Simple Moving Labor

I hired 2 professionals to unload my rental truck at my destination. They were supposed to bring their own hand truck (dolly). They did not. Fortunately, I had rented one for the load-up that they were able to use. They did a good job moving my furniture up one flight of narrow stairs. The older of the two professionals seemed too old to be moving such large items but he managed to work the entire time. He also seemed to be the supervisor and gave direction to the younger worker.

Service cost: $250

We hired movers from SML to load a truck from a storage locker. They moved all of our large items putting much more on the truck than we could have figured out.They were fast, took great care with our furniture and when we went to unload nothing had moved. We were so thankful that we had their help.

All of the movers were knowledgeable, polite and professional. We had never used a mover before, SML changed our thinking about receiving help next time we have a large move.

Service cost: $320

We arranged for a team of two people to unload our truck. The team came from Bennett Movers in Elizabethton, TN.

The unloaders arrived on time, were courteous, friendly and professional. They were careful to take pictures as they approached each new layer of goods in the truck. They pointed out any concerns they had due to the loading (done by another company in another state).

The unloaders took care when entering the house to deliver the goods. They were careful with the goods and careful with floors, carpets and walls of the house.

They got the work done quickly and efficiently and I would recommend them to others.

Service cost: $319

I've used SML now for two moves - the first time I got "helpers" to assist with unloading at our house in CA & it was such a good experience I used them again for our most recent move from CA to OR. This time around I got the professional movers & it was a great decision. At both the loading & unloading sites, the movers were friendly, professional, extremely hard-working, careful with our belongings, and FAST. I'd definitely use them again myself as well as recommend them to friends.

Service cost: $712

I hired loaders and unloaders for my move through SML. Although the loaders were very nice and hard-working, they were extremely careless in padding my furniture and completely ruined several pieces, some of which had great sentimental value to me.

I submitted a claim to SML with 20+ photos of damaged furniture and SML had the audacity to reject it, saying I didn't have proof the stuff was damaged during the trip to the truck. My proof is they didn't use any of the 60 furniture pads I rented for them, instead telling me "I got this, don't worry. Plus pads will make it heavier to get down."

Who's every heard of a moving company that doesn't wrap/protect large valuable pieces?! Even the unloaders upon reaching my destination were shocked at the carelessness of these guys who packed the furniture.

And once inside the truck, the loaders just threw a loose pad over tops of dressers and table, no tape, which further destroyed my items in transport.

SML should be ashamed. They won't even refund me for the 45 minutes of included extra time I paid for that was wasted by the movers trying to get down a piece I told them 3 times would not fit - they of course had to lug it back up and go back the correct stairwell as I initially advised.

DO NOT USE SML unless you don't mind possible getting your furniture severely damaged by movers and then having SML tell you they will not reimburse for anything.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $774

Our movers were absolutely wonderful. They were extremely polite, on time, and efficient in loading my furniture from a 1-bedroom to a 12' truck. In preparation for the move, they contacted me five days and 1 day before the move to confirm all the details. Also, on the day of, the electricity went out for 30 minutes in my apartment building (no lights in the long, dark hallway and elevators were not working. The movers were not even phased by this issue and continued to load the truck. The entire move was completed in 1.5 hours with all furniture neatly and securely packed in the truck. Definitely worth the cost. Would absolutely recommend to others.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $220

I used SML loaders and unloaders in my move from Alabama to Arizona. I had a couple of pieces that were over 300 lbs so I had a 3 person crew at both ends. The loading crew showed up on time and were courteous and respectful. They did a good job loading but I could tell they were in no rush as they were getting paid by the hour. The unloading crew was really good. They were on time, professional and they worked hard from start to finish. They were so efficient I was able to let them go early as the majority of the work was done.

Move size: 4 Bedroom Home Service cost: $650

I have mixed reviews. First the lead gentleman was very nice and professional. I paid for a 3rd mover so that we could get it all done in 2 hours. The 3rd helper turned out to be his 17 year old son. Again all very nice guys. However I have used this company previously and it was apparent from the first 15 minutes it was never going to get done in 2 hours. The 17 year old needed constant direction which unfortunately wasn't given. There were constant stops to answer cell phones and take breaks etc. Additionally I helped move tons of stuff out of my place including helping move furniture. It ended up taking the 3 guys 3 and a half hours. As I said previously when I moved into this apartment I had the same company and they had everything in the truck and packed properly in an hour. Great guys as I said but I knew that money was the name of the game here. I couldn't just tell them to leave and finish myself. The truck was packed very well and nothing broke. Hard to write a bad review when the guys were nice and the 17 year old did what he was told, when he was told but overall I am beginning to lose faith in this company. They contract the work and its a gamble.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $600

We used SML to downsize my mother's home. We were taking about half the furniture with us and leaving the rest for staging to sell the house. Although friendly, I felt our 3 movers were in a huge hurry. I heard them discussing a bonus they would receive from their boss if they finished before a certain time. I felt extremely pressured and rushed and ended up leaving some items behind that I meant to have them put into the truck. Ironically, they were late in arriving to the home. One mover even asked for a snack when they were down. Several items arrived with scratches on them; I don't think they carefully planned how to load the truck.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $350

We needed help loading our Penske truck for a long distance move of a few rooms of furniture and small items, including antiques, heavy pieces, and glass. Our SML crew called ahead, arrived on time, listened carefully to our requirements and went straight to work. Our lead and his helper were experienced, courteous, careful, and quick. The load was well padded, well tied down and safely placed; everything made the 750 mile trip in original condition. Just as planned, very satisfied.

Move size: Partial Move Service cost: $269