Safeway Moving Systems

I'd like to preface this by saying that I've worked in sales my entire career, so I consider myself to be an understanding and patient customer. That said, I feel very confident in saying that my experience with Safeway was the absolute worst I've had in my life (to the point that I had to contact a lawyer for advice on how to handle the situation).

I'd also like to ask that you please, PLEASE read and consider the negative reviews - you'll find that they all have very similar complaints, and unfortunately my experience was exactly in line with every other negative review they've gotten. If you look closely, you'll note that all of Safeway's positive reviews are very likely fake - the accounts that post the shining, rave reviews have never reviewed anything else before or after reviewing Safeway. I know my review will be buried by fake ones in no time, but my hope is that someone will read this and avoids going with them because it was genuinely that bad.

Below is a high level outline of my experience:

-Richard Larusso, the salesperson I had the misfortune of working with, promised that my items would be delivered within 3-5 days MAXIMUM from my first available delivery date. I kept asking him what the catch was because I thought it was too good to be true and every other (legitimate) moving company quoted me at least 14 days. He repeatedly assured me there was no catch, not to worry, and that he would be with me every step of the move. Each of these promises proved to be lies to get the sale. After I paid my deposit, Richard (and everyone else at Safeway) slowly stopped responding to me and my desperate attempts to get literally any information on where my belongings were.

-My pickup date was delayed and no one told me - when I reached out to Richard about it, he claimed their software was broken and asked that I send him the quote so that they could reschedule the pickup date. This was the first red flag - how could a company that has been operating this long not have a backup system to access their own quotes?

-When my items did get picked up, I learned that the quote Richard gave me was at least $2,000 less than what I actually had to pay.

-My move was picked up on September 24th, and as instructed by Richard, I gave my first available pickup date as September 28th. This means that based on Richard's quote that he repeatedly promised me was doable, the LATEST my items should have arrived was October 2nd. It arrived on October 23rd.

-I want to make something very clear - if ANYONE on the Safeway team had been honest with me and just let me know that there would be a month long delay, I wouldn't be even half as as upset as I am. Instead, the team (when I was actually able to get ahold of anyone) was repeatedly evasive, gave me no direct answers, and at times were outright disrespectful. I spent hours each day digging for information and trying desperately to get in touch with their team, and I cluelessly moved across the country only to have to live in an empty apartment sleeping on the floor/an air mattress for a month.

-Because the only bags I brought with me were packed for a week, I had to purchase an air mattress, pillow, sheets, a towel, pot/pan to cook, a plate and silverware, a bar stool so that I could have somewhere to sit while I worked, dog food, laundry detergent, and more.

-I also want to point out that if Safeway had been honest from the start (or at any point, really), I could have stayed with friends or family in Chicago and saved thousands of dollars by starting my lease a month later, my cable and internet a month later, purchasing a car a month later, etc.

-The above expenses and all of the items I had to purchase because I was so deeply misinformed have put me into a financial hole that I will be digging myself out of for months to come. I recognize my privilege - this is something that I can survive, but there are a lot of people who would be in a much worse position stemming from Safeway's dishonesty. At one point, I asked Julian on the CS team to tell me what he would do if he were in my position and could barely afford to buy these things, he said "I wouldn't have put myself in that position". Regretfully, I absolutely lost my temper after that. I also asked him to send me recordings of my calls with the Safeway team, and he responded, verbatim, with "no, the calls are recorded to protect us, not you".

-the most important thing take away from this post is to GET EVERY. SINGLE. WORD. IN WRITING. Get the quoted dates in writing. Read every word of the contract you sign. There are loopholes in everything Safeway says or does, and that they make their money by lying and deceiving their way into a sale. Shame on me for not doing better research before I gave such a large sum of money to this company - I really hope someone learns from my mistake. I've attached 2 of 30+ screenshots of my texts with Safeway for reference.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $5700

This is not a fake review. I was told by the customer service agent that my move would be $3500 it is now over $7000. I was told that as they picked up my stuff. I was told boxes listed as medium and I had large, told I had suitcases not listed. I will deal with the price. I was told the move should take 10 days! It’s now day 14 days and my stuff has not left it’s original pick up. When I call and ask they tell me sorry can’t find a driver. What the hell!! Isn’t that your job to have drivers??? It’s insane that my stuff is still in a storage unit and not moving. The customer service agent told me “ we have 21 days and after 21 days we have 30 more days until we are penalized”. This is horrible customer service and a horrible company. I’m living out of a suitcase. My customer service agent should have been honest and upfront that it may take months to get my crap!!!

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $7000

Our stuff took 37 days to be delivered from our first available date, 39 from the pickup date. Things were delivered damaged, including punctures in my couch, a broken monitor, and damage to the back of one of my pieces of artwork, all things that were packed for me. Since Safeway is a broker and not a moving company, I can't blame them directly for the damage, but the delays I can and will. This was all exacerbated by the fact that their customer service, specifically for an in-progress move, is atrocious to the point of being offensive. Dozens of unreturned calls, completely helpless agents who answered the main phone line, total opaqueness in the lack of updates, and on one occasion I was literally berated over the phone for being a bit annoyed it had already been 3 weeks without my stuff since they still technically had time left to deliver things within the contract period, despite having been quoted an estimate of 10 to 14 days (which I recognize is an estimate, but I was very justifiably frustrated at the 21 day mark my stuff had yet to arrive). Even now I cannot get ahold of anyone on the phone to discuss making a claim, which I'm struggling with justifying because I'd have to continue to deal with these people.

The services they offered weren't competitively priced enough to recommend this over literally any other company, especially after tallying in having to buy furniture to hold me over for the >1 month wait for my things and later replace or repair what was damaged. Throw in the fact that the customer service is incompetent and offensive, and I'd say to steer clear of this company at all costs.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $4955

The company made an estimate on our move. We believe they intentionally misrepresented our inventory and underestimated the number of boxes so they could have a lower price than competing movers. They told us they believed the estimate was accurate and said it was binding not to exceed the price and told us we "wouldn’t pay a penny more unless [we] went out and bought five grand pianos.” We did not purchase or add any new items. A week before the move they said the estimate was done badly -- he said that things were entered wrong and they needed to add hundreds more boxes and would raise the price by more than $10,000. They said that would include full value replacement, but then sent a new contract without full value replacement. They then said they wouldn't do full value replacement unless we paid yet another $7,000. They attempted to blame us saying we should have known we would have needed more boxes despite their estimator saying that was the number of boxes we need. How were we supposed to know how many boxes we would need? We believe they were intentionally attempting to defraud us. They told us they are going to unilaterally cancel our move and keep our deposit.

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $36000

I'm a real customer and my move number is 5893649. The flurry of 5 star reviews are fake. My experience is real, and i'm happy to share the email trail and documents to back up my review.

Look closely at how similar the 1 star reviews are... that tells you something (these are the REAL reviews).

Awful customer service and zero communication and follow up throughout the move. Chris Johnson was my "relocation specialist" who would be "with me every step of the way." He's a smooth talker that only wants you to sign that non refundable contract (then you are not worth more of his time). I can show you the email trail of him not even replying to me for WEEKS. They don't care... once they get your non refundable deposit they have no reason to even reply to you.

Safeway also tells you that your final payment at delivery can be CASH, money order or Zelle electronic payment (I have the email from them advertising exactly this).

Then they call you at 4pm Saturday and demand CASH ONLY for an 8am delivery on Sunday the next day. Then they tell you it's a $500 fee if you aren't there (i had 14 hours of notice). Then they didn't show up and actual delivery was a full 10 days later (again no communication unless i chased it down).

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $4300

Safeway Moving Systems LLC (Chicago based)

Chris - point of contact, completely ghosted us after signing the contract

Prime Relocation Services (Sacramento based)

Movers - Dani + Frankie (could have also been contracted out)

Dispatch - someone horrible, don’t know her name, hung up on me day of delivery

Safeway will sweet talk you and provide you a contract that seems fairly straight forward. You should not trust this as the actual cost. You will be forced to sign separate contracts. The company that Safeway decides to contract your move out to, will not honor the Safeway contract and this will be used to get additional fees out of you. We weren’t aware of a second forced contract, and I say forced because we were in a position that we had no other option. They showed up the day of the move, claimed our cubic feet was 200 feet more than the estimate. Now I understand estimates, but to be off by 200 feet is not even a close estimate in my opinion, and this was after I’d described our inventory three times to two separate people. It was the day of the move, we only had two days left on our current lease, we had no choice but to sign as there was no time to find another option and we’d already paid a hefty deposit.

Another couple of examples of the fee gouging, Safeway’s contract says a flight of stairs is 12 steps, Prime Relocation Services says 7, but this was not mentioned until drop off, so we were hit with another $300 additional for stairs at delivery. We were also nickel and dimed for packing materials, $67 for cling wrap and tape, that were supposedly included according to Safeway.

The truck that arrives for your things, will not be the same truck that drops them off, so your things will be moved several times. We were charged an additional fee of $350 for this changing of trucks even though we weren’t aware until after our things were already on a smaller moving truck. This, naturally, increases the chance of damage and/or lost items. Several of our furniture pieces were dented, scratched and/or broken and many of the boxes arrived torn or shredded.

But you won’t be able to do anything about this either, because the people who loaded our things marked nearly every single item on our inventory as “scratched.” How convenient for them now that all of our things arrived gouged, scratched, and dented.

The driver who delivered our items claims they don’t work for Safeway or Prime Relocation at all and repeatedly asked to be paid in cash stating that otherwise, “we will ask for our money over and over, if you don’t pay in cash they will not give us our money.” When I called dispatch to inquire about this, I was told to “have a nice day,” and hung up on. Scams for everyone involved it seems. When I asked what company this driver works for, he said his own LLC, but refused more than once to give me the name of his company because he didn’t want to be blamed for Prime Relocation Services.

At the beginning we were looking at a $3K move, by the time we were all swindled and ghosted, we paid over $5K.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $5000

Safeway Moving Systems Moving Companies review

DO NOT USE!!! I did not know they were a "broker". It wasn't disclosed on the site I reviewed, nor did Joe tell me that. I was being my own broker. When Always Moving came to get my items (in a Budget truck), I was surprised it wasn't Safeway. Also, Always didn't honor the quote I got from Safeway! My items weren't tagged on pick up, which is standard procedure. I had a box of designer bags, which was stolen. Tito of Always Moving said he doesn't tolerate thieves and that he would "make it right" - yeah, right - I haven't heard from him since. Safeway advertised using the fact it was "veteran owned". I'm a retired VA nurse and when I told my veteran friends at the local hall, they were very unhappy the veteran status was being used this way. I reviewed Always Moving after they left my former place and determined I would NEVER have chosen them for my move on my own! Safeway chose them for me and I'm absolutely disgusted. My "untagged" items were stored for several days in some warehouse someplace before ANOTHER company, ID Noble, delivered them 11 days later. I couldn't believe the condition in which they were delivered - full of holes, and squashed. My beautiful, new Nautica suitcase had a huge scratch down the front of it's hard shell. I filed a claim with Always - which did no good. I called Safeway several times and keep getting blown off. They have a good racket because it's hard to get reimbursement thru the courts, and the companies themselves surely aren't going to give up any money for their negligence and shoddy practice. IF I ever move again, I'll rent a truck myself and hire movers on each end to take my items out and into my new place. I will NEVER trust a moving company again!

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $4500

DON'T hire Safeway! Lied to my face about not being a broker. Their agent overcharged me at pickup and LIED that he can't adjust anything on the spot and I need to call in the dispute. But when I called, "oh, we can't do anything on our end!" No one would take responsibility. Even tho the initial estimate and picked up items were *exactly the same* they overcharged me 2200 extra.

My booker promised to help every step of the way, but when I needed him, I got transferred to a handler trained to talk in circles. The fact that they have one means they rip people off all the time. Just look at the other reviews!

A really disgusting experience.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $7713

This company was great in the initial process (quoting and collecting money), but awful at giving me delivery updates. Please pay attention to the average long-distance delivery time frames for the number of miles. They have an "estimated delivery date" and a "legally allowed up to" time frame which changes to business days. I found out the company they contracted stored my stuff for three weeks before heading cross country. They delivered my items as close to the 30-business day legal obligation as possible. When my items were delivered, several boxes were crushed and re-taped and one of the larger items was lost in transit.

I contacted Safeway numerous times to fill out a claim form and it took them two weeks to email me the forms and that was only because I sat on the phone with the claims department until I received it. I am dreading the whole claims process based on my recent interactions. Do your research as it may be worth it to pay a little more money to get the service and accountability you deserve.

Move size: Studio Service cost: $3818

When I got a quote they told be distance between my pickup and delivery location was ~1000 miles and it can take 3-14 days but will be more close to 3. I planned my personal travel accordingly thinking I will have my stuff around 4-5 days. Now 8 days later after following up on text, 3 calls and 3 emails to get an update first I am told the move can take upto 3-14 days and per DOT even 30 days may be a possibility!!! Can you believe that!!!! Why wasnt I told that when I got quote! And after all this, now I get call saying my stuff will be loaded now and delivered around 13-17 days after pickup!!!!! All of my furniture, kitchen stuff isnt with me. I planned my travel based on what they told me and now I need to buy stuff because I cannot live like this without my stuff for another 5-9 days!! Please beware, prior to you booking the move with them its all happy and good service. But once they have the stuff and money the DOT regulations and the weather and the rest of the world will be an issue before you get your stuff!

They also will push things around from one department to another. I asked the person who did the initial booking for me about when my stuff will arrive, she said she is in sales ask other department. Other department said they are waiting for response from dispatch. customer service person said DOT regulations say they are allowed to deliver in 30 days!!! Atleast give me an update or estimated date... 3-30 days is an unacceptable window.... or tell me that before I book!!!!! And I dont care which department you are in, stop pushing me around.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3049

Avoid this company at all costs! I had the worst moving experience imaginable.

I contracted for “White glove” service with Safeway Moving Systems for a move from CA to NM. I paid a significant premium for this service. To me this meant the best moving experience possible. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This service was supposed to include packing and unpacking of all contents of my household and placing the contents of my furnishings in place per my instructions.

It turns out this company contracts with smaller local independent movers who may or may not adhere to the services paid for to SMS. In the case of the pick up of the movers packed everything as expected, until I unpacked my goods and saw that they merely dumped many items into boxes without taking care to wrap or place them carefully. In addition I was charged an additional fee for the pick up portion due to the project being “underestimated”. 

Per their contract, the moving company has 28 business days to deliver goods after the pickup date before they pay a small penalty. Originally they asked what the earliest date of delivery would be, giving the impression that delivery was imminent. With that, I tried checking in with their dispatch office, but it was impossible to get any information until the day before the actual delivery. They delivered exactly on the 28th business day from pickup (actually a total of 37 days, over 5 weeks). 

The delivery driver arrived in a 53-foot tractor-trailer and claimed he could not maneuver his truck down a 25-foot wide driveway.He claimed he had to go get a smaller truck, again at a significant additional cost. I was told that this had to be paid for in cash, making me concerned that this was a scam. The cash had to be presented before he would deliver my furnishings or even open the truck to confirm they were in fact, mine. A brisk conversation about this turned ugly when the driver called me a “f’ing dick.” This is clearly unacceptable customer service. I had no options and handed over an additional $1,400 in CASH! They unloaded my furnishings and that was it. NO unpacking at all. When I asked the driver about the White Glove service I paid for he said he only provided basic service  I was left to unpack all of my furnishings after he drove away. In total I paid an additional 25% beyond the initial estimate to receive extremely subpar service.

Aside from the fact that the service I paid for was not provided, many of my furnishings were damaged or broken. I have contacted SMS on four separate occasions to rectify the situation or at least make good on the broken items. They have never returned a call, which simply underscores my advice to never do business with Safeway Moving Systems. 

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $8000

Like most companies, they have people who get you signed up and people in "customer service" who offer anything but. The folks you do the estimates with and work out the estimate with are very personable, and even sound reasonable. But these people don't move you. Once you sign up you're transferred to customer service where they tell you they won't have any idea if your set pickup date is confirmed until five days before it happens. They tell you that the binding contract you signed is only binding in that you pay them money, but the amount it costs to move your stuff could change. The fee they collect is ridiculous considering the service they give is lousy and they are not to be trusted. DON'T USE THEIR SERVICE!

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $9663

On the date that my move occurred the mover on site insisted that paperwork be signed that increased the cubic footage by approx. 45% (to 1100 cubic feet) beyond the estimate I had received, and the price for the move by $2,497.96 or 35%. On the day of the move, the driver of the truck and what I assume was their dispatcher repeatedly assured me that if the added volume wasn't needed I wouldn't have to pay.

My goods were delivered Friday April 9. To confirm what was actually delivered, I cleared a space in my garage 5' wide by 14' long - 90 square feet. The goods when delivered covered the five foot width, and about 10 feet of length (50 square feet) to a height of about six feet - a total of 300 cubic feet.

Thus the volume actually shipped was not only vastly less than the inflated amount demanded on the day of the move, but was less than half of the original estimate (I had deliberately increased the estimate originally as I did not know how many boxes would be needed - it turned out to be only seven). Had I been charged for what was actually moved, the cost would have been the minimum of $5,750 (the very first estimate I received - almost $4,000 less than what I actually paid).

I repeatedly asked Safeway for help in resolving this matter. I spoke on the phone with a number of people, most notably what was supposed to be a customer service person. He never seemed to take my concerns seriously, stating that the huge difference from the original estimate was surely right and must have somehow been due to how the items were packed (?!!?). It seems odd to me that the customer service team appears to inherently not believe your customers... Note: I will admit that I lost my temper when on the phone with him a couple of times, which I usually try very hard not to do - but it was enormously stressful to have him not listen to me, dismiss my concerns out of hand, and not return calls or emails when asked.

I really wanted to like these folks. They had good reviews on Move Buddha (including for accuracy of estimates!) and I really liked the fact that they are veteran owned, and the original estimation and set up process went fine. But the ultimate experience was enormously stressful and cost me not only significant money but also time and energy at what was already a stressful time.

Move size: Partial Move Service cost: $9900

I had a very negative experience with Safeway Moving System. My actual price was 25% higher than my "binding" price when I signed the contract, and I was given misinformation by Safeway at every interaction. It's also relevant to note that Safeway doesn't actually move your belongings, they contract out with other agencies who do the moving.

I contracted with Safeway for a move from California to Chicago, and took advantage of a month of free storage between pickup and delivery. I was quoted $4999 total, and paid a deposit of $2100 when I initially booked the move. When my move pick-up window was confirmed over the phone, I was told I would have to pay $1500 of the remaining balance by check, cash or mail order to the movers when they picked up. When I met the movers, however, they told me that I would actually have to pay $2700, including an additional $800 in charges that they had added on, even though the cubic space wasn't any larger than what I had initially booked for (I know for sure it wasn't larger, because the booking was for 467 cf., and it was coming out of a 10'x7' storage locker of already-packed boxes which was NOT packed 7' high). It was more than a little stressful having to come up with an additional $1200 on the spot.

I had taken advantage of free storage, and when I made the booking, I was told that I should call Safeway 10 days to two weeks ahead of my first available delivery date to coordinate a delivery schedule close to that date. When I made that call, however, I was told that there was no possibility to have input on scheduling. I arrived to my house on the first available date having heard nothing from Safeway. I called them every day, for days after my arrival, and every day I was told I would get a call back within 90 minutes from "dispatch;" I never heard from "dispatch."

Nearly a week after my arrival to my home, Safeway couldn't tell me what state my belongings were stored in, whether they had ever left California, or when I could expect to hear about the scheduled delivery date. They made excuses at every turn, such as, "it's just really hard to coordinate moves in the midwest"--I had booked with the company in part because they're based in Chicago, the city I was moving to.

I was told by a Safeway agent that the move hadn't happened because the original driver had gotten COVID, and they were having a hard time finding another driver. I had initially been told I would hear five to seven days in advance of delivery. In the end, I got a call less than 24 hours in advance from the *actual agency* that was moving my belongings, even though several hours earlier the same Safeway agent who had told me that the driver got COVID had confirmed that they still hadn't found a new driver, and maybe I'd hear something the following week. I believe the whole COVID story was made up--Safeway evidently had no contact with the agency who actually completed the move, since they didn't even know that the cross-country move had been initiated evidently days earlier.

I was also then charged another $450 "shuttle fee" on delivery (even though the movers who did the pickup, and who added on the $800 in charges, absolutely confirmed that there would be no extra charges at delivery). Even though I only had about 450 cf. of stuff, they had put it on an 18 wheeler truck at some point, which they said couldn't come down my street. The guys who were delivering didn't want to do the shuttle transfer and tried to convince me over the phone to rent a small UHaul truck myself and drive it to their depot, so they could load the stuff onto the UHaul there, and then I could drive it back and unload it myself to save the $450; they said they absolutely would not unload the UHaul for me. I have a spinal cord injury, so moving it myself was out of the question (and I had already paid Safeway $4800 for the move at that point) so I had no choice but to pay the additional fee.

In the end, I paid Safeway a total of $6250 for moving about 450 cf. from CA to IL, having initially been quoted $4999. Upon unpacking, I also filled up a moving box with broken dishes and glasses.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $6250

We are in the midst of a move from California to Tampa, Florida. It is May 6th. We contracted with Safeway based on their rating and reviews. Don’t be deceived- they are brokers. What this means is that they subcontract moving services through a third party vendor. Joe Winters was our representative; funny how responsive Joe was when we were negotiating the terms and conditions of our move. He hasn’t been cited since we signed our contract. Since then, we had movers who arrived who were unmasked, rude, sexist and incompetent! We’re scheduled to move tomorrow - May 8th. They charged us $2,000 more than their original quote, packed stuff that we asked them not to, and then told us that it would cost $400 an hour to unpack the truck to get our belongings!!! This is a bogus outfit. I plan on taking every possible measure to insure that they don’t screw other families like they have us!!!! Don’t fall for their BS about making contributions to St. Jude. We’re sitting here in what is supposed to be our new home- no response from Safeway. Wish us luck!!!

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $13000

22. Customer hereby knowingly, voluntarily and intentionally waives the right to a trial by jury in respect of any litigation based hereon, or arising out of, under or in connection with the goods and services obtained here under, the move, or any course of conduct, course of dealing, statements (verbal or written) or actions of Safeway moving system or the mover. customer acknowledges that this waiver constitutes a material inducement to Safeway moving system to enter into this agreement.

23. As the customer, i agree to pay the total charges for moving coordinator services to be provided by Safeway moving system LLC. i understand that my deposit/fee represents only a portion of my total estimated service charges. due to scheduling and routing reasons my deposit/fee is not refundable, unless i notify Safeway moving system LLC in writing within 72 hours of booking at info@safewaymovingsystem.com. I understand there will be a 5% cancellation fee that will be deducted from my refund. the 5% cancellation fee only applies to the deposit amount, not the entire move cost. If the first scheduled pickup date is within 72 hours of the date I reserve my move, then my deposit is non-refundable. I understand that if I cancel my move within the 72 hours of my first available pick up date I am only entitled to receive a credit of my deposit for future interstate moving services to be used by the cardholder within a 12 month period from the date of cancellation. I may change my pick-up date or place the move on hold at least 5 business days (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays not included) prior to the pack or load date (whichever applies) listed above. this cancellation only pertains to the original pick updates of the first signed contract. I understand that if I do change my dates, or put my move on hold, my deposit is no longer refundable.

Move size: Studio Service cost: $3300

BIG WARNING!!! Don't get fooled by SafeWay Moving Systems. Our experience with them has been a nightmare. They repeatedly change their words, they haven't delivered our belongings and it's already been a month even though they promised 14 days. We had to spend thousand of dollars in hotel in the middle of Covid when expecting a child because of how terrible SafeWay Moving System and their service is. I highly recommend people DON'T USE THEIR SERVICE.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3000

I signed a contract with Safeway Moving Systems in Dec 2020 for my May 2021 move from Philadelphia to Tulsa. I told them I needed my items on May 1st, no sooner, no later. I was advised that in order to ensure that delivery date, my items should be picked up on either Apr 19 or 20. On Apr 19, they finally found a carrier. When the carrier arrived on the 20th, I was charged hundreds of dollars in extra fees. On my move-in date (May 1st), I called one of the packers to ask what time he’ll be arriving. After much confusion, I learned that my things were in storage in Philadelphia. At no point was it communicated to me that my things would be held in storage for any amount of time. I’m currently writing this while laying on the floor of my new apartment because I have NOTHING. According to Safeway, I should’ve been told that when I requested May 1st, that meant it was my first available date of delivery; not that it’d be delivered on that exact date. Meaning I actually have no way of knowing when my items will arrive. I’m so hurt and frustrated. I’m alone in a brand new state and this is the worst thing that could’ve happened to me. Now I’m afraid that when my items do arrive, there’s a great chance things will be missing.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3369

The sales lady was great and so were the initial packers, however everything else was poor. The estimates are made over the phone in a very casual manner, then they get to your house and find more stuff and increase the price. The items were well wrapped but obviously were loaded and unloaded many times and suffered damages which were not covered. I got less than 2 days notice on the moving date and less than a working day notice on the arrival time. There are no storage options--if you are not there--too bad. And you need cash or cashier's check. The team that moved us in refused to move existing furniture without a $50.00 tip and were very rude overall. Don't use this company--I did much better packing my own pod and it was cheaper.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $7500

Going through with Safeway for our move was definitely a roller coaster. Just note that once Safeway receives the 40% deposit, they do not take action in trying to make your move any easier.

Safeway was our first choice because we had called for a quote and Gerard was very professional and promising. Telling us that if we had any issues and problems, that he would be here and the first person we should contact. But that's where the good times end. When our movers had shown up on May 5th, we then realized that Safeway is a broker and they contract out moves, which Safeway never mentioned. So the movers started packing the truck up while throwing boxes on top of each other and having bad attitudes. It was a awful experience. When the movers left, we called our agent who ignored my boyfriend's calls from his phone. We had called 10 minutes later on my phone in which the agent picked up (very suspicious) and explained our experience with the movers. He then advised us to email pictures to him so he could send the email to someone else who could assist. So we sent the email and never heard back from our agent. He had mysteriously "left" for a week and text my boyfriend to call him on Monday. When Monday arrived and we called him, who would of guessed. We got ignored again. So then we got in touch with different agents about our move. It was excuses after excuses. Also not noting that Safeway NEVER calls you with updates. You have to call them first to get them to even contact the carrier for updates. First we were told that our items were packed up on a truck May 20th. We then received a call on May 24th that our goods would be delivered on May 26th or 27th. On Wednesday, we never received a call from a driver, so we called Safeway again to which they advised that our new delivery date would be Friday, May 28th. We still never received a call from the driver on Thursday. We called Safeway again, now our goods will be delivered on Saturday, May 29th. Friday came, we called Safeway again. They don't know where the truck is and they can't get a hold of the carrier doing our move. We were panicking! How can a company vouch for another and not have the communication they need? So now on Monday, May 31st, we yet again had to call Safeway for a update. They advised that the truck broke down, but they couldn't tell us where the truck was. Now that makes no sense. You are telling me that the carrier called and didn't advised on where they were located? That's when we had to get pushy with Safeway because all of their excuses just didn't make sense. So we called and explained our frustration and how we were tired of getting the turned around on things to which the agent told us to call the number on the carrier's paperwork for our move and deal with it (FYI - The number on the paperwork went to a dead number). He also stated that once you go with Safeway, they are no longer legally bind or responsible for your move anymore. Talk about unprofessional! We were pulling our hair out at this point. It wasn't until an hour later that we received a call from the same agent advising that our goods would be delivered on that same Monday around 5. The movers did show up and they had much better attitudes than the previous.

I just don't understand how Safeway operates. How do you become the middleman and not request updates on a daily basis and contact your customer on the updates? It was like you had to call them to do their job. All I can say is you better have really good patience if you want to go through Safeway. We will never go through with this company again.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $4905

They gave my job moving from Florida to California to a company called MMG Moving LLC in Indianapolis. I don’t know if they are the same company listed in Fort Lauderdale, but I can find no info on them. They loaded my belongings and stored them free for a month in Florida on March 22,2021. I notified both Safeway and MMG on April 8 that my first acceptance date would be April 23. Today is June 3 and I’ve gotten one excuse after another as to why my shipment isn’t even loaded on the truck yet. They had no trucks going to California in all this time? IF I get my shipment by end of this month, I will have been without my belongings for 3 months. If you think it’s because they are low price, NO. Don’t make my mistake, go with a larger well known company.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $6633