I was feeling pretty anxious and desperate when I turned to Craigslist in my search for movers…read more(after having contacted multiple bigger moving companies, whose rates and minimum time requirements didn't match what I was looking for). Shawn's ad immediately stood out from the rest because it linked to his yelp page- hooray! I am forever grateful for this means of getting the real scoop, and think it's a great idea for smaller companies/laborers to have a page that sets them apart from the sketchier folks on Craigslist.
The glowing reviews were right on the money! Shawn and Eden left my apartment less than a half hour ago and I'm happy to give them another great review.
My move was as below:
-From a 6th floor apt with an elevator that leads to the back alley to a 3rd floor apt with no elevator, approx 2 miles away.
-One medium sized sofa (3 cushions across), 2 ottomans, 1 dinette/breakfast table for two, and 1 very tall bookshelf
Not too much stuff, and Shawn quoted me a $120 flat fee for two movers and his pick up truck. Though it's not necessarily INexpensive, compare it to big companies, who charge an average $90/hr for two movers, with an avg 2 hour minimum and $45 travel fee. I think I got a great deal, and if I had paid much less I would have worried that I was exploiting some hardworking folks.
Shawn and Eden were about 20 minutes late- they did call me at 4:05 (moving time was 4p) to let me know they would be here soon. I was slightly annoyed, as I would have preferred a heads up before 4p, but can understand that that's not always possible. They started working as soon as their feet hit the ground, and the whole move lasted from 4:20-5:15ish, under an hour! Shawn and Eden were personable, quick, and careful with my possessions. They knew just how to angle my stuff so it fit into a teeny elevator. They made sure everything was tied down in their truck so nothing would accidentally fall out or anything. They also let me ride back to my apartment with them, which I appreciated a lot.
Four stars for the obvious reasons- they only have a pick up truck, and no insurance. No packing materials are provided, so wrap your own sofa/mattress if you're worried. But I would definitely recommend them for smaller, simpler moves like mine!
A few things to keep in mind- always offer your mover some water! I was so surprised to hear that I was their third move of the day- and the smallest by far, it seems- and the first to offer water. And, try to build in as much flexibility into your moving day as possible, so that you aren't overstressed when the unexpected occurs, which is all too likely to happen. I would say 99% of movers don't enjoy being late to their next job, and 99% of the time it's not their fault- the office folks offered misleading estimates, a service elevator went bonkers or a reservation was screwed up, the previous customer underestimated the amount of crap they had, etc. I have found movers to be some of the most hardworking guys around and on the receiving end of a lot from stressed out customers, and it shouldn't be that way.
Thanks Shawn and Eden! You guys were fantastic!
