If all goes well, I'll be moving to a new apartment next month. It's a fairly easy move--studio to studio, both in elevator buildings a few blocks away from each other on the UWS. I searched these boards, and three of the most recommended companies are Oz, FlatRate, and West Side. I called all of them for estimates. Oz quoted $380 plus travel and West Side $480. (The FlatRate quote was $950, so... [more]
If all goes well, I'll be moving to a new apartment next month. It's a fairly easy move--studio to studio, both in elevator buildings a few blocks away from each other on the UWS.
I searched these boards, and three of the most recommended companies are Oz, FlatRate, and West Side. I called all of them for estimates. Oz quoted $380 plus travel and West Side $480. (The FlatRate quote was $950, so I'm ruling them out immediately.) I'm leaning toward Oz since they're hourly, and I strongly suspect that my move will take less than their 4-hour estimate. (I'm packing everything myself, have very little furniture, and my current building's freight elevator is right outside my apartment.) I'm going 6 blocks so travel time should be minimal. My only hesitation is that the Oz might stretch the time necessary to do the job and therefore run up the cost?
Any opinions on West Side vs. Oz? I'd love to hear from anyone who has used either/both of them, especially for small, "in the neighborhood" type moves.
Also, anybody have experience/advice on bedbug-proofing during a move? I just read an article that said many people pick them up from moving vans, etc., and I do NOT want that to happen! Seeing a mover on the street with one of those filthy blankets that they use for padding just freaked me out even more.
I'm planning to provide my own blankets, pack all clothing, linens, etc. in sealed Rubbermaid-type containers, and am considering wrapping my couch and mattress in some kind of plastic. Other tips?
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Response by deanvlajos
about 15 years ago
Posts: 8
Member since: Feb 2010
I used Oz for a 1BR move from Gramercy to the UWS. They were totally good - came in 200 under their quote. Reliable and pleasant guys to deal with. One thing broke, but it wasn't really their fault. I plan to use them again, assuming my next move is in NYC.
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Response by KeithB
about 15 years ago
Posts: 976
Member since: Aug 2009
I know many who have used OZ and were very happy. I must say I am surprised by Flat Rates qoute. They moved us from a 2 bedroom elevator building in NYC to a house in NJ with stairs, $1100. They were top notch all the way.
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Response by lkat75
about 15 years ago
Posts: 12
Member since: Mar 2009
I used Oz twice and was very happy with them. I called around to all the main movers, and their per man per hour rate was cheaper. Remember, make sure you are comparing per man hour, if a place is cheaper, but they are sending you 3 instead of 4 guys, it makes a difference.
If I recall, they had a 3 hour minimum travel time, and from your description, its probably what you will end up using. Keep in mind, that while you may pack yourself, they will offer to pack up small boxes and other small items not packed in wardrobe boxes and lease them to you. They say it helps them move quicker, which when watching them, I would agree, but that would be your call.
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Response by realestatejunkie
about 15 years ago
Posts: 259
Member since: Oct 2006
I have used Oz twice and have been happy with their level of service. Not the cheapest service but were reliable, efficient and friendly.
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Response by ananaj
about 15 years ago
Posts: 20
Member since: Feb 2008
Oz are great. I used them and that was the best part of my move:)
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Response by nyc10023
about 15 years ago
Posts: 7614
Member since: Nov 2008
I've used Flat Rate many times over the last 12 years:
1) Within Manhattan, 4x, and once they had to store our stuff w/ short notice
2) from NJ to Manhattan, 1x.
Never a problem and I always tip 20%.
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Response by nyc10023
about 15 years ago
Posts: 7614
Member since: Nov 2008
And I don't know what the staff at Oz is like, but the FR folks were non-shifty. I'm always afraid that people who work for movers "case" the joint.
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Response by UWS9
about 15 years ago
Posts: 35
Member since: Feb 2009
I just used Oz for a move and found them disappointing. Promised six men and came with four. Also said would use new materials (avoid bed bugs) and used old material. Team was friendly but did not deliver
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Response by NYCGNatt
about 15 years ago
Posts: 5
Member since: Aug 2010
If Oz blindfolded you before the move and said, we'll get everything from your current place to your new place, clean and undamaged and cost-efficiently, ... would you have been happy when you arrived at your new place?
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Response by UWS9
about 15 years ago
Posts: 35
Member since: Feb 2009
problem with having too few men is that it took them 3 hours longer and we missed the building deadline
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I used Oz for a 1BR move from Gramercy to the UWS. They were totally good - came in 200 under their quote. Reliable and pleasant guys to deal with. One thing broke, but it wasn't really their fault. I plan to use them again, assuming my next move is in NYC.
I know many who have used OZ and were very happy. I must say I am surprised by Flat Rates qoute. They moved us from a 2 bedroom elevator building in NYC to a house in NJ with stairs, $1100. They were top notch all the way.
I used Oz twice and was very happy with them. I called around to all the main movers, and their per man per hour rate was cheaper. Remember, make sure you are comparing per man hour, if a place is cheaper, but they are sending you 3 instead of 4 guys, it makes a difference.
If I recall, they had a 3 hour minimum travel time, and from your description, its probably what you will end up using. Keep in mind, that while you may pack yourself, they will offer to pack up small boxes and other small items not packed in wardrobe boxes and lease them to you. They say it helps them move quicker, which when watching them, I would agree, but that would be your call.
I have used Oz twice and have been happy with their level of service. Not the cheapest service but were reliable, efficient and friendly.
Oz are great. I used them and that was the best part of my move:)
I've used Flat Rate many times over the last 12 years:
1) Within Manhattan, 4x, and once they had to store our stuff w/ short notice
2) from NJ to Manhattan, 1x.
Never a problem and I always tip 20%.
And I don't know what the staff at Oz is like, but the FR folks were non-shifty. I'm always afraid that people who work for movers "case" the joint.
I just used Oz for a move and found them disappointing. Promised six men and came with four. Also said would use new materials (avoid bed bugs) and used old material. Team was friendly but did not deliver
If Oz blindfolded you before the move and said, we'll get everything from your current place to your new place, clean and undamaged and cost-efficiently, ... would you have been happy when you arrived at your new place?
problem with having too few men is that it took them 3 hours longer and we missed the building deadline
That's a legit issue.