7 Point Checklist Before You Hire Any Packers and Movers
Author: Republic Packers and Movers Date: 22/10/2025 03:45 PM
When you are shifting from one place to another, it looks like it’s just about packing your things and hiring a truck. But it’s not that simple. Choosing the wrong packers and movers, even by mistake, can make the whole process go wrong. That’s why it’s better to know a few things in advance before choosing.
Here are some simple points to go through. These are not difficult – just the small things that people often miss. They’ll help you understand what really matters when you’re picking packers and movers in India.
1. Experience and Reputation Do Matter
The first thing that makes a big difference is how long the movers have been doing this work. Experience doesn’t just mean years; it means how many successful moves they’ve handled. Movers who have handled both small and large moves usually know what kind of issues can come up - things like tight staircases, bulky furniture, or even sudden rain. They’ve dealt with such situations before and know how to manage them without much trouble.
Before you decide on someone, it’s always wise to look around a bit.. You can check online reviews or just talk to a few people who’ve used moving services recently. Check what people keep saying again and again in the reviews. If they say the movers came on time, packed things properly, and behaved nicely, that’s a good sign. But if you keep seeing complaints about delays, broken items, or rudeness, then it’s better to look for another.
In India, personal recommendations still matter more than flashy online ads. So if someone in your area recommends a mover they’ve actually used, that’s often more reliable than any flashy website claim.
Another thing - if a company is too new or doesn’t share any details about their past jobs, it’s okay to ask simple questions like, “How many moves have you done this month?” or “Do you handle flat shifting or big houses?” Their answers will tell you a lot.
2. Legal Papers and Insurance
The second point is about documents and safety cover. A registered and verified packer is always safer than one who just says “don’t worry.” Every company doing this work properly will have a business registration, GST number, and sometimes transport licenses. It’s okay to politely ask for these before you book.
Now about insurance - many people skip this part thinking it’s not needed. But think about it - your stuff travels a long distance, sometimes hundreds of kilometres. There can be bumps, weather issues, or accidents. Insurance helps in those rare times when something gets damaged or lost. It’s not about expecting the worst; it’s just about being ready.
Before signing anything, ask clearly what kind of insurance they offer. Some cover only total loss, some also cover damage to individual items.
Avoid handing over cash without any record. A company that provides paperwork and bills shows they are more serious about their work.
3. Clear Survey and Written Estimate
A good moving company won’t just give you a random price on the phone. They’ll want to see what needs to be shifted - either through a visit or a short video call. This step matters because every house is different. Some have big cupboards, some have narrow doors, some have stairs or lifts.
When the survey happens, they should note everything - the number of rooms, furniture, fragile items, floors, parking space, and distance. After that, they’ll prepare an estimate.
Always ask for a written estimate. Verbal quotes are risky because later people can deny what they said. A written one shows transparency. It should mention packing cost, labour, transport, loading, unloading, and any taxes if applicable.
If one company gives you a price that sounds way cheaper than everyone else, don’t jump on it immediately. Many times, when someone gives a very low price, it means something is not right, maybe they won’t pack things properly, or they might add some hidden charges later.
4. Packing Materials and Care for Delicate Items
A lot of people don’t give attention to this part, but it actually matters more. How well your things are packed decides whether they’ll reach safely or not. Good movers usually take care of this and use proper materials like bubble wrap, foam sheets, paper, and strong boxes.
You can also ask them what kind of packing materials they use for delicate things. For example, glass, crockery, electronics, and smart TV. For furniture, the corners and legs should be well padded, and things like clothes or mattresses need to be covered properly so they don’t catch dust during the move.
Also, check if they label boxes properly. Writing things like “Kitchen,” “Fragile,” or “Bedroom” helps later when unpacking. It also helps them know which boxes need more care while loading.
If movers are careless while packing, even one bump on the road can break your things. So this step isn’t just about materials - it’s about how much attention they give. A good mover works carefully. They know when to use tape, when to double wrap, and how to stack boxes properly in the truck.
5. Transport and Route Planning
Even the best packing won’t help if the transport is not planned well. So the next thing to check is how your goods will travel.
Ask what kind of truck they will use – small, medium, or large. The truck size depends on how many items you’re shifting. Make sure they don’t overload one vehicle or mix your goods with others without telling you. Some companies share space to cut costs, but it can cause confusion at the time of unloading.
Also, check how they load things. Big and heavy furniture should go first at the bottom, and the light or delicate things should stay on top.
Another thing to ask is route planning. Drivers should know the roads well, the toll routes, and understand city timing rules. In many Indian cities, big trucks aren’t allowed on some roads during specific hours. Movers who plan things properly keep all this in mind, so there are no problems at the last moment.
Sometimes, people get stressed when trucks arrive late or take a longer route. To avoid that, just ask for an approximate timeline before the move starts. Good movers usually keep track and give updates if they get delayed.
6. Hidden Charges and Payment Rules that Leave you Confused
At first, you get one price. Later, you might hear about “extra labour,” “waiting time,” “fuel charge,” or “GST not included.” That’s why clarity at the start saves arguments later.
When you get a quote, ask a few basic questions
- Is packing included in this price?
- What if the truck has to wait?
- Are stairs or lifts charged separately?
-Is unloading included or costs extra?
If they answer clearly and don’t try to just fill your questions, it’s a good sign. Always ask for an invoice with the final amount.
Also, never pay the full amount in advance. A small token or booking amount is fine, but the rest should be paid after the work starts or finishes. If possible, use online payments or UPI so you have a record.
Remember, transparency is what you’re looking for here - not the cheapest price. Movers who talk clearly about money usually handle the rest of the job clearly too.
7. Communication and Timing
One of the most common reasons for stress during moving is poor communication. Simple things like not confirming timing or parking space can cause big delays.
A good mover will check a few basic things before the moving day - Is there space for the truck near your house? Is there a lift? What time can they come? They’ll also call before arriving.
From your side, if you inform them about fragile or heavy items early, they can plan the packing better. Keeping both sides open makes a big difference.
If something unexpected comes up - like rain or road closure - it helps if both sides stay calm and in touch. Movers are used to such things, but it’s easier when they get honest updates.
Good coordination means less stress. When movers know your needs and you understand their process, the work just flows better
8. A Few More Pointers to Remember
- Check if the movers bring their own tools and equipment - like trolleys or ropes. It makes loading safer.
- If you’re moving long-distance, do confirm if the same team will unload at the destination or if a partner team will take over.
- Take pictures of your major items before packing. It helps if there’s any confusion left.
- Keep a small bag to put personal essentials in so you don’t have to search for them on the first day after shifting.
Picking the right packers and movers isn’t about luck – it’s more about taking a little time to check a few basic things. A good moving team doesn’t just carry boxes; they make sure the whole process feels safe and hassle-free.