💡 Common Hidden Charges in Packers and Movers & How to Avoid Them (2025)
One of the biggest concerns people have when hiring packers and movers is:
👉 “Will there be hidden charges?”
Unfortunately, the relocation industry in India has many cases where movers attract customers with low initial quotes and then add surprise costs later. 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. Here’s a detailed guide to the most common hidden charges in packers and movers and how you can protect yourself.
❌ 1. Packing Material Charges
Some movers give quotes for “transport only” and then add separate bills for cartons, bubble wrap, and stretch film.
How to avoid:
Ask if packing material is included in the quote.
Confirm if multi-layer waterproof packing is standard or extra.
👉 At Singhania Packers & Movers, all packing material is included in the written quotation.
❌ 2. Loading & Unloading Labor Charges
Cheap movers often exclude labor in the initial price. On moving day, they demand extra for loading/unloading.
How to avoid:
Confirm number of laborers included.
Clarify if unpacking is also covered.
👉 Our quotations always list labor + loading + unloading upfront.
❌ 3. Floor Carry Charges
If your home doesn’t have a lift, movers may charge extra for carrying goods up/down stairs.
How to avoid:
Ask about floor charges during the survey.
Confirm cost per floor in advance.
👉 We clearly state floor carry charges (if applicable) in our T&Cs.
❌ 4. Long Push / Distance Charges
If movers can’t park the truck near your gate and have to carry goods long distances, they often demand additional fees.
How to avoid:
Reserve parking in advance with your society.
Clarify “distance charges” in the quotation.
❌ 5. GST Confusion
Some movers quote low rates but add 12–18% GST later.
How to avoid:
Ask if the price is “with GST” or “plus GST.”
Insist on a GST invoice.
👉 Our estimates always state “+12% GST (if applicable)” clearly.
❌ 6. Insurance (Risk Coverage) Charges
Some movers don’t explain insurance properly. They either:
Add insurance (Risk Coverage) without consent, or
Claim it covers everything (including electronics/cash) — which is false.
Reality:
Insurance (Risk Coverage) = 3% of declared value.
Covers external damage/loss only.
Excludes jewelry, cash, liquids, inflammables, internal faults.
How to avoid:
Ask for written insurance terms.
Check claim period (2 days goods, 12 hrs vehicles).
👉 We always mark Insurance (Risk Coverage) as optional in our 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 you need warehousing, ask for daily/monthly rates upfront.
❌ 8. Tolls, Octroi, and Road Taxes
For interstate moves, movers may suddenly demand toll or RTO permit charges.
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 the destination before releasing goods — blaming “weight increase” or “extra boxes.”
How to avoid:
Always prefer Load-to-Load Service (dedicated truck).
Count & list your boxes before loading.
👉 Our Load-to-Load Service ensures no mixing, no disputes.
❌ 10. Unpacking & Rearranging Fees
Some movers charge extra for unpacking and rearranging furniture.
How to avoid:
Ask upfront if unpacking is included.
Confirm furniture assembly charges (if applicable).
👉 At Singhania, unpacking is included in our written quotation.
📊 Packers and Movers Charges in India (2025) – Transparent
| 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 (Risk Coverage) optional |
| Intercity (500–1000 km, 1–3BHK) | 25,000 – 50,000 | Full-service load-to-load relocation |
| Car Transport | 12,000 – 40,000 | Carrier service |
| Bike Transport | 7,000 – 11,000 | Packing + carrier |
| Office Relocation (Small Setup) | 15,000 – 40,000 | Furniture, IT equipment, documents |
💡 Our charges are all-inclusive. We highlight any extra (floor, storage, GST) in advance. No surprises.
📝 How to Avoid Hidden Charges Completely
Always demand a written quotation.
Check if packing + labor + GST are included.
Confirm floor charges, distance charges, and storage rates.
Ask about Insurance (Risk Coverage) terms.
Choose movers with “No Hidden Charges Guaranteed” in writing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the most common hidden charges in packers and movers?
Packing material, labor, floor carry, GST, tolls, and storage.
2. How can I avoid hidden charges?
Get a written, itemized quotation with all costs. Avoid verbal estimates.
3. Is insurance (Risk Coverage) included in the cost?
No, it’s optional (3% of goods value). Always confirm separately.
4. Do movers charge for unpacking?
Genuine movers include unpacking. Fraud movers often demand extra.
5. Why choose Singhania Packers & Movers?
Because we provide:
No Hidden Charges Guaranteed
Load-to-Load Service
Transparent Quotations
Insurance (Risk Coverage) Optional
✅ Final Word
Hidden charges are the biggest cause of disputes with packers and movers. But with the right questions and a clear written quotation, you can avoid them completely.
At Singhania Packers & Movers, we’ve built our reputation on transparency, honesty, and safety. Our promise is simple: No Hidden Charges, Safe Load-to-Load Service, Insurance (Risk Coverage) Optional.
📞 Call 9824302113 today for a free, all-inclusive quote or visit singhaniapackers.com.