I made the move from NY to VA in November. A modest move of a 1-BR apartment. All of my belongings to be loaded & moved were in a relatively small 10x10 storage unit in Long Island. I had no idea who to hire, so I did a search online and filled out online forms to figure out my estimate. Suddenly I had over a dozen moving companies calling me wanting my business. You will surely experience this as well. The fastest to the phone was Joe at Beckens Moving. These guys are quick to spring into action and promise you the sun and the moon for a cheap cost. I sis some research and saw the very poor BBB rating (which they are no longer affiliated with) and asked them about this. Joe dismissed it completely, stating that they stand behind and guarantee everything he also went into how many things are wrong with the BBB and that it is no way to judge a company. All sounded sweet and he sounded sincere. I was suckered. John at Experienced Van Lines also scoffs at the BBB and will try and make you believe that the BBB are absolute frauds.
What went wrong and why you should go elsewhere: I was assured of guaranteed delivery (which I paid an additional $450 for) by a certain time. They were late and did not fulfill this. Upon inquiring about getting a refund for this wasted money, I have yet to hear back from them after repeated calls and emails. BTW, they were also late in picking up as well. scam!
Irreparable damage was done to my dining room set, wooden bookshelves, couch and other items. You have to go out of your way and go through a whole hell of a lot to submit a claim -- not even sure if I am receiving any refund as the entire process is painfully slow. Beckens sends you elsewhere for this anyway and passes the buck to others.
I was given an estimate of about $1500. Now I did have many more boxes than I had initially estimated, but the whole move cost me over $3200! FOR A 1-BR APARTMENT!!! I know full homes that were moved for less than this! You get 3 Russian guys who speak broken English that come to the site and rip you off, trying to explain to you why the price us escalating. And they are already there...you have your plans set at this point...you are screwed and at their mercy. Let me repeat, $3200 to move a 10x10 unit of space when I was quoted $1500. Listen, I was suckered as I am sure others have been here. I lost my money already. I requested that they look over the prices and be given a refund of some kind. They were not having any of this. They got what they wanted. So fine. I lost big time
But if I can get just one person (at the least) to read this and NOT hire Beckens Moving Company (NY) or Experienced Van Lines (as they are the same company), then I win and can sleep better at night knowing they suckered one less consumer. Beckens Moving & Experienced Van Lines (the whole partnership is sketchy) will be poor communicators AFTER they get your money. DO NOT HIRE THEM! You can even call or email me and I'd be more than happy to explain in more detail for you. Anything I need to do to keep them from ripping off someone else. They talk a good game to get the job and sound cordial and honest and professional. Don't be suckered. Email or call me -- look elsewhere for a BBB company rated much higher. Thank you -- and happy moving!!! | 
