Looking for recommendations for national moving companies and their local agents?  OR recommendations for avoiding  :whip: national moving companies and their agents that may be problematic?  thanks

I used Planes United Moving (www.planesmoving.com).  Free estimates and they come to your house, etc. and calculate what it will take and price.  We had no damaged items and were very pleased.

Leaders Moving and Storage (http://www.leadersmoving.com/) based in Columbus is the cat's pajamas.

two bits of advice:

 

1) Don't be afraid to shop around and tell other mover's their competitor's prices, they can be flexible if they want.

2) It doesn't seem like you are this dumb, but no matter what you think, doing it yourself (i.e Uhaul, Ryder) is quite possibly one of the stupidest decisions ever. When you consider physical strain, time value, relative costs, etc.

2) It doesn't seem like you are this dumb, but no matter what you think, doing it yourself (i.e Uhaul, Ryder) is quite possibly one of the stupidest decisions ever. When you consider physical strain, time value, relative costs, etc.

 

Additionally, don't disregard the value of professional packing. I watched a guy from Leaders individually wrap and pack every single item in our entire kitchen in about an hour and a half. 

I used Graebel to move from Columbus to LA and they were fantastic.  They will negotiate pricing too so make sure you push them a little bit.

I know from experience that self moving is a painful process for oneself and if helpful friends are involved, for them too.  I think national moving comapnies subcontract the actual work to local moving agents.  So a good local moving agent significantly impacts the quality of service received.  I suspect that some national moving companies may sweet talk the customer into signing the contract and then once the deal is done, the level of service drops.  Delivery delays, rude moving personnel are common, I suspect. 

 

Relocating  industry is huge.  There is no website I know that provides rating information about moving companies.  This could be a good part time business idea for those with website building skills.  Some helpful info is here: http://www.moving-company-guide.com/index.htm 

 

Personally, I had a bad experience with an Allied Van agent.  I would not recommend Allied Vans to anyone.  Thanks for the comments so far. 

A suggestion: hire a company based out of your destination city. Logic would serve that they'd be more inclined to work with you price-wise, and they'd take better care of you overall, what, with you nearby and able to get all up in their grill and all.

I've heard a lot of good things about ABF U-Pack We-Move it.  www.upack.com

Anyone ever use PODS to move?  Seems like a great concept, would allow a patient self-move, but I've never talked with anyone who's used them...

 

 

Consumers are ill-advised to use PODS.

 

 

 

...that's truly fantastic...

 

Also, check with your local or national Better Business Bureau.  FREE online reports check is available using the business name or phone number or address.  I think Cleveland BBB rocks  :clap:  They also have a list of businesses that do not respond.  Check it out even if you dont need to use it immediately.