1-800-PACK-RAT® Reviews
We used 1-800-PACK-RAT for a long distance move. Overall, we were satisfied, but the first drop off and pick up (in our home state) were a mess. Our previous home was in a neighborhood with street parking, hills, and narrow streets. I communicated all of this information when making the original order. However, it seemed to be difficult for the drivers for pick up and drop off. The first driver was able to drop off the container, but stated that the hill was difficult and advised us to leave extra space for the pick up. The information was helpful, but also difficult as the whole neighborhood uses the street parking. The driver who arrived for the pick up (round one) was not able to collect the container due to inadequate space, according to him. I called customer service at that time and complained because the amount of space was two car's lengths, which is what we were informed to leave. We scheduled a future pick up. In the meantime, I was traveling by car to the new destination, and planning to fly back for final repairs to the home, surrendering of keys, etc. Unrelated to PACK RAT, I was in a collision during the drive and my vehicle was totaled. This meant that all of the items in my vehicle now needed to go in the container that was supposed to still be in front of my home since the original driver was unable to collect it. Fast forward to my arrival home, and I learned that a driver had been in the area so the container had actually been picked up earlier than scheduled (second scheduled date). This was definitely meant to be a courtesy of PACK RAT since I had difficulties with the original driver, but due to the new circumstances, I was actually happy to still have the container...except then it wasn't there. I scheduled a visit to the storage facility, and was able to put the items in at that time, but it was definitely a frustrating course of events. Once the container was sent to my new state, everything was a breeze. We stored it for nearly three months, and visited one time to collect some items from it. Delivery to our new home was easy, and the driver was awesome for both drop off and pick up. I was very worried about space since the drivers in our home state (Missouri) had so much trouble, but the NC drivers were super chill and didn't have any trouble. The driver who dropped off the container even took time to talk with me about the best position to ensure it would be able to come out easily without requiring me to be there for pick up the next day. Our items were secured since we used packing straps and blankets as advised by PACK RAT. There was some moisture in the container near the door, but our items were safe and nothing smelled mildewy. No items were broken during the move. A spice rack fell from its original position, but that was probably related to the fact that I hastily threw it in at the last moment.
I hired Pack-Rat at the very last moment, since a regular moving company tried to take advance of me by asking double the quote I had received. I called Pack-Rat at 3:30pm asking if they could come and pick up my goods the very next morning at 8am and THEY DID I also had immediately helpers to load everything into the container. What a relieve having them, not only is a quote you receive from them a final quote with no variations, you know exactly how much it will cost you from beginning to the end - this was an 1100 mile move and everything arrived on time and intact. It is actually amazing just how much a container is able to hold of your household goods. I have been very pleased.
My brother used them when he moved from CT. to FL. and recommended them to me. I used them when I moved from RI. to FL. and they were great. Much cheaper than a commercial moving company. And the container is always in the vertical position when it is loaded onto the truck and when it is unloaded so the contents don't get tilted back and have everything sliding back against each other. If I had to move again (why would I want to move from FL back to New England and the cold and snow) I would use them again.
For the type of move I did, Pack Rat was the best option for my family and I. The container size, logistic planning, and price were exactly what we needed. One great thing was we were assigned a moving counselor who was our point of contact for the entire move. Scheduling the drop off was a breeze. The drivers who delivered the containers were very professional and worked with us in drop off, placement, and pick up of the containers. We used two 16' containers. It was a tight fit, but enough for our belongings. We'd definitely use Pack Rat again for our moves.
Use of shipping containers was a great option option for us as we were building a house and not sure of a closing date. We stored our household goods for three months with Pack Rat and 8 months with PODS. All goods were delivered exactly the way we packed them. We used one PODS 16 foot container and three Pack Rat 16 foot containers. Pack Rat was easier to do business with than PODS option, less expensive, and had a better solution for the load/unload process. Pack Rat also included 20 furniture pads per container and a lock for our long distance move at no charge. PODS does not provide any pads or a lock. Suggest you shop both companies plus others offering container shipping to make sure you get the latest good deal. I preferred Pack Rat over PODS.
The container leaked a little bit at the doors and ruined 2 mattresses. The customer service representatives were always friendly and courteous whenever I called to check the status of the pod's delivery. The driver for the delivery was very professional and expert at maneuvering in a tight parking lot!
The 16 ft container holds alot more stuff than it looks like, when loaded properly (tight also prevents damage). It enabled us to move a 1200 sq ft 2 bedroom condo with alot of furniture important to us a REASONABLE cost versus other options quoted. PackRat provides alot of information at time of booking and during the process, with automated calls and emails. Follow it; they have the process down pat. Container drop off and pickup times varied due to drive schedules but happened the days we asked for. Be very sure to use the weight estimator spreadsheet early in the process to be sure you do not plan to take to much in one container & overload the container in terms of weight (even if there is space).
I have only the highest comments regarding the entire experience of moving my belongings and storing them while I house-hunted, from start to finish. I was extremely pleased from the first phone call to discuss the service and costs, until the pod was removed from my final destination. All aspects of the service was performed in a positive, professional and helpful manner. The only damage to any property of mine was done by me, when I dropped items on the floor as I was unpacking. I was so pleased to see that my items were in the exact same position after a 1000 mile move, as they were when I locked the pod after it had been packed at the beginning of the trip. This included moving it for storage in the Tampa warehouse and moving (at no charge) onto the warehouse parking lot to allow me to retrieve some items I needed while the pod was in storage. I would highly recommend them, and already have.
Excellent communication with all the personnel. Every employee is courteous, efficient, and professional. Container was clean and strong. No damage to my goods in transport. Pick up and delivery of container was very efficient. Personnel, again, the best! Super nice people, very considerate and customer oriented. I will use them again, and I will recommend them to my friends.
Pack Rats was wonderful while scheduling the pods for delivery and pick up at our home in Ohio, BUT, once we wanted then delivered to our new home? What a mess! We were told while still in Ohio that the pods had been moved to TN. But when we called to schedule delivery in TN, we found out they were still in Ohio. It took 4 days of continuous calling before we finally got our pods. Meanwhile, we had to sleep on the floor.