Need recommendation for a RELIABLE moving company

[mickeysgal]

We're relocating 5 hours away within the same state due to a job transfer. What major line moving companies do you recommend? We have to get three estimates for the company. I called Allied Van Lines and have them set to come out. I called United Van Lines and this particular office isn't set up to do interstate moves? I never heard of something like this, but whatever. I still have to get two other estimates. Any recommendations?

 

[golfgal]

The ONLY way to pick a good moving company is to get recommendations from people that have used THAT PARTICULAR local office. Just because they are United or Allied or whatever doesn't mean they will be good or bad. We have done several corporate moves with many different moving companies and there some good and bad in each company.

 

[lclark0621]

We used Atlas for move from NY to TX & were happy with them. We are using Mayflower for our move now with in TX & so far are happy with them. The actual move is set to take place next Wed.

 

[lclark0621]

Forgot...

First thing first, check the BBB. See how many complaints they have had & how many have been resolved. That is a good way to start finding someone.

 

[ReggieB]

The ONLY way to pick a good moving company is to get recommendations from people that have used THAT PARTICULAR local office. Just because they are United or Allied or whatever doesn't mean they will be good or bad. We have done several corporate moves with many different moving companies and there some good and bad in each company.

I'll second that. I don't know if they are run like franchises or not, but between my friends and I, we've all had wildly different experiences with the same companies, but different offices. I did an International move from UK to San Francisco with United. I had CD's stolen somewhere along the way. State to state with Atlas (San Francisco to MD), the driver and his one man crew where good. He hires local people when he gets to his destination for unpacking. Actually I think he hires at both ends. He did lose a coffee table, which we weren't all that heartbroken about, seriously it was such a cheap one I cannot believe he stole it, just got lost in his van. He had other stuff in there.

Make sure you have insurance, would be my advice. Itemize all that stuff too.

 

[golfgal]

Forgot...

First thing first, check the BBB. See how many complaints they have had & how many have been resolved. That is a good way to start finding someone.

Don't let a good rating at the BBB be a guide, however. If you are suing a company you can't report them to the BBB. A moving company could have a clean record with them and 100 lawsuits against them. Again, the ONLY way to pick one is to talk to people that have used them and make sure you find out who will be UNLOADING your stuff at the other end. That is just as important as the packing end.

 

[cherylp3]

Mayflower, I used them for my move to FL.

They are a member of the BBB.

 

[ZachnElli]

A friend of mine once told me to also call the office of the moving company you are moving to, to get a feel for how well they will handle your move on that end. They are the ones you'll spend the most time with especially if there is a claim. It's good advice. We had a horrible move with Allied in 2004 and I mean HORRIBLE! The office where we were moving from kept saying it was Allied's fault, huh? You are Allied! I guess as a franchise they didn't really feel part of Allied.

 

[golfgal]

A friend of mine once told me to also call the office of the moving company you are moving to, to get a feel for how well they will handle your move on that end. They are the ones you'll spend the most time with especially if there is a claim. It's good advice. We had a horrible move with Allied in 2004 and I mean HORRIBLE! The office where we were moving from kept saying it was Allied's fault, huh? You are Allied! I guess as a franchise they didn't really feel part of Allied.

This is why you need to talk to people that have used the various companies because our very BEST move by far was will and Allied branch.

 

[JustHolly]

We have used "Two Men and a Truck" here in Fl for 2 different moves upon the recommendation of another DIS'er. You may want to reveal the State you live in for local recommendations.

 

[mickeysgal]

The ONLY way to pick a good moving company is to get recommendations from people that have used THAT PARTICULAR local office. Just because they are United or Allied or whatever doesn't mean they will be good or bad. We have done several corporate moves with many different moving companies and there some good and bad in each company.

I totally agree. However, I know of no one that has used any of the local companies. Not too many people leave this town, so none of my friends have any recommendations. We know no one in our destination town, so we're lost there too. I only know the company that moved us to this town (Allied) and we have them coming out for an estimate. Looking back, our main driver and assistant were originally from Texas (neither my original state, nor destination state) and he hired locals from the Allied branch here to help unload. That was years ago and most likely the branch has different crew members anyway. I'm frustrated and don't know what to do other than just wing it.