CalState Moving

I was scammed by CalState Moving and Storage. My move was from California (Bay Area) to NW Arkansas. I was quoted for using 896 cu ft, but when the movers arrived they told me I had way more than that and fleeced me out of $3700 for another 704 cu ft more for a total of $8995. I paid $1000 "Expediting Fee" to have a promised pick up and delivery date in a box truck to avoid mingling my stuff with other clients. The movers who came were from Impala Van Lines and said they don't "do expedited delivery".

The promised delivery date came and went. When they finally arrived my stuff only took up 880 cu ft. Why? Because they lost my headboard, half my mattress, a vintage bedroom chair given to me by my grandfather, a vintage rattan table given to me by my grandmother, one half of a Bowflex TreadClimber, a crafting table, the glass top to a vintage desk, a buffet mirror, coats, clothes, towels, linens, blankets, handmade heirlooms, a Nativity set, plant stand, a step ladder, and about 50 boxes of personal items! The total loss is over $7000 and I'm still finding missing items 2 weeks later. After making as many as 11 phone calls in one day, they told me to file a claim with a 3rd party company in Florida. I've spoken to Leesa Colvin (sales), Augustine (Dispatch Manager), Melissa, and Annette. They go by several names: CalState Moving & Storage DOT 3000966 MC 24054; Impala Van Lines DOT 2463067; Dimbas LLC DOT 3217080 MC10059920. Their addresses are 1601 Perrino Place LA, CA 90023 (949-226-6557) and 5643 Carlton Way Suite 2 LA, CA 90028 (800-888-1508). These people are so bad at moving that I believe that the moving company must be a 'front' for some other, illegal, business.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $8995

Let's just say we filed fraud with our bank and got every cent back. If that doesn't tell you enough let me say more. The movers showed up and lied to us then got high in our yard. The customer service ladies were rude and hung up on us. The owner called me 3 weeks into holding our stuff ONLY because about 15 of my friends and family called and blew up their yelp demanding they deliver our stuff. We called daily for 3 weeks and no one called us back.. then they hung up on us when they did answer and kept lying to us about the delivery date.. This company is the most horrible excuse for a business. Full of liars right down to the owner. We got our stuff but much of it was smashed and damaged. We were told our stuff would not be put in a warehouse but it most certainly was. It was moved around several times and we were quoted one price only to pay WAY more. Thank God our bank refunded us from this nightmare.

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $12000

I’m very happy with how our move went from Los Angeles to San Diego

last month. The moving team headed by Victor arrived with a solid project plan and kept everything on track throughout the move. They were also very careful to wear their protective gear properly. There were no cost overages over and above the initial estimate and I was impressed with the attention to detail they brought to the table and the quality of them packing materials they used.

They delivered our things to our new place in North Park right on time and we’re easy to reach should I have had any questions or concerns.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3950

A 53 ft. truck delivered our furniture with a single driver to unload and assemble our furniture. We had to pay the truck driver $6000 in USPS money orders before he would open the truck doors. Boxes were broken, crushed with many items broken or destroyed. All unloading/reassembly was handled by myself with minimal assistance from the truck driver. The Binding Moving Estimate was $11,430 for door to door service but I was forced to pay a total of $16,099 to move my household items 1,758 miles. All my attempts to contact Cal State Moving to resolve this have overcharging has been ignored or rebuffed. I have also filed complaints with the federal and state agencies that regulate this industry.

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $16099

We asked the Cal state to do a job for us, for a special client. Our truck unfortunatelly broke down. So they substituted us and did a wonderful job, I wanted to take time and write. I've used the Cal state moving twice now and am about to use them a third time. I even requested Annette at the office to give us the price quote. I wanted same guys to handle my third move. They are always true professional and courteous. They know how to pack items carefully and properly, they listen to all my instructions well. They are patient and kind. It doesn't matter whether you are dealing with a house, an apartment or storage unit - new items, heavy items or precious family antiques- they handle it all well. They were prepared for any unexpected things, like elevators, stairs, long hallways. Carlos , Johnny and Hendrick helped me move from my home to a new apartment recently. They were thoughtful and kind given that I was moving out due to a sale ration. The crew were able to move me quickly, took my estimate quickly, and I was able to work with the same men from start to finish. Hendrick was so nice and patient with me and very helpful. They worked so quickly and diligently! I was amazed! They dissembled and assembled perfectly without scratching or breaking anything! They were professional and gave me confidence that my belongings were in good hands. I would recommend these fellas to anyone looking to make a move. Thank you so much , forever grateful!!!

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $5300

I’m writing this review for my mom since she’s 73 years old and it’s just easier. They showed up to box all my items on May 16th as was agreed to, but ended up paying more than originally quoted because they said they had to use more boxes to pack everything. The movie was from Santa Clarita, California to Butte, Montana.The delivery was supposed to arrive on Saturday, May 22nd. We were at the house by 10:00 am just in case they would arrive. Never got called to inform us of what time they’d be there at all! We contacted Lucas Wood, the lead supervisor, and spoke to him on his phone. He asked me to give him 10-15 minutes to get a hold of dispatch and then he would call me back. Not only did he not call either of us back, but he never has replied to texts and/or phone calls/messages! It’s Saturday night, still zero calls and who knows where all my personal items are at??? DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY if you don’t want to get scammed!!! We’re going to be seeking legal counsel and contacting the police to file a theft report!!

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $19000

I do not recommend this company. They charged me for materials they did not use, they broke my garage door and refused to pay for the repair. My belongings were broken and scattered all over the truck and many items were missing. The tiny children they sent to deliver my items did not even bring a hand truck and they did not put anything in our house. They had zero experience and it was their first time working for this company. At some point my boxes had gotten wet and we saw mold on several items when we unpacked much later. So many terrible things happened that it would be impossible to convey them all here. It's too depressing.

Move size: 4 Bedroom Home Service cost: $5000

This was, by far, the worst moving experience we've ever had. Being with the military, we move often, and we've had some experiences, I will definitely be reporting this company for their shady business practices and ensure they can't work with the military again.

The movers themselves were great, very nice, packed things and loaded them effectively. My complaint is with what happened after. They left a full room of items behind and refused to come back out to pick up the rest. Then when I called repeatedly to figure out what was going on, I was given the run around and hung up on until I called and left a voicemail threatening police reports and lawyers. After that I finally get a call from the manager.

I thought we were getting somewhere, but I can't even get an answer as to what address, out of like 3 or 4 associated with this company, I am to bring my items to to keep my household goods together. Instead of waiting for movers to come get the rest, we will be moving it ourselves to storage because they are "booked solid" and can't be bothered to finish the job. BUT I HAVE NO FREAKING CLUE WHERE I'M TAKING IT BECAUSE NO ONE WILL GIVE ME AN ADDRESS!

To be clear, we've completely lost all faith and trust in them for moving our items across country, are resigned to using them as storage only because we have to be at our next duty station by next week at the latest, and are starting a new ticket with the military in order to have them(the military) move our items for us. I refuse to pay these people and trust them with this step. But we need an address for the military to send movers to....... This is a nightmare. Stay away from these people at all costs

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $10000

If I could give this company negative stars, I would do so.

I moved from California to South Carolina. Bear in mind that I have made similar long distance moves several times with the exact same items, packed in the exact same way – wooden crates, bubble wrap, tough cardboard buffers. In all instances, items arrived intact, undamaged. In addition, I’ve worked in positions that required museum artifact transport and international shipments. Simply put, I know how to pack.

The movers on the CA were great! They were professional, courteous, and even complimented me on my packing. The movers on the SC end were the complete opposite.

Movers arrived around 11 a.m. and said they were unable to maneuver truck in my neighborhood, I’d have to pay (in cash) for a shuttle service. I don’t drive a truck, and I wanted to get moved in. I had to accept their terms. I have since seen large trucks in this neighborhood, so I don’t know what the problem was. They said they would arrange the shuttle & be back in 2 hours.

They returned around 5 p.m. that evening. I suggested we wait until the next day (I would have had to rent a hotel room), but they insisted they could accomplish the job in 2 – 3 hours. Having made this type of move before, I thought this was reasonable enough.

They never introduced themselves (I later heard the younger guy refer to the older one as “Eddie” or “Freddie”). However, they did rather belligerently demand (several times) that I give them a tip when they finished.

The older mover (probably early 30’s) light up a cigarette in my house. I have asthma & asked him to smoke outside. Instead, he smoked inside the truck. Concerned that my furniture would be infused with smoke, I asked him to smoke OUTSIDE. He did so (with an attitude), taking numerous smoking breaks & left piles of cigarette butts on my lawn.

All of my boxes were well packed (see above) and clearly labeled (Fragile, China, This End Up, etc.) and noted where each should be placed (living room, bedroom 1, etc). These labels seemed to mean nothing to the movers. Inside the truck I could see boxes turned on end, heavy items on top of light fragile items, crushed boxes, etc.

The movers dropped (literally, dropped) boxes anywhere regardless of labeled destination. They put heavy items on top of fragile items. They banged into freshly painted walls leaving marks and holes. I offered them cut carpet squares to make it easier to move large pieces of furniture. They refused this, and instead slid heavy furniture, scratching newly installed floors. They banged an antique hutch on a counter top causing a large corner of the hutch to break off. They laughed, thinking this was funny. I did not & told them so. Then they laughed at me.

They left a large (10’ x 12’) rug on the lawn & started to drive off around midnight. I ran after them & reminded them to bring the rug indoors. They said this was not part of their job, but since I did give them a tip they would do it. They brought the rug partially inside, but blocking the door. I had to move this huge rug myself to get the front door closed.

They did assemble my bed, and by this time (midnight) I was exhausted. I laid down, and the bed fell apart. I slept on the mattress on the floor.

As I unpacked, I discovered many items damaged or destroyed - wedding presents (crystal bowls & goblets), family heirlooms (pottery circa 1920’s), media cabinets, desk tops, one-of-a-kind Austrian beer stein / music box, and assorted art works. I also discovered several boxes were missing. I estimated $ 3,000 - $ 4,000 in loss & damage.

I filed a claim in February following requirements with photos of damaged items & replacement costs. Truth be told, some items – gifts, heirlooms – are irreplaceable, but I referenced costs of similar items.

Weeks & months passed. I contacted the claims department several times inquiring about status. No response. Finally, in July, I received an email noting the claim was being closed due to the fact that I rejected their settlement offer. I never received a settlement offer & asked them to re-open claim & re-send offer. They offered me $ 54. I disputed this, noting that damage / loss was easily $ 3,000 - $ 4,000. Claims said I’d have to contact the moving company. The person I talked to was sympathetic, said he would “bump this up to management and they’ll be in contact.” Over the next few weeks, I called several times to check on status. Always the same response – “they’re checking into it.”

At this point, I believe it is very doubtful that Cal State Movers will own up to the shoddy, unprofessional manner. I will NEVER use Cal State Movers again, and I would advise anyone considering using them to reconsider. I will probably not receive an apology or any compensation for my material loss or emotional stress. But I hope that my story will help someone else avoid this anguish and stressful experience. I guess I should take the $ 54 – it’ll buy some groceries.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $10000