Simple Moving Labor

Rented a Penske truck for a partial move and hired for loading only. We upgraded to Pro Movers because we needed laborers with basic tools.  While we were very happy with the Pro Movers, we were surprised to learn that they came without any tools whatsoever.  Thankfully we were able to improvise and our truck was loaded within the 3 hour minimum. We would recommend SML with the caveat being that you make sure that the Pro Movers actually bring tools!! Would definitely use SML again!!

Service cost: $500

We paid premium for the "pro" movers assuming they had experience and knowledge in how to best load the truck. They were hard workers but not the "pro" quality I was looking for as they didn't pack the truck in a way to maximize the space. They left the heavy stuff for last and packed it all on one side, making the truck lean to the right. It was nice to have someone else do the labor but I don't think we received the "pro" movers, more the muscled helper type.
Also they called Thursday letting me know that the Saturday move we scheduled (as in two days away) was no longer available. We had to wait until Monday to get the services. They did discount by 10%, but it cost us in valuable time.

Service cost: $517

I used SML for moving labor only. The two "pro movers" showed up about 30-60 minutes late. They did call to notify me of this. The movers were two young males, one of which smelled as if he had been out partying the night before. They both appeared to struggle with the planning of how to go about moving the furniture off the truck. I had to coordinate the entire move of furniture into our condo unit. They did not seem to have alot of experience moving this size of truck into a high rise unit. They did not pay close attention to the care needed when moving antique furniture, I.e. hitting door frames, walls, etc. There was minor damage to a couple of pieces (not note worthy for a claim) but still would affect my decision to choose SML again. Lastly, one of the individuals would wander off to talk on his cell phone while we were trying unload the truck. This is very frustrating when I was being charged by the hour. The men were very strong and capable of lifting heavy pieces but just lacked the experience I was expecting when electing the "pro-mover" option.

Service cost: $700

The overall customer service was good. The company seemed will to address my needs as timely as possible. The price was affordable and the sales representatives were respectful and willing to help me figure out how to stay within my budget and get the most benefit. The loaders were polite and understood my need for time efficiency. They had experience on how my items needed to be loaded and tied down. They excepted that some of my items where very precious to me would show extra caution. The loaders answered my questions & concern with respect. They had energetic and happy attitudes. They were patient with me & my family. The loading and even the reloading went well.  .

Service cost: $700

Loading June 30, 2015
Unloading July 03, 2015
 
I was given SMLs info when I booked my Penske truck.  I needed help just to load household items into a truck in Philadelphia.  I booked "Pro" movers becasue the SML attendent on the phone scared me away from "helpers"    On the day of the move I was given an arrival window of 8am-9am.  At 9:05 am the "pro mover" called me on my cell and told me he was given the wrong address and he is 1 hr away.   Have no other option I checked the address with him and waited.   Soon after SML rep calls to make sure they arrived (around 9:15am)  I told her no they haven't, they have the wrong address and will be 45min. longer to get to me.   I asked her if she can refund the $90 they chanrged me for "travel fee" She sternly told me its impossible that they have the wrong address and it takes them 45 min. to get from their office to my location.  I explain that we are already outside of the arrival window and they are late.   She clearly implied that I was making up the address excuse to get a discount.  I told her to call the movers and find out what is going on. She returned my call at 10am (still no movers) and confirmed that the address was wrong, but blamed it on the movers end.   She then would only offer me $30 discount. At 10:30 the "pro movers" arrived.   They had no tools, gloves, or lifting equipment (dolly, furniture cart etc).   One was a young boy who told me he is a cook and is just filling in for a day.  The older man had moving experience but was reluctant to load the truck they way I wanted.   He had his way or no way.  It took them 4 hours to load 1/2 of a 26' truck.   I also booked 2 Pro movers in Phoenix to help unload.  These two were much better.  They atleast had a hand truck but they were far from being "pro".   I would consider them helpers but I was charged $400.   Overall my exeperience with SML is sour.  Yes I got my stuff loaded and unloaded.  But I feel like I was cheated and I wasted my money.  I will surely book elsewhere next time.

Service cost: $800

We recently used this company to move us from Chicago to Florida . We hired Promovers to load the truck and Helpers for the unloading. Both sets of guys at the two locations were there in time and ready to work. The Promovers did an excellent job of utilizing every inch of the truck and carefully wrapped and protected all our furniture. We had zero damage upon arriving in Florida. The Helpers emptied the truck in record time and had all of our items placed in their respective locations in the new house. I had such a great experience with this move I have already hired the company again to help move my parents. Definitely a more cost effective way to move and very professional people. Overall the entire move cost us about $1,600 including the truck and movers, far cheaper than any other professional moving company we priced.

Service cost: $1600

We needed movers to unload our Penske truck rental into a storage unit. It was on a Sunday so could not use helpers only promovers on Sunday. The charge was $346 plus $40 travel fee for 3 hours. The men were young and capable. They had water and I bought more for them as SW Florida is warm in June. They worked hard as basically laborers . My 24 year old grandson was probably older than them and helped keeping it moving in the truck and daughter pointed out where to put things in the storage unit.As it came close to the 3 hours mark they hustled. They were always polite and nice. Three people would have been better.

Service cost: $386

We had two excellent helpers for our move. They met us at the storage unit and did an excellent job bringing our boxes and furniture into storage. One of the helpers had had some previous experience and was very helpful in getting the most stuff into the smallest space. They were able to extend their time with us to accommodate our move which was very helpful. They were careful and hard-working and we definitely feel like we got the full value and more for our expenditure.  .

Service cost: $452

Using SML was very easy and convenient. I did a load only and the move ended up taking an hour longer than I originally paid for, but I got a huge discount from Penske, so it ended up not being too bad overall. They did accidentally call me an hour early, but realized their mistake and ultimately showed up on time during the agreed upon window of time. I used professional movers (you have the option of using professional or just "helpers") and they did an excellent job wrapping things and packing the truck. Overall it was a good experience.

Service cost: $289

I have used moving labor before, but in Cincinnati, OH, so I thought I knew what I was in for here.  (Professional, hard working crews).  Instead, I got a hard working crew that incorrectly put the length of time they worked on the form, stating that their manager would fill in the out time, not me.  I disputed that with SML and they did honor my reported time. Then there were the damages.  I provided 2 dozen moving blankets for a small 1 bedroom move.  And yet, my mattress and couch were slid across the loading area floor and dirty.  When I sent photos and a damage request to SML, the response I got was that they weren't responsible.  I'm livid, but just so over even talking with them that I don't want to keep fighting. However, I am sure posting a review here.  Go with another company.  This one isn't worth the hassle.

Service cost: $905

Overall using SML to help unload our truck went well. We hired two professional movers for the minimum 3 hour time limit. They arrived about 20 minutes late. That could be attributed to traffic, but with an hour window to arrive I don't think there is an excuse for lateness. The biggest problem we had was that one of the movers was a woman who was not dressed for moving (leggings, boots and a sparkly top) or capable of lifting our heavy furniture, which was the entire reason we hired the movers to help. I called the help line and the situation was taken care of by sending out someone else to help.

Service cost: $400

I booked this company a week in advance to send 2 men to load a small truck of household items - 5 heavy furniture pieces and lots of boxes. I asked that they arrive at 8am. When it was 9am, I called the company and was told the movers had until 9am to arrive. When they hadn't arrived by 9:04, I was told that "the movers said you changed the time and told them to come later." I said that wasn't true, that in fact, I had just called at 8am to check on where they were, that I did not have the movers' numbers. They called back and said they had looked at the wrong account and had told the movers the wrong time, that they would be there by 10. We called back at 10:08 when no one had arrived and spoke to Emerald Baker for 16 minutes, strive specialist, who said the movers had a personal issue. I asked which was it? They had been given the wrong time or had a personal issue. She said both. She said she was trying to reach them. She called back at 10:33 and asked if they had arrived. After talking for 4 minutes, she said she'd call back in 30 minutes, that she'd try to get a new crew. By that time, my husband and I had staged the whole area for loading. I went and found two men doing yard work and paid them for 20 minutes work to load the real heavy stuff for us. We did the rest. The supervisor called back at 11:12 to say she could get us a new crew. We cancelled them and asked for a refund, which we got. We got on the road much later than planned and were very tired. This company was untrustworthy and undependable, but did refund our money.

Service cost: $285

I used SML before when I first moved to NH and they were outstanding. The move this time was average except for Steve who I thought was good. He seemed to be the spokesman of the two. He was considerate of what I wanted. The other guy was okay, but he didn't seem to me to be using his head when it came to stacking my boxes. He put a crushed box underneath a couple of others. I hesitated at first on trying to move the boxes around while they were trying to do their job, but decided to do it anyway because it didn't make sense putting a crushed box under other boxes. Now some of the crushed boxes it would have been unavoidable, but in this particular case it was common sense. They're supposed to be professional movers, so I expect them to know how to stack boxes. I was told on my first move that helpers just help you lift things and you have to tell them where you want stuff & professional movers are supposed to know how to load the stuff which is why I went with pro-movers. He also kept forgetting that I needed certain boxes up towards the front once we got to the unloading destination so I had to move some of the stuff for him and these boxes were very obvious as to what they were, so it wasn't rocket science. Overall the move was okay; there was nothing that stood out about it. Like I said the first move was outstanding & this one was average, so it all depends on who you get. Will I use them next year when I move? I don't know, I'll have to think about it. I'll certainly be doing more research on it and not just assuming because the Penske site recommends them, that that's who I should go with.
By the way MyMovingReviews.com you need to proofread your text. Exaggerations is not spelled exaggrations. I'm assuming that's the word you meant to use.

Service cost: $563

It looked like this company was the answer to the stress of moving. It was NOT. I did not receive their "terms" until I had made my deposit. Evidently they are not liable for ANYTHING and it was my responsibility to supervise the entire loading of the truck, while their website says they are experienced and insured/bonded. That is clearly not the case. The movers did not use furniture pads though I had more than an adequate supply for them. I had many, many scratches and gouges in my furniture. The steps you have to take to even make a claim is ridiculous, and an effort in futility.

Service cost: $610

It looked like this company was the answer to the stress of moving. It was NOT. I did not receive their "terms" until I had made my deposit. Evidently they are not liable for ANYTHING and it was my responsibility to supervise the entire loading of the truck, while their website says they are experienced and insured/bonded. That is clearly not the case. The movers did not use furniture pads though I had more than an adequate supply for them. I had many, many scratches and gouges in my furniture. The steps you have to take to even make a claim is ridiculous, and an effort in futility.

Service cost: $610

We rented a Penske truck from Naples Florida and through them we were told to get a hold of SML "professional movers".
We had supplied moving blankets for the movers as well as shrink wrap. When my wife asked about tying down the load we were advised not to worry as they would take care of that. We advised we did not have any rope but they said they would take care of it.
When we arrived in Minnesota the load had shifted with substantial damage to our furniture.
When we contacted SML we jumped through hoops and sent detailed pictures and information on all of the damage.
I received a letter that the claim was denied because SML is only responsible for the loading and/or unloading of the truck.
I guess once they put you belongings in the truck they don't care what happens next.
I would suggest you don't waste your time or money working with this fly by night company.

Service cost: $200