Chionggirl in Shanghai

(This was written about my move about a month ago, so some contents maybe abit disconnected.)

Moving house in Shanghai is actually not a difficult task. But there are alot of horror stories that I have heard about movers. The most commom story I have heard is that the agreed price before the move is drastically different from the price AFTER the move. They wil charge you fees for moving from the lobby to the road, from your apartment to your lobby; They drive a long distance to earn extra 'mileage' so that you wil pay them more.. So I did have hesitations when I finally decided to move house.

First of all, you need to find a reliable mover. I reckoned that I was a light mover, so I didin't thought of engaging a mover till the day I decided to move. In retrospect, it wasn't that bad. A friend had advised me to check with the security guard below my previous apartment if he knows of any 'freelance' mover. And a good advise it was. The security guard recommended a rag-and-bone man who worked around the neighbourhood, who delivered my stuffs (about 8 boxes, including luggages and knicknacks) to the new place so fast, he was faster than me taking a cab! He was also a very friendly man, though I think he is a middle age person, he was really strong, I guess due to the nature of his job.

For those of you who are would like to engage professional movers, I think the only reliable one is Da Zhong 上海大众搬场物流有限公司 (http://www.96811.net/800/default.asp). You have to call them a week in advance though. If you are a single person like me, and reckon that you do not have as much stuffs as the families who lived here, get a friend to help you move your stuffs as you call for a Volkswagon 大众 van. That worked for most of my friends, BUT, provided that your friends do not mind spending an afternoon being the good friend (which I have learned, some 'friends' you have here are entertainment-related friends and not help-friends...)

As an expat, it is better that you let the govenment know that you have changed your location of residence. Well, that is basic courtesy too. So after you have moved, do remember to check with the security guard on the police station 派出所 that is responsibile for your area. Report there with your work contract, passport, your landlord's ID and your rental contract, and let them know that you have moved. Do this as soon as possible. I can't tell you what may happen, but it is better to be a good guest and do what good guests do while in China :)

Will write about things to lookout in a new place next. :)