Moving Quotes
by Hella ~ May 5th, 200405.04.04 @ 10:48 pm
It’s time to start looking into how this move is going to be handled. I have resolved to move all my things with me to Philadelphia and I’m not about to drive a U-Haul myself. I’ve got to take the cats on a 1600 mile drive and the thought of a huge truck in cities I’m not used to driving in doesn’t appeal to me. Also, I have a lot of heavy wooden furniture that I can’t move without a lot of help. It’s easier to let someone else worry about it.
I’ve contacted three national movers: Allied, Bekins, and United Van Lines. So far, I’ve received quotes from two of them. I’m requesting the same services when I fill out the quote forms. However, I have two quotes; one for $1600 and another for $4155. I’m waiting on the third. I really hope the inexpensive deal turns out to be what I think it is because that seems like a bargain to move everything from Texas to Pennsylvania.
05.05.04 @ 12:44 pm
I just got the third moving quote. It is $2000-2300, depending on weight. I was told the truck is loaded with my things and then taken to a weigh station. It seems like you’ve got to be awfully trusting of their measurement. Also, the truck will take around 16 days to arrive at the destination so I’ll need to schedule it earlier than I had thought.
Now I need to follow up with the companies and figure out which one best meets my needs. I’m kind of worried in light of the comments below.
Mark makes an interesting point about sharing a moving service. Since it’s evident that this is what happens anyway, I wonder if better rates could be negotiated if you could arrange a bulk move for several customers on behalf of the company?
Update
Alright, after getting quotes and inquiring further, I’m considering the Budget Rental Truck option. For $1100, I can get a 15-foot truck for 7 days with 1970 miles included. I don’t have to worry about how long it’ll take for my things to get there, the rate going up significantly, or my stuff being lost in transit (unloaded at the wrong person’s house). I’m definitely not sold on this option yet, but when I think about it, I only have one extremely heavy item that I’m worried about moving myself.
May 4th, 2004 at 11:59 pm
be really careful with those cheap movers. i’ve heard horror stories about how they initially sign you up for really cheap and then essentially hold your stuff hostage until you pay more. make sure you understand the contract and get recommendations from people!
May 5th, 2004 at 12:35 pm
I have dated a mover. That price will go up, as he says they charge you for air. the 1600 may not include “other”things which is always quoted on delivery
May 5th, 2004 at 1:27 pm
I think getting recommendations is a good way to go. I’d try to find some forums online though and get some opinions from people who have used their services. I don’t really trust recommendations from a company, of course they’ll give you only good ones.
Are you heading out there in July? Or going a bit sooner?
May 5th, 2004 at 1:38 pm
I want delivery by ~ July 17-18. Depending on the mover, the travel time for the truck can vary significantly. One mover said 16 days so that means my stuff would be loaded around the 1st. The July 4th holiday will likely factor into the picture if this is the case.
May 5th, 2004 at 3:19 pm
Don’t ever trust movers. It is one of the least honest businesses around. If you get an option of replacement insurance for a couple hundred bucks, get it.