[sierra]

<p>Geez, I have been researching moving companies to help me with my upcoming move.  What a nightmare!  I have talked to one company who gave me an estimate to pack and move all my stuff. Its based on weight and an inventory list. Their estimate seemed good to me. The would pack my stuff that wasnt packed, move it, unload it and set up the furniture for a set price. They would also provide all the packing materials. </p>
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<p>I decided to do some online research to see if any other moving companies might be able to do it cheaper. I found a site with reviews on moving companies. Can I just shoot myself now please? The company I had talked to and was most likely going to use had lots of really bad reviews. Stuff stolen, broken, bad communication, not on time, etc. I think I would be nuts to use this company after reading them.</p>
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<p>Then I started looking at other companies and their reviews. They all had bad reviews. When I would find one that looked like it might be somewhat decent.. I would read on and find really bad ones. </p>
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<p>I know I can rent a truck and drive it myself. But the reality is, that it would cost me more when I factor in the gas  costs. I would also have to tow my car that way. And doing that in Feb, with the potential of snow and ice makes me a bit nervous. Then, I  would have to impose on friends to help me unload etc. The upside is, I would get there with all my stuff.  And with any luck, the majority of it unbroken. </p>
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<p>I'm discouraged. </p>
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<p>Does anyone have any recommendations for moving companies that wont destroy, lose or steal your stuff? </p>
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[willrun4chocolate]

<p>I don't have any company suggestions, but with one of my moves I went with them to the weigh scale to see how much my stuff weighed.  The weigh scale employee gave me a small piece of paper with the weight so I had written proof of the load before the payment was applied.  I also knew that he was out of the truck so  an extra 200 pounds was not applied.</p>

 

[rlemert]

<p>  Things probably look worse than they are because moving is one of those areas where people who had a positive experience got what they expected and feel no need to advertise the fact, while people who had a negative experience can't wait to warn others. You may also be seeing the influence of a poor-performing licensee operating under the umbrella of on of the major movers - i.e. someone operating under the "Bekins" name but really operating as an independent contractor.</p>
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<p>  We've always moved ourselves so I can't offer any direct recommendations, but I can suggest a couple of places to check. One obvious place is the Better Business Bureau, but keep in mind that you'll be subjected to the same self-selection bias as I've described above. Another is to contact some of the local realtors and see if they know who their clients have used and liked. There may even be a company in your area that regularly pays to relocate some of it's employees. See who they use and like.</p>
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<p>  The best is if you can find someone local to ask what you're asking here - "who did you use, and did you like them?"</p>
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<p>  Our last set of moves, we rented the truck and drove ourselves, but we still had little enough stuff that we could fit in a regular truck. However, we hired professional movers to pack everything and load the truck for us. We unloaded ourselves, but if we were to do it again we'd consider hiring that part out too.</p>

 

[yar]

<p>I like the "ask a relo company" idea.  Had a good mover 15 years ago.  One of the major chains.  Can't remember who.</p>
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<p>yar</p>

 

[Grizzly]

<p>How did you move out there?  Who did you use?</p>
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<p>Who is the major employer in your town? Contact their HR department and ask about relocation companies. </p>

 

[sierra]

<p>Willrun,  I have actually thought about doing that. Going with them to weigh the truck BEFORE they load my stuff, and then again after. Then I would have an actual number they couldnt dispute. I hadnt thought about the weight of the driver though! LOL</p>
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<p>rlemert, I agree. I know people tend to complain more then praise, but the complaints still give me reason to pause. Here is a link to the page I found on the company I have spoken with that has the comments on it.  I didnt find any complaints with the BBB on this one. Although I dont know which location had contacted me. Something else to find out. </p>
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<p><a href="http://www.mymovingreviews.com/movers/continental-van-lines-inc-729" target="_blank">http://www.mymovingreviews.com/movers/continental-van-lines-inc-729</a></p>
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<p>Heres another company that had better overall ratings, but the BBB issues were numerous. </p>
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<p><a href="http://www.mymovingreviews.com/movers/american-knights-298" target="_blank">http://www.mymovingreviews.com/movers/american-knights-298</a></p>
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<p>I really like the idea of contacting realtors for suggestions. I hadnt thought about that, but no doubt, they would have some opinions on moving companies.  </p>
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<p>Thanks for your replies. I appreciate the thoughts and suggestions. </p>

 

[sierra]

<p>Grizz... we rented a uhaul and did it ourselves.  I could do the same thing this time, but would rather just hire someone this time since I will be alone. </p>
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<p>Yeah... rlmert had suggested contacting employers asking for recommendations. I am going to do  that too. </p>
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<p>By the way, how are you feeling? </p>