Let me start off with the fact that we have moved 9 times in the last 17 years with a combination of a few local moves but majority state to state. We have worked with North American Vanlines, United/ Mayflower several times, and a few others so we have a good idea of what fiascos can occur and what obstacles people moving or relocating can encounter.
No doubt it is a stressful time and having the right moving company with a good crew is so very important. If you get a crew who doesn't care or a coordinator that doesn't care, it could be a tremendous impact emotionally and mentally.
This round, I interviewed 5 companies in 4 days. Everyone was professional as expected but this time, I included 2 local companies that I have never heard of but since it was a local move, why not. I like working with Mom and Pop places that have great service and don't have the luxury of hiding behind a global brand.
From the time I asked for more information online, I got a call back from Diane, one of the best coordinators I have ever worked with in all my moves. She was patient, worked with me on my questions, and even sent an estimator to my house the same day in less than 2 hours. She communicated well the entire time, gave me a great/ fair price, and was professional the entire time. Any question she couldn't answer (not many), she researched and got me the answers quickly.
The packers, came nice and early and texted me their ETA, and the foreman, Nick came in to assess each room and gave the crew their instructions. They took no breaks, except for when I made them stop to eat a quick lunch (ordered a couple of pizza pies) and they were back to work in 20 minutes. Now, I have to say, we have a lot of gear. Clothes, furniture, books, toys, etc. We donated a truckful of stuff the day before and gave or threw away boxes and bags of things that you don't really pay attention to when you have had full service packing and relocation packages for your entire career. Even with our 'spring cleaning' prior to the move, we probably had about 12000 lbs going less than a mile away.
Thursday, they packed - very meticulous and extremely careful. They were respectful, very professional and told me everything from (this cup was already broken, did you know about it and do you still want us to pack it?) to, time checks, what room will this go into in the new place, can I use your bathroom?
So packing day was 60 degrees and sunny. Moving day, it was snowing starting at 7am - 3pm. They finished unloading around 4pm. In NY, parking is already a chore - take a 26ft truck packed to the ceiling and every cubic foot was filled except maybe you can fit a broom, and add that to the mix and parking gets worse. Move into a place near a school and 2-3pm becomes a nightmare when every parent in the neighborhood seemed to show up at the same exact time. Triple parking, honking, and .... School buses who refuse to pass means you have to close up the truck and take it around the block a few times.
Nick, Sergio, Alex, and Bato were my crew both days. They never complained, answered all my questions throughout the day, and were extremely friendly and professional. They work quickly but with extreme care with what they were doing, wrapping everything like it was China from the Ching Dynasty. And loading and unloading boxes - these guys were beasts! It was snowing and they still finished faster than I have ever seen. And to make things worse, it snowed practically all day.
All in all, I would use these guys again in a heartbeat and if I could get the same crew again, I would. Its been 3 days since the move and I already made a referral to a close friend of mine. That's how good these guys were. read more