Relocation is stressful enough—unexpected costs make it worse. Unfortunately, the relocation industry in India still sees many cases where movers attract customers with low initial quotes and later add surprise charges. Families often end up paying 30–50% more than agreed just to get their goods released.
The good news? If you know what to look for, you can spot hidden charges early and avoid them completely. This guide breaks down the most common hidden costs in packers and movers quotes—and shows you exactly how to protect yourself.
Why Hidden Charges Happen in Relocation Quotes
Hidden charges usually arise when:
- Quotes are verbal instead of written
- Estimates are given without a proper survey
- Movers exclude essentials to show a low headline price
- Customers don’t ask the right questions upfront
Professional movers work differently: they provide itemised, written quotations that clearly list inclusions, exclusions, and optional add-ons.
1. Packing Material Charges
Some movers quote for “transport only” and later bill separately for cartons, bubble wrap, stretch film, foam sheets, and tapes.
How to avoid
- Ask if packing material is included in the quote
- Confirm whether multi-layer waterproof packing is standard or extra
- At Original Agarwal Packers and Movers - Bade Bhaiya | DRS Group, all packing materials are included in the written quotation.
2. Loading & Unloading Labour Charges
Low quotes often exclude labour. On moving day, customers are asked to pay extra for loading and unloading.
How to avoid
- Confirm the number of labourers included
- Clarify if unloading and unpacking are covered
- Our quotations list labour + loading + unloading upfront.
3. Floor Carry Charges
If there’s no lift (or it’s too small), movers may charge extra for carrying goods via stairs.
How to avoid
- Ask about floor charges during the survey
- Confirm per-floor rates in advance
- Floor carry charges (if applicable) are clearly stated in T&Cs.
4. Long Push / Distance Charges
If the truck can’t park close to your gate, movers may charge extra for long carrying distances.
How to avoid
- Reserve parking with your society in advance
- Clarify distance/long-push charges in the quotation
5. GST Confusion
Some movers quote low rates and later add 12–18% GST.
How to avoid
- Ask if the price is “with GST” or “plus GST”
- Insist on a GST invoice
- Our estimates clearly state “+12% GST (if applicable)”.
6. Insurance (Risk Coverage) Charges
Insurance is often misunderstood—or misused.
Common issues
- Insurance added without consent
- Claims that insurance covers everything (false)
Reality
- Insurance (Risk Coverage) ≈ 3% of declared value
- Covers external damage/loss
- Excludes jewellery, cash, liquids, inflammables, internal faults
- Claim period: 2 days (goods) / 12 hours (vehicle)
How to avoid
- Ask for written insurance terms
- Confirm coverage and exclusions
- We mark Insurance (Risk Coverage) as optional in quotations.
7. Storage / Holding Charges
If delivery is delayed because your new home isn’t ready, movers may add storage costs without notice.
How to avoid
- Confirm storage charges in advance
- If warehousing is needed, ask for daily/monthly rates upfront
8. Tolls, Octroi, and Road Taxes
For interstate moves, sudden demands for tolls or permits are common.
How to avoid
- Ask if transport charges are all-inclusive
- Get toll/permit costs listed in writing
9. Part-Load Mixing Issues
With shared trucks, some movers demand extra at destination—citing “weight increase” or “extra boxes.”
How to avoid
- Prefer Load-to-Load Service (dedicated truck)
- Count and list boxes before loading
- Our Load-to-Load Service ensures no mixing, no disputes.
10. Unpacking & Rearranging Fees
Some movers charge extra for unpacking or furniture reassembly.
How to avoid
- Ask upfront if unpacking is included
- Confirm furniture assembly charges (if any)
- Unpacking is included in our written quotation.
Packers and Movers Charges in India – Transparent Guide
| Type of Move | Average Cost (₹) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Local (1BHK) | 6,000 – 8,000 | Packing, loading, transport, unloading |
| Local (2BHK) | 7,000 – 12,000 | Complete shifting with packing |
| Intercity (200–500 km, 1–2BHK) | 15,000 – 30,000 | Packing, transport, insurance optional |
| Intercity (500–1000 km, 1–3BHK) | 25,000 – 50,000 | Full-service load-to-load |
| Car Transport | 12,000 – 40,000 | Carrier service |
| Bike Transport | 7,000 – 11,000 | Packing + carrier |
| Office Relocation (Small) | 15,000 – 40,000 | Furniture, IT equipment, documents |
Our charges are all-inclusive. Any extras (floor, storage, GST) are highlighted in advance—no surprises.
How to Avoid Hidden Charges Completely
- Demand a written, itemised quotation
- Check if packing + labour + GST are included
- Confirm floor, distance, and storage charges
- Ask for insurance terms in writing
- Choose movers who guarantee “No Hidden Charges”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What are the most common hidden charges?
Packing materials, labour, floor carry, GST, tolls, and storage.
2) How can I avoid hidden charges?
Get a written, itemised quote and avoid verbal estimates.
3) Is insurance included in the cost?
No. Insurance (Risk Coverage) is optional (≈3% of declared value).
4) Do movers charge for unpacking?
Genuine movers include unpacking; fraudulent ones often charge extra.
5) Why choose Original Agarwal Packers and Movers?
No Hidden Charges Guaranteed, Load-to-Load Service, Transparent Quotations, Optional Insurance.
Final Word
Hidden charges are the biggest cause of disputes with packers and movers. With the right questions and a clear written quotation, you can avoid them entirely.
At Original Agarwal Packers and Movers – Bade Bhaiya | DRS Group, our promise is simple:
- No Hidden Charges.
- Safe Load-to-Load Service.
- Insurance (Risk Coverage) Optional.
