Another Moving Question...

[QueenTrident]

I've gotten a few quotes for moving...does this sound about right?

COMPANY A wants the estimate plus 10% paid in full 5 days before the move. This company actually came here and did an on-site estimate. They were thorough with their questions an explanations, but I do think their weight number is very high. Also, they will not load on weekends or unload on the day of closing which we need, so our stuff will stay in storage for 5 days. I am uncomfortable giving them such a huge sum of money before they even pick up my stuff.

COMPANY B did an over the phone estimate and estimated the moved at 4,000 pounds less and $1500 less. But, they asked no other questions about stairs, where the house is from the street, etc. They also only want a $500 deposit and the rest is paid after they've delivered our stuff, which makes me much more comfortable. They'll also move on weekends, with no extra charge. But, DH is afraid they are going to nickel and dime us and then we'll be stuck paying huge fees at the end.

I have two other companies coming in the next week to provide estimates, but I'm wondering what the general way of doing things is - like Company A or Company B?

Thanks!

 

[londonpenguin]

Hi, Jenn. I've moved several times within Washington State, so I know movers are regulated by the state. You might try looking at this link I found: Movers.

Make sure your movers are licensed. You might also see if the Better Business Bureau in your area has a record of any complaints against them.

 

[RadioNate]

you need to get a guarenteed price. No matter what the real weight is you only pay the quote.

We've done 4 long distance moves in 5 years.

There is a weight times miles formula but I've never had to pay extra for stairs (though they do complain when you have lots of them) or for saturday work. Sunday and storage are extras.

We've always paid after delivery but DH's company was paying so maybe they made allowances because of that.

 

[soccerchick]

I would do whatever you have to do to avoid storage. Even for our local move this summer I heard horror stories about belongings being held hostage until the owners paid 3K over the original estimate. This was from a company that I had called and gotten an estimate from and was totally impressed with the sales person. Then the next weekend we were at a party and met a co-worker of the host who had just gone through this with that very same co.

 

[Poohnatic]

We just moved in July.

Company A was internet only quote. They had an extremely thorough questionnaire and gave an estimate of weight that was accurate. (based on what we actually weighed out with the mover we used)

Company B sent out an estimator. They gave us a range, but capped it at a certain weight (which we ended up exceeding). The rate included load and unload and weekends wouldn't be an issue. They would hold our stuff until after the 1st of August for ease of moving.

Company C sent out an estimator, too. They gave us an estimated, fixed price that was the highest of the three. No problems with the piano or the fact that we'd emptied a bunch of stuff into a storage facility a mile away to make the house more appealing to buyers. We would get our stuff 48 hours after load up, Maryland to Florida.

My husband ultimately went with the most expensive of the three. He liked the idea that we would not have to wait for our stuff. I'm glad he did-the driver was awesome.

When we moved into that house, I said I was never moving again-here we are, renting for another 6 months so that we can have a house built. OY! At least this one's only a 1/2 mile away!

Try to get as many quotes as you can. Ask coworkers, neighbors, friends who they've used. We asked around and heard horror stories that made us scratch a couple of movers off our list.

Good luck with your move!

Suzanne

 

[ZachnElli]

We've moved several times, long distances each time. Every time we had estimators come out and give estimates first. This summer (because it's most recent and I can remember it better ) the movers guaranteed the estimate like a previous poster mentioned. We were guaranteed the price they gave us even if we went over. They wanted to charge more because they used more boxes but I stuck to my guns and the weight was dead on! Also, we have never paid a dime before moving, only after they show up at our new doorstep, and I wouldn't do it any other way. I didn't go with one moving company because they said they wouldn't deliver on a Saturday and we knew it was a possibility. I didn't like my moving company because they didn't bother to start driving until the day before our contract delivery day, it sat at the company for 6 days! It was a 1250 mile move, didn't make it on our contract date. They also broke our bed and lost dh's suv, which we had shipped.