NYC Movers

August 10, 2004 6:25 PM

Recommendations for movers in NYC?

I'm going to be moving soon from one part of Astoria, Queens to another. I'm looking for recommendations of two-people-and-a-van-type movers (or tell me about ones to avoid.) I figure I can pack myself and move most of my boxes, and have these people just move the heavy boxes and furniture. (I'll be moving from a ground-floor apartment to a fourth-floor walkup.)

In particular, does anyone have experience with Rabbit Movers or anyone else on this list?

posted by Vidiot to Shopping (10 answers total)

Uh, me, chicobangs, and jonmc. Just buy us pizza :)
posted by adampsyche at 7:11 PM on August 10, 2004

After moving about 8 times in the NY area, we've now used an outfit called "SmartMove" who are based in Yonkers about three times now. They're maybe a little more expensive than a "two-guys-and-a-van" solution, but they're still reasonable, a legit outfit (read, insured).

We like these guys because they'll let you do as much as you want, unlike some other places that try and force you to hire them for as much time as possible.
posted by LairBob at 7:36 PM on August 10, 2004

I can't recommend any two guys and a van type stuff, but I've had good experiences twice with http://www.flatrate.com/.

You can pack yourself, and you get to know what you're gonna be paying up front.
posted by malphigian at 9:27 PM on August 10, 2004 [1 favorite]

MetaMoving Party! Woot!

No seriously, Vidiot, why not host a MeFi moving bash?
posted by five fresh fish at 9:38 PM on August 10, 2004

I highly recommend Big And Gentle Movers (718-672-4339), a bunch of Russkies run by a guy named Alex. They moved us from one place in Astoria to another without breaking a thing, in the time estimated, and at exactly the estimated cost. When they later moved us from Astoria to Peekskill, they charged more than the estimate, but that was because the move took place in a blizzard (they barely made it to the house) and took hours longer than expected; I gave them a good tip and would use them again in a heartbeat. Just supply lunch and coffee and they'll work like Stakhanovites.

Or, of course, just use the MeFi crew. But keep the whip handy.
posted by languagehat at 7:33 AM on August 11, 2004

Ben Hur - They have someone come over and give you an estimate. They hold your belongings in storage until you ask for them to be moved for a small charge (I think 20$ a month?). I used them recently to move from nyc to chicago and they were great.
posted by xammerboy at 7:38 AM on August 11, 2004

I have used Rabbit Movers twice with excellent results.
I didn't know they had gotten so big, they are FOAFs.
Nice guys, reasonable rates.
posted by milovoo at 8:08 AM on August 11, 2004

I work with a small business, and we moved in May 2004 around the NYC boroughs. We used C.G. Trucking, Inc. from Far Rockaway, tel: [phone]. They might be a bit expensive, as I think they specialize in commercial moving. (They were at least $100 an hour). But extremely professional, experienced, and friendly.
posted by naxosaxur at 8:20 AM on August 11, 2004

Response by poster: Thanks for all the great recommendations. Keep 'em coming!

Also: What's an appropriate tip for movers?
posted by Vidiot at 9:01 AM on August 11, 2004

I passed languagehat's recommendation along to other friends a while back and they also had a fine experience.
posted by Songdog at 9:32 AM on August 18, 2004