What to Do If You Spot Damage After Your Movers Have Left

You finish unpacking and notice a crack in the glass table top, a dent in the fridge door or a broken leg on a chair. The crew left hours ago. Do not panic, and do not fix it yet. What you do in the next day or so decides how easily the problem can be resolved.

Step 1: Document the damage before touching it

• Photograph the whole item, then close-ups of the damage from more than one angle.
• Photograph the packaging it came in, including any crushed or torn cartons and labels.
• Record a short video that starts wide and moves in to the damaged area.
• If the damage is inside a carton, photograph it before you unpack further, where practical.

Step 2: Write down when and how you found it

Note the date and time, which item, what the damage is, where it was, the condition of the packaging, and whether you found it while unpacking or later. Your phone keeps photo timestamps, but a short written note is easier to share.

Step 3: Do not repair it yet

It is tempting to glue a broken piece or call a technician. Wait until you have reported it and been told what is needed, unless the item is a safety hazard. Changing the item's condition makes it harder to assess. If something is dangerous, move it somewhere safe and keep the broken parts and packaging.

Step 4: Report it to the mover quickly, in writing

Contact the mover as soon as you can. Within 24 hours of finding the damage is a sensible target, and some claim processes and insurance policies set their own notification deadlines, so check your paperwork. Send:

• Your name, booking or invoice number and moving date.
• Pickup and delivery addresses.
• The item and a factual description, for example "crack about 20 cm along the edge of the glass dining table".
• Your photos and video.
• When you discovered it.

If you report by phone, follow up with a short message or email that summarises the call. That gives you a dated record.

Step 5: Keep everything until the matter is closed

• The damaged item and any broken pieces.
• The packaging and cartons.
• The quote, inventory list, consignment note, delivery receipt and invoice.
• The insurance policy or cover note, if you took one.
• Purchase bills for valuable items, if you have them.

What happens next

A responsible mover should acknowledge your report, ask for any further evidence, check the inventory and delivery records, and explain what happens next. That may be an inspection, a repair, a settlement under the company's terms, or an insurance claim if the goods were insured. If an insurance claim is involved, our guide to filing a transit insurance claim walks through the process.

The outcome depends on the damage, the agreed services, the evidence, and the liability and insurance terms that applied to your move. You should, however, always get a clear answer about who is handling it and when you will hear back.

Common situations

I did not notice the damage at delivery

This is common. Moving day is busy, furniture is wrapped and boxes are stacked. Report it as soon as you find it and explain that it was found during unpacking.

I have already thrown away the packaging

Report it anyway and share whatever you still have: photos, the inventory, messages and receipts. The mover will tell you what evidence is needed.

The damage may have been there before the move

This is why photos and condition notes before packing are useful. If an item already had a scratch, say so honestly. A factual account is more credible than an exaggerated one.

Mistakes to avoid

• Waiting days or weeks to report.
• Repairing or discarding the item before it has been assessed.
• Reporting only by phone, with nothing in writing.
• Exaggerating the damage.
• Signing a delivery receipt that says "received in good condition" when you can already see damage. Write a remark instead.

How to avoid disputes on your next move

• Photograph valuable items and note existing marks before packing.
• Check the inventory list before you sign it.
• Ask what the insurance or liability terms are before the move, not after.
• At delivery, open fragile cartons first and check appliances before the crew leaves.

If your problem was a late delivery rather than damage, see what happens if your movers are late.

If the issue is not resolved

If talking to the mover has not fixed the problem, escalate in this order.

1. Write to the mover. Set out what happened, what you want (repair, refund, delivery date, claim), and attach photos and documents. Keep a copy.
2. Use the company's complaints process. Ask who handles complaints and how long a reply should take. If you moved with us, our complaints page explains how to raise an issue and what happens next.
3. Contact the National Consumer Helpline. Call 1915, or register a grievance at consumerhelpline.gov.in. The helpline can take your complaint up with the company before any formal case.
4. File a consumer complaint as a final step. If nothing else works, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Commission online through the e-Daakhil portal (edaakhil.nic.in). Most household-move disputes go to the District Commission. Keep your quote, receipts, consignment note, photos and written messages, because the case will rely on them.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I find damage after the movers have left?

Photograph and video the item and its packaging, note when you found it, do not repair it yet, and report it to the mover in writing as soon as possible.

Is there a deadline for reporting damage?

Report within 24 hours of discovery where you can. Your mover's terms or insurance policy may set a specific deadline, so check your paperwork.

Can I still claim if I noticed the damage after unpacking?

Often yes, depending on the evidence and the terms of your move. Report promptly and explain when and how you found it.

Should I repair the item before reporting it?

No, unless it is a safety risk. Wait until the mover or insurer has seen the evidence and told you what is needed.

What if the mover does not respond?

Follow up in writing and use the company's complaints process. If that fails, contact the National Consumer Helpline on 1915, and use the e-Daakhil portal as the final step.

Get a written quote

Moved with us and found a problem? Keep your booking details and photos ready. Call +91 93681 08590 (open 24 hours, 7 days) or book a free survey and we will give you a written, itemised quote before you commit to anything.