Relocation costs, comparison, your experience? (Gallitzin: sales, movers, mattress)

[mcorrales]

We are now getting estimates for moving our belongings cross country from SoCal to our new home in Gallitzin, PA. The movers are figuring on 5000 pounds. I think that this is rather high. We are moving four TV sets ranging from a 19 inch to a 32 inch, one queen bed with mahogany feadboard and footboard with side rails (probably weighs about 500 punds), one living room set (couch, chair and ottoman), no appliances except for two small microwaves, one king mattress and box spring, one childs bed, three chest of drawers, one armoire, two large entertainment centers, four end tales and two coffee tables, a large computer desk, a high chair, two toy boxes, and about 35-40 boxes (medium sized). Also, one dirt motorcyle (full size). My estimates are ranging from $3100 to $6500. This is door-to-door service. I have never used a moving service before. Any idea how to get an idea of poundage prior to the move, or any ideas how to save money on this move? Our rule is that if it costs under $50 to replace, we are not moving it. Any help out there? Thanks.

[matthewreid]

We have moved several times--twice across the country! It's hit or miss with moving companies, but I would caution you to BE CAREFUL! Make sure they give you a binding estimate. We made the mistake once and had a $3500 overage! On THEIR ESTIMATE!!!! Unbelievable!

Get a few estimates and if the figures vary from your current estimate, ask a lot of probing questions after they give you the estimate to get a sense of who you feel most comfortable with.

This is important: CHECK THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU! Also, google the moving company street address and phone number seperately. If another business name comes up in the search, check that at bbb.org too. These companies get a couple bad marks, they change names and get a clean slate. I had one guy who we called to move one of our vehicles across country and his company name was a sneaky variation of a major moving company name. He said, you see all those trucks with the big such and such logo on it (I forget, but I was familiar with it) I said, "Oh that's you?" and he said yes. Total lie. He was a total ******* and if not for the search on his actual physical address, I wouldn't have caught it.

Also, the smoother the talker - the bigger the red flag. Professionalism and confidence is what you're looking for, but be careful and TRUST YOUR GUT. Remember, the bad ones will say anything to get your $$$ and then HOLD YOUR STUFF UP or worse never even move it an inch.

INSIST ON VISITING THEIR OFFICE. You want to make sure it's not some ******* operating from a cell phone. Use an excuse like, "My fax machine isn't working, I'll just drop it off." You'll instantly know if they're an on the up and up by seeing their facility.

Try to find a rep who's been in business for a long time. Not a company, but the actual sales guy you're dealing with. A lot of these characters are just trying the latest in a long line of sales gigs and you do not want to call halfway during your move and find out the guy who made all those guarantees and assurances is "no longer here." (Translation: mopping floors at KFC!)

Seriously, it's a daunting task. Just be careful and get EVERYTHING in writing!
Best to you...
Matt

[vetegnc]

We were lucky - I had a client that did relocation, and she recommended a group for us...and they were awesome. We have 2 young children and all the junk that goes with us (1 reg size frig, that's all for appliances). They estimated 11,500 (that included all our books, etc) lbs. We left behind a bunch of books with our spare bedroom set. The true weight was 8,500!!! WOOO-OOO. BUT, the important thing to note, was that they would not go any higher than 10% of their estimate, guaranteed. They were very thorough and professional the whole way (except the guy who unloaded our truck, he must've had jock itch or something

[whereto]

Matthewreid gave you some pretty good advice. Here are some links you should review prior making a decision/your move:

http://www.movingscam.com/theLinks.shtml
http://www.thecmsa.org/

Since you're coming from S. Ca usually the cost of moving from that state costs more than moving into it. I went with a National Freight Co. where my husband and friend loaded up the trailer. We were charged by the linear foot. Also b/c of moving in Nov., we were able to get a pretty good deal.

[Smoker]

There are sites online that advertise a lot of movers (Google for movers) and some of them have free estimators to use. You click off the items of furniture you have and it figures an estimated weight and gives several mover's prices. I think they always estimate weight too high to protect themselves, but at least you'll get estimates with all of them using the same criteria. My estimates ranged from $3,000 to nearly 10,000 to move 1,300 miles..