Moving to Spring/Woodlands in late July. Need service to help unload the pods (Houston: renting)

[gamergal]

My family is moving to Spring or the Woodlands in late July from Illinois, and to save money we are renting some Pods. We are fine with unloading most of our boxes by ourselves, but need help with heavy items such as refrigerators, washer/dryer, treadmill, dressers.
Is there a service that we can pay by the hour to help us? Or will local movers do this?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Look in the Houston Craigslist and search for 'movers', you will get many to choose from. There are many that say 'no job too small'. I'd call more than a few to get a feel for their rates; I would expect that they all have hourly rates, with a minimum. In your case, the minimum would probably apply since unloading is usually fast.

Alternatively, just visit a couple of your neighbors. You will find people are very friendly here, just introduce yourself as their new neighbor and ask them if they might be able to help with a few large items. Or, if you don't want to impose, just go to any home improvement store and you will see the day laborers on the fringes of the parking lot, tell them you need some large items moved, you will get all the help you need there. They may not speak English perfectly, but they do speak and understand it.

Welcome to Houston... good luck!

[maytag44]

From Illinois, where abouts? My wife and I just relocated to the same area Spring/TW a few weeks ago we grew up in Southern Illinois. I would be more than happy to help a fellow Illinoisan and give you a hand moving the larger items.

[hellpaso]

Moving Help® - Local Movers | Moving Labor Services | U-Haul partner I just used these people a month ago--both for loading my truck & unloading here in the Houston area.
There's at least a little more credibility/responsibility than picking someone randomly off of Craigslist. You pay by the hour--the various companies' rates vary. We paid around $200 for two men/two hours, then an additional $50 for one more hour. They were very prompt & professional, and supplied all the appropriate dollies, etc. they also assembled the beds & other furniture that required assembly. WELL worth the price.

[gamergal]

Originally Posted by Houston Bound for Job

From Illinois, where abouts? My wife and I just relocated to the same area Spring/TW a few weeks ago we grew up in Southern Illinois. I would be more than happy to help a fellow Illinoisan and give you a hand moving the larger items.

We're from Northern Illinois around Rockford. Thanks for the offer! It'd be nice to meet a fellow former Illinoisian!

[gamergal]

Originally Posted by hellpaso

Moving Help® - Local Movers | Moving Labor Services | U-Haul partner I just used these people a month ago--both for loading my truck & unloading here in the Houston area.
There's at least a little more credibility/responsibility than picking someone randomly off of Craigslist. You pay by the hour--the various companies' rates vary. We paid around $200 for two men/two hours, then an additional $50 for one more hour. They were very prompt & professional, and supplied all the appropriate dollies, etc. they also assembled the beds & other furniture that required assembly. WELL worth the price.

Great idea! I kind of like the idea of a licensed/insured company handling the job just in case..and I hate to impose on anyone to help..

[gamergal]

Originally Posted by HookTheBrotherUp

Look in the Houston Craigslist and search for 'movers', you will get many to choose from. There are many that say 'no job too small'. I'd call more than a few to get a feel for their rates; I would expect that they all have hourly rates, with a minimum. In your case, the minimum would probably apply since unloading is usually fast.

Alternatively, just visit a couple of your neighbors. You will find people are very friendly here, just introduce yourself as their new neighbor and ask them if they might be able to help with a few large items. Or, if you don't want to impose, just go to any home improvement store and you will see the day laborers on the fringes of the parking lot, tell them you need some large items moved, you will get all the help you need there. They may not speak English perfectly, but they do speak and understand it.

Welcome to Houston... good luck!

I'll check Craigslist out. I like the idea of a moving company helping..not so sure about using day laborers although I hear it is really a popular option for odd jobs there.

Maybe once I meet my neighbors I'd be comfortable asking for help, but just moving in, I'm a bit shy..
Thanks for the advice!!