This article is the third part in a series about moving:
Part 1 | 14 Tips for Finding the Best Neighborhood
Part 2 | How to Find a Quality House to Rent
Part 4 | How to Plan, Purge, and Pack for Your Next Move
Part 5 | The Ultimate Moving Checklist for Families
As soon as you know where you are going, you can start the process of finding a reliable moving company that won’t break the bank.
One way to begin is to ask friends, online email groups, or a local real estate agent for recommendations. Here is a break-down of some of the options you will find and what has worked for other people.
Large Moving Companies
The plus side of franchised moving companies like United, Allied and Mayflower are that they are established, have a reputable company to back them up, and are not likely to spring any surprises on you. On the minus side, the costs will be higher than alternative or smaller movers.
Unless you have a huge house with tons of furniture, another disadvantage of large companies is that they will need to combine your stuff with others to fill the kind of tractor-trailer trucks that make up their fleet.
Not that there’s anything wrong with sharing. The problem is that, because they have to load and unload several other houses, large companies can usually only give you an estimated delivery time of 2 days to 2 weeks!
If you don’t have a comfortable place to stay while you are waiting, this situation could be a logistical nightmare. It’s the reason I have not gone with a large company since I’ve had a family (thus less flexibility and more people to get settled).
Do-It-Yourself
The cheapest method — as with all things in life — is self-serve. I have rented many a U-Haul in my day, and we even leased a bucket of bolts for our first move as a family.
The reason was partly financial, but also because of immediacy of delivery. It’s just not so easy anymore to couch surf while your stuff is moseying across the country (as you will often have to do if you go with a large company).
The most well-known do-it-yourself moving companies are U-Haul, Budget and Penske. (Penske gets the highest ratings of the three on eMove.com. The guys arrived on time, did their job extremely carefully, and there were no hidden charges.
eMove.com provides a whole online database of moving helpers with tons of consumer ratings to help you find safe and reliable help. Quotes appear instantly online, including the number of workers and the estimated time to complete the job. eMove.com can also find people to help you pack and unpack, clean, or drive.
You Load, They Drive
Driving a run-down truck full of heavy furniture across the country can be harrowing. Just ask my dad. Another budget-friendly option is to hire someone to do the driving part.
Perhaps the most well-known company in this category is ABF U-Pack Moving, but watchdog website MovingScam.com also endorses Atlas SmartMove and Broadway Express. Check the MovingScam website for discounts on some of these movers.
A variation on this theme is PODS. With one of those white storage containers placed in your driveway, you can take your time loading (and unloading), while the company hauls the container for you.
Small- to Mid-Size Moving Companies
This is the road we took with our move from Arlington, Virginia to New York City. We found a New York-based company by consulting the moving watchdog website, MovingScam.com. The company, All Star Moving, was only one of three companies endorsed by MovingScam.com at the time (now the website has a list of seven small- to mid-sized companies).
All Star received only positive ratings from people on that website, and I found similarly glowing reports in other review sites. Perhaps most importantly, the company had small trucks available, one of which would be dedicated to our stuff only, which meant delivery the next day.
The cherry on top was that they came in much lower in price than anyone else. (And the fee was not an estimate, but a guarantee — there were no extra charges added on at the last minute).
Get Estimates
Once you have identified a few companies that fit your bill, it’s time to ask them to come to your house, take a look at your stuff, and give you a cost estimate.
In Who Will You Trust To Drive Off With Everything You Own?, epinions.com advises negotiating. Companies will often have different corporate and personal rates, so make sure you tell them if you are paying for the move yourself. Ask if they have any discounts or specials running at the time. epinions advises,
Line up at least 3 companies to come to your house for a quote (free). Save your favorite company for last because they will usually price-match or match weight. Leave the previous estimator’s paperwork where they will see it. When they ask you about it ask them why their service is better. Estimators expect you to check out other services. You will also have a chance to negotiate when they call to see what you have decided.
Ask when you need to give them a definite answer. Even if you are moving in high season (summer), often six weeks of lead time is all you need to reserve a mover. But if there is no doubt in your mind, make it a deal and cross it off your list.
How People Get Gypped
When Elizabeth Stuelke of New York City was shopping around for movers to take her family to Pittsburgh, she called several small companies who never made a home visit to give an estimate. Elizabeth explained,
They’d stay on the phone with you, do an inventory from your memory of your things, then ‘take off for this’ and ‘deduct for that,’ reaching a price that was ‘in your price range.’ That was their first question.
I don’t mind getting a bargain, but it started to feel like these companies were a bit desperate (which did make me feel bad, I really like to help people out). But this uneasy feeling, coupled with a few web searches for user reviews and the Better Business Bureau website ratings, showed that these companies — while small, cheap, and very keen for our business — were not the most reliable to deal with.
There are a lot of horror stories out there about companies holding your stuff hostage until you pay some outrageous fee. In a small local move one time, I ended up paying three times as much as the lady on the phone told me the move would cost.
Elizabeth and her family ended up choosing a company called Flat Rate, which gave them an up-front all-inclusive price – not an estimate. Even though they are paying $1000 over the lowest quote, they liked the fact that the company guaranteed the price and they felt they could trust them to deliver on time (a common complaint about fly-by-night companies).
The extra money goes “a long way in the peace of mind category,” says Elizabeth. And that’s saying a lot for a mother of two little kids in a new city, who will have to deal with it all if it goes awry.”
Beware of These Warning Signs
To avoid getting cheated, follow these tips for finding a reputable mover:
- Try to get an all-inclusive price, not an estimate, that will be free of hidden charges and last-minute fees
- Beware of companies that ask your budget straight off and tailor their estimate accordingly
- Do not rely on telephone quotes: an estimator should come to your house and evaluate your stuff
- A mover should get mainly positive consumer ratings at places like Epinions.com or MovingScam.com
- Go with a company that has been around for many years
- Make sure there are no complaints lodged against the company at the Better Business Bureau
For more tips, see How to Find a Reputable Mover.
Budget-Friendly Boxes and Moving Supplies
The cheapest and least wasteful way to find sturdy moving boxes is to check Craigslist or Freecycle for people getting rid of theirs. If you don’t see any offers, put in your own request for moving boxes. People are usually happy to see their old boxes get some good use again.
For regular boxes, which might not be as strong but will probably do the job, you can stalk the neighborhood on recycling day or go dumpster diving at the county recycling center (guilty!).
Of course do-it-yourself companies like U-Haul and Budget sell moving supplies (that cost less than office stores), but to save more and have them delivered to your house, try Moveout.com, endorsed by MovingScam.com, or BoxesDelivered.com, recommended by Real Simple magazine.
The next and final installment in this moving series is a moving checklist that will help you tie up loose ends and keep your life chugging along smoothly, even while relocating your family and everything you own.
Do you have any tips for finding a good, budget-friendly mover?
This article is the third part in a series about moving:
Part 1 | 14 Tips for Finding the Best Neighborhood
Part 2 | How to Find a Quality House to Rent
Part 4 | How to Plan, Purge, and Pack for Your Next Move
Part 5 | The Ultimate Moving Checklist for Families
Photo credits: pink trucks, U-Haul, PODS, boxes, Atlas, empty truck.
You also might like:
- The Ultimate Moving Checklist for Families
- 12 Low-Cost and No-Cost Teacher Gifts for the Start of the Year (and Beyond)
- Free and Low Cost Options for Filing Taxes
- How to Plan, Purge, and Pack for Your Next Move
- 14 Tips for Finding the Best Neighborhood
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{19 Intelligent opinions... read them below or add one}
Great info Amy… Jr and I were always ‘warned’ about movers, so we always went with the most reputable company even if it cost more. Thankfully we have never had any problems. We’re hoping this upcoming move will be our last for a LONG time!
Hi Ghi: There is definitely a lot to be said for peace of mind. You are, after all, trusting someone with everything you own!
Wow great information! I have to say though I started to get anxiety reading this. We just moved about 7 months ago and I never realized how hard it was! Of course we didn’t have movers and did it all ourselves…never again!
Hi Tina,
Yes, moving is definitely anxiety-producing! I’m impressed that you did your move all by yourself. What a huge undertaking! I feel way too old to do that anymore.
Thanks for writing in!
Amy
Hi Amy,
So at the moment I am trying to plan a long-distance move. As soon as I have contacted various movers on-line, I received MANY phone calls returning my ELECTRONIC message (which was rather overwhelming). The most resonable phone call, was from Omega Movers. Their website looks very professional and helpful, and they have a good Better Business Bureau rating (A-). I was thinking of going with them, but now I saw some concerning reviews from customers on Yelp.com. I am getting really confused. I’d like to stick with a local (Ca) company, whose location I know of, and who is not a broker; but these negative reviews sound night-marish – something I’d like to avoid….
If you have any suggestions, I’d appreciate it.
Thanks in advance,
Tatiana
Hi Tatiana,
Thanks for writing in.
How about Moovers in No. California http://www.mooversinc.com/ or STS Movers in So. California http://www.stsmovers.com/?
They are some of the few recommended by the watchdog site Moving Scam.
Otherwise, have you tried networking with other families in your area about who they have used? Email loops are great for this, but lacking that, try asking around, everywhere you go.
It might make you feel more at ease if you can talk to someone who’s had a good experience with a certain company.
Hope this helps!
Amy
I got to know about you, and the services offered by you. I will share this information with others also, because many people will be benefitted from this information.
I was reading this article and was shocked by the shear information that I didn’t know that was posted, I really liked reading this post. So guys I’m moving this weekend and I chose this company Dallas Texas Moving Company and I was wondering if you guys could check them out and tell me what you think, thank you guys!!!!
Finish reading your article .I don’t know how to choose . http://www.usa-moving-quotes.com . this one , My friend recommond to me.But I want to know more people who have used this before . Could you provide me some info for this company? Thanks
I always check companies before use their services. some movers are not very careful and may brake some of your stuff or loose it in the moving chaos. I think some movers provide insurance. If their break something they pay it.
Hi Amy,
This is a very informative article which will help many that haven’t moved recently or been taught how to protect themselves. There are a couple of things that I, being a mover for 25 years would like to clarify;
In the Large Moving Companies paragraph you stated that moving companies with major van line affiliations don’t change the price and care about satisfaction, so true, a recent industry report said; 6 out of 10 unhappy customers will likely post, but only 1 out of 10 happy customers will. You mentioned United and Mayflower, we are both, making us an award winning “Dual Agency”, this means we have the full authority of both van lines.
You questioned the costs being higher with these agencies, normally true, but about 3 years ago we started our Alternative Services Division, the web address is http://www.thepackpros.com . We provide nationwide alternatives for customers which include small shipment moving, portable storage containers provided by United, Mayflower or PODS with packing, loading or unloading, U-Haul truck rental and moving labor to load or unload, we drive trailer space and any labor needs, overseas international containers with forwarding and labor services, auto transportation, plus many other options. We use the entire booking commission to lower the costs of the labor services for the customer. Our United Van Lines service now offers a very small delivery window, customers no longer have sit around waiting for the shipment to arrive.
The Loading and Unloading Help suggests emove for helpers called casual laborers, also available on Craigslist, you need to be extremely carful and let the readers know the risks when hiring these guys. The reason why they are so cheap is because you are assuming the liability in case they break or damage items, if they break and hide items at loading or don’t wrap and protect the furniture correctly you will have plenty of damage when you go to unload. I have heard many horror stories over the years, including a theft from the un-loaders coming back to house when the customer wasn’t home knowing there wasn’t a burglar alarm, don’t ever write on the outside of the box things like – Playstation, jewelry, stamp or coin collection or guns. I spoke to a person that was being sued because a big piece of glass broke and the worker had to get a bunch of stitches on his leg, the customer had to foot the bill because she was the employer and this emove service never requires workers comp insurance. I don’t understand why they recommend and don’t warn customers that there’s no drug testing, no insurance for worker’s comp or general liability nor any type of background checks to see if you will be safe. When you do file a police report they ask for the crew’s full names, addresses, dates of birth and S.S. numbers which emove and you do not have. I spoke with a emove laborer once, he was so proud of the fact that he had his friends give him great reviews to help get him work. You think you’re hiring professionals and there’s a possibility that this guy you hired to move and drive a rental truck can get into an accident and possibility kill someone and the customer is responsible because the worker may not have a driver’s license, could be on drugs and a wanted man. I’m not saying you should never use this option, but you should be aware of the dangers and protect yourself at all times, you get what you pay for.
You had mentioned the idea of a salesperson coming out to the house, this means they will need to be paid a commission which is between $200 and $500 dollars, this gets blended in with the labor fees, at times this is a waste of the customer’s time and money, the way efficient movers calculate now takes into consideration for items that use to be missed, but the customer needs to either prepare a written inventory which is incorporated into the flat rate pricing guarantee or they need a cordless phone to go through each room. If a customer wants to confirm accuracy they can have one major van line sales person come out and provide a survey which will list materials with special instructions, if the shipment is billed by weight and mileage, the survey provides a space or weight amount to use or if it is hourly, it provides a time estimate. When you contact other moving companies for a price quote give them the survey results and they will be able to give you a quote that is based on the same information, a comparison is the first salesperson say you need to ship 3 apples and the cost is $0.90, another one says 4 apples for $1.00 and another says 5 apples for $1.05, the highest price in the cheapest rate. A onsite survey is usually only required when a customer has an extremely large home, 4 bedroom plus or if they have a bunch of items needing special preparation like antiques, pool tables, pianos, German shrunk or full packing services.
Boxes can provided by military approved moving companies like us, we bring back boxes that are not reusable on another military shipment. We give these boxes to our COD customers totally free, we also offer the option to buy new materials direct from the wholesaler, at a price that is lower than what moving companies usually pay, we have combined buying power of all our alternative services providers which are located in over 350 metro areas across the U.S.
Let me know if I can ever help, I have been trained in sales, claims, operations, legal liability, marketing, van foreman, packing, crating and 3rd party services.
Nick Brieger G.M. for Alternative Services
Website http://www.thepackpros.com Email nick@thepackpros.com Phone(877)696-6831
Darren Holloway United Van Lines darrenh@browningmoving.com (800)722-6683
Pam Mueller Mayflower pamm@browningmoving.com (888) 327-0108
The best way to get competitive, apples-to-apples quotes from movers is to provide each moving company with the same detailed list of furniture in your home. Once you have your price quotes you can invite your selected company / companies to send a salesperson to your home to confirm services. Furniture inventories can be easily and quickly created with web sites like ClickandMove.com. This site also lists local AMSA Promovers listed in order of distance from your residence.
Thank-you so much for the article. it is amazing what we have learned! At first we were giong to do a POD, then we decided that we have too many things and decided yesterday to hire a mover. While my husband and I were on the phone something just didn’t “fit” so I did a search for movers web boards and I found movingscam.com. THANK-GOD!! We decided on Atlas but I am in trouble because we have to move on Nov. 29 and it is now turning into that headache of trying to get someone here. I’m packed and rearing to go now what?
Hi Angelina Marie,
It’s sounds like you’ve been through the wringer! I’m glad you’ve settled on a reputable mover. Last minute moving is no fun — in fact, all moving is no fun! I hope Atlas can get there in time.
Thanks for stopping by and best of luck!
Amy
In the past few years we’ve helped with more rental trucks then ever, in the years before that, we helped out with the major moving companies with semi loads of furniture, allied, graebel, bekins, wheaton, united, an many more, alot are somewhat even being bought out by others, not yet a monopoly, but atleast people are still moving an finding low cost ways an still get the same great help. We are planning on getting as many used boxes, for now we mostly load or unload, but will considered good used boxes in the areas we cover to help keep cost down. Are #1 crew is in Central illinois, called the Smooth Move Crew, even setting up a link for them at http://www.smoothmovecrew.com we do offer help for nationwide, just call an we can help move you too.
for the last few years we publish over 200 articles about the moving process. take your time to read the relevant for your move and save yourself lots of problems. moving can be stress full but if you do it in the right way it can also save yourself lots of money. i would like to share with you the website; http://www.shippingandmoving.com
and you can send me question via email thru the site.
dan
dan´s last post ..The preparation stage: Two months to One month before moving
WE are moving from Northridge CA to Chicago area. Only one bedroom set, and family and living furniture with office desk and book shelf closet. and misc kitchen etc.
We are a small local moving company that works hard to stay in business and satisfy our customers. The story above helps other realize the benefits to our services as well as other companies that operate a legal and trust worthy operation. Now a days with so many people using scams to get business and make money and rip off our public. It is nice to find stories like yours. I just wish there were other ways to raise awareness for these and other issues in all industries. Keep up the good work.
AVTransfer´s last post ..Compliance and Secure Media Storage
{19 Intelligent opinions... read them below or add one}