Through Nawalgarh
From Jhunjhunu, the road heads south-west through farmland and low dunes to Nawalgarh, a haveli town, and continues to Sikar. At about 69 km, the drive takes an hour or two, and a household loaded in the morning is usually being carried in by lunchtime. Agree the reporting time at each end in writing.
Leaving Jhunjhunu
Havelis and homes in the old town usually need goods carried to a truck on a wider road. Colonies on the Sikar road are quickest. Clear the courtyard and gate the evening before.
Where in Sikar
Sikar's old town, around the fort and bazaars, is crowded with narrow lanes. The coaching area, along Piprali Road and nearby colonies, is full of hostels and student flats, and newer colonies spread along the Jaipur road. Tell the mover the exact address.
Coaching city
Sikar has become one of Rajasthan's biggest coaching hubs, and thousands of students arrive at the start of each batch. Hostels set move-in hours and fill quickly. A student's room goes well as a few-items move; check the hostel's rules first.
Heat and cold
Both towns are scorching in May and June and very cold in December and January. Load at dawn in summer and a little later in winter. Keep medicines and electronics in your car.
October to November and February to March are usually the easiest weeks.
Khatu Shyam and festival crowds
The Khatu Shyam temple, in Sikar district, draws enormous crowds, especially during its Phalgun fair before Holi, and roads around Sikar are packed then. Choose a date clear of the fair, and of Diwali and the wedding season.
Service families
Many moves on this route are soldiers' families settling in Sikar for schools while a member serves elsewhere. Keep uniforms and documents with you, and ask for trunks to be numbered and listed.
Haveli heirlooms
Ask for carved doors, old chests, brass and framed paintings to be photographed, listed and wrapped individually. Pad any painted walls the crew must pass.
Apartments in Sikar
Newer apartment blocks ask for notice of a move, set loading hours and need a lift booking. Ask the association a week ahead; our guide to society NOCs and lift bookings explains what to ask.
Packing against dust
Desert dust gets into everything. Ask for carton seams taped, mattresses wrapped, and electronics sealed in their own boxes.
Nawalgarh's havelis
Nawalgarh, on the way, is one of Shekhawati's best-preserved haveli towns, and its narrow streets fill with tourists in winter. If your move starts or ends there, ask whether goods will need to be carried from a wider road.
Settling in
Ask about water timings and storage, and book internet as soon as you have the address. Hindi and Shekhawati are spoken at both ends. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the records to update.