Top 10 Things to Check Before Hiring a Moving Company
Relocating your home or office? One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is hiring the right moving company. With so many options available—some trustworthy, some not—it’s important to choose wisely.
The wrong choice could mean damaged goods, hidden costs, or unnecessary stress. To make sure your move is smooth and safe, here are the top 10 things to check before hiring a moving company.
Company License and Registration
Start by confirming whether the moving company is officially registered and licensed.
In India, check if they have a GST number, PAN card, and local trade license.
Avoid companies with vague documentation or those who can’t show proof.
This ensures that you’re dealing with a legitimate, accountable service provider.
Insurance Coverage
A responsible mover always offers transit insurance. Ask these questions:
Is insurance included or optional?
What is covered—just vehicle damage or also item loss/breakage?
This protects your valuables in case of an accident or unforeseen event during the move.
Reputation and Reviews
Don’t just go by what the company says—look at what their customers say.
Check reviews on Google, Justdial, Sulekha, MouthShut, etc.
Ask for 2–3 past customer references.
A good company will have positive feedback and won’t hesitate to share real customer stories.
Transparent Pricing and Written Quote
Never accept a verbal price estimate.
Ask for a detailed written quote, including all possible charges (packing, GST, tolls, stairs, etc.).
Make sure there are no hidden fees after the move.
If they hesitate to provide it in writing—consider it a red flag.
Experience in the Industry
Experience matters—especially when moving expensive or fragile items.
Choose a company with at least a few years of operational experience.
Ask if they’ve handled moves similar to yours—like interstate relocations or office shifting.
Experienced movers are better equipped to handle last-minute surprises.
Quality of Packing Materials
Ask the company about the materials they use to pack your belongings.
Do they use bubble wrap, foam sheets, stretch film, and sturdy boxes?
Will fragile items be packed separately?
Can they provide wardrobe or electronics boxes?
Using low-quality materials can cause serious damage during transit.
Trained Staff and Professionalism
The people doing the actual work should be trained, respectful, and careful.
Are the team members in uniform and carrying ID cards?
Are they trained in safe lifting and packing techniques?
Do they behave professionally during the survey or call?
Untrained workers can cost you time, damage, and peace of mind.
Availability of Services You Need
Not all movers provide complete service. Confirm these in advance:
Packing and unpacking
Loading and unloading
Rearranging at your new location
Vehicle or bike transportation
Storage facilities, if needed
Hiring one company that does everything makes the move easier and faster.
Vehicle Condition and Tracking
Ask to inspect the trucks or view photos online.
Are they clean and well-maintained?
Are they closed-body vehicles for weather protection?
Is GPS tracking available to monitor your goods in real-time?
A good mover won’t hesitate to give you visibility and assurance.
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policy
Before booking, understand:
How much advance is needed?
Do they accept UPI, card, cash, or bank transfers?
What’s the cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Knowing this upfront helps you avoid misunderstandings or loss of money.
Conclusion
Choosing a moving company is not something to rush. These 10 checkpoints will help you filter out unreliable movers and focus on the ones that offer real value.
A trustworthy company will happily answer all your questions, provide clear paperwork, and ensure your belongings are treated with care. Take the time now—and save yourself the stress later.
