GST on moving services
Packers and movers services in India are subject to GST, generally charged at 18% on the transportation and related service component. A legitimate, registered moving company should provide a proper GST invoice showing this breakdown, which serves both as proof of a compliant transaction and as documentation you may need for reimbursement if your employer is covering relocation costs. As covered in more detail elsewhere on this site, insisting on a GST invoice is also a strong signal of a mover’s legitimacy.
Goods forwarding note / consignment note
For interstate transport of household goods, movers typically issue a goods forwarding note or consignment note documenting what’s being transported, from where, to where, and under what terms. This document matters both for tracking your shipment and as a reference if any dispute arises about what was agreed to be transported.
E-way bill considerations
Under India’s GST framework, an e-way bill is generally required for the movement of goods above a certain value threshold across state lines. For a full household relocation, the total declared value of goods being moved can sometimes cross this threshold, in which case your mover should handle the e-way bill generation as part of their standard process — it’s worth confirming with your mover that this is being handled correctly, since a shipment stopped for missing documentation can cause real delays.
Insurance documentation
If you opt for transit insurance (generally advisable for interstate moves given the longer transit time and distance involved), keep the insurance policy document, the declared value of goods, and any terms around the claims process readily accessible throughout the move. This documentation is essential if you need to file a claim for damage or loss during transit.
Vehicle registration and permits
Interstate transport vehicles need valid permits to operate across state lines, and this is generally the mover’s responsibility to arrange and maintain, not something you need to handle directly. However, it’s reasonable to confirm with your mover that their vehicles carry valid interstate permits, since a vehicle without proper permits can be stopped or delayed at state border checkpoints, affecting your delivery timeline.
Personal identification and address proof
While not directly related to the moving company’s paperwork, it’s worth having your own identification and address proof documents (Aadhaar, for instance) readily accessible during the move, both for your own records and in case you need to verify identity for any reason related to the shipment or delivery.
Documentation for high-value items
If your inventory includes particularly high-value items — expensive electronics, jewelry, or significant furniture pieces — it’s worth keeping purchase receipts or valuation documentation for these specifically, both for insurance purposes and as a practical record independent of the move itself.
Vehicle registration transfer (if applicable)
If you’re also relocating a personal vehicle as part of your move, note that this involves a separate process from your household goods shipment — typically either an address update on your existing registration or, in some cases depending on how long you plan to stay in the new state, a full transfer of registration. This is handled through the relevant state transport department and is worth researching specifically, since requirements can vary and change over time.
What to keep with you rather than in the shipment
Regardless of what documentation your mover handles, keep your own copies of the written quote, contract, GST invoice, and insurance documentation with you personally rather than packed away, so you have immediate access to them if any issue arises during transit or at delivery.
The takeaway
Most of the formal documentation and permit requirements for an interstate move are the moving company’s responsibility to handle correctly, but knowing what should exist — a proper GST invoice, a consignment note, valid interstate permits, and e-way bill compliance where applicable — helps you verify you’re working with a properly compliant mover and gives you the right documentation to fall back on if anything goes wrong.
Planning a long-distance move like this is easier with an experienced team — see our picks for the best packers and movers in Indore for interstate relocations.