Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
We relocated to Austin in July for my husband to try a new job. We put our stuff in storage knowing that even if the job didn't work out or we hated Texas we were not going back to CA. Now we have decided to stay in Austin for at least 3 more years for our son to complete high school. The problem is our stuff is still in storage in CA. We are paying a lot to store it and want to get it here. We will not be able to be in CA to supervise. Although our daughter will be there on moving day, we cannot expect her to deal with any misunderstandings with the moving company.
We got a good quote from Century Van Lines out of Nevada but once we put down a deposit it is non-refundable. I have heard so many nightmares about comapanies quoting one thing and then adding to the bill when they deliver your belongings and have them hostage. Has anyone had any experience with Century?
I have heard good things about ABF but we will not be there to load the truck so not sure that is an option. Century's estimate came in about $1000 less than others like ABF. Just wondering if they will try to make up for that on the back end.
Any company that requires a deposit is a broker and NOT the company moving you. RUN QUICKLY from this type of company. Think about it why do they need a deposit, they have all you stuff.
The deposit is the commission for the broker and the company that picks up your household goods will decide how much they want, more than likely it will be more than the Broker said it was going to be.
Saving a 1000.00 sounds good, but you will put yourself at risk, use a national Carrier, such as United, Mayflower, Atlas, Allied, Bekins, They will work hard to make your move a smooth transition...
Never pay a deposit to a mover. No legit long distance mover requires a deposit.
Why will you not be there to supervise the loading? How old is your daughter? If she is a very mature teen, or an adult, she could handle it ASSUMING you have gotten a legit binding estimate from a long distance mover. Don't you have any adult friends who could help out in CA with this?
First, someone needs to be there to allow the mover to make an estimate of the cost to move; your daughter could do that, let the estimator dude in the unit to evaluate the load. In addition, was all of your stuff that you stored boxed up, all taped up, ready to go? No mover is going to move stuff that is loose, or in open boxes, or that has to go in boxes, so you might need to get a quote from them to have the packing properly done.
What are you using, furniture and furnishings wise, in Austin now? Do you really need any of that stuff in storage in CA? How much is in storage? What is the size of the storage unit, and how full is it? The smaller the load, the less economical using a long distance mover becomes...
If it fits in a storage unit, it will likely fit in a POD. Consider that. Fly out, meet the POD at the facility, hire a crew from any of the on-line packing outfits, couple of hours you are loaded, POD gone, and so are you.
Hmm, if you only plan to stay 3 years is it worth moving all your stuff? A large storage bin is what 200$ a month? You can spend around 6600$ for the 3 years to store it if you plan on heading back to CA later...this seems like a rather odd position. It will probably cost you 6600 to move it and then another 6600 later to move it again if you plan on leaving in 3 years. Doesn't sound worth it unless the company your husband works for allows him moving expenses more than 6600 and cuts him a large check.
Never pay a deposit to a mover. No legit long distance mover requires a deposit.
I need to qualify the above statement. If you obtain a binding estimate and will pay the driver with a cashier's check or money order upon delivery at your destination, you should not have to pay any deposits to a mover before the loading. Be sure you have obtained an estimate for a "collect on delivery" move.
If you select to pay with credit card, you have to be aware that they can and will charge your card on the day of the loading.
Ask questions, and if it doesn't sound right, walk away and get an estimate from another mover.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
