professional movers: my report

granddi · ‎03-16-2010

We just used Mayflower to move a 3000 sq ft house + storage bldg. They packed our things too. My comments may seem harsh but the service was very very expensive= $11,000.00

6 packers showed up at my house as promised. I appreciate fast work but now that we are unpacking items were not packed with all the parts. I will find my slow cooker in one box and the lid in another and have yet to find the cord.

They had no tools. They would ask for screw drivers etc. They needed zip bags for "parts" and glad we had what was needed. They were at our house from 8:30- 4:00 and did not bring their own lunch. One guy said I'm getting hungry. I said well I'm moving so the pantry is bare. I had some cheese sticks, chips and bottled water.

Same thing happend when the loaders showed up. They had their own water but I went to McD for food for them.

We were told load on Friday and deliver on Monday. So after loading, the head guy said well it might be Thursday or Friday to deliver. After some begging, we got our stuff on Tuesday.

The delivery guys complained that boxes were not tapped well and they could not find parts as needed to put together beds etc. Again, worked all day and did not bring their own food.

You sign a very long contact that basically says we will pack your stuff and take it from A to B. There are no guarantees the condition it will arrive. One guy goes around and bar cods all items and codes each with the condition. Of course everything is used or scratched when it is loaded. When your things arrive, you sign that you are waving your right to "inventory" the delivery. So no claims for lost items. You have no way of knowing until all boxes are opened.

As they were unloading, I was un packing the "wardrobes" They first said no to removing the packing and boxes and said they would take a few. We asked if we can call the local Mayflower for box and packing pick up. Answer: well maybe

And everyone wants a tip.

So after 45 years in the same house we have relocated to be near to family. It is a very emotional time but life is good.

lolakimono · ‎03-29-2012

@granddi

Is this a long distance move?

I probably would have downsized by half- 11K is a lot to move your possessions.

Did you have them tow a car as well?

ccassaday · ‎10-21-2010

We will be hiring a moving company in a couple weeks. We are going to move everything ourselves except furniture or any heavy items. How far away did you move. That actually doesn't sound like a bad price if you moved a good distance and they actually packed everything.

Sweet_Serenity · ‎01-22-2016

@lolakimono wrote:
@granddi
Is this a long distance move?
I probably would have downsized by half- 11K is a lot to move your possessions.
Did you have them tow a car as well?

Lola... Excellent points! Sold and gifted many things before moving. Never was much of a collector. Single thirty five years, Less is more. My lifestyle minimalist design. Keeps the energy flowing. Like it!🙋

jaxs mom · ‎04-18-2012

I've done two long distance moves with professional movers and both times went fine. We used Bekins the first time but I can't remember who we used the second time. The first move was 2000 miles. We packed ourselves and it didn't take them long to load the truck. While we were in a 2500 sq ft house, we don't have tons of furniture. We do have a lot of books and cookware though and I mean a lot. We drove both of our vehicles and towed a small trailer behind one.

Don't Change Your Authenticity for Approval

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

That sounds like a horrible experience. I would be upset, too. I can't believe they expected you to feed them. I haven't moved very often fortunately. How far away did you move?

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

It takes a lot of nerve for a company to send workers out without tools, expecting to be fed by a homeowner who is moving. I'd sure complain to someone at the company and online. I moved with Bekin and had none of that nonsense. I would have sent them off to the nearest fast food restaurant.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

Azcowgirl · ‎04-10-2012

Our was a bit less, but our house was half the size of yours. They brought their own lunches and we supplied bottled water. They all took cigarette breaks outside. I think the packers, movers did a pretty good job. At destination however, it was disorganized and one of the unpacker so was an older guy in really poor health who said " I told them I don't do stairs" well, a lot of things had to go upstairs in a warehouse storage room, and it was 110 degrees out, so the two other guys had to do the lions share, and we're not happy.

It was sad actually, I felt sorry for the situation and pitched in, DH kept saying "stop ! We are paying them a lot of money for this".

Any way, I don't think anything important got broken. Stressful time though.

riley1 · ‎03-10-2010

My last move was 700+ miles. Our movers were great and the experience was fine. The owner of the truck actually came to my house and packed antique mirrors, art pieces and many other things. He wanted to know it was packed properly.

I also labeled every box as to what room it went in and a brief listing of what was in the box, i.e. pots, dishes, etc.