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We are moving from Austin to NY in November and have heard horror stories about large moving companies. We have experienced some issues with movers in the past but they were only local moves. We have never done a move this big and will need more than the local U-Haul. We need long-distance movers who will load and unload. We are doing the packing ourselves.
If anyone has made an out-of-state move and had a good experience, or knows of a reputable moving company it would be much appreciated.
Just something to consider. If you plan to go to the expense of a professional moving company to load, haul, and unload everything but do the packing yourself, be careful to read the fine print regarding what their damage insurance will or won't cover and to what percentage of value.
I've used larger interstate moving companies several times and they were contracted to pack, box, load, haul, unload, and partially unpack (furniture). The vast, vast majority of items arrived safely. There were usually some things I packed myself ahead of time. The movers made sure to label those items or boxes separately from the rest. They don't want to be responsible for breakage of things they didn't pack/box, so the liability coverage may be different.
Also consider that your time is worth something, especially if you work full time and/or have kids in school. A professional packing crew can pack, box and load the entire contents of a family home in just a day or two. How long will the same job take YOU?
Last edited by Parnassia; 07-03-2023 at 03:26 PM..
We are moving from Austin to NY in November and have heard horror stories about large moving companies. We have experienced some issues with movers in the past but they were only local moves. We have never done a move this big and will need more than the local U-Haul. We need long-distance movers who will load and unload. We are doing the packing ourselves.
If anyone has made an out-of-state move and had a good experience, or knows of a reputable moving company it would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
I used the San Antonio Two Men and a Truck outfit to move me to Nebraska. Same two guys loaded, drove the truck, unloaded, then drove back home to Texas.
We used Atlas when we moved from NY to FL and I would NOT recommend them.
Why?
I've used atlas 4...(5?) times for major cross country, full service (they come and pack for you) moves and they've been great every time. They also coordinated creating high dollar items (a few antique furniture pieces, wine, tvs, art).
I'm not saying you didnt have a bad experience, just that YMMV.
I've used atlas 4...(5?) times for major cross country, full service (they come and pack for you) moves and they've been great every time. They also coordinated creating high dollar items (a few antique furniture pieces, wine, tvs, art).
I'm not saying you didn't have a bad experience, just that YMMV.
They gave us a price and a day to have our stuff moved to our new home. Nobody told us they wouldn't leave New York until the truck was filled and that they put more than one family's belongings on the same truck. We spent three days in our new home in Florida with no furniture and we had a 2 month old at the time. We had to buy pool air mattresses to sleep on.
Then they finally get to our house (days after they were supposed to) and the bill amount had been whited out and replaced with a new figure. They wouldn't unload our stuff until we paid the extra amount. There is more but this happened in 1985 so I don't remember all the details; I just remember it was a nightmare.
And now, all these years later, they hopefully have improved.
They gave us a price and a day to have our stuff moved to our new home. Nobody told us they wouldn't leave New York until the truck was filled and that they put more than one family's belongings on the same truck. We spent three days in our new home in Florida with no furniture and we had a 2 month old at the time. We had to buy pool air mattresses to sleep on.
Then they finally get to our house (days after they were supposed to) and the bill amount had been whited out and replaced with a new figure. They wouldn't unload our stuff until we paid the extra amount. There is more but this happened in 1985 so I don't remember all the details; I just remember it was a nightmare.
And now, all these years later, they hopefully have improved.
This kind of shenanigans isn't carrier specific, and no it hasn't improved. Family member went through a similar 'hostage' situation a couple months ago.
The easiest way to avoid "Hostage Loads" is to know the regulation for the state you're moving to. If they have "Hostage Load" regulations, make sure all the required documentation to prove a "Hostage Load" is in your possession.
Next, research the assistance available and have their information at the ready. Most times, its a call to law enforcement with the proper documentation and they take care of it. I'm sure we all seen the Hostage Load news reporting of moving companies being banged for violations of the regulations. Don't be afraid to be the one making the next call.
Where in NY? The City? How much stuff...a full house? Or a partial Load? The best mover in the USA runs out of Syracuse of all things. More than likely he can accommodate you. Give us some details.
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