With movers, what do you not trust them with?

einy said:

Two corporate moves, no problem either time .... but, I gave them a $100 tip after loadup, and the same after delivery, and fed them pizza both times. I suspect that goes a long way, and I also will say both crews busted butt. Take pics of everything, even when they are packing.

One interesting thing was the pickup crew was also the delivery crew om both occasions, even though it was an OH to WI move first time, and a WI to OH move the second time. No idea is that is the norm, or not.

If I were doing a move where it was my $$ paying for it, I'd make sure to get a binding estimate. That way, they cannot hold your possessions for ransom (yes, that actually does happen auite often without the binding type of estimate). I'd also buy the replacement cost insurance from the mover ... it's pretty cheap from what others have told me, and the standard mover insurance is a joke.

Moving.org is a good info resource ... look for a certified ProMover.

Hope this helps others out there!!

This!  I managed to have my loaded truck stored free for 6 months while new house was built after a $500 facilitating payment.  The driver decided the trailer needed to be parked for maintenance till I called.  The other trick we found was to organize the stuff by room so that we know what was in each room and it was organized.  Otherwise you end up with all the random stuff mixed.  I did still end up with my car detailing supplies packed with vintage crystal stemware, still not sure how they managed that.

I think it depends on the movers/company. In general I would say anything of decent value, collections, musical instruments, AV equipment, pets, etc. But even then there are some moving companies that are better than others. I have a rather pricey record collection I was worried about moving and I found a company (shout out Three Men And A Truck) that offered a climate controlled truck to prevent warping. definitely glad I did it since I was worried about hauling them all with me with the AC blasting and taking them into a hotel room at night. 

Surprised to see this thread getting bumped.  Started it so many moves ago.  Really surprised how life has gone; there's a clear line of demarcation between just before the move to CT that prompted this thread, and where I'm at today.

I've come to like using ABF Relo-Cubes, having used them three times since this thread was started.  If I had baller money I'd have somoene professionally pack all of my things into boxes and then load the boxes into the Cubes.  I hope I don't move again for a long time.

My brother tried the whole tip and pizza thing but they still rifled through places they didn't belong.
 

Guy I used to work with had all sorts of things damaged -- custom built furniture and motorcycle, to name a couple.

I've never used them, it sounds convenient on paper though.

I'm likely in the last house I will own, unless something really special happens.  I've told my friends not to worry about being asked to move me for free pizza.

If I were to move, I'd likely do my own Star Wars memorabilia (some of it is $$), a strongbox with a small coin collection.  Probably the little file cabinet with paperwork like will, DD214, birth certificate etc.  Maybe my desktop computer, I don't have much in the way of expensive tools so probably ok with them in the garage.  I'm thinking more fragile stuff.