Who Gives A Shit: Which Moving Companies Don't Suck?

Image via PARK SLOPE LENS

I have a rule: once I hit 30, I'm too old to help my friends move their shit, and vice versa. No amount of free beer and pizza can get me there. So it's no surprise that now, as I approach the 3-0, I'm faced with a challenge: what am I going to do when I move out of my own apartment? 

Ladies and gentleman, it's time to research movers.

I've heard plenty of horror stories from people who hired movers in the past; damaged furniture, massive delays, crazy hidden fees -- it's enough stress to make your head spin. I've never heard anyone actually praise a moving company though, so imagine my surprise when I searched Yelp for moving companies near Park Slope and found not one, not two, but THREE moving companies with 4.5 to 5-star reviews in the Park Slope area.  

Of the three, Band With A Van seemed to have the most consistent praise (and the catchiest name). Business owner Rob P. formed the company in Spring 2007, when his band decided to turn their "touring van" into a side business. As he explains, "Years of hauling and handling expensive and fragile musical equipment was inadvertently training us to become expert movers." Smart, right? Rob P. seems to be a real catch in the business. Almost every review on Yelp recognized his expert service: prompt, efficient, well-priced, and apparently, a total nice guy. Plus, he offers 10% off if you book him a week in advance! Definitely my choice.

Though seemingly, I couldn't go wrong with the other two choices. Greenbaum Expert Moving has a review posted just yesterday that praised their speed, care, and attitude. Owner Granger and his crew received a lot of praise for their ability to roll with the punches (ie, putting together furniture for clients, navigating crowded streets and tough construction zones, etc..). But the pricing is the real star here. As Yelper Brendan C. explained: "Their pricing is extremely fair. They only charge you for the time they take to move you, not for transit time before the move starts. There were no hidden fees at all." That's a huge bonus.

Top Hat Movers also did well with Yelp reviews, though I'm always a little nervous when the latest review is from almost seven months ago. Still, they get high praise, and they're the only movers who gave out their home base location (Park Place between 6th and 7th Ave). Owner Robert (another Rob?) can supposedly be a little chatty, but everyone thinks he and his guys are way nice. Plus, he rents out reusable plastic bins to use instead of cardboard boxes that they'll deliver before hand, and pick up after you're done unpacking. Great idea! The environment thanks you, Top Hat Movers! 

So all and all, at least three good options -- a far cry from what I expected to get after all the tales I'd heard about awful movers. But we all know that FIPS readers are tougher judges than most. So tell me friends - anyone disagree with the choices above? Have a moving company to suggest? Tips to watch out for? Any horror stories to share of your own?  Have at it!