What To Do if Your Movers Are Late (Or Don’t Show Up at All)

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Your highly anticipated move date is finally here. You woke up early, have all your ducks in a row, and can’t wait to get started. But where are the movers?

Waiting for 15 minutes or so past the contracted ETA isn’t a big deal. But delays longer than that— especially when paired with a lack of communication from the moving company — may be a sign of something more serious.

First up: Check in with the moving company to get an update. They may be delayed by weather or traffic. However, if they don’t communicate, you might need to start thinking of a plan B for transportation or contact someone to get started on a claims process for your belongings.

If you’re worried about this happening to you, don’t panic just yet. From contacting your moving company to reaching out to friends and family for help, we’ll explain the steps you can take to get your move back on track.


Immediate Steps to Take if Your Moving Company is Late

a woman sits on the floor surrounded by boxes with a phone in her hand

If your movers are late by 15 minutes or so, don’t worry. Instead, use the time to complete any last-minute cleaning or other tasks still on your to-do list. In many cases, the team is on its way and just running behind due to traffic or another job going over. If the delay goes beyond the 15-minute mark, it’s time to start looking for answers and, depending on what you find out, alternative solutions.

If you’re a HireAHelper customer, call us and we’ll help you work toward a resolution. Even though movers work independently of HireAHelper, we’re here to facilitate a smooth and stress-free moving day whenever possible.

Here’s what else you can do if your moving company is late:

  • Verify your appointment details. Double-check that you have the right date, time, and location for your meet-up with the movers.
  • Call the moving company for an update. Contact the company directly, explain the situation, and ask for an updated time of arrival.
  • Begin documenting everything. To make sure you don’t forget any details amidst the chaos, write down everything that happens once your movers are officially late. That includes documenting who you called and when, just in case you need to escalate the issue.
  • Keep your landlord and service providers in the loop. You may have a cleaning crew, maintenance workers, or your landlord waiting to access an empty property. Let them know you’re experiencing a delay and that you’ll update them as things develop.
  • Review your contract. While you wait, reread your contract’s delay policy. Use this information to inform your next steps.
  • Create a backup plan for help loading and/or unloading your stuff. If the initial delay turns into a no-show, you need to have a plan B. Contact anyone who can help you load and unload your truck — including HireAHelper, if you booked through us.
  • If your belongings are missing, call the authorities. If your movers showed up to load your belongings but never made it to your new home, and there’s no other reason for the delay, it’s time to contact the authorities and other governing bodies.

Hopefully, your minor delay never turns into a major problem. But if your best-laid plans truly have gone awry, it will be helpful to have a game plan already in place.

Your Backup Plan if Your Moving Help Doesn’t Show

A man looks glumly down at his phone while sitting on a plastic covered couch and surrounded by moving boxes

If your moving company is late or doesn’t show at all, that likely means you no longer have hired help to assist with your move. How you tackle this depends on the nature of your relocation.

  • For a local move: It’s time to activate your local network. Call friends, family members, long-time coworkers, or reach out through your church group or neighborhood social media page. Explain the situation and see if anyone is available to jump in. HireAHelper may also be able to help you find same-day movers.
  • For a long-distance move: You may need to hire help at your destination unless you already have friends in your new city. Just like with local moves, HireAHelper may be able to assist in booking moving labor at the last minute, so don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance.

If you planned on loading and unloading yourself but needed a truck and driver, you may:

  • Rent a truck and drive it yourself.
  • Reschedule your move through a more reliable company. HireAHelper can connect you with a trusted provider, ensuring a smooth and dependable move without any bumps.

It may be worthwhile to begin formulating your plan B while you’re putting together plan A. Take note of your second and third choices of moving companies just in case. Let friends and family know your move date, your general plan, and that you may need some last-minute help.

My Stuff is Missing — Now What?

If the issue evolves from movers being late for your final drop-off to not showing up at all, you have an even bigger problem at hand. Assuming you invested in a full-service move (that is, your movers are handling the transportation in addition to loading and unloading your belongings), the no-show means your stuff is missing. This can be a uniquely distressing situation.

A moving truck sits empty except for one lone boxFirst, know that the moving company cannot legally keep your stuff unless you’ve violated the terms of your contract. In some jurisdictions, moving companies have the right to hold onto your belongings if you:

  • Haven’t arranged a delivery time yet.
  • Agreed on a delivery time, but weren’t there when the movers arrived? In this case, you must schedule a new delivery time.
  • Haven’t paid the outstanding charges owed to the moving company.

If none of those scenarios apply, then your movers are legally required to return your belongings to you. Here’s what you should do if your moving company and belongings are nowhere to be found:

  • Call the authorities. Contact the police and inform them of the situation. Have all the important details handy, including your contract, the moving company’s name, the agreed-upon delivery time, and any steps you’ve taken to make contact and resolve the situation.
  • Buy the essentials. Put your and your family’s comfort first. Buying essentials, such as toiletries, clothes, and comfort items, may help you feel more at ease while you await a more permanent resolution. Furniture can be rented if you need a place to sit or sleep, or you can get blow-up mattresses and linens at a big box or secondhand store.

While it’s impossible to foresee every possible issue ahead of time, creating and sticking to a moving checklist can make it easier to bounce back from adversity. Creating an inventory list of everything you pack and put onto the moving truck will result in an invaluable resource if you need to make an insurance claim or sue.

Prepping to-go bags packed with essentials that travel with you instead of on the truck is a smart play, too. That way, you’ll have important items like medications, your child’s favorite bedtime books, and a change of clothes handy, just in case.

What to Do if You Can’t Reach the Moving Company

The only thing worse than a late moving company is one that also doesn’t answer the phone. Here’s what to do if you can’t make contact.

  • Try alternate contact methods. If your moving company is late and you can’t reach them using the originally supplied contact method, try a different approach. Reach out via social media, email, or by texting the number instead of calling.
  • Check online reviews for common complaints. Read online reviews to see if lateness or no-shows are commonplace for the company. This may help you decide how soon to escalate to the authorities.
  • Consider reporting to the Better Business Bureau or FMCSA. In case of serious lateness or a total no-show, report the issue to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If your move crosses state lines, you can file a report with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Recourse When Movers Are Late or Don’t Show Up

A couple sits on the front steps of their home with a laptop. Several boxes and other items are stacked all around the yard

If you’re seeking a resolution due to delayed or missing movers, start by reviewing your contract. This is your documented proof of the agreed-upon delivery date and time. Some contracts include a built-in grace period, which means a slight delay (such as a day or two) is not technically a breach of contract. This doesn’t mean you don’t have a right to be unhappy, only that you likely can’t pursue compensation.

Depending on your contract and local laws, your options for recourse may include:

Reporting your issue to the BBB or FMCSA.

When contacted, the BBB will forward your complaint to the moving company within 2 business days and request that they submit a formal response within 2 weeks. The moving company is not obligated to respond, but many do to maintain a favorable BBB rating. Complaints filed through the FMCSA are thoroughly investigated and can become part of a company’s permanent record.

Contacting the authorities (police)

The police can help determine if the moving company has committed a crime, such as fraud, extortion, or theft, or if you’ve been the victim of a moving scam. They may be able to help you locate the movers and recover your belongings. If the crime occurred in another jurisdiction, like your origin city, you can file a report online or request a courtesy report.

Filing a lawsuit

This really only applies to missing belongings, as moving companies typically aren’t required to compensate you for a late delivery. There may be an exception if there’s a significant delay that causes you personal or financial harm, or if your items arrive seriously damaged. You can sue in small claims court if your damages fall under the small claims court cap for your state. This method is often preferred because you don’t need to pay a lawyer. If your claim is higher than the small claims limit, you can file a lawsuit in state court.

 

“…[K]now that the moving company cannot legally keep your stuff unless you’ve violated the terms of your contract…[If that doesn’t] apply, then your movers are legally required to return your belongings to you.”

 

Note that many contracts have a clause requiring the contracted parties to resolve complaints through arbitration rather than a lawsuit. Your options for recourse may be limited by the terms of your contract, local statutes of limitation, and the laws in your state. It’s always best to contact a lawyer for more details if a lawsuit is something you’re considering pursuing.


Common Reasons Movers May Be Late

Trucks and several other cars are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic

Figuring out what to do when your moving company is late may be easier if you have a general understanding of what could’ve gone wrong. Some common reasons movers are late include:

  • Traffic or route delays. Life happens, and an accident on the highway or construction could be a perfectly reasonable explanation for a late arrival. This is even more common with long-distance moves.
  • Delays on the previous job. Local movers often stack moves, meaning they have one job after another. If the appointment before yours runs over, your crew may arrive late. However, they should communicate this as it happens.
  • Poor scheduling or overbooking. Sometimes, moving companies accidentally overbook, accepting too many jobs without enough workforce or trucks. This is why it’s important to know what’s in your contract regarding no-shows and delays before you sign on the dotted line.
  • Weather conditions. Stormy weather can make it difficult to execute a timely move, or, in the case of hurricanes and blizzards, cancel your move altogether. In either case, movers should be proactive about informing you of delays or changes. Also, be aware that damage from weather, such as floods and tornadoes, is typically not covered by moving insurance.
  • Mechanical or equipment issues. If a truck breaks down or gets a flat tire, the company should inform you of the delay and their new ETA.

The bottom line is that delays happen, but great communication can make a huge difference in how the delay is perceived. Try to be patient if your movers call with a valid explanation for the delay — it’ll pave the way for a better day for all involved.


Protecting Yourself from Mover Issues in the Future

Even if it’s too late for this move, it’s never too early to prep for the next one. A few smart steps now can help you avoid no-shows, delays, and miscommunications down the line:

  • Do your homework. Look up the company ahead of time. See where they’re based and check out what past customers have said in online reviews. A little digging can save a lot of trouble.
  • Build rapport with your movers. Take an interest in them as professionals (and as people!) during your pre-move conversations. A little appreciation can go a long way in keeping your move top of mind for them.
  • Ask the right questions. Wondering what kind of equipment they’ll bring? Or if they’re comfortable handling a specific item? Ask! Professional and reputable movers will be happy to answer questions about their services and your move. This is also a good time to make sure you understand the fine print on things like damage protection.
  • Confirm your booking. Movers often call the day before to confirm, but it never hurts to take the lead. A quick call is all it takes to make sure everyone’s on the same page.
  • Use a vetted service. You can check a mover’s business license if they’re operating a vehicle, but one of the easiest ways to avoid issues is to book through a trusted network like HireAHelper.

What To Do When Your Stuff Gets Lost or Damaged While Moving

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After all the stress, money spent, and late nights packing, you’re finally at your new home and ready to unpack and settle in for the last leg of your move. Only, you discover your pricey, one-of-a-kind glass coffee table has been shattered. Or the box filled with family heirlooms is missing. Or while pulling in, the moving truck dings the fence and knocks over your mailbox.

These can be nightmare scenarios, depending on how precious the item is and how expensive it could be to replace. But there are some things you can do once you discover any damage — as well as some things you should try before you move. 


If my stuff was broken during a move, what do I do?

Did you hire movers who you suspect damaged or outright broke something? Know that even if money can’t wholly replace the item you lost, there are usually steps you can take to get compensation, both before and immediately after anything gets damaged.

1. Document the damage

For broken or damaged items, the first step is to get plenty of photos.

Those pictures will be very helpful when you file a claim, either with the moving company or with insurance (if you have it). Right after you discover the damage is the best time to do this, but even if some time has passed, any documentation is better than none.

If you’re lucky enough to have any photos of your belongings before the move (which is highly recommended), include those too for a before-and-after. Photos are mandatory for showing exactly what type of damage occurred and the potential cost to repair or replace the item.

My stuff is missing!

But what if after taking stock of everything in your new home, you realize the lamp that’s at the perfect angle for a reading light isn’t there? You’re absolutely sure you packed it, but it’s simply gone.

Obviously, you can’t take photos of something missing. Ideally, if you have one, you should go through your entire moving inventory thoroughly when your movers are finished and still there. Rushing through the process and confirming that everything made it to your destination when that’s not the case will make it much harder to locate a missing item or file a claim. 

 

“…it’s much tougher to deal with moving problems after the fact. Which is why it’s so important to work with a company that’s been pre-vetted.”

 

If it turns out something truly is missing, your only true recourse is to ask the moving company to track it down. It could have been left behind or delivered to the wrong address. (Ask your old property manager/check your old place too, of course.) Alerting the moving company ASAP is key, since the more time that passes, the higher the chance of it getting lost for good. 

(If this isn’t an accident and you think there’s been a crime, read about what to do.)

2. File a claim

Once you’ve taken stock of what’s damaged or missing, it’s time to inform the moving company of what happened.

Below is the contact information for a number of national moving companies and where you should file a claim for your lost or broken items.

How To File a Claim With National Moving Companies:

  • Allied Van Lines: Fill out their online claim form. You can also e-mail claimstrace@alliedvan.com or call (800) 470-2851 to discuss a missing item or coverage prior to filing a claim
  • Arpin Van Lines: If you need information or help filing a claim, call (855) 405-9293 and dial option 3 to speak to a claims representative or email claims@wvlcorp.com. You can also file a claim online
  • Atlas: You can file a claim directly through the Atlas® Customer Portal. If you need help, call (800) 638-9797 (ext. 2846# or 2850#)
  • Bekins Van Lines: Claims can be filed online. For assistance, call (833) 425-4982 and dial option “3”, or email claims@wvlcorp.com
  • HireAHelper: You can fill out their online claim form. There’s also the option of calling (800) 995-5003 or emailing customer-support@hireahelper.com  
  • Mayflower: Most claims can be submitted online. However, if your move took place within the state of Texas, call (800) 325-9970 to get the appropriate form
  • Moving Help (U-Haul): You can contact them or fill out an Issue Resolution request online. You’re also able to file a claim directly under the subcategory “Safeload”  
  • North American Van Lines: File a claim online, or call (800) 348-3746 or email claims@navl.com for help. Note that intra-Texas moves use a separate claims form and it must be filed within 90 days of delivery
  • U-Pack: Email moving@upack.com with your name and reference number, and they’ll send you a claim form to complete and submit
  • United Van Lines: Most claims can be filed online. For intra-Texas moves, call (800) 325-9970 for assistance
  • Wheaton World Wide Moving: Claims can be filed online. For help, call (855) 284-4011 and dial option 3, or email claims@wvlcorp.com

How To File a Claim With Local Moving Companies:

Unfortunately, there is no formal process for damages caused by a local moving company that you hire directly. That said, many local moving companies will offer to help or partially pay for damages, but it’s entirely up to them to work with their customers on a case-by-case basis.

However, if you hire a local moving company through an online mover marketplace like HireAHelper, you will be covered in all instances of damages. HireAHelper automatically steps in to mediate and get your money back.

3. File a third-party complaint (maybe)

If you submitted a claim but the moving company is not responding, or you feel that they’re not taking enough responsibility, you should file a complaint with a third-party organization.

The first organization to contact is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). You can file a complaint online for issues such as lost or damaged items, issues with the company’s license or insurance, overcharges and more.

Once you file a complaint, the movers have 30 days to acknowledge it, plus another 120 days to dispute or resolve it. (Not ideal, but it’s something.)

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. After filing your complaint, the BBB processes it within two business days. The business then has 14 days to respond from the date you filed. Complaints are usually closed within 30 days. However, if the business fails to respond, it can negatively impact its BBB rating.

If you think something was actually stolen or intentionally damaged, you should contact your local police department and file a report

4. You can also seek arbitration from the government

Another option you have if a claim isn’t being handled properly is arbitration. It’s a form of dispute resolution that allows everyone to avoid going to court. Interstate movers are required to participate in an arbitration program, such as the one offered by the FMCSA. (Click here to get started.)

What about moving insurance?

If you’re worried about any possessions being damaged, but you haven’t even hired movers yet, insurance is a possibility. Unfortunately, for reasons all too familiar, you probably won’t be able to rely on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for items lost or damaged while moving. But you’re not necessarily out of luck. 

Hired movers are generally responsible for the items they’re transporting. However, if you move across state lines, all moving companies are federally required (that means in every single state) to offer two insurance options:

  • Full value protection: This means the moving company is responsible for covering the total replacement value of any possessions that are lost or damaged. They can opt to repair or replace the damaged item, or give you cash. This is the most comprehensive coverage, which means it’s also the most expensive.
  • Released value protection: It’s free… but you get what you pay for. It provides up to $0.60 per pound of an item that’s lost or damaged. So if your 40 lb. flat-screen TV worth $1,000 gets cracked, the most you would be compensated is about $24.
  • Third-party liability insurance: Some movers may offer this separately. It costs extra but will cover any damages beyond the released value coverage, up to the policy’s limits.

Hiring movers directly means you’re responsible for most of this research and decision-making. But companies such as HireAHelper that curate and help you find the best movers also help you with all the moving insurance stuff.

See prices for movers by the hour—instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

On top of full value protection, HireAHelper automatically offers a $1,000 Safety Guarantee with every order for free, with plenty of other options to upgrade. After curating thousands and thousands of moves, HireAHelper knows everything about what can go wrong and how to fix it. It’s much easier to work with a company that knows the ins and outs of claims and insurance and has a vested interest in your satisfaction, rather than muddling through things on your own.  

Again, if you have no insurance, you should still be able to receive some kind of compensation, as long as you’re working with a licensed and reputable moving company. (It’s important to check before hiring anyone!)

What happens after filing a claim with the insurance company?

In many cases, you have up to nine months to file a claim with the company. But again, the faster you file, the sooner you’ll resolve the issue. 

After you file the claim (usually this is done online but possibly over the phone):

  • The company will respond to acknowledge they received it (generally within 30 days)
  • They will investigate the situation and eventually either offer compensation or deny the claim

Keep in mind there are some situations when the insurance company isn’t responsible for covering your damages. For example, if you choose to pack your own items yourself and something breaks, that’s typically on you, not the movers. The same is true if you pack anything that’s perishable, hazardous, or highly valuable without notifying the movers. Damage from natural disasters is also usually not covered.


Hiring Reputable Movers Is Important

You might assume that if you hire a professional moving company, they have all the necessary processes in place to handle damages. But the truth is a lot of local moving companies don’t actually have insurance or customer service in a traditional sense. And scarily enough, in some cases, you could be dealing with a moving scam. (Click here to learn more if you think you’re being scammed.)

Of course, it’s much tougher to deal with moving problems after the fact. This is why it’s so important to work with a company that’s been pre-vetted. And that’s exactly why HireAHelper exists — we built a national database of reputable movers who not only pass our strict requirements to be listed, but also get publically rated by verfied customers to hold them accountable. 

2021 Long Distance Movers Review: Should I Move With Mayflower?

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Mayflower Transit is among the big long distance moving companies, which means it does everything from packing and unpacking your stuff, to transporting it to and from your destinations. If you hire Mayflower, you serve as a manager of the process without having to do any of the back-breaking work.

But should you go with Mayflower? Here’s my review.


Does Mayflower Operate During COVID?

This company views itself as an essential service, so it is operating during the coronavirus crisis with a new set of safety precautions derived by government and public health agency guidelines. Among the measures being taken are using a virtual survey tool rather than conducting in-home estimates, disinfecting moving equipment and your stuff, wearing gloves and masks, and making sure those involved are free of COVID-19 symptoms. This is not a guarantee they would have a negative test, but it reduces risk to some extent.


What Does Mayflower Offer?

Types of Moves

  • Local
  • Long-Distance
  • International
  • Military
  • Corporate
  • Small Moves

Quotes will vary and depend on the size of your home and the distance to your next residence. But all full-package quotes include:

  • Your personal move coordinator
  • Full Value Protection (unless waived)
  • Standard transport of appliances (service/disconnect/connect not included)
  • Qualified drivers and equipment
  • Load, transport, and unload of household belongings
  • Disassembly and reassembly of bed frames
  • Standard furniture placement

Add-ons that will increase your quote and ultimate payment include:

  • Storage
  • Debris Removal

You don’t need to get this extra stuff, though. You can bring down the cost of the full-service move by customizing your packing and unpacking options. Some people hire local movers for partial packing or unpacking for cheaper, instead of having the company staff do it all.

Mayflower
Mayflower does virtual assessments for quotes now. Mayflower.com

Service Packages

For the add-ons and protection of your stuff, Mayflower has three basic full-service packages, known as:

  • Essentials ($195)
  • Plus 1 ($395), and
  • Plus 2 ($595)

Their “Plus 1” and “Plus 2” offer any one or two of the following:

Services Offered

  • Customized full-service options
  • Packing and unpacking
  • In-transit and permanent storage
  • Debris removal
  • PC and network disassembly and setup
  • Home theater stand mount setup
  • Home theater wall mount disassembly
  • Move-out cleaning service
  • Specialty items moving
  • Electronics installation
  • Car shipping
  • Crating

Now, please recognize that you’re not going to be paying a mere $195 for your move if you choose the Essentials package. This price is on top of the “base price” – your quote, essentially – which includes all the basic services of the full-package move, and is based on the size and distance of your move.

“…my estimate was about $10,000.”

Essentials is the most affordable and serves as the base package. It includes additional valuation protection, gold standard protection, claim assistance, and identity theft protection. The Plus 1 and Plus 2 packages offer all those services and one convenience service, such as PC network setup, or two convenience services, such as PC network setup and destination debris pickup respectively.

How much does Mayflower Moving cost?

Full-service moves are notoriously break-the-bank expensive, and Mayflower Transit is no exception. The average long-distance move costs $5,000, according to ConsumerAffairs.com. All packages include claim assistance, loading and unloading, full-value protection, and an assigned moving coordinator. You can also pay more to get other services added (more below).

How do I know how much my Mayflower quote will be?

Mayflower are industry veterans

To get a quote, you must get a visual estimate, which means someone representing Mayflower or one of its local affiliates will walk through your home (either in real life or virtually) to see and measure what will be moved. While this provides a more accurate price, it makes the process inconvenient when you want to quickly compare options.

Here’s what is taken into consideration when Mayflower gives you a price:

  • Date of your move – The day of the week and time of year can change the price
  • Seasonality – Summer tends to be more expensive because that is when many people decide to move. Winter is cheaper
  • Distance of your move – How far will the driver have to travel to get your stuff from point A to point B
  • Size of your home – This is a good indication of how much stuff you’ll have to have transported
  • Weight/volume of your belongings – The size and heft of your stuff plays a big role in determining the price of a full-service move

How My Estimate Went

Before the pandemic (and maybe in the future), a representative would walk you through your home to survey the items that you wanted to move. For example, I had some things I planned on selling at a yard sale, a few things that belonged to family members, and stuff I was going to toss (hello, baby toys for my 8-year-old son). Lately though, you’ll be using your smartphone to conduct the home survey that will result in the estimate of the weight of your personal belongings.

The estimate includes:

  • Your personal move coordinator
  • Load, transport, and unload of household belongings
  • Full Value Protection (unless waived)
  • Disassembly and reassembly of standard bed frames
  • Standard transport of appliances (service/disconnect/connect not included)
  • Standard furniture placement
  • Qualified drivers and equipment

Once the rep had a clear picture of what Mayflower would have to move, he used a formula to determine the weight of my goods. Then, he considered services, add-ons, and the distance (I was moving a 3-bedroom home from Fort Lee, New Jersey to Kissimmee, Florida) to determine my estimate was about $10,000. The average cost of a move is $5,000 and long-distance moves of bigger homes obviously can cost even more.

The one thing to keep in mind is that you cannot get a ballpark figure to compare prices with other companies. But even in the chat, the representative was adamant that estimates are only given after getting a visual of the stuff you’ll be moving.

“…customization allows you some control over the final price, but it all depends on the weight of your stuff and the distance you’re moving.”

Pros of Moving with Mayflower Transit

Mayflower Transit is an industry veteran.

This company is an elder of the moving industry. As a result, it has garnered years of experience transporting people’s stuff – all sorts of stuff – from state to state and even country to country. They also have a massive infrastructure that local moving companies could never compete with. Mayflower’s history gives customers confidence. After all, in an industry rife with fly-by-night organizations, Mayflower is a standout for its nearly century long endurance.

You can take advantage of add-ons.

As is the case with any full-service moving company, Mayflower will take care of every detail of your move while you serve as a supervisor. But they will go above and beyond if you want to pay extra. You can get debris removal or storage, for instance. You can even have Mayflower set up your internet at the new place. You truly won’t have to lift a finger if you’re willing to pay.

No matter where you live, you’re likely to find Mayflower near you.

Customers can receive service from one of more than 500 locations. As a result, you can get help from Mayflower from almost anywhere. In addition, Mayflower even conducts international moves, so its reach is clearly far and wide.

Mayflower now offers “Snapmoves”

In the last few years, Mayflower has built in more flexibility for its customers. The company offers Snapmoves, an option for when you might need Mayflower to move a few items or make a small move. You can mix and match services and only pay for what you need. Even if you’re making a big move, you can work with the company to ensure your move entails the services you need and nothing else. This customization is a pro because it helps you get exactly what you need and it can influence the cost of your move.

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

HireAHelper.com can save you up to 40%, compared to traditional interstate van lines.

Compare our long distance moving company options.

Cons of Moving with Mayflower Transit

You will (probably) bust your budget.

Full-service moves are notoriously expensive and Mayflower Transit is no different. The cost may be worth it to you if you cannot physically participate in your move or if you just don’t want to do the work and can afford it. More power to you if that’s the case. Most people, however, will find it hard to justify the costs when there are other options. That was my experience with Mayflower.

Getting an estimate is an inconvenient process.

To get an estimate, you must have some sort of walkthrough either with a live representative or virtually. It’s rather inconvenient because most people would much rather get an idea of the price before calling for an estimate. After all, you can easily rule out other options as you determine they are way out of your price range. But customization allows you some control over the final price, but it all depends on the weight of your stuff and the distance you’re moving. So, the only way to know for sure is to go through the entire estimate process. Ugh!

Reviews of regional agents vary from place to place.

Truly, you cannot make generalizations about Mayflower agents. The good news is that Mayflower has such a wide reach that you’re likely to find an agent nearby. The bad news is that you could have a different experience depending on where you are. The quality of service and some of the details of your move could change from place to place. This means you’ll have to research reviews and learn about the differences among local Mayflower agents.

Long distance move alternatives to Mayflower

There are a number of companies specializing in long distance moves, most with similar pricing, operations, services and follow-up processes.  Our sister company Moving Place can also adapt to your move, either if you want to drive or want to hire someone to do the long distance drive for you, at a reasonable price.


Want to learn more about Mayflower? Check out Mayflower’s review on Moving101.
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