Movers cost- SD to LA (what to look for)

**Ksandra** · 2011-11-20 19:28

So we're moving to LA, and this is the first time we're getting movers instead of doing everything ourselves. Mostly because when we moved into our last place we decided to get ourselves a nice bed set and sectional couch that is just going to be a bitch for us to do ourselves.

We're mostly moving the small stuff ourselves and then movers for what I said above. But I wanted to know what should I be looking for in price/hidden fees/etc. when it comes to movers. So far looking briefly I've seen retarded shit like charging me extra per weight 'cause we're moving to a 3rd floor apt.

Which I'm glad I caught because I wouldn't have thought they'd do that.

So any good questions I should ask/keep an eye out for so I don't get screwed over on price? Anyone in socal use movers before and know a good/normal rate per hour?

**ArchDizzle** · 2011-11-21 12:18

Look for your stuff once it gets there. Had a couple of friends who worked for a couple of the bigger moving companies and they "lost" peoples shit all the time, mainly game systems, games, movies, jewlery etc. Either way if you have any smaller items that are valuable/important to you make sure it goes with you and not them.

**Kohan** · 2011-11-21 12:22

Are you comfortable with driving a moving truck? If so, you can pursue what will likely be a cheaper compromise: hiring movers to load the truck, driving it yourself, and then hiring another set at your destination to unload everything.

Naturally, this will require researching movers—don't be afraid to use CraigsList, just look up movers found there on Yelp, via Google, etc., to verify their authenticity—but you may save a fair chunk of change this way.

**Ksandra** · 2011-11-21 12:30

I actually ended up getting a company today who quoted me around $750 (plus a 10% off discount). I have a feeling it will run over the $750 mark, but I figure that 10% will hopefully cover the extra. Not bad though as we were figuring it'd be over $1000 initially.

Look for your stuff once it gets there. Had a couple of friends who worked for a couple of the bigger moving companies and they "lost" peoples shit all the time, mainly game systems, games, movies, jewlery etc. Either way if you have any smaller items that are valuable/important to you make sure it goes with you and not them.

Good point lol. @@;

I am going back today (in la atm) and going to load up my car with smaller stuff. I figure the more I take, the faster they will go = cheaper. I'll definitely take the expensive electronic stuff with me. XD

@ Kohan, ya we've done the truck thing in the past, but my husband always drove and he's working 12 hour days until thanksgiving, so I'm kinda on my own for moving.

**Cephius** · 2011-11-21 12:38

If you're moving into an apartment make sure you know who's liable for any damages during the move in process

**Ksandra** · 2011-11-21 12:43

Originally Posted by Cephius

If you're moving into an apartment make sure you know who's liable for any damages during the move in process

they said I was covered for the first...1000 lbs I think. Which meant jack all to me as I have no idea how much my shit will weigh anyways lol.

**Kohan** · 2011-11-21 12:46

Consider this: http://www.moving.com/articles/movin...e-coverage.asp

**Cephius** · 2011-11-21 12:50

Originally Posted by Ksandra

they said I was covered for the first...1000 lbs I think. Which meant jack all to me as I have no idea how much my shit will weigh anyways lol.

That's coverage for your items if they're damaged. I was more talking about if they damage the walls/flooring/whatever of the apartment building are they liable for that cost or are you?

**Ksandra** · 2011-11-21 15:24

Originally Posted by Cephius

That's coverage for your items if they're damaged. I was more talking about if they damage the walls/flooring/whatever of the apartment building are they liable for that cost or are you?

hmmm I will have to call them, I don't think it was mentioned at all so I'd imagine me....

**Cephius** · 2011-11-21 16:15

If they say they'll cover it I would definitely get that in writing

**wyrmtung** · 2011-11-21 18:36

Going Craiglist or some rinky-operation is very iffy. Sure, it's possible to get a deal with some people who will respect your stuff. However, you can also get some real shady characters. My friend went through Craigslist and they tried to pull the hidden cost scam. When they went to unload they tried to claim a final bill that was double their quote. They would not unload until I came and said "lemme call the police and they can help us sort it out. I hope you guys have your business license ready."

Since you already have someone hired, my only advice is to bring tipping money with you. If they do a good job then reward them.

**Ksandra** · 2011-11-21 20:18

Originally Posted by wyrmtung

Since you already have someone hired, my only advice is to bring tipping money with you. If they do a good job then reward them.

for your first bit, I didn't even think to use craigslist so I guess that's a good thing XD

BUT HOLY SHIT TY FOR REMINDING ME. I was going to ask in this thread if you tip them and if so how much and I totally forgot to ask. So, lets say the end total ends up being $700-$800 for two movers. How much is a good tip if they do a good job?

**Kiehl** · 2011-11-21 20:19

Lunch and a 12 pack.

**Ksandra** · 2011-11-21 20:27

Originally Posted by Kiehl

Lunch and a 12 pack.

lol @.@;

**Kiehl** · 2011-11-21 20:50

My friend that worked for Starving Students (this wouldn't happen to be the people you are using?) got this as a tip a couple of times. Was more than enough to make him feel good about the job he did.

**Ksandra** · 2011-11-21 23:22

lol ok that could be an idea then, I can't imagine companies want you drinking on the job though. XD

I didn't use starving students. I ended up doing 24 Moving because they had a 10% discount which made them slightly cheaper than the rest.

**Kohan** · 2011-11-22 13:14

Originally Posted by wyrmtung

Going Craiglist or some rinky-operation is very iffy.

That is why you research any business you find on CL, which was mentioned. There is nothing wrong with using it as a source. If you don't do your research no matter where you find your movers, you're asking to get fucked.

**Zalius** · 2011-11-22 19:59

why the fuck would you pick la over sd

**Ksandra** · 2011-11-23 12:41

Originally Posted by Zalius

why the fuck would you pick la over sd

hubby got a job in la ;; I love our apt, and it's cheaper but the rest...I miss SD

**aethyr** · 2011-11-23 13:36

My husband and I went with Mayflower when we moved from SoCal to Wisconsin last year. Kinda like what you're doing but the other way around. I researched moving companies for about two weeks and finally settled with one of the big ones. We were in Orange county in a one bedroom apartment (second floor; NO additional fee- that's really strange they'd charge you for being on the 3rd floor...) but moved into a single family home out here. So we probably had close to the same amount of stuff as you do. Also quoted at about 1k and ended up being cheaper than that. Step one was for a lady with a laptop to come to our apartment and guesstimate the weight of all our stuff. Later when everything was on the truck, they go to a weighing station and get the actual amount. The difference is then discounted off your bill later. We packed, they loaded, and we exchanged cell numbers so we could keep in contact during the journey. We made it to WI in four days while it took them six. The unloading process had me on the edge of the big truck with an inventory they printed out, marking off each numbered item and box so we all knew everything had gotten there. Nothing was damaged, lost, stolen or fucked up in the least. Even so, they said it was against the company policy to accept tips and just to leave them good feedback online. Did that and about two weeks later, they sent us a cheque for the extra price difference due to the weight discrepancy from the quote. Total at the end was around $820. Not too bad.

Good luck with your move; it can be kinda scary. xD

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