Moving Company Recommendations???

[SamSam]

Trying to plan ahead in helping our DD in a move she'll be making in about 6 months. She is a single mom with twin toddlers, so I know we'll be helping out. My DH is all for just hiring a company to move her, but not only am I afraid of the expense, but I've heard horror stories of companies holding a truckload of items 'hostage' until you pay extra money.

The move will be a 1,200 mile move, so whether we go up and load up a rental truck and drive it ourselves or hire it out, it will be expensive.

I'd appreciate some recommendations on companies, also if anyone has done a move of that distance an idea of $$$ would be appreciated.

 

[NoraG]

Hi OP. I've done a few moves. I did a 1200 miler (actually RT, turns out it didn't work out). and two local (100 mile) moves in the past year (oh boy, I know).

Anyway, going North 1200 I did a Penske truck (16 footer) and hired moving helpers (movinghelp.com). BTW, Penske's trucks are much newer and more reliable than Uhauls. I've never rented one with over 9000 miles on it, so they are very new and in great condition-always clean. I am a 23 year old short female and found that it drives much like a van. Going South on the return it was much pricier, so I went with a full service company, but with was only possible because I received a great discount. I have AAA and they offer a 60% discount with Atlas. They transfer from a little truck (due to difficult to navigate apt complex) to big to little truck. I had one lost item and a damaged item, which I claimed. They were great with p/u. Their delivery contractor left a lot to be desired. I can look up my cost if you'd like, just let me know. One thing to keep in mind is that it took two weeks to get my stuff and I had to be available at any time during those two weeks to receive my items. If she's starting a new job this is not at all practical as the moving companies will NOT work around your schedule, no matter what. If you can't receive, they dump it in storage at your expense. This was my experience at least. Other full-service movers were extremely expensive and pushy.

For my two local moves I went with Penske and the moving helpers. I read the reviews for the moving helpers and usually pick something mid-range in price point with high reviews. I've never had anything broken or damaged-even antiques. Some of the moving helpers are better than others, but this tends to be the cheapest way to do it for me. Just depends on the time of year and direction you are traveling though.

I see your from KS. Central FL is about 1200 miles-any chance this is where you're headed? If so, I can recommend some moving helpers in the area if that's the route you decide to go. Let me know if you'd like some more specific details on my experiences. I'm happy to share. I find moving extremely stressful. I'd be happy to alleviate some of that for you if I can.

 

[hopemax]

For all long-distance moves, I recommend U-pack from ABF Freight

http://www.upack.com/

They have trucks or "cubes." You are responsible for loading and unloading, but you can hire people on both ends if you don't want to do it yourself. But they do the driving. They charge by feet of space NOT weight so it is much cheaper than a traditional mover, and about the same or a bit more than do-it-yourself by the time you figure gas, hotel, food expenses for the drive.

 

[jedijill]

I had great luck with Graebel on my move from KC to Denver. Very professional and courteous. The rep came out and estimated my house (I had them do the packing and the moving due to time frame) and the charges were to penny of the quote.

HTH

Jill in CO

 

[SamSam]

Great help everyone. I'll print this out and do some checking.

The move will be from Northern Utah to Southern Oklahoma, if that makes any difference.

You've give Dh and I lots to think about and hopefully help DD's move a little easier cuz moving with toddler twins and starting a new job will be stressful enough.

 

[sookie]

Great help everyone. I'll print this out and do some checking.

The move will be from Northern Utah to Southern Oklahoma, if that makes any difference.

You've give Dh and I lots to think about and hopefully help DD's move a little easier cuz moving with toddler twins and starting a new job will be stressful enough.

A1 Freeman.
A1 freeman does have an office in OKC.

 

[irishsharon]

We also used penske and we were very happy with the truck.We moved from NY to IL and then back 3 years later.Penske was much cheaper than any other option we found.Lots of friends and family helped pack and we provided dinner and drinks AFTER the truck was packed

 

[SamSam]

Thank everyone, I feel much better and more informed about moving companies thanks to you.

DH and I have lived in the same house for 20+ years so we have no experience with this.

 

[rock_doctor]

If it helps..."my three sons" moved us (yes that is the company name) and broke nearly everything they moved. Skip them... Good luck.

 

[ZehnJahren]

For all long-distance moves, I recommend U-pack from ABF Freight

http://www.upack.com/

They have trucks or "cubes." You are responsible for loading and unloading, but you can hire people on both ends if you don't want to do it yourself. But they do the driving. They charge by feet of space NOT weight so it is much cheaper than a traditional mover, and about the same or a bit more than do-it-yourself by the time you figure gas, hotel, food expenses for the drive.

I used this on a 300 mile move and was happy with the service. They brought two cubes for my one bedroom apt, and I only used one so I wasn't charged for the second one. It sat in the driveway of my old place and I loaded it up; then called them and they came to pick it up and transport it. A week later, it was at my NEW place, and they left it; I unloaded it, called them, and they came and picked it up. It was nice, but it's definitely an "on your own" kind of deal, which might not be possible for a woman with two toddlers!