How do you use the moving cost calculator?
- Enter the amounts from the mover’s quote: truck and transport, packing and materials, labour, loading with any lift or stair charges, and transit insurance.
- Add your budget if you have one. GST, storage, society move-in and move-out fees and a buffer are under “Add GST, storage, society fees and buffer”.
- Read the total and how it compares with your budget.
What goes into the cost of a move?
The mover’s quote is the main part: a truck, packing material and the people to pack, carry and load. Lifts that cannot be used, stairs and long walks to the truck often cost extra, and transit insurance protects against damage on the way. If the new flat is not ready, storage adds a monthly charge.
GST depends on what you buy. Transport alone for a family’s household goods can be exempt, while a full packing and moving service is usually billed at 18%. Check the line on the quote and pick the matching option. Some societies also charge a fee when you move in or out.
How the total is worked out
Transport + packing + labour + handling + insurance + storage months × monthly rateMover’s charges × GST rate on the quote (0 if already included)(Mover’s charges + GST + society fees) × (1 + buffer)Worked example: a move within the city
A quote of ₹ 10,000 for the truck, ₹ 7,000 for packing, ₹ 12,000 for labour, ₹ 5,000 for loading and lift charges and ₹ 1,500 for insurance comes to ₹ 35,500. With a 5% buffer the move costs ₹ 37,275, leaving ₹ 7,725 of a ₹ 45,000 budget.
Worked example: GST added and two months of storage
If the same quote leaves out 18% GST, the total rises to ₹ 43,985. Without GST but with two months of storage at ₹ 5,000 and ₹ 5,000 of society fees, it is ₹ 53,025, over the budget by ₹ 8,025.
Total by GST on the quote
| GST | GST added | Total |
|---|---|---|
| In the quote | ₹ 0 | ₹ 37,275 |
| 5% | ₹ 1,775 | ₹ 39,139 |
| 18% | ₹ 6,390 | ₹ 43,985 |
What should you keep in mind?
- Get two or three written quotes, and check that each lists the same items, so you compare like with like.
- Ask both societies about move-in and move-out rules, lift booking and any fee or deposit.
- Read the insurance terms: what is covered, the declared value and how to claim for damage.
Frequently asked questions
Related answers and guides
- BESCOM Name Change Online: Moving Power and Water to You
- Lift and Generator Papers to Get at Handover
- Delayed Possession Compensation RERA Karnataka Guide
- Final Checks Before Taking Possession: 25-Point List
Sources
- Notification 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate), S. No. 21A (goods transport agency services to unregistered persons exempt) and Notification 11/2017-Central Tax (Rate), as amended. Checked 19 Oct 2026.
- All amounts are your quotes; the defaults are examples.
Indicative only. Check the GST on your quote with your Chartered Accountant, and read the mover’s terms and the insurance cover before you sign.
Buying a home in Bengaluru? Talk to an acre&key advisor.