Finding a mover... give me some tips!

[sookie]

Hi,
We are looking at moving about 75 miles away from our current home. I have some friends that can help me, but I have some expensive furniture and I'd rather use a mover for at least the big furniture (would LOVE to have everything moved...).
I have a budget of about 2500. What is the going rates for movers (I am in OK, what is reasonable, what isnt? What should I look for in a mover?
My moves in the past have all been set up for me by my job - so I'm a little stuck!
Thanks!

 

[Swimalie]

I have moved twice, from coast to coast, at my own expense both times. Both times were super smooth after I did a lot of research and due diligence on my part. The best piece of advice I can tell you is to make sure you put on the contract the words "not to exceed" near the price. Then they can't hold your furniture hostage, no matter what they try to do after it's picked up.

 

[jedijill]

I moved from Missouri to Colorado a little over 2 years ago. I had a short amount of time to move. I called three large national movers and had them come to my house and give me quotes. I ended up going with Graebel as the estimator really impressed me. Because moving is tightly regulated these days the quotes were all pretty close. Be sure that the estimator shows you the regulation book with all the prices....that way you know that they are following the government regulations. I ended up paying just under $5000 to have my 2 bedroom home packed and moved from Kansas City to Denver and unloaded in Denver. I had to pay upfront and my new employer cut a me a total check after I started working for them.

HTH

Jill in CO

 

[Dax]

The only time I used a mover, was for a move about your size...I was moving to a new apartment, and did not want to do it ourselves, as we did not have the vehicles for it. I called a few local company's, they came out and gave estimates. I want to say it cost me close to $300 or so...I cant remember. I packed all the boxes myself, the 2 guys came in, filled the truck, drove it to my new place, then put everything in the rooms I asked. Considering it was July in FL, I also provided them with AMPLE water, and a free lunch and donuts to boot. It was WELL worth every penny spent, and would like to use a mover again in the future.

 

[disprincessatheart]

My advice is not to simply go the chapest route. We did that once and regretted it - didn't even have them finish the job they were so unprofessional. Ask around for recommendations and check BBb ratings.