Jackson Heights Life

i've searched jackson heights life and astorians for movers recommendations and have found scant information from the past. anyone moved recently or know of others who've moved recently? i don't have that much to warrant a big, expensive moving company. would like to find reliable, recommended movers, at about $65/hr for 2 guys and a truck.

I usually save recommendations I get via email in an email folder, so I checked to see what movers have been recommended recently on the JH families yahoo group.

These companies were recommended: Flat Rate, Personal Touch, Shea Moving, Movers Not Shakers, and JAS Art Handling and Hauling (a man w/ a van).  There was a recommendation not to use Ben Hur.

I also like to check reviews on yelp -- you could try that at http://www.yelp.com/c/nyc/movers

And a cautionary tale: the moving industry can be pretty horrible and corrupt.  I had a bad experience 7 years ago when I did a state-to-state move and the movers were so obnoxious, foul-mouthed and aggressive that I actually had to order them out of my apartment (luckily before they got any of my belongings on their truck). 

I sincerely believe that if I hadn't fired them that they would have pulled the old classic moving scam of taking my stuff and holding it hostage while they demanded double or triple the amount of the quoted cost.  This happens all the time and you can protect yourself partially by making sure your moving company does not appear on the moving black list.
http://www.movingscam.com/blackList.shtml

I used Flat Rate movers.  Most of the reputable places advertise on Craigslist, so it's hard to tell who is legit and who isn't.  I've used Flat Rate 3 times and had excellent service every single time.  Instead of charging you by the hour, you give them an inventory of what you are moving and if you have stairs, elevator, etc and then they quote you a price that doesn't change. They are professional and responsive and I would highly recommend them.  A lot of the per/hour guys will try to add on more fees once they get to your place.   

They aren't the cheapest you will find, but they are consistently ranked one of the best movers in the City and they are so careful with your stuff.  They've moved my piano three times now without a scratch.  They box up bulky items for you (lamps, computer, weird-shaped stuff) and even bring you free wardrobe boxes to use the day of the move. 

I just moved about a month ago, and I got quotes from Flat Rate and Movers Not Shakers. Flat Rate wanted $1500 to move my one-bedroom apartment, which was absurd. I went with Movers Not Shakers, who gave me a flat rate of $775. Four men showed up, and I was moved in about 4 hours, total. They were friendly, polite, and did the job fast.

Movers Not Shakers is a "green" mover--I rented plastic bins from them for only $110. None of my belongings were crushed in the move, for the first time ever.

So, my grand total for bins plus gas surcharge was $925. I thought that was pretty good. I was pleased.

Get various quotes.

No matter who you go with, NEGOTIATE! You can get the price down.

When I moved from 83rd to 77th St (6 blocks) about 4 years ago I did the unthinkable.  I hired one of the trucks - MUDANZAS (Movers) that you see everywhere.  I moved a one bedroom worth of furniture.  The cost was $250 and it went very well with NO damages.  Everyone thought that I was nuts.  I'm told that these trucks are parked on Roosevelt & 104th St looking for work and you can bargain.  Of course, its all cash.  I actually drove with driver and his helper.  If you don't get the license plate number just to be safe. 

Try http://www.divinemoving.com
Good luck

ah... the move is done and i went with excellent quality movers. igor and his buddy showed up on time with a 20 ft truck. i booked 2 guys and 20' truck for $65/hour. now with the contents of my apartment, i should have gone with the 3 guys + truck for $85/hr. the move was a total of 4 hours and i was charged about $300 for the move (including some boxes). igor reminded me that i should have gone with 3 guys and since i promised to tip "well", the whole move was $500 plus tip and no damage, on time. can't complain really. the guys were professional and prepared. i would recommend them.

the company is called excellent quality movers and i found them on craigslist. i know they have a few guys and a few trucks because i saw them moving someone while walking and noticed neither of the men were igor. i did recommend igor specifically to my friends who moved in harlem from a 3rd floor to a 5th floor walk up and they really liked igor and his buddy too. they too have said that nothing broke and got a good deal. they went with 3 guys and a truck for $85/hr and were done in just about two hours (they did move only 6 blocks away).