Frank from Worcester MA - Having not moved in over 11 years - the property manager has delivered a 30 day day notice to vacate premises,.Owner wants to sell property. I researched on the web, friends, colleges for a new location as well as a reliable mover, no help. I contacted many of those highly profiled - first hyper-linked moving companies in the web listing. I filled out the questionnaires/inventory lists, and the original quote more than doubled (I had allot of items). I attempted to secure an estimator, from several companies - they need 4 weeks notice - I am down to 20 days can only get an estimate (Guesstimate - effectively leaving the estimate wide open), still cannot find a residence. Moving June 1, 2014 is a Sunday, some movers do not move on Sundays, others want double time, Quotes climbing - travel time from office location to office location, Boxes, how many blankets - other fees. Heated inquiries by phone with potential movers, my God I am just moving across the city (3.5 Miles - 1st promising place I looked at - the former tenets were needed bank papers (Purchase) processed )), not across the nation, (I am spinning - no residence - no secured mover - need to negotiate with employer for time off - need to contact utilities - need to find boxes - need to get to US post office - address change notices-......).
I went back down the movers list - Son Light movers, hmm ( My first impression from the name, was this outfit probably has a van and 2 guys) - I called. Geoffery answered, "Sure I can come over and give you an estimate, when would it be convenient?""How about 1/2 hr?" (This is at 6:15 P.M - he will shoot me down but I will negotiate for tomorrow). Sure where are you located? (Wow - this guy must be hungry.)
Geoffery "You can call me Jeff", did a walk through the apartment - making suggestions, asking what I would be packing, what I would need help with. What I expected from him. We ended up at the foot of the driveway with a Time commitment about an hour later. A fat rate rate per hour and an estimate of time. I told him I really did not have a place to move but had an appointments to look at several places during the week - so the verbal commitment and handshake was tentative. I promised to keep him informed. Things worked out on the first place, I called Geoffery, "It's on for the first - the address is xxxx" , " Ok - I'll be there".
Geoffery showed up right on time, with 2 trucks (14'& 24' Trucks) and 4 guys. They loaded the 1st truck with the some of the large furniture and appliances to the new place as soon as the truck was loaded. My son followed with his car loaded with frozen food from large Upright freezer and refrigerator. Geoffery had 2 more guys show up just as the first truck left to supplement the 2 remaining guys.
The first truck and men unloaded and setup appliances and furniture and went off to another job. Geoffery rolled up his sleeves and started helping when the first truck left. We packed the items in the second truck and successfully moved the remaining items.
About Geoffery's operation - There was an experienced knowledgeable mover paired up with a younger mover. The experienced movers gave directions when going through the doorways/corners or stairs, packing the truck, wrapping items. The crew helped (Welcomed Unasked where ever I was when they passed me). My job wa the sweeper (I am sure they would have done that as well - so I hung onto the broom and dustpan). I supplied snacks and energy drinks (Alliterative motivation), of my own violation. No request or provision was made or expected They never took a unified break and it was hot that day, stopping only to take a quick drink, a handful of munchies, wipe their brow and back at it. Nothing was scratched or broken including the floor and walls or furniture in both places.
Settling up, I was so surprised at what Geoffery requested (About half what I had guessed from other mover's guestimates, I was able to give all the workers a very well deserved tip. The clock started when the crew arrived, and stopped when the last item was put in place. There were no hidden fees - and Geoffery supplied all the blankets and wrapping plastic.
Geoffery was very approachable, my son bantered with Geoffery and his crew so much we were all laughing, it was like moving with extended family members.
About the Author - I was overwhelmed in issues, after 11 years I knew nothing or had forgotten the idiosyncrasies about moving. Being a senior citizen I knew I could not do it with just my son. The few friends that approached and received commitments from came up with forgotten obligations as the time became closer to moving day.
I knew nothing about Geoffery or any of his employees. I never received or was promised any gratuities for this endorsement. Geoffery "Jeff" was a Godsend for me and I would not hesitate to request/enlist his assistance again. -Frank from Worcester MA. read more