Big Shoulders Moving & Storage

Have to share my experience with this whole ordeal, just because it was so awful. Hopefully somebody reads this and saves themselves weeks of headaches and a thinner wallet.

I first get enticed by a company called “Frontier Moving Solutions”, which is a borderline scam. They are a broker that got me in touch with Big Shoulders, and please please please, avoid using Frontier AT ALL COSTS. They are the ones that roped me into this ordeal, and they have the bad reviews to prove it. They quoted me a price on a move from Indianapolis to California, which was NOT the price I ended up paying. They also didn’t tell me about making a down payment with a credit card which would have a $50 charge… Just the beginning of the legal scam.

When it came to Big Shoulders, they just continued the horrible moving experience for me. They get to my apartment and all of the sudden, they have to get ultra precise about the amount of steps that they have to climb and keep charging you. Then they charge you extra for every item that they wrap, which is where the SHADY business practices begin. The guy told me that he would give me a “deal” if he just charged me for the materials to wrap my furniture in, but said I could only give him CASH. It seems like I got charged extra so the driver could pocket some extra money, otherwise, why did I need cash? After making sure with the broker that I wouldn’t have to pay anymore money, I ended having to spend another $800 over my quoted price. Plus, I had to load up my car with a ton of items just so I wouldn’t get more charges from them.

You’ll also never know when you’ll get your stuff. I was told on November 13th that my items would arrive at its destination in 5-7 days. I call them on the 7th day to see where my items were, and the lady boss told me it would be another week. So, not only did I get all of these extra charges, now I have to sleep on the floor for an extra week.

When my items finally arrived on the night before Thanksgiving, I got hit with more nonsense. I tried to make a deal with the driver to only carry a few heavy items up and I would do the rest, just so they didn’t charge me for more steps. The driver didn’t even bother to bring help, so I had to move all of my stuff with him. Why did I pay for mover if I had to move stuff myself? Why would’ve happened if I wasn’t there to help him?

In closing, this is the worst moving experience I have ever had, and I want everyone to avoid this company like the plague. I will say for legal reasons, there is nothing “illegal” that this company did, and I’m sure they’ll respond with contracts, this and that, but just because it may be legal, it doesn’t mean it’s ETHICAL. Big shoulders, along with Frontier moving are working in tandem to legally take your money. They will overpromise and under deliver. Avoid avoid avoid.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3000

Moving is something that I despise. I'm sure most people don't like it either but for me I really don't like it. So while I searched around for a place I wasn't in the best of moods. I did what I read online to do. Get as many quotes, compare and contrast from the info. It wasn't fun calling around at all but it's the best thing for your wallet and piece of mind so you don't have regrets later. This company looked pretty fine online with multiple great reviews but that's not why I chose them. I chose them because they didn't swindle me into some moving package or try and use some special wording to trick me into using their top notch service. They kept it straight with me. To the point just how I wanted it. I can't stand those places tell you one rate and then you find out it's another. They told me a rate and stuck to the quote. Never adding extras on for unexpected delays. The movers worked hard and the staff handled themselves well. I got a lot of respect for these guys. I'm also normally the one who only writes negative reviews when things go wrong. This time I'm giving credit where credit is due.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $6254

Team did a solid job moving belongings for a new business that I was helping open up. Cabinets, chairs, desks, couches were all moved by their staff in a timely manner. Movers listened, worked quick and had a very positive attitude. The quote was very close to the final price that was given. Everything was paid up front and no extra charges were added later on down the line. Movers were great with unloading and placing items where they needed to go as well. All around good company that I would use again if needed.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3745

Just like so many reviews here, my advice is: DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. They are unprofessional, extortive, and will easily turn nasty on you while they rip you off. Sales called me quickly with an attractive price, but, when the crew showed up, they jacked up fees and extorted me for higher tips or "extra fees".

They overcharged me for 20 days of storage, and the owner only gave me a discount because I was quite polite. Then, they didn't want to schedule a delivery date, only a "ten day window" which was resolved when I offered a decent (or no) tip. They used another company to deliver my stuff, and its owner was a dodgy fellow as well, lied to me, and demanded that I pay the balance in cash!

His crew caused over $2,000 in damages, but the "insurance", 3 months later, only offered $130 upon a notarized signed form. What's more, I found out that there was no insurance company as the website boilerplate of the "insurance" company said in small font!!

I strongly advice anyone to consider a more family- or corporate-owned company. You may pay more upfront, but won't need to go through the ordeal of vague communications, surprise overcharges, rude staff, and totally fake insurance.

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $7000

This company sucks and made my move so much more stressful. There’s no way to sugar coat this. They damaged many of my things, lost others & f’d up my bed during the “reassembly” (the worker put a few panels in upside down, broke one of the supports, stripped the screws, told me it was too complicated & left. I don’t think it was too complicated as me, a 95 lb girl, was able to fix it). The worker who was in charge was also the RUDEST man I’ve ever met. I told him I was looking for a door stop when he arrived, he rolled his eyes. I was setting cold water bottles out for him on the counter, he demanded that I provide him water without noticing I was already trying to do that. I was in tears by the time they left. On top of all this, I was nickel and dimed the whole way. I’m just so devastated over how my things and myself were treated.

Move size: Studio Service cost: $8000

The only reason I gave 1 star is because a 0 star option wasn’t available. They have made this move a living hell. They told me 1 price then charged me another. I believe they pocketed my money. I paid over $5000 to have my items transported just for my glass dresser, glass mirror, 60 inch tv , and kitchen chair to be ruined. I filed a claim on oct 4 and I still haven’t heard anything back from the company. I have left several voicemails and sent multiple emails. The customer service representatives are very rude and lack compassion about my damaged and ruined items. They said they never received a claim even after I sent proof of my claim on Oct 4th. Do not move your items with this company.

Move size: 4 Bedroom Home Service cost: $5100