Simple Moving Labor

The contact persons in customer service are excellent. They are timely in their responses, availability and keeping you informed of timelines.
The contracted movers in my case were delayed by several hours both ways. The contracted local unloaders were upset with this delay because they had another job later in the day that they had to cancel due to the delay.
Overall the contractors were nice and courteous and hard working.
I packed my own things. There were a couple of minor damages that I took responsibility for and did not submit a claim.
Overall it was a good experience.
I really appreciate the fact I was able to contract with SML on very short notice.

Service cost: $6800

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