Documents to keep during a move (and what a GST invoice gets you)

Why this matters more than it sounds

Almost every moving dispute that goes nowhere goes nowhere for the same reason: the customer cannot prove what was agreed, what was handed over, or what condition it was in.

Six documents close that gap, and five of them have to exist before anything goes wrong.

1. The itemised quotation

Broken into components, referencing the inventory it was based on, and listing exactly what could change the price. This is the document that decides a billing dispute.

2. The inventory

Every item going on the vehicle, with quantities and condition notes. Ideally with photographs taken before packing. This is the document that decides a loss or damage dispute — and it is the one disreputable operators most often skip.

3. Proof of pickup

Signed at loading, confirming what left your home and in what condition. Photograph the loaded vehicle and its registration number yourself as well.

4. The insurance policy

The actual document, with the declared value, the premium, the deductible, the exclusions and the insurer's name. “Insurance included” on a quotation is not a policy.

5. Proof of delivery

Signed at delivery, with any damage recorded on it before the crew leaves. A delivery note signed clean is close to fatal to a later claim, so do the check first.

6. The GST invoice

A tax invoice carrying the mover's GSTIN, the taxable value and the tax charged.

It does three things: it lets you claim an employer relocation allowance, it is required for input credit on a corporate move, and it establishes a documented commercial relationship if you ever need to go to a consumer forum.

A mover who cannot issue one is either not registered or not declaring the transaction. Either way, you have almost no recourse.