I. Introduction
Moving can be one of life’s most stressful experiences. The packing, the logistics, the worry about your belongings—it can all feel overwhelming. But what if there was a moving company that could alleviate that stress, handling your move with professionalism and care? Enter Two Friends Movers, a family-owned and operated moving service based in Redwood City, CA. With over a decade of experience serving the Bay Area and beyond, they promise a seamless and enjoyable moving experience. This post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Two Friends Movers, exploring their services, reputation, and key factors to consider before hiring them. We’ll delve into what makes them stand out—and what you should watch out for—to help you make an informed decision for your next move.
II. Overview of Two Friends Movers
Two Friends Movers is a family-owned and operated company that has been in business for over 10 years. They are based in Redwood City, California, and service the entire Bay Area as well as offering long-distance moves.
Who They Are:
- A family-owned and operated business
- They have over 10 years of experience in the moving industry
- They are located in Redwood City, CA
- They service the Bay Area and offer long-distance moving options
Services Offered:
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving within California and surrounding states
- Office moving
- Packing and unpacking
- Loading and unloading
- Labor-only services
- Professional piano moving
- Safe and heavy equipment moving
- Antique moving
- Junk removal and clean up
- Car transport
- Art packing
- Mounting TVs
- Jacuzzi moving
Service Area: They service a wide array of cities in the Bay Area including but not limited to San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland and the surrounding areas.
III. Reputation and Reviews
When choosing a moving company, reputation is paramount. Two Friends Movers has garnered reviews across multiple platforms, each offering a different perspective.
- Overall Ratings:
- Thumbtack: 4.8 stars with 912 reviews
- Yelp: 4.5 stars (Note: Yelp page may be unavailable)
- Google: 5.0 stars
Facebook: 5.0 stars with 2 votes
Positive Feedback:
- Many customers have praised Two Friends Movers for their professionalism, punctuality, and care with belongings.
- Reviewers have mentioned the movers are organized and efficient.
- Good communication and customer service is another positive recurring theme.
- They are often praised for their willingness to work with scheduling limitations.
- Some reviewers specifically mention that the movers are kind, careful, and hard-working.
Mixed Reviews and Complaints:
- While many reviews are positive, there are also complaints and mixed feedback on various platforms.
- Damage to Property: Some customers reported that the movers damaged their property and the buildings they moved into.
- Unprofessional Behavior: There are mentions of unprofessional conduct by the movers.
- Subcontractor Issues: Some customers have had issues when dealing with subcontractors who are not responsive.
- Poor Packing and Careless Moving: Reviews mention instances of poor packing, careless moving and loading/unloading resulting in damage to items.
- Movers Ghosting: Some movers have been known to disappear mid-move and become uncontactable, leaving customers in a difficult position.
- Late Arrivals: Some customers have reported movers arriving hours late.
- Overbooking: There are indications that the company may overbook, which may lead to delays and other issues.
- Lack of Basic Supplies: Some movers have shown up without basic supplies.
It’s important to note that while there are many positive reviews, these negative experiences should be considered when making your decision. This post aims to provide a balanced perspective to help you determine if Two Friends Movers is the right fit for your moving needs.
- BBB Information:
- Two Friends Movers is not BBB accredited.
- BBB accreditation means that a business has agreed to meet the Better Business Bureau’s standards for trust and has passed their vetting process.
- The BBB does not have sufficient information to issue a rating for this business.
- For referral assistance, you can contact the Bureau of Household Goods and Services at 4244 South Market Court, Suite D, Sacramento CA 95834-1243, or by phone at (916) 999-2041.
IV. Services in Detail
Two Friends Movers offers a wide range of services to cater to various moving needs.
Local Moving:
- They provide local moving services for apartments, homes, and storage units.
- They aim to make the process pleasant and low-stress.
Long-Distance Moving:
- They deliver to anywhere in California and surrounding states within 1-2 calendar days.
- They offer flat-rate pricing options to avoid hidden fees.
- Note: The sources indicate long-distance moves are limited to 500 miles. However, the company also claims to serve “anywhere in California and surrounding states” which could be more than 500 miles. It’s best to clarify this with the company.
- There is a lack of specific information on the process and network used for long distance moves.
Office Moving:
- They handle office relocations with careful planning and aim to make the process smooth so businesses can get back to work quickly.
Packing Services:
- They offer full packing services and provide a range of packing materials including boxes, packing paper, tape, and bubble wrap.
Labor Only Services:
- They offer labor-only services for loading and unloading when the customer provides the truck.
- They can also assist with packing for moves within the same building, office, or home.
Specialty Services:
- They offer specialty services for piano moving, including both upright/spinet and grand pianos.
- They offer safe and heavy equipment moving, antique moving, junk removal, car transport, art packing, mounting TVs, and jacuzzi moves.
V. Pricing and Costs
Understanding the costs associated with your move is crucial. Two Friends Movers provides a range of pricing options.
Hourly Rates:
- 2 Movers & Truck: $150 per hour with a minimum of 3 hours. Recommended for studio or 1-bedroom moves.
- 3 Movers & Truck: $180 per hour with a minimum of 3 hours. Recommended for 2-3 bedroom moves.
- 4 Movers & Truck: $255 per hour with a minimum of 3 hours. Recommended for larger moves such as houses or offices.
- Labor Only (No Truck):
- 2 Movers: $140 per hour with a minimum of 3 hours.
- 3 Movers: $170 per hour with a minimum of 3 hours.
- There is an extra charge for moves over 30 miles.
- They provide free use of wardrobe boxes and moving blankets.
- Disassembly and reassembly of furniture is included.
- They also provide moving tools and dollies.
Piano Moving:
- Upright/Spinet Piano Move: Starting at $425. This is for moves from ground floor to ground floor within 20 miles and with no stairs.
- Grand Piano Move: Starting at $499. This is for moves from ground floor to ground floor within 20 miles and with no stairs.
Junk Removal:
Junk removal starts at $100.
Factors Affecting Cost:
- The overall cost depends on several factors including the size of the move, the distance, the amount of furniture, the weight of the move, any additional services requested, and the time of the move.
Flat Rate Pricing:
- Flat-rate pricing is available for long-distance moves, which ensures no hidden fees on the day of your move.
- The company does not explain how this works.
Importance of a Binding Estimate:
- A binding estimate guarantees the total cost of the move, provided the inventory and services do not change. This can provide peace of mind and avoid unexpected charges. Always ask if an estimate is binding or not.
Clarify Payment Process:
- Typically, a deposit is not required when scheduling a move. Payment should be divided between when the movers arrive and when they complete the job.
VI. How to Hire Two Friends Movers
Hiring Two Friends Movers involves a straightforward process. Here’s how to get in touch with them:
Contact Information:
- Phone: (650) 561-5233
- Email: twofriendsmovers@gmail.com
- Website: twofriendsmovers.com
- Address: 834 Willow St, Redwood City, CA 94063
- BBB Address: Note that the Better Business Bureau lists a different address: 202 Linden St Apt 4, Redwood City, CA 94061-3155. This discrepancy should be verified before making a booking.
- Office Hours: Open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Booking Process:
- You can fill out a form on their website to request a quote or contact them directly via phone.
- Normal starting times for moves are between 7am-9am or 2:00-3:30. Exceptions can be made.
What to Expect:
- Two Friends Movers states that customer satisfaction is their top priority, and they aim to work closely with clients to ensure a seamless and enjoyable moving experience.
VII. Expert Advice and Best Practices
To ensure a smooth and stress-free move, it’s important to take certain precautions, no matter which moving company you choose.
Verifying Movers:
- Check the FMCSA’s Moving Company database to verify if a company is legitimate.
- Be cautious of companies found on lead generation sites, as they may be brokers and not actual moving companies. 2movers.com is an example of a lead generation site.
- It’s often better to work with local companies that own their own trucks.
Avoiding Scams:
- Be wary of companies that ask for large upfront deposits.
- Read reviews carefully and look for patterns of negative experiences.
- Be careful of companies that do not have their own trucks, or say they have one conveniently in your area, which is often a scam.
- Brokers sell your information to other companies, so be aware of companies that do not directly do the moving but contract it out.
Protecting Your Belongings:
- Take photos of your belongings before the move, and keep a detailed inventory list.
- Verify if the movers will only insure boxes they packed themselves.
- Make sure you verify how they handle damaged items and what their insurance policy is.
DIY Moving Tips:
- The cheapest way to move is to sell everything you can and move only what you can carry.
- Consider renting a U-Haul and doing the move yourself if you are on a tight budget.
What to do if your stuff is late or damaged:
- Check this thread for advice on what to do if your stuff is nearly late or late: https://www.reddit.com/r/moving/comments/tdemx2/i_think_i_was_scammed_movers_havent_delivered/
VIII. Conclusion
Two Friends Movers is a family-owned and operated moving company offering a range of services in the Bay Area and beyond. They have a strong base of positive reviews, highlighting their professionalism and efficiency, but there are also mixed reviews and some complaints regarding damage, unprofessionalism and service issues.
Before making a decision, carefully weigh the pros and cons, and consider your individual needs and preferences. While they offer a variety of services and have many satisfied customers, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential downsides mentioned in some reviews.
Take the time to carefully plan and prepare for your move to reduce stress, whatever company you choose to hire. A well-planned move can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful transition to your new home or office.