Family Movers Express - Review by All Movers

You might think all movers do the same thing – pick up box, put box in truck, drive – but the devil is in the details. Here is the breakdown of what they actually offer.

Knowing what they do is different from knowing how they do it. Having worked in logistics, I know that a smooth move is 90% preparation and 10% heavy lifting.

First, you reach out for a quote. You can do this online or over the phone. I always recommend the phone. You get a better feel for the company’s vibe.

When you contact them for a Family Movers Express review of your inventory, they will likely offer a video survey or an in-home estimate.

Do the in-home estimate if you can. I cannot stress this enough. If they don’t see that weird heavy cabinet in the corner, they will charge you extra for it later.

Once they see your stuff, they provide an estimate. This is where you need to pay attention. Is it a “non-binding” estimate? Run away. You want a “binding” or “binding-not-to-exceed” estimate. This protects you from price hikes on moving day.

Their customer support during this phase is usually pretty snappy. They want your business, after all. But make sure you ask about the “change order” policy – that’s the form they make you sign if you suddenly decide to move ten extra boxes on the day of the move.

On the big day, the moving crew shows up. Hopefully on time. Family Movers Express generally uses their own branded trucks, but like many companies, they might partner with local agents for the labor in remote areas.

Here is how it usually goes down:

• The Walkthrough: The foreman walks through the house with you. This is your time to point out the antique dresser that is wobbly.
• The Prep: They start wrapping furniture in pads.
• The Load: They play Tetris in the truck.
• The Paperwork: You sign the Bill of Lading. Read it. Seriously, read it. Before finalizing documents, glance through our checklist on understanding moving contracts.

If there are damages, you have to file a claim later. Their policy on this is standard – 60 cents per pound per article is the basic liability (which is worthless if your TV breaks, it pays out like $30), so ask about Full Value Protection.

Speaking of moving, if you are still trying to figure out where to go, you might want to look at some data on where everyone else is heading. I was reading this interesting breakdown of top cities people are moving to, and it might give you some inspiration if you are still undecided.

Okay, let’s strip away the marketing and look at the reality. No company is perfect.

These numbers change wildly depending on the season. Moving in July? Add 20-30%.

I know, I know. “How much is it going to cost?” is the only question you really care about. The honest answer is: It depends.

However, based on average normalized moving cost data and what I’ve seen in customer experience reports, here is a ballpark.

Also, just a side note – if you are looking at moving something non-traditional, like a mobile home, none of these numbers apply. That is a specialized service. I actually wrote a separate guide on how much it costs to move a mobile home because the logistics are totally different.

Because they operate on a hub-and-spoke model, they have physical locations in major metro areas but service the spaces in between using long-haul routes.

While they are expanding, their primary operational hubs tend to be concentrated in:

• East Coast: New York, New Jersey, Florida corridor.
• Midwest: Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
• West Coast: California (LA/Bay Area) and Washington.
• Texas: Dallas and Houston.

If you aren’t near a hub, don’t panic. They likely still service your area, but you might have a longer arrival window for the truck.

So, here is the million-dollar question. Would I, Sarah Mitchell – who has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of logistics – hire them?

Yes, but with conditions.

I would hire Family Movers Express if I was moving a standard 2-3 bedroom home and wanted a balance of professional handling without paying “white glove” luxury prices. They are solid. They show up. They generally care.

If you aren’t feeling it, or if their quote came in too high, here are some options:

• For the Budget Conscious: Look into U-Pack or PODS. You load, they drive. It saves a ton of money, but your back will hate you.
• For the “I Don’t Want to Lift a Finger” crowd: United Van Lines or Atlas Van Lines. They are the big boys. Expensive, corporate, but they have massive resources.
• For Local Moves: Check your local community forum. Sometimes a small, local guy with five stars and one truck is better than a national chain for a cross-town move.

By the way, if you are looking into alternative housing types or moving structures, don’t forget to check the specifics on costs.