How Packers and Movers Calculate Charges in India: Complete Cost Breakdown with Real Examples
Getting 3–4 quotes from different packers and movers for the same house, and every price looks totally different? One is too cheap to trust, one is shockingly high, and you’re left wondering which one is actually fair.
Most families have no clear idea how moving charges are calculated. That’s why it’s easy to get confused, overpay, or choose a mover only because they’re the cheapest.
In this guide, Right India Movers breaks down the exact factors that decide your shifting cost in India – distance, house size, packing, labour, vehicle type, GST, insurance, and more. You’ll also see simple example breakups so you can read any quotation like a pro.
By the end, you’ll know what you’re paying for, what to question, and where you can genuinely save on your next move.
Key Factors That Decide Packers and Movers Charges
Genuine packers and movers (like Right India Movers) don’t pick a number randomly. Your final price is usually a mix of these major factors:
Total distance of the move (KM)
Volume/weight of goods (house size, inventory)
Type of service chosen (only transport vs full service)
Quality and quantity of packing material
Floor number, lift availability, and walking distance
Number of labourers and working hours needed
Vehicle size and type
Additional services (dismantling, storage, special items, etc.)
Insurance and GST
Let’s break each of these down in simple language.
1. Total Distance: Local vs Domestic Shifting
Distance is one of the first things any packers and movers company checks.
Local Shifting (Within the Same City)
For local shifting (usually under 30–50 KM within city limits), companies often:
Use a base charge for a distance range (for example, 0–15 KM, 15–25 KM, etc.)
Add fuel + driver charges + tolls (if any)
Consider city traffic and time taken for loading/unloading
or example, a 2 BHK local move within 10–15 KM in a city like Pune or Gurgaon will usually be cheaper than the same move across the entire city, simply because of distance and time.
Domestic / Intercity Shifting (City to City)
For intercity moves, distance becomes even more important. Companies calculate:
Per KM or slab-based freight (for example, 0–300 KM, 300–700 KM, 700–1200 KM, etc.)
Tolls & state entry taxes where applicable
Driver bata (night stay, food, etc.)
Sometimes round trip distance, if the truck has to return empty
Longer distances = higher base transport cost, even if the volume of goods is the same.
2. Volume of Goods / House Size
The second big factor is how much stuff you actually have.
When you ask for a quote, the mover will usually estimate your volume based on house size (1 BHK, 2 BHK, 3 BHK) or a detailed inventory list. Or, a detailed inventory list (better & more accurate)
Why House Size Matters
A typical:
1 BHK may have: 10–20 cartons + 1 bed + 1 wardrobe + 1 fridge + 1 washing machine + 1 sofa.
2 BHK adds: more wardrobes, more beds, extra furniture, more kitchen items.
3 BHK further adds: bigger sofa sets, more cupboards, heavy wooden furniture, extra decor and appliances.
More volume means:
More packing material
More labour effort & time
Bigger vehicle size (thus higher transport cost)
we always ask for an approximate inventory (or photos/videos) so your quote matches your actual volume.
3. Type of Service: Only Transport vs Full Service
What you ask the mover to do also changes the bill drastically.
Option A: Only Transport
You do your own packing.
Labour may be minimal (sometimes you help load/unload yourself).
Movers mainly provide the vehicle and driver.
This is cheaper, but risky if packing is not done properly.
Option B: Full Service
Usually includes:
Professional packing (all rooms)
Loading at pickup location
Transport
Unloading at destination
Sometimes unpacking and basic rearranging
This costs more but gives less stress, less damage, and smoother experience.
The same 2 BHK can have very different prices for “only transport” vs “full packing & moving”.
In our quotations, we clearly show both options side by side, so you can choose.
4. Packing Material Quality and Quantity
If you want your goods to be safe, packing has to be done properly—and that comes at a cost.
Common Packing Materials Used
Carton boxes
Bubble wrap
Stretch film (cling wrap)
Thermocol sheets
Corrugated sheets/rolls
Tapes & labels
When Packing Cost Increases
Packing charges increase when:
You have many fragile items (glass, crockery, decor)
Expensive furniture needs extra padding
TV, fridge, washing machine, mirrors, glass tables etc. need special packing
You ask for premium packing (double layer, export-grade material)
At, Right India Movers ,we suggest different packing levels depending on your budget and fragility level—so you don’t overpay, but you also don’t compromise on safety.
5. Floor Number, Lift, and Distance from Truck
The more effort the team has to put in manually, the more they will charge.
Floor and Lift Availability
Ground floor with lift: easiest and cheapest in terms of labour.
3rd floor without lift: more time, more effort – extra charges.
High floors (10th, 15th, etc.) with small or shared lifts: more trips up and down, more time.
Companies may add:
Per-floor charges
Or increase labour cost due to extra hours
Distance from Truck to House
If the truck can’t come near the gate or parking:
Labour has to carry items a long distance (long carry)
This slows the process and increases fatigue
That’s why some companies charge extra for long carrying distance (for example, more than 30–50 metres)
Our team always checks floor, lift and parking access in advance so there are no last-minute surprises on the bill.
6. Labour Requirement and Working Hours
Human effort is a major part of any move.
Typical Labour Requirement (Example)
1 BHK local move: 2–3 labourers
2 BHK: 3–4 labourers
3 BHK: 4–6 labourers
Charges are calculated based on:
Number of helpers required
Hours or full day required (half-day vs full-day)
Type of items (light vs heavy, bulky wooden items, etc.)
If the move gets delayed (late start, building restrictions, extra packing), labour may be needed for longer, which can increase the cost.
At Right India Movers, we try to estimate labour as accurately as possible and inform you in advance if extra time may be needed.
7. Vehicle Size and Type
Different volumes of goods require different truck sizes.
Common Vehicle Types
Small pickup / mini truck (Tata Ace, bolero pickup etc.) – For 1 RK or small 1 BHK
14 ft / 17 ft / 19 ft trucks – For 1–3 BHK depending on volume
Container vehicles 24 ft / 32 ft – For safe long-distance or car transport
Shared vs Dedicated Vehicle
Shared / part load: Your goods share space with others, cost is split. Cheaper but may take more time.
Dedicated truck: Only your goods in the truck. Faster, safer, more expensive.
Bigger and dedicated vehicles = higher transport cost.
We offers both part-load and full truck options, and we suggest the best fit based on your budget, timeline and safety requirement.
8. Additional Services
These are optional, but they can affect your final bill:
Dismantling and re-assembly of beds, wardrobes, modular furniture
AC uninstall and install
Geyser removal and fitting
TV wall-mount removal and fitting
Car / bike shifting with your household goods
Warehouse and storage if you need to store items for days or months
Unpacking and rearranging at the new home
Each additional service adds a separate line item to your quote.
We clearly mention these as optional add-ons, so you can choose what you actually need.
9. Insurance and GST
Many people forget these two and get surprised later.
Transit Insurance
Transit insurance is usually a small percentage of the declared value of goods (e.g., around 3% – this is just an example, not a fixed rate).
It protects against major damage, theft, accidents, fire, etc. (depending on policy).
You should get a proper insurance document if you’re paying for it.
Our team always explains what is covered and not covered if you opt for insurance.
GST
GST is applicable on packers and movers services.
Different rates (for example, 5% vs 18%) may apply depending on:
Whether it’s just transport
Or full packing + moving service + insurance
Always confirm whether the quote is with or without GST.
Our quotes at Right India Movers clearly show base amount + GST so you know the final payble amount upfront.
Key Point: Distance + Volume = 60–70% of your total bill.
Estimate Cost Breakdown for a Local Move
Let’s understand everything with simple, example numbers.
Example 1 – 1 BHK Local Move (Within 10–15 KM)
Base transport (mini truck): ₹1,800
Packing material (basic): ₹1,000
Labour (3 helpers, half/full day): ₹2,400
Floor & distance charges (if any): ₹700–₹2,400
Insurance (if taken): ₹300–₹6,000
GST: As per applicable rate
Total Approximate Example: ₹13,600
Again, the exact values will differ based on your city, company, and service level.
Example 2 – 2 BHK Local Move (Within 15–20 KM)
Transport (bigger truck): ₹2,400–₹12,500
Packing (more furniture & fragile items): ₹8,500–₹20,200
Labour (3–4 helpers): ₹4,000–₹12,500
Floor/long carry charges (if applicable): ₹0
Insurance + GST as applicable
Total Approximate Example: Higher than 1 BHK, mainly because of more goods, labour and bigger vehicle.
Example 3 – Simple Intercity Example (Pune → Gurgaon)
Base freight (distance slab): ₹15,300–₹30,200
Packing (export-grade for long distance): ₹5,800–₹20,500
Loading & unloading labour: ₹3,500–₹10,400
Insurance: 5% of declared value
GST: As per rules
Total Approximate Example: Depends heavily on distance and volume.
Our team can share such sample breakups with you so you clearly see what each part costs.
How to Read and Compare Packers and Movers Quotes
1. Look for Line-Item Breakup
The quote should ideally list:
Packing charges
Labour charges
Transport charges
- Border Charges
- Union Charges
Additional services (AC, geyser, etc.)
Insurance charges (if any)
GST amount
If everything is written as one single lump sum without explanation, ask for details.
All our estimates are line-item based, so you can see exactly what each part costs.
2. Check Inclusions vs Exclusions
Ask these questions:
Is packing included?
Is unpacking included?
Are floor charges included?
Is dismantling & re-assembly of furniture included?
Is GST included in this amount or extra?
Is insurance included or optional?
When everything is clearly written, there is less chance of argument or surprise on moving day.
3. Compare at Least 3 Quotes — With the Same Scope
When you compare:
Make sure all companies are quoting for the same services (all packing + loading + unloading, etc.)
Beware of ultra-low quotes; they might:
Add hidden costs later
Use poor quality packing
Be unregistered or unsafe
4. Avoid suspiciously low quotes
Genuine companies accept slightly higher but transparent pricing.
Very cheap and suspiciously low quotes are usually not worth the risk.
If you compare Right India Movers with others, always compare same service level + same inclusions. You’ll see the difference in clarity and support.
Pro Tip: Always ask if GST and insurance are included in the final figure.
MINI CASE STORY
Recently, a family moving from a 2 BHK in Gurgaon to a nearby society got three quotes. The lowest one didn’t include GST, floor charges, or proper packing. When we shared a detailed breakup, they realised our estimate looked higher at first – but actually saved them money once all hidden costs were added. That’s the power of understanding your cost structure.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Guess Your Moving Cost, Understand It
You now know that your final bill is shaped by:
Distance (local vs intercity)
House size and volume of goods
Service type (only transport vs full packing and moving)
Packing quality and labour effort
Vehicle size, floor/lift access, and extra services
Insurance and GST
When you see a quotation now, you can ask the right questions, spot missing details, and compare different movers on real value, not just the lowest number.
If you’re planning a move in Pune, Gurgaon or Delhi NCR, don’t rely on guesswork or random online “average cost” figures.
Share your house size, current and new location, and tentative date with Right India Movers. We’ll send you a clear, line-item estimate – packing, labour, transport, GST, and any optional add-ons – so you know exactly what you’re paying for, with no hidden surprises on moving day.
Serving Cities
- Pune
- Gurgaon
- Delhi
- Hisar
FAQ
There is no fixed “minimum charge” for all cities. It depends on:
City and local rates
Distance (within locality or across town)
Basic labour and vehicle cost
Even a very small move usually has a minimum charge, because the company has to cover vehicle, labour and time.
Right India Movers will always explain what is included in that minimum cost.
Because each company:
Uses different labour rates
Uses different packing quality
May or may not include insurance & GST
Has different overheads and profit margins
Compare not just price, but also what’s included and the company’s reputation.
At Right India Movers, we focus on clear breakup + professional execution, not just the lowest number.
Yes, it can. Higher floors without a lift, or with a small/slow lift, mean:
More trips up and down
More time and effort for labour
Higher chance of fatigue and delays
That’s why some companies add floor or staircase charges, especially for big moves.
Right India Movers checks this during enquiry so you get a realistic estimate.
GST is calculated as a percentage of the taxable amount (service charges). The exact rate may differ based on:
Whether the company is billing only for transport
Or for full packing + moving services + insurance
Always ask:
“Is GST included in this quote or will it be extra?”
“What GST rate are you applying?”
Right India Movers clearly mentions GST % and amount on every quotation and invoice.
You can:
Declutter and reduce volume
Move on non-peak days or weekdays
Avoid last-minute booking
Pack some non-fragile items yourself if the company allows
Choose a balanced quote, not the cheapest one
Safety comes from good packing, trained labour and a trusted company—not from the lowest price.
Right India Movers can help you optimise cost without cutting corners on safety.