Leaving Pasadena, any recommendations on a "Good, Safe, Inexpensive" moving company? (apartment)

[match]

I did the 123 movers and got 10 companies that submitted quotes, but they all look a little shady.... Any personal experience stories would be awesome.
thanks, matt

[vikram]

Moving company: Smoothrelocation.com
Contact sergey@smoothrelocation.com

I highly recommend them - we were more than happy with the move.

Here's our experience:

First a caveat: We moved within Pasadena (oldtown to near Caltech) - total of 5 miles - so take that into account when you read the feedback.

The move: 2 bed/2Bath (~1200 sq ft apartment) - mix of furniture (lightweigh leather couches to heavy desk/bookshelves) + ~13 medium sized boxes. We packed the boxes ourselves, movers took care of furniture (disassembly/assembly+wrapping), loading and unloading + use of ~10 wardrobe boxes .

Pre-move experience: We got a flat rate quote by emailing Sergey a list of items and a little bit of negotiating. I estimated most movers charge about $70/hr for 2 men + 14ft truck + double travel time. We got a quote for about $400 which sounded reasonable given that it would take at least 5-6 hrs for the whole move + at least 15 minute of drive time.

We were blown away by the movers - they stuck to the quote even though it took them about 10 hrs due to rain+elevators at origin not working (so they had to take stairs) + we ended up having 25 boxes instead of 13 boxes as we had originally estimated. They took extra precaution to wrap furniture etc. There was not a single scratch on any of the furniture. They were very thoughtful about getting furniture through narrow corridors etc.

Go with them

Hope this is helpful
Vikram

[puffle]

Ralph's Movers in the Conejo Valley, or Agoura. Have used them several times through the years and are very honest and dependable. Will supply wardrobe boxes and new boxes where you only pay for what you use at a reduced rate. Private Message for more info and a referral from me.