I used Tidal Town Moving for a move that took place on June 30, 2024, between Richmond and Hampton Roads. Despite the higher prices, I chose this company after extensive research and reading numerous glowing reviews. The booking process was smooth, and they accommodated my tight timeline.
On the morning of the move, three gentlemen arrived in a relatively small truck. I expressed my concern about the truck's size to the driver, who seemed confident it was appropriate for the job and assured me everything would fit. After signing the insurance claim forms, they began working.
From the start, I noticed issues. After an hour, the truck was only about 20% loaded, while the house was still 90% full. I checked with the supervisor, who reassured me that we could fit everything in, though he admitted it would be tight. As time passed, the truck reached 50-60% capacity, and the supervisor grew concerned, suggesting we might not get everything in. I proposed getting an additional truck, which he agreed with but insisted we continue as planned, providing further reassurance.
At this point, the movers were cramming items in and ended up damaging several pieces, including a very expensive standing desk, a bookshelf, a shattered lamp, lost bed hardware, and dropped boxes. I filed a claim for these damages, which I'll address separately.
By the end of the move, the truck was packed to 100% capacity. I tried to fit the remaining items in my personal vehicle but couldn't. Despite my suggestions to rent another truck, the movers insisted they couldn't do anything further. Additionally, the movers were ill-equipped--I had to provide water and first-aid supplies after a mover cut himself.
With a fully packed car, stressed animals, and a tight timeline, I decided to let the movers finish up and proceed. They arrived at the Hampton Roads location about two hours later. The unloading process was exhausting. The movers needed constant direction and repeatedly asked where each box should go, even though they were labeled. My standing desk was damaged during this time when it was pulled from the truck, revealing that it wasn't fully wrapped in a moving blanket and was scratched from contact with the truck's floor.
I expressed my concerns to the supervisor, but he deflected responsibility, blaming the movers' inexperience and distancing himself from the issue. The claims process was equally frustrating. Despite spending over $2,000 on the move and enduring a month of back-and-forth with VA Moving Claims, I was offered only $139 for damages. I denied the claim to be able to leave this review, as stipulated in the contract.
Ultimately, I cannot recommend this company. If you find yourself in a bind and have no other options, purchase the most expensive insurance you can afford and hope for the best. read more