What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Packers and Movers Company in India

One of the toughest and life changing decisions to make in your life, is to move from your previous location that has been your home for decades to a random location that is completely new to you. It is likely that you will be extremely tensed before choosing Packers and Movers near you because there are a lot of fraudulent companies that exist in the market. Be aware of these moving companies and find out what makes the company qualified in the first place. 

Here are a few basic features and services a relocating company should provide to you when you decide to move to your destined location:

License 

Choose a company that has been licensed by a registered office and has all the necessary documents and certifications to prove their authenticity like their registration and GST number. You can cross check thus in the MCA website and all the details of the company will be provided to you in it. A moving company must have all the permits as well as licenses for the vehicles being used for relocation for all state lines as requirements can vary state to state. Insurance

Insurance

They should also insure the safety of your belongings as it is completely their responsibility now and provide you with all the necessary documents with additional coverage for expensive articles. Make sure you sign it only when you read it thoroughly. As we already know that efficient transportation is the main component in any moving company so make sure their trucks and vans are insured and well serviced before your relocation services begin.

After you know that they are licensed and provide insurance the next step would be to do some research on these companies. So, how would you go about that? The easiest way to do this would be to look at:

Visit the office

It is important to have a well-established working office that has multiple departments that are working in office. It should not be placed at a shady location that is just an office with a room. Just by looking at it you may be able to figure out its credibility that doesn’t not have a shady location. There are chances that you get fooled by fake license provided in an office like this with all the certifications that they may present to you. At this point it becomes necessary that you take someone experienced with you who could figure out if they are legit or not.

TIP-If the website looks authentic make sure you call them there and verify it’s the same people you are talking to.

Online ratings and reviews

The easiest way to figure out that a moving company is doing well is to check with the latest ratings and reviews they have uploaded. It is likely that an experienced company will have good ratings that customers have posted out of excellent experience and genuine liking towards them. That happens when logistic companies keeps up with the latest trends, technologies and services that they offer that make them stand out and have the top ratings.

TIP- Beware of fake ratings that companies ask customers to do by making request to them through calls. It only influence a rating should have is by your service. Also keep in mind that nowadays local companies pay for fake ratings.

Costing 

A moving business must provide transparent fee for all its services and transportations services. Ideally they should have a chart that has all the rates mentioned for the designated service offered. Mostly such companies provide a free quote and survey for which you should not be charged and accordingly only sign the contract with them.

Tax

A goods and service tax is applicable when the service of relocation and packing is used. Well established companies do not over charge you for with the percentage of the tax. You should be asked for 5% tax for cargo shifting service and 18% for services like:

1. Packing

2. Unpacking

3. Loading

4. Unloading

5. Transportation

Approachability

If you are looking for a well reputed company with high standards it is important that their availability and approachability  is not confined to just a few states .Not only should they be serviceable to all states but also be providing services across borders. 

Expertise to shift and pack

A moving company becomes proficient only when they have been in this field for years or even better, decades. With every year they get better and improve their services this is how they gain trusted customers that only opt for their service over any other provider. This expertise is only possible if they are highly experienced and a trusted part in the logistics business. The company should have a client centered approach with the following must have services:

1. Highly skilled manpower

2. Latest technological trends

3. Swift placing machines

4. Strong packing materials

5. Zero damage

6. Customized packaging

7. GPS tracking

Customer Support 

A well-qualified logistics company always has excellent communication with its customers. It is important that they get back to you within a certain time frame and also give answers as well as solutions to your questions/problems. If you have basic doubts their website should have FAQs answered in question answer format for better understanding. Furthermore, at least 3 different contact numbers for various kinds of bookings, delivery and tracking support, various email IDs for grievance, assistance, damage support and for corporate movements.

Employee Support

A well reputed moving company not only provides assistance to its customers but also all its employees. Both the moving team as well as the employees in the corporate department should be treated with dignity and never be overburdened. They should be provided with refreshments at designated times and should be provided medical assistance. Furthermore, the moving team that consists of drivers and packers must be given 8 hours of sleep and comfortable seats for the vehicles provided to them.

These were all the qualities a logistics company must possess and you must make sure before you choose a moving company for your next relocation Not only should they be qualified to provide moving and packing services but also stand out from regular Packers and Movers because of their high standards, trustworthiness and years of experience. They will prove to be reliable and recommendable to someone who is looking to shift to their destination home.

In India, a qualified moving company typically adheres to several criteria to ensure quality service, legal compliance, and customer satisfaction. Here are the key factors that make a moving company qualified:

1. Registration and Licenses

Legal Registration: The Company should be registered under relevant laws such as the Companies Act or as a sole proprietorship/partnership firm.

GST Registration: A qualified moving company must have a Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration, which is essential for billing and taxation.

Local Transport Licenses: The Company should have the necessary transport permits and licenses from local or state authorities to operate.

2. Insurance Coverage

Transit Insurance: A good moving company provides transit insurance, covering any damage or loss that may occur during the relocation process.

Liability Insurance: This covers accidental damage caused to your belongings during packing, loading, or unloading.

3. Experienced and Trained Staff

Professionalism: Trained personnel for packing, loading, and unloading ensure the safety and careful handling of your belongings.

Experience: A long-standing reputation and experience in the field indicate reliability.

4. Quality of Packing Materials

The company should use high-quality packing materials such as bubble wrap, sturdy cartons, corrugated sheets, and packing tapes to ensure the safety of fragile and valuable items.

5. Fleet of Vehicles

A qualified moving company owns or has access to a well-maintained fleet of vehicles suitable for the safe transport of goods, with various sizes to cater to different client needs.

6. Range of Services

Residential Relocation: Expertise in moving homes.

Office Relocation: Specialized services for businesses.

Interstate and International Moves: Some companies also offer intercity or international moving services, including handling customs documentation.

Additional Services: Some companies may offer added services like unpacking, assembling furniture, and storage facilities.

7. Reputation and Customer Reviews

Online Presence: A legitimate moving company usually has an active online presence with a functional website and contact details.

Customer Reviews: Good companies will have positive reviews on platforms like Google, Justdial. They might also have testimonials or ratings on their website.

8. Transparent Pricing

A qualified moving company offers transparent and upfront pricing without hidden charges. They should provide clear estimates after assessing the items to be moved, and offer a written contract outlining all costs.

9. Affiliations and Certifications

Membership in Industry Associations: Affiliations with organizations like the International Association of Movers (IAM) or the Indian Movers Association can indicate a company’s credibility.

ISO Certification: Some qualified companies may also hold ISO certifications, reflecting their commitment to quality management.

10. Customer Support and Communication

A good moving company will have responsive customer support and maintain clear communication throughout the moving process. They should provide regular updates and be available to resolve queries or issues.

11. Tracking System

Some advanced moving companies offer GPS tracking of their vehicles, allowing customers to monitor their shipments in real-time.

12. Written Contract and Documentation

Always expect a detailed contract, including services, delivery dates, and insurance coverage, to safeguard both parties.

Hiring a moving company that meets these standards can make the moving process smoother and more secure.