What I wish someone woulda told me...
Michael
Submitted this review about
Bekins
Review made Live: 6/13/2012 5:20:00 PM
Here's the bottom line: moving sucks and it would be great if there were someone to hold your hand through this process, tuck you in at night, and whisper that everything will be fine. Not gonna happen. Then you try to do your due diligence and see if there are any moving companies out there that don't suck. Also not gonna happen: the reviews are either from pissed off people who either had a bad experience or just a regular experience in a high-stress situation, or the glowing reviews are written by company employees at the behest of their boss. So here's the real deal: use a nationwide company who's insured and bonded. They all can do the job equally well which means it won't go like clockwork and you will be stressed as a result. Your first move will be to interview the moving company reps who many times come off as used car salesmen, but at least they'll give you fairly accurate estimates. Get at least 3 of these. Then, hopefully w/out losing too much sleep, pick the one you like best. Make sure you get the contact numbers of both the salesperson AND the home office person (you'll be working with both).
I moved across the country and with all things being equal, went with Bekins because the guy sounded genunine, and so far they have. Did i have some bad experiences? Of course. The worst by far was that, even after being warned, the truck was too big to fit near my apartment at my destination. I had paid extra for the "no worry" insurance, and so it didn't really affect me except for time, but i REALLY felt bad about having to watch the movers (basically 2 guys and a gal) carry my stuff on the street from 3 blocks away. They also stained the new carpet in the living room of the apartment, but when i notified my salesguy, they said they'd take care of it. I had some other stuff missing,, but nothing that i couldn't easily replace or let go. And that may be the biggest difference between my move and yours: i was only moving a one bedroom condo to a one bedroom apartment. I don't have a ton of stuff and what i do have, as a single guy, isn't that nice or expensive. The few things i DO have got shipped separately.
Overall, i believe that the nationwide carriers are all about the same, pricing and service-wise. My best advice is to plan on a tough move with things not going to plan and maybe some of your stuff being damaged
or missing. It can happen with any company, so unless you have an inside source that i didn't, you're at the mercy of whomever you choose.
Good luck!