Tacori E-ring
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Moving Companies
- Thread starter Tacori E-ring
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MichelleCarmen
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I don't know if you're in the tri-state area, but if you are ... SHEA MOVERS. Oh, how I love them. They are basically the only bright spot in my current housing nightmare (well, them and the Dept. of Health). Honest, quick, and very fairly priced - and it's not just me, all my friends who've moved with them are repeat customers, too. They're amazing.
vc10um
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We just used Suburban Solutions to move this summer from the DC Metro area to the Ann Arbor Area. They were prompt, the guys who loaded the truck were quick, respectful, and helped us carry some Craigslist freebies to the dumpster, which wasn't in their contract at all. It was one of the hottest days of the year when we moved and the guys were really appreciative of the bottled water I'd picked up before loading. They expertly packed our 2br/2ba condo into the truck, drove it in one shift, and a second crew from a local company in Michigan helped unload the next day. Their pricing was competitive, and nearly 40% less than some of the quotes we received for service that was going to tie our stuff up in a truck for 2-3 additional days while it was over 100 degrees outside. Not sure if they move in your area, but if they do, I'd suggest looking them up.
iheartscience
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Are you moving in town or out of town? I used an in town mover based on personal recommendations and Yelp reviews. Our long distance mover was fantastic, but we didn't pick them-our relocation company did. They were based in VA but they may have movers in your area, and they may very well do in town moves, too. This website is for the local company we used, but it seems that they're part of a network, because our truck driver was from Florida. His name was Jason if that helps you find him-I LOVED HIM! Very organized, nothing was broken, everything was accounted for. I can't recommend him enough.
http://stewartmovingandstorage.com
http://stewartmovingandstorage.com
EricaR
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For a bigger move like yours I'd be tempted to go with a big moving company vs a smaller one you might find on Yelp or CraigsList (even though that's how I always find movers for my in-town relocations).
Have you checked out United Van Lines? http://www.unitedvanlines.com/mover/
Oh, where's FrekeChild? She just made a multi-state move. I'll page her.
Have you checked out United Van Lines? http://www.unitedvanlines.com/mover/
Oh, where's FrekeChild? She just made a multi-state move. I'll page her.
FrekeChild
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We used United to move from NM to Cali. They moved everything and were under what they originally quoted us, so we got a refund. They also moved my car. They estimated 7-10 days before we got our stuff and they would have been there at the 4 day mark but the guy's truck broke down. They were super fast and super organized. I was super overwhelmed with such a daunting task, but they kicked some serious booty and relieved a lot of our stress.
I also looked into Mayflower, they never returned my calls or inquiries. Allied returned my call and sent out an appraiser (or whatever the guy is called that looks at stuff and estimates how much it'll cost) and their estimate ended up being $1,500 more than United, and an additional $500 for my car.
Our 3 bedroom house ended up costing roughly $5,200 to move across 2 western states, including the car.
It depends on weight, mileage and gas. The date of the estimate is the date for the price of gas I believe. They guaranteed us that they would not go over the estimated amount, which they did not. Which is awesome because we had to add furniture and boxes of books, and they were still under.
I should also mention that they came in and packed because I was working full time, as was my husband, and we also had out then 9 month old underfoot. I would do some things a little bit differently the next time around, but all in all I was very happy with how things went!
I also looked into Mayflower, they never returned my calls or inquiries. Allied returned my call and sent out an appraiser (or whatever the guy is called that looks at stuff and estimates how much it'll cost) and their estimate ended up being $1,500 more than United, and an additional $500 for my car.
Our 3 bedroom house ended up costing roughly $5,200 to move across 2 western states, including the car.
It depends on weight, mileage and gas. The date of the estimate is the date for the price of gas I believe. They guaranteed us that they would not go over the estimated amount, which they did not. Which is awesome because we had to add furniture and boxes of books, and they were still under.
I should also mention that they came in and packed because I was working full time, as was my husband, and we also had out then 9 month old underfoot. I would do some things a little bit differently the next time around, but all in all I was very happy with how things went!
Tacori E-ring
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Skippy123
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LAJennifer
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Tacori E-ring
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JewelFreak
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Tacori, sorry you're leaving the area, but lucky you for doing so! Wish I were coming along.
Here's my experience from 2 intercontinental moves, one transcontinental one & several shorter:
The local branch determines a mover's quality -- one person's Mayflower experience, in other words, might be vastly different from another's, depending on the local company & its manager. All moving advice recommends you get at least 3 quotes. There's a lot more to consider than price if you're taking a household of stuff you value.
1. Do they sub-contract any part of the process? All local & sometimes national movers hire sub-contractors for various parts of the move -- packing at this end, unpacking at the other, driving, storage if necessary, etc. Sub-contractors are often not well trained & definitely do not have the incentive to be careful with your goods, since their reputation and/or repeat business isn't at stake. It can be a real nightmare. Pick a national mover and insist it be in the contract that they will not use subs. If they tell you everybody does it, show them the door. You want their employees responsible for your possessions at all times! Best scenario is if the driver in charge at the start takes the truck to destination & is in charge at unloading. Meet him or her, spend time as they pack & load.
2. Packing: Are they doing it all or are you packing your own things? I strongly recommend you have them at least do delicate or valuable items. They will not individually insure breakable stuff if they didn't pack it -- at least, you won't get full value. It's more expensive but worth it -- in our last move (which we paid for ourselves, not a business move), I had them pack my crystal & good china, for instance, so if it was broken, they bore financial responsibility.
See their packing materials -- pick them up, feel them, & compare with those of other companies that quote for you. Get specific descriptions of how they wrap & secure things.
If you have something of special value -- a piano, antique furniture, etc., have it appraised & get packing instructions from an independent expert. Special crating or wrapping materials might be necessary. (I have a 3-tiered mirrored screen from my grandfather. After it was partially broken by the first mover, I had it appraised for the next move by somebody from a museum, who also drew me a diagram of the wooden crate needed to keep it safe: this required NO tape across the glass; screws, not nails, to close it & specific batting for cushioning.) Have these conditions written into the contract word for word.
3. Payment. What payment is required when? This must be in writing as part of your contract. Even "reputable" national movers have told clients one thing, done another. It's illegal but happens anyway. I learned this the hard way, thanks to Mayflower.
4. Moving Day: BE A PEST. Don't worry about whether they like you! Watch them pack & load -- and unpack at the other end. Wander around the house so each person knows you're observing. (I spotted a mover carrying 2 boxes & kicking another down the stairs in front of him; the one he kicked was labeled clearly "CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS." I had no problem squawking loudly.) If you have questions about something they're doing, ask immediately. Don't hesitate to request they do it a different way if it concerns you. Watch till the last box is loaded & the truck closed & locked --- that is important. If anything is to be stored for even a few days, get every item, description, photo, in writing. Things disappear from warehouses all the time. I discovered that also thanks to Mayflower regarding a brand-new stove & refrigerator.
Most important advice is to insist every little detail be included in the contract, written down, signed by them as well as yourselves. Include any relevant diagrams, descriptions, appraisals, whatever you can think of. Never be afraid to drive them nuts! It's your stuff.
Inventory everything & have appraisals done of valuable or rare items. Photos or video necessary. Insure for full replacement value -- not the amount amortized over years of use.
You can find more info online, good idea to google moving advice. I'll think of more as soon as I finish this post, of course! Good luck!! Where are you moving to?? Looking forward to it?
--- Laurie
Here's my experience from 2 intercontinental moves, one transcontinental one & several shorter:
The local branch determines a mover's quality -- one person's Mayflower experience, in other words, might be vastly different from another's, depending on the local company & its manager. All moving advice recommends you get at least 3 quotes. There's a lot more to consider than price if you're taking a household of stuff you value.
1. Do they sub-contract any part of the process? All local & sometimes national movers hire sub-contractors for various parts of the move -- packing at this end, unpacking at the other, driving, storage if necessary, etc. Sub-contractors are often not well trained & definitely do not have the incentive to be careful with your goods, since their reputation and/or repeat business isn't at stake. It can be a real nightmare. Pick a national mover and insist it be in the contract that they will not use subs. If they tell you everybody does it, show them the door. You want their employees responsible for your possessions at all times! Best scenario is if the driver in charge at the start takes the truck to destination & is in charge at unloading. Meet him or her, spend time as they pack & load.
2. Packing: Are they doing it all or are you packing your own things? I strongly recommend you have them at least do delicate or valuable items. They will not individually insure breakable stuff if they didn't pack it -- at least, you won't get full value. It's more expensive but worth it -- in our last move (which we paid for ourselves, not a business move), I had them pack my crystal & good china, for instance, so if it was broken, they bore financial responsibility.
See their packing materials -- pick them up, feel them, & compare with those of other companies that quote for you. Get specific descriptions of how they wrap & secure things.
If you have something of special value -- a piano, antique furniture, etc., have it appraised & get packing instructions from an independent expert. Special crating or wrapping materials might be necessary. (I have a 3-tiered mirrored screen from my grandfather. After it was partially broken by the first mover, I had it appraised for the next move by somebody from a museum, who also drew me a diagram of the wooden crate needed to keep it safe: this required NO tape across the glass; screws, not nails, to close it & specific batting for cushioning.) Have these conditions written into the contract word for word.
3. Payment. What payment is required when? This must be in writing as part of your contract. Even "reputable" national movers have told clients one thing, done another. It's illegal but happens anyway. I learned this the hard way, thanks to Mayflower.
4. Moving Day: BE A PEST. Don't worry about whether they like you! Watch them pack & load -- and unpack at the other end. Wander around the house so each person knows you're observing. (I spotted a mover carrying 2 boxes & kicking another down the stairs in front of him; the one he kicked was labeled clearly "CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS." I had no problem squawking loudly.) If you have questions about something they're doing, ask immediately. Don't hesitate to request they do it a different way if it concerns you. Watch till the last box is loaded & the truck closed & locked --- that is important. If anything is to be stored for even a few days, get every item, description, photo, in writing. Things disappear from warehouses all the time. I discovered that also thanks to Mayflower regarding a brand-new stove & refrigerator.
Most important advice is to insist every little detail be included in the contract, written down, signed by them as well as yourselves. Include any relevant diagrams, descriptions, appraisals, whatever you can think of. Never be afraid to drive them nuts! It's your stuff.
Inventory everything & have appraisals done of valuable or rare items. Photos or video necessary. Insure for full replacement value -- not the amount amortized over years of use.
You can find more info online, good idea to google moving advice. I'll think of more as soon as I finish this post, of course! Good luck!! Where are you moving to?? Looking forward to it?
--- Laurie
chemgirl
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We have used Atlas twice in the last year and we found them really spotty. They were beyond fantastic moving from our condo to a rental house about 45 minute drive away. Super fast and no damage to walls or furniture. They were exactly on with their quote.
Second move from the rental house to our permanente home with a different branch of Atlas. It was a nightmare. We had a few pieces of extra furniture but nothing major. We were quoted for 3 hours longer than the first move. This time the distance was less than 2 miles. We told the people making the quote that we would move our kitchen and aquarium ourselves to keep the cost down. Well somehow the movers managed to take up the entire quoted time anyway. They were about 45 minutes driving the 2 miles between houses. They had long breaks and stood around talking about the best way to move things. Whenever something looked heavy they said it wouldn't fit down the stairs, except it got up there so obviously it can. They also ignored the neat labels on the moving boxes and left over half of them in the room next to the front door. I still need to get around to patching the dents in the walls. They were joking around and laughing when they scraped the railing.
So I think service varies between branches of the same company.
ETA: I told the second group of movers exactly what I thought about the job they were doing. To my embarrassment one of the movers was a groomsman in the wedding I attended last weekend
Second move from the rental house to our permanente home with a different branch of Atlas. It was a nightmare. We had a few pieces of extra furniture but nothing major. We were quoted for 3 hours longer than the first move. This time the distance was less than 2 miles. We told the people making the quote that we would move our kitchen and aquarium ourselves to keep the cost down. Well somehow the movers managed to take up the entire quoted time anyway. They were about 45 minutes driving the 2 miles between houses. They had long breaks and stood around talking about the best way to move things. Whenever something looked heavy they said it wouldn't fit down the stairs, except it got up there so obviously it can. They also ignored the neat labels on the moving boxes and left over half of them in the room next to the front door. I still need to get around to patching the dents in the walls. They were joking around and laughing when they scraped the railing.
So I think service varies between branches of the same company.
ETA: I told the second group of movers exactly what I thought about the job they were doing. To my embarrassment one of the movers was a groomsman in the wedding I attended last weekend
Tacori E-ring
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Tacori E-ring
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The lady I spoke with, actually everyone so far, have been very nice and will even give me free boxes. Thanks again for everyone's advise.
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Tacori E-ring
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zoebartlett
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MichelleCarmen
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Tacori E-ring
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How to Buy the Best $25,000 Engagement Ring: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
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