachi to Islamabad for a full household can land between Rs. 120,000 and Rs. 220,000 depending on load and packing material used.
What does the quoted rate normally include?
A standard quote covers labour, the truck or closed container, basic padding, loading and unloading. Packing material, insurance, and disassembling of heavy furniture are quoted separately — always ask for the line items.
Is a 70/30 payment split normal?
Yes. Most reputable movers take around 70% advance to block the vehicle and crew, with the remaining 30% on safe delivery. Be cautious of anyone demanding full payment up front.
How can I reduce my house shifting cost?
Declutter before the survey, pack non-fragile items yourself, and avoid peak dates around Eid and month-ends. A tidy, pre-sorted home cuts labour hours significantly.
Want a Real Number for Your Home?
Book a free survey and get an itemised, no-surprise house shifting quote from Sohail Brothers.