Full itemized cost breakdown
The contract should clearly list what you’re paying for: packing material and labour, loading, transport, unloading, and any known extras like floor charges, long-carrying fees, or insurance. A single lump-sum figure with no breakdown leaves too much room for later disputes about what was actually included.
Exact services covered — and explicitly excluded
Look for clarity on what’s included in packing (basic vs. fragile-item crating), whether unpacking at the destination is covered, whether furniture reassembly is included, and whether specific items you’ve flagged (a piano, an aquarium, artwork) are accounted for. Just as importantly, check what’s explicitly excluded, so there’s no ambiguity later.
Payment terms and schedule
The contract should state the total amount, the advance paid, when the remaining balance is due, and acceptable payment methods. As covered elsewhere on this site, be cautious of contracts requiring full payment upfront before the move is complete.
Delivery timeline (for intercity moves)
For any move outside Indore, the contract should specify an expected delivery window — not necessarily an exact date, since road conditions and part-load logistics can shift things, but a reasonable range. It should also state what happens if delivery is significantly delayed beyond that window, and whether any compensation or provision applies in that case.
Insurance and liability terms
Check whether transit insurance is included or offered as an add-on, what it covers (full value vs. limited liability per item), and how a damage claim would actually be processed — who to contact, what documentation is needed, and typical timelines for resolution. If no insurance is offered at all, the contract should at least specify what liability, if any, the mover accepts for damage or loss during transit.
Cancellation and rescheduling policy
Life happens — moving dates change. Check what the cancellation policy is, whether any advance payment is refundable, and what rescheduling involves, especially during high-demand periods like festival season when availability is tighter.
Company details and contact information
The contract should include the company’s full registered name, GSTIN, office address, and a working contact number — not just a personal mobile number with no other business identification. This matters for accountability if you need to escalate a complaint later.
Signature and acknowledgment process
Ideally, both sides acknowledge the contract — either through a signed physical document, a digital confirmation, or at minimum a clear written message thread confirming all key terms. Avoid relying purely on a verbal “yes, that’s fine” with nothing in writing to back it up.
Red flags to watch for while reviewing
Be cautious of contracts that are unusually vague on any of the sections above, that include broad liability waivers protecting the mover from almost any claim, or that pressure you to sign quickly without time to actually read through the terms. A legitimate mover has no issue with you taking a reasonable amount of time to review the agreement before confirming.
The takeaway
A thorough contract takes a few extra minutes to read but is your primary protection if anything goes wrong. Treat gaps or vagueness in any of these areas as things to clarify and get in writing before you commit — not details to sort out later, when you have far less leverage.
To avoid the risks covered above, it’s worth starting your search from a shortlist of verified, top-rated packers and movers in Indore rather than a random online listing.