Beyond Relocation: Chetan Sharma on Unity, MFI Talks and the Vision for India’s Moving Industry
By Chetan Sharma | Chairperson, Movers Federation of India (MFI)
Every successful industry is built on people who share a common vision, support one another and believe in creating something greater than individual business achievements. India’s moving and relocation industry is no different. Behind every successful relocation are dedicated professionals, hardworking teams and businesses committed to delivering reliable services.
As the Movers Federation of India (MFI) approaches its 10th National Conference, scheduled for 8–11 January 2027 at Taj Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru, this gathering offers us an opportunity to celebrate our collective journey and reaffirm our commitment to the future.
As Chairperson of MFI, I warmly welcome all members, industry colleagues, partners and guests to this important milestone.
The Power of Coming Together
The moving industry brings together businesses with different experiences, capabilities and operational challenges. Some specialise in household relocation, while others handle corporate shifting, transportation, storage and specialised moving requirements.
Although our businesses may differ, we share common responsibilities: delivering dependable services, maintaining customer confidence, improving operational efficiency and creating sustainable opportunities.
MFI provides a platform for professionals to connect, exchange knowledge and address concerns affecting both the industry and its customers. Its priorities include training movers, educating customers, building community and improving service delivery.
The 10th National Conference represents this spirit of collaboration and provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships across the industry.
Our Vision: A United, Skilled and Trusted Moving Industry
My vision for MFI is to help build a more organised, inclusive and future-ready moving industry—one where professional standards guide business practices, customers make informed decisions and moving companies grow through trust and service excellence.
To take this purpose forward, I believe we must focus on five priorities:
- Strengthening unity and cooperation among moving companies.
- Encouraging ethical conduct, transparent communication and dependable service.
- Investing in workforce skills, safety awareness and continuous learning.
- Supporting practical innovation and technology adoption.
- Increasing customer awareness while ensuring industry concerns are heard.
Our ambition should extend beyond the growth of individual businesses. We must create an ecosystem in which responsible companies can thrive, employees can develop their capabilities and customers can choose service providers with confidence.
Building an Industry Where Trust Matters
Relocation is a personal experience. When families move homes or businesses shift offices, they place considerable trust in the professionals handling their belongings.
That trust must be earned through consistent service quality, honest communication and responsible business practices.
Unclear pricing, communication gaps, poor coordination and inadequate handling can damage customer confidence. We must therefore encourage transparent quotations, clear service commitments, proper documentation and trained teams at every stage of relocation.
A professional moving company should focus not only on completing a move but also on making the entire experience dependable and reassuring.
MFI Talks: Turning Conversations into Collective Progress
I see MFI Talks as an opportunity to strengthen the culture of dialogue and shared learning within our federation.
The strength of our community lies in the knowledge of its members. An experienced business owner, an operations professional or a technology specialist may each offer a different insight into the same challenge.
Through MFI Talks, we should encourage discussions on customer trust, operational challenges, workforce development, technology, leadership and responsible business growth.
These conversations should be accessible, relevant and grounded in the everyday realities of running a moving business.
My aspiration is for MFI Talks to keep meaningful conversations alive beyond the conference. The goal should not simply be to share opinions, but to inspire practical improvements, stronger connections and continued participation.
MAFL: Strengthening the Industry Through Education
Another important area for the future of our industry is professional education and workforce development.
MAFL – Movers Academy for Learning, conceptualised by MFI Founder Mr. Ajit Sharma, represents an important vision for structured learning and professional training within the moving and relocation sector.
I believe initiatives like MAFL can help bridge the gap between practical industry experience and organised professional education. Training in packing, handling, inventory management, transportation, customer service and operational practices can help employees develop the skills required to deliver better services.
The initiative also creates an opportunity to encourage continuous learning, safety awareness and professional recognition.
By investing in people, we invest in the long-term credibility and development of the entire industry.
Explore MAFL: https://www.mafl.org.in/
Changing Times Require Changing Approaches
Customers increasingly expect timely responses, convenient communication and greater clarity throughout their relocation journey.
Digital platforms, customer relationship management systems, organised records and better coordination tools can support this effort. However, technology should serve a clear purpose: helping teams work more effectively and customers receive better service.
We must also protect the human strengths of our industry. Experienced moving professionals, responsible supervisors, skilled packing teams and attentive customer support remain central to successful relocation.
The way forward is not a choice between people and technology. It is about equipping our people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to deliver consistently.
Moving Forward with Shared Purpose
The 10th National Conference should be a place for open discussion, thoughtful listening and meaningful connections.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to MFI members, former and current leaders, partners and the organising team. Your dedication has helped bring the federation to this milestone.
Through continued member engagement, MFI Talks and initiatives such as MAFL, we have an opportunity to connect more closely, learn more openly and build a stronger professional community.
Let us make this milestone the beginning of stronger collaboration and renewed commitment.
Together, we can build a moving industry that customers trust and professionals are proud to represent.
Chetan Sharma
Chairperson
Movers Federation of India (MFI)
Official Website: https://moversfederation.org/
MAFL – Movers Academy for Learning: https://www.mafl.org.in/
