Moving a whole home from Karachi to Islamabad is one of the longest house moves in Pakistan – roughly 1,400 km by road. With good planning it can be smooth and safe. This guide covers how to plan house shifting from Karachi to Islamabad: which truck to book, how long it takes, how to pack, and what to check before you pay anyone.
Step 1: Decide what you are taking
Long-distance moves are priced mainly by truck size, so every item you sell or give away before the move saves money. Go room by room and decide what to keep, sell, donate or throw away. Old mattresses, heavy wooden furniture you do not love and broken appliances are usually not worth carrying 1,400 km.
Step 2: Choose the right truck size
Common options for a Karachi–Islamabad house move are:
- Shehzore or small loader – a few rooms of goods, a student or single person.
- Mazda 16 ft – a typical 1–2 bedroom flat.
- Mazda 20 ft – a 2–3 bedroom house.
- Container or large truck – a big house or bungalow, or when you want goods sealed for the whole trip.
To find your size, list your furniture in our free house moving truck size calculator. It adds up the volume and suggests the right vehicle.
Step 3: Full truck or shared load?
With a full (dedicated) truck your goods are loaded once and go straight to your new home – faster and safer for furniture. With a shared (part) load your goods travel with other customers’ goods. It costs less but takes longer and items are handled more often. For a full home, a dedicated truck is usually worth it.
How long does it take?
A truck typically needs around two to three days for the road journey, depending on the route, stops and weather. Use our distance and travel time calculator to see the estimate. Add a day for loading in Karachi and unloading in Islamabad.
Packing for a long-distance move
- Use proper cartons, bubble wrap, stretch film and blankets for furniture – long highway journeys mean more vibration.
- Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in big boxes.
- Dismantle beds, tables and wardrobes; keep screws in labelled bags.
- Defrost and dry the fridge a day before; tie down the washing machine drum.
- Label every box with the room it goes to in Islamabad.
Our printable moving packing list covers every room.
What affects the cost
Instead of trusting a single number, compare quotes on the same basis:
- Truck size and whether it is dedicated or shared.
- Packing materials and labour at both ends.
- Floors and lifts – carrying goods up stairs takes more people.
- Insurance for the journey.
- Extra stops, storage or waiting days.
You can estimate the transport part yourself with the fuel cost and freight rate calculator – it helps you judge whether a quote is fair.
Week-by-week checklist
- 3–4 weeks before: get written quotes, book the movers, start sorting.
- 2 weeks before: pack rarely used items, arrange school and office transfers.
- 1 week before: confirm the date, plan parking for the truck at both houses, keep documents and valuables separate.
- Moving day: count cartons at loading, take photos, get the driver’s and vehicle details, and keep your own copy of the bilty or receipt.
- Arrival in Islamabad: count cartons again before signing, check furniture for damage and note it on the receipt.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send my car on the same truck?
Usually not – cars travel on a car carrier. Ask your mover whether they can arrange it separately.
Is insurance worth it?
For a long move with valuable furniture and electronics, it is worth asking what it costs and what it covers.
Are you a mover serving the Karachi–Islamabad route? Post your free ad and get calls from families planning their move.