Simple Moving Labor

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY if you want your stuff to be loaded in the truck in a way that does not guarantee your furniture will arrive with scratches.  We used the "Professional Mover" option to load up a Penske truck for our move to California.  We thought that by picking this option we would ensure that our stuff would be packed in such a way that it would arrive in CA in great shape.  When the movers arrived at our new place in CA to help us unload - what we found was a disaster.  Even though the SML movers had adequate blankets - they had extras after packing the whole truck - they didn't wrap our furniture adequately.  Every wooden piece of furniture we owned had scratches and nicks out of them because they weren't wrapped adequately in blankets for the move.  Please do not use this company.  It is not worth it.

Service cost: $400

We used SML to unload our furniture in Palmetto, FL. We hired 2 professional movers from SML and were well pleased with them.  They were slightly late due to a traffic problem but when they arrived they went right to work. It was an experience to watch them work. They set up a rythem doing the movement of the furniture and were actually done before the estimated time we thought it would take. It was quite obvious they were professionals.  It would have taken me  3 x the time they took to unload the truck. No damage, no scratches, no problems.  I would not hesitate to hire or recommend SML for additional moves.    .

Service cost: $280

  We were loaded in  brandon, S.D., by what we thought were profesionals. (WRONG)  I think my wife and I could have done a better job, if we were not going to be 70 in a couple months.  Just can't lift those heavy items anymore.  We had to scrap a living room chair that they ruined.  Then we got to Huron, Ohio.  That was when the PROFESSIONALS took over.   they were only to unload the 26 foot truck.  We had another truck (16 foot) to be unloaded.   they were so fast and good, that I ask if they would mind unloading the other truck at a storage shed about 15 miles away.  They said to call the boss first, in which I did.  The boss  said it was up to them.  They said lets go.  The three were Cjay,Daniel, and Marcus, and were from the cleveland area I believe.  These three were the tops.  I highly recomend these three.  I can't give these three anything but an excellent rating.  Look forward to seeing you guys in about 10 months.     Larry and Kay.

Service cost: $580

They were quick and nice about getting my business.. The day of loading the crew was suppose to arrive between 8-9am. At 9:30am got a call from our security that one of the crew members didn't pass a background check as he had felony and much more. They were sent back. A new crew arrived at 1pm.. 4 hours late.  The loaders were good and did a great job, no damage. SML, however, decided to charge my credit card more than agreed amount per the contract. I didn't go ver my 3 hours. I also called SML to let them known what happened with the crew and they did NOTHING! Instead they said thank you for letting us know. I just got off then phone with SML and advised them to refund any money they charged without my notice or authorization or else there would be consequences.. Don't use SML!

Service cost: $414

 
SML Movers has been a pretty good company the couple of times I've used them.  They were on time and professional and packed the moving truck very efficiently.  The company even told me to call them once the movers were done to confirm the finish time with them and I thought that was pretty good.  I would definitley recommend them if you need just some help moving things and you’ve already got the truck and everything else. You just need some professional guys that know how to pack a truck good and tight, this is the company you want to go with.
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Service cost: $400

Movers were late to arrive at the loading location. They got to work right away and handled my items with care, however; I have used other professional movers who worked more efficiently and with better results. One mover smelled like alcohol. During unload, several items were found to be damaged in the move. The company called and checked on the process several times, which was appreciated. Ultimatley, the loaders were only there 3:04 but I was charges for 3:30. The company rounds down on the arrival of the movers and rounds up on their departure.

Service cost: $858

II was supposed to have 2 movers arrive as I moved to D.C. Only one showed, and the other one kept claiming to be on his way, but never showed. As aa result I was forced to leave my belongings unattended in downtown Washington D.C. to help with the heavy lifting. He also mildly damaged some of my wall which I wouldn't have really minded, except he never told me and I found them after he left. The move took longer than scheduled.

On the bright side, the company did readjust my rate because only one mover showed.

Service cost: $99

Use anyone but these guys.  It appears they contract out the work.  Two "pro movers" were contracted to load a 26 foot Penske truck(Penske performance and service were exceptional).  Movers arrived two hours late, and left after three hours, with the job not completed.  We called SML, and the movers returned an hour later, completing the job.  Good thing they did, because they left all their tools behind when they left the first time.  SML movers failed to adequately utilize the blankets at their disposal, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage to our household goods.  Two weeks later I personally packed another Penske truck, resulting in no damgage for the trip to Phoenix.  We made a claim for damages with SML, and they offered a free movie through Redbox while we waited, a total value of one dollar.  What an insult!  In response, two months later we received a total of $75 dollars for damages.  The damages were solely the result of SML's shoddy packing job.  Buyer beware.  Read the contact.  SML will pay for damages during the loading process and unloading process only, not for damages as a result of their totally inadequate packing.  I am guessing that their business model includes the fact that most people will not secure and attorney or go to small claims court when things go wrong.  They just refuse to acknowledge their liability.  Very bad experience with these people.  When arriving in Phoenix, we hired two idle moving guys, for a total of $250 to unload.  They did an outstanding job and were outraged with the damage they saw as a result of SML incompetence.

Service cost: $500

We used SML becuase of a discount we received from Penske when renting a truck.  We moved from Seattle to NYC and were on a tight timeline to both move out of our condo and again to move into the apt in NYC.  We used SML to hire the Load and Unload only and opted for Professional movers because of the tight time we needed people who "knew" what they were doing or I would have gone to Home Depot and hired people off the street.  That is exactly what I should have done -- hired randoms and would have gotten a MUCH cheaper rate and better service all around.  Like another reviewer said, they farm the labor out so they can't do anything you can't do yourself.  I'll say the unload was fine, albeit expensive, but fine.  The LOAD was the most miserable experience I have ever had.  We have moved approx 10 times in the last 12 years, so I'm comfortable knowing how long a move takes.    First, a few days before the move I got a call that they needed to move the load from 12-1 show up to 1-2.  Which was fine becuase I had to reserve the loading dock and it was ready at 1.   Second, on day of move I got a call that they were early and on their way!  GREAT!  Until I got another call 45 mins after the crew was to arrive that they sent the wrong crew and the other crew was almost done (running a "few minutes late") and on their way.  So that was 1:30 pm.  Around 2:15 I called back to the dispatcher of the moving company and he said that he told me they were running late and to hold on they were on their way.   An hour later I called again to find out where they were and no answer.  I called SML and they couldn't get ahold of the moving company either and they would keep trying and call me back.  I NEVER got a call back.  I had to call them.  Everytime I had to call them.     I'll just keep saying "ditto" over and over because this went on for about 4 more hours.  The moving guys were always "on their way".  The moving rep (not SML) told me he was sending me a 3 person crew instead of the 2 that I paid for because of the delay -- after 6 hours and dozens of phone calls trying to find the crew, only 2 guys show up. They were actually really nice guys -- this has NOTHING to do with them other than the fact that they had just worked the last 10 hours on another job, so they did not move as fast as I needed them to and we were 6 hours behind on a cross country drive.   Also -- let me note that when SML says "Professional" movers they ONLY mean they show up with a hand dolly and plastic wrap.  This was a "summer Job" between high school and college for these guys.   So starting at 6:30 PM to move out of my condo it took about 5 hours to complete the job.  Really should have taken 3 hours if the guys weren't competely exhausted.  I am lucky that my condo has a separate hallway and service elevator and I could move out at any time -- but MANY buildings have specific hours to move.   Oh yeah, and basically once the crew arrived SML had closed for the day.  So the issue I had with the 3 person crew that ended up being 2 I couldn't get resolved -- not that SML could have done a single thing about it anyways.   it took 1 month to get the charge from SML.  And they had the GALL to charge me overtime for their terrible contractors.  I certainly called them to get this taken off and I got a 25% discount.   NEVER EVER will I use SML again.  I will use movers again sure, but SML provides no service whatsoever.  These aren't their employees, they are contractors.  So if you get a terrible moving company all they are going to tell you is "sorry my hands are tied".  You should go direct to the moving company, I know I will from now on.  Their value is that they make sure things go smoothly --  well, they suck at that.  Even on the load the crew was 15 mins late and they could never tell me exaclty when they'd show up.  So if you want to truly pay the middle man with no added value, go for it and GOOD LUCK.              .

Service cost: $550

Please ignore ANY positive testimonies as they most likely are written by the STAFF who work at SML! I was promised a refund for contracting for 4 hours, and the workers stayed for two! This is a boiler room operation, and if you are renting a Penske truck, your local company will have movers that are HIGHLY recommended..and at half the price! Save your money! Save your frustration! Save your precious belongings! DO NOT go with SML, and DO not be deceived by their false advertising!

Service cost: $500

The two gentlemen who loaded by truck in Salt Lake City were outstanding. On time, professional, courteous and efficient. They were truly a pleasure to work with and I should know, I have moved at least 4 times in the past 4 years. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the crew who unloaded at the other end. I would have given SML a perfect 5 stars had the two guys doing the unloading not broken off the side table and drawer from my BBQ. They tried to carry the BBQ by lifting the ends, which are aluminum attached by sheet metal screws. The BBQ is a beast, but they should have been more careful and seen that it should not have been lifted by the ends.  I can still use my $1,000 BBQ, but not the side table that contained the drawer. It was destroyed. My wife managed the unloading, as I was out of town. So she did not see the damage until after the guys left and they certainly did not raise it to her attention and simply left the drawer on the ground next to the BBQ.

Service cost: $650

I used SML in a move from Tampa to Denver in the month of October, 2014.  The loading crew in Tampa worked hard, but were not that experienced in loading the truck.  Left some large items to be loaded last which caused them to back track and load again.   The Denver crew was a disaster, to say the least!!  One good person showed up on time and after waiting an hour for the second one, we decided to go ahead and unload the truck into the garage.  We succeeded in unloading the truck completely and the second person had still not shown in almost 5 hours!!  The truck was returned to the rental company and finally after 5-1/2 hours, a second crew showed.  During this wait, the company offered no solutions other than to refund the Denver portion of my fee.  I refused to accept this solution and they finally said they were going to do me a "favor" and send out a professional crew at no extra charge.  My overall experience with SML was not good and I would never recommend them!!

Service cost: $400

SML loaded a 16-foot Penske rental truck in Virginia for a cross-country trip to Minnesota.  The truck was unloaded by another company.  Two men did the loading in Virginia, which included boxed items, furniture, and a spinet piano.  The crew arrived on time, worked continuously and energetically, and made helpful suggestions about the loading process.  They estimated the amount of time needed correctly, and were especially diligent in securing the load.  At destination, NO breakage or load shifting were evident.  In fact, the unloading crew commented that,  "Whoever loaded this truck knew what they were doing.".

Service cost: $449

While on-time workers were not fully experienced, tired, and not capable of accomplishing loading task in a timely manner.  Lost a day's worth of packing time.  Had to step in to assist and advise.  Slow with lack of teamwork.  Required another day to get the job done.  Eventually they got the job done and packed van well.  Should have been done in one day; but workers were too tired to perform properly. Cost me extra money to get the job done, doubled the expense!  .

Service cost: $1000

Loaders at origin site arrived on time.  I communicated to them that I had a combination of boxed items and vintage antique electronics which needed to be blanet wrapped.  They did a good job arranging the truck load with a mixture of the boxes and antiques.  After wrapping several items with tape around the blanets I communicated to them that wrapping with blanets without tape would be sufficient.  Overal the packing was accomplished in a good time with precision .  Unfortunately everything was in a sub floor basement and required elevator waits for each load.  I was satisfied with the loading.  The unloading at the other end was a little easier.  I had pre set up racks in the storage area which they filled with the electronics.  The ubloaders were able to fit everything from the 27 foot truck into my 10x30 feoot storage unit while providing me a walkway from the front to back of the unit.  Overal the unpacking and item setup was accomplished in a good time with precision .

Service cost: $800

My contract was only for an unloading service in Ohio.  After arranging the service, I was provided with a detailed account of the contract in an email, along with a number to call if I had any questions or concerns.  On the day of the unloading service, the two men arrived on time.  We previewed the layout of the house and the types of furniture that would go into each room.  The men went right to work, and began taking furniture into different parts of the house.  If they weren't sure about the location of an item, they never hesitated to ask.  On larger pieces that required teamwork, they communicated well with each other about the best procedure to use.  They were very careful not to damage any furniture or house walls and doors.  By the end of 3 hours, they had moved the last piece of furniture.  Their effort and cooperation were outstanding, and their courtesy and professionalism exceeded expectations.  The cost of this service was very reasonable.  I would highly recommend this service to anyone in need of it.

Service cost: $237

First of all, scheduling the move on the web site and talking to the representatives couldn't have been easier.  They answered all of our questions and explained the entire process, including our options.  The moving men showed up on time, and were very professional. They loaded furniture and other items from our house and then loaded items from a storage unit.  They did a gread job.  They were careful moving everything, and did a great job packing the truck.  We would recommend them in a second!

Service cost: $375

As part of my move from SF to DC I booked 3 movers via the Penske Truck rental site. I was initially going to use my previous movers however Penske sent me a substantial coupon. What went right: The truck was packed. What went wrong: They were very late and instead of showing up in a reasonable sized vehicle as I was living in downtown SF. They showed up in two 30 foot trucks that took them over 30 minutes to park making them even later to the schedule appointment. I called SML twice before the move out date to ensure they understood where I lived and that showing up in large truck was not necessary. When they left they lied about the amount time they had spent on the job site. Upon arriving in DC I found they had not listened to a single request I had about packing the truck. They damaged my tv by placing book boxes on top of the unit and crushing the box. I had asked them to not stack anything on top of the 4 boxes with large green arrows that displayed what way to orient the boxes. One of the boxes was fully upside down they other three were crushed by much heavier boxes. When the SML rep. called me she not only talked over me the entire conversation but she couldn't keep her story straight between what they were promising to do and what they would do to rectify my situation. She also had completely inaccurate times of when they were at the job site and when they had left. Off by HOURS. I am now 4 weeks out and I have not yet heard back from SML about my issues and I doubt I ever will.Avoid avoid avoid.

Service cost: $300

Movers were hired for unloading only. They arrived on time; were careful, courteous and did a good job.However, the support from the office showed a lack of knowledge. I had indicated to both the national and local office that a 4 wheel dolly would likely be a must for a very large piece. I was told the movers would not have one with certainty by both the national and local office on multiple occasions. As a result, I went all the way across town and rented two 4 wheel dollies. When I returned, the movers were there (early) and said they always have 4 wheel dollies, and that the office should know that. I had to return the dollies and pay for them to ride both ways in my trunk.Otherwise, things went smoothly, and the movers were careful, courteous and very helpful.

Service cost: $400

I hired professional movers with this comlany to help me unload a storage unit and pack up a moving truck.  They had 3 hours to do it in and actually got it done in 2 hours.  I did not have enough things to fill the truck and I was moving almost 2,000 miles.  The guys worked very hard securing and tightening down things so that it wouldn't move and they did a great job!  When I got to my destination it had not moved or shift at all.  Everything was perfect!!  Thanks guys you were great!   .

Service cost: $374