[rwcw]

We'll be moving to the Villages soon. We're apprehensive about the move and the movers. We're not availing ourselves of the Villages Relocation services because we have listed our home with a local agent ourselves and want the freedom to purchase a resale from a non Villages broker if we want to.
Our home is pretty standard. Three bedrooms, kitchen, Living room and dining room. Basement, attic and garage (not much in any of them)
The computer "estimators" on the mover web sites show $8,000 or $9,000. Past posts here showed $4,000 to $5,000 from the northeast. We're in southern PA. We're not going to do it ourselves or use the PODS, etc.

Would any of you be willing to share your experiences with your move? What movers are good and which to avoid? General cost estimates on similar home moves? Any words to the wise? About any thing involved with the move. We plan on packing almost everything ourselves. Good or bad idea? Get quotes from 4 or 5 movers or are they all the same?

Any help or advice will be appreciated. E-mail me at laddie38@gmail.com or post on the thread. thanks. Bob

[hfivo]

You might try www.MovingScam.com This web site will give you a lot of info regarding the pitfalls of long distance movers. They also give some suggestions on which moving companies might work for you. I am moving late spring next year. Good Luck!

[jblum8156]

That estimate sounds kind of high to me. I used FlatRate for my move from New York last month and it was a bit less than $5K for a load similar to yours, and that included storage for a month. They were good.

[chuckinca]

We have used Flat Rate twice (Cal to Fla and Cal East Bay to Cal Mtns) and are very satisfied with their price and service.

.

[angel222]

I moved in May 2009 from Long Island NY and used United....estimate was a little over $5500....but I would not recommend them. They damaged several items and had a hard time with claims because they sent me another bill in September telling me they estimated the move wrong and I should pay another $500....we're still fighting over this one. Good Luck and welcome...

[sam&rog]

used Mayflower for a small load move from MA.
Arrived with the biggest truck on the road, then had to pay for a shuttle
to their site because could not turn into driveway.cost $260. Then they needed another shuttle from Ocala because of the large truck. Another $750. Beware of this .

[GMONEY]

most big moving companies, i.e mayflower,, wheaton and so on schedule multiple house holds on one truck depending on the size of the house being moved. that is why they showed up with one big truck. as far as the shuttle truck goes, you must of had one small area you lived in and a very small street to get down. I did bed bugging (drove truck for moving company) for a while over the road. I could get my truck just about anywhere. The only problems that prevented that where, low powerlines, low cleareances on roads leading to the house, H.O.A restrictions on commercial trucks entering a sub-division which would result in me dropping the load at a local whse were a smaller truck had to be used.

I can tell you here in TV, I see moving trucks around alot.

[logdog]

We're moving to TV in a few weeks. Went through the TV Relocation service and got a couple of estimates that seemed very high. Checked with Bekins and got a guaranteed estimate that was several thousand less. They put in writing that there will be no extra charges for shuttling, etc. They also provide free maid service to clean your house after they finish loading. One less thing to worry about since moving is stressful enough. Get yourself at least 3 estimates and check the fine print. We're going with the big guy (Bekins). I'm sure I could have gone cheaper but you get what you pay for.

[Walt.]

We moved here just about 2 months ago and used the Village Relocation guy. Per their instructions we also contacted a local mover where we were (Miami). Their quote was about $800 cheaper (though we didn't really care for them).
My wife called up the Village recommended mover and asked why they charged so much more. They said something about seasonal rates... and immediately matched the Miami guy's price and threw in several wardrobe boxes.
The move was smooth and the $800 price drop made it even better.
So... negotiate!!
Walt.

[Biancarose]

Hello, Don't use a company called Moishe. They lost 40 of my boxes and damaged my DR table, broke china etc. Do put your name and new address on each box, keep a pad of inventory so if there is something lost you know what it is. A friend of mine just used u-ship on line service. She was satisfied. Check for insurance and DOT. Are they licensed to travel inter-state? Ask when will your move arrive? I flew to Florida to meet Moishe movers and they canceled my move for one month!! a nightmare!

Biancarose

[Ronnies]

We looked into several moving companies and decided to go with PODS. We had help loading by hiring 2 young men in our neighborhood who needed the extra money. PODS also had people that they recommend to help if you need them. We locked the PODS (2) after loading and they have stored them here in Ocala since 10/2. We had 1 POD delivered to our rental where we took off some of the things that we wanted. They are very professional and easy to work with. Our closing is 11/13 and our furniture POD will be delivered on that day. Picked up 3 days later, and then the 2nd will be delivered 2 days later as specified by us. All in all, a good experience.

[dominojc]

Am looking for someone to help pick up some furniture I bought. I don't have a truck so need the use of the truck as well as the manpower for 1 load of furniture. Any recommendations? Jeanne