How to Choose Packers and Movers: 10 Questions to Ask and Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing a moving company is one of the most important decisions in any house shift. The right team makes the move smooth. The wrong one can mean damaged furniture, surprise charges and a missed delivery date. This guide brings together the questions to ask, the mistakes to avoid and a short checklist, so you can compare companies with confidence.

10 questions to ask before you hire

1. How long have you been doing house shifting?

Experience matters most with fragile, heavy and costly items. Ask how many years the company has been working and whether they regularly do moves like yours: local, inter-city or inter-state.

2. Is the company registered, and where is your office?

A genuine mover has a physical office address, a GST number and a phone number that someone answers. Be careful with companies that only share a mobile number and no address.

3. Will someone see my items before giving the quote?

A quote given without seeing your items, either at your home or on a video call, often goes up on moving day. A proper survey gives an accurate truck size and price.

4. What exactly is included in the price?

Ask for a written quote that lists packing, loading, transport, unloading and unpacking. Also ask about extra charges for stairs, no lift, long carry from the gate, dismantling furniture or AC uninstall and refitting.

5. What packing materials do you use?

Good cartons, bubble wrap, foam sheets and stretch film protect your things on the road. Ask whether these are included in the price or charged separately.

6. Are your workers trained and your own staff?

Trained staff know how to pack glassware, wrap a TV and carry a fridge without damage. Ask whether the team is the company’s own or hired on the day.

7. How do you handle fragile and high-value items?

Electronics, glass tables, showcases and antiques may need extra layers or wooden crating. Ask how they will be packed and where they will be placed in the truck.

8. Do you offer transit insurance?

Accidents are rare but possible. Ask what insurance is available, what it covers and how a claim works if something is damaged.

9. When will my goods be delivered, and what happens if there is a delay?

Get the delivery date in writing. Ask whether your goods go in a dedicated truck or share space with other customers, as shared loads take longer. In Kerala, also ask how goods are protected from rain during the monsoon months.

10. Can I see reviews from real customers?

Check Google reviews, not just the testimonials on the company’s website. Recent reviews that mention damage handling and on-time delivery tell you the most.

Common mistakes to avoid

Booking the first company you find. Compare at least three quotes.
Choosing only on price. A quote far below others usually means hidden charges, poor packing or a fake company.
Accepting a verbal quote. Always get the price and what it includes in writing.
Not reading the terms. Check the advance payment, cancellation policy and damage terms before you pay.
Booking at the last minute. Month-end and holidays fill up fast. Book a few days ahead.
Skipping the inventory. Make a list of your items, or ask the movers for one, and check it at delivery.
Sending valuables in the truck. Keep jewellery, cash, documents and medicines with you.
Forgetting the building rules. Ask your apartment association about lift booking and the hours when trucks are allowed.

Quick checklist before you confirm

Written quote with everything listed
Office address and GST number checked
Google reviews read
Delivery date in writing
Insurance option understood
Advance amount and cancellation terms clear

Moving in Kochi or Ernakulam?

At Pro Cochin Packers and Movers, we are happy to answer every question on this list before you book. Tell us what you are moving and we will send you a written quote with no hidden charges.