What My Move from Illinois to Massachusetts Really Cost Me
As told to moveBuddha
- Sally B. moved from Chicago, Illinois, to Brighton, Massachusetts, in August 2022 for a new job, a 980-mile move with a one-bedroom apartment’s (680 square feet) worth of belongings.
- After comparing four quotes, she hired Mayzlin Relocation, and her Illinois to Massachusetts move cost $3,663, exactly matching her original quote.
- This is Sally’s story, shared as part of moveBuddha’s Better Moves Project.
This story is based on our conversation with Sally B., who moved from Chicago, Illinois, to Brighton, Massachusetts, in August 2022 using Mayzlin Relocation. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
I had a new job waiting for me nearly 1,000 miles away, and I needed to figure out how to move my household goods from Chicago to Brighton without spending a fortune. I looked at full-service movers, moving containers, and truck rentals through U-Haul, but Mayzlin Relocation stood out for their customer service and a quote I could actually work with.
My husband and I decided to save money by packing ourselves and letting Mayzlin handle the loading, transportation, and unloading. Since I wasn’t moving any valuables or specialty items, I skipped moving insurance through Mayzlin and didn’t buy a third-party policy either.
I started the process using moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator to get a sense of what I’d be spending.
My Mayzlin Relocation experience at a glance
Here’s a quick summary of how my move went:
- Communication: Mayzlin communicated consistently via phone and email, but they could have done a better job keeping me informed while my things were in transit.
- Customer service: Getting a quote, scheduling a virtual tour, and asking questions throughout the process was easy and straightforward.
- Timeliness: Mayzlin picked up and delivered my household goods within the agreed-upon timeframes, and my delivery arrived earlier than I expected.
- Loss and damage: Most of my belongings arrived in good shape, but the movers were rougher with my boxes and furniture than I would have liked. I didn’t file a claim, though.
- Would I use Mayzlin again? I’d consider hiring Mayzlin Relocation again, but I’d also explore other options before committing.
rating
4.79 / 5
Why I chose Mayzlin Relocation
I liked that Mayzlin is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), has strong online reviews, and specializes in long-distance moves. After using moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator for budgeting, I got quotes from a few companies on their best long distance movers and best moving container companies lists.
Mayzlin came through with the services I needed for a price I could afford, and their attention to detail sold me. I also liked that they offered a virtual tour instead of an in-home survey, and provided a fixed quote rather than a non-binding estimate.
Once I decided, I booked quickly and paid a deposit to lock in my date. The main thing I’d handle differently would be asking more questions upfront about how proactively they’d communicate during the move.
rating
4.79 / 5
My move at a glance
| Moved from | Chicago, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Moved to | Brighton, Massachusetts |
| Distance | 980 miles |
| Move date | August 1, 2022 |
| Move size | 1 bedroom apartment (680 square feet) |
| Moving company | Mayzlin Relocation |
| Moving quote | $3,663 |
| Actual cost | $3,663 |
Quotes I compared
Here’s how the four quotes I received stacked up, from least to most expensive:
| Company/move type | Estimated weight | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| U-Pack (moving container) | N/A | $2,411 |
| Mayzlin Relocation (full-service) | 3,101 pounds | $3,663 |
| Safeway Moving (full-service) | 4,550 pounds | $5,000 |
| New City Moving (full-service) | 3,920 pounds | $7,147 |
Pickup day
Leading up to the move, Mayzlin communicated consistently. They reached out a few days before to go over the inventory list, then again two days ahead to confirm the schedule.
The movers also called a few hours before they arrived to make sure I was home. The crew had trouble finding my apartment because the area has a lot of parking restrictions and one-way streets, but they showed up on time despite that.
They handled my furniture and boxes more roughly than I would have liked, and a few things got scuffed in the process. On the positive side, my husband and I were able to relax on the front steps while the crew worked, and everything was loaded onto the truck in just two hours.
Delivery day
Mayzlin could have been more proactive about communicating while my things were in transit. This caused some stress because I needed a date-specific parking permit for the moving truck in Brighton.
Fortunately, Mayzlin let me know on Monday that the truck would arrive on Wednesday, which gave me just enough time to get the permit sorted.
My household goods were delivered on the second day of the delivery window, just six days after they were loaded in Chicago. After a quick look around, the movers got to work, and I checked each item off the inventory list as it came in. Everything was accounted for, but I was frustrated with the minor damage from the rough handling on pickup day.
Final thoughts
Overall, my experience with Mayzlin Relocation was a positive one. I made it to Brighton in six days and hit the ground running with my new job. The customer service, consistent communication, and competitive price made this a manageable experience, even with the rough handling and the gaps in transit updates.
There were two things I wish had gone differently. I wish the loaders had been gentler with my boxes and furniture, and I wish Mayzlin had given me more advance notice on pickup and delivery dates. The customer service during the quote process was stronger than during the actual move. But when it was all said and done, Mayzlin got my things across nearly 1,000 miles for a reasonable price, and I’d consider using them again. I wouldn’t rule out other options, though.
Ready to compare quotes for your own move? Use moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator to see what long-distance movers are charging for routes like yours.
Tips for future movers
These are the practical steps we recommend based on Sally’s experience:
- Compare at least three to four quotes: Prices for the same move can vary dramatically. Sally’s ranged from $2,411 to $7,147 for the same basic move. Use moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator to establish a baseline, then get quotes from several of the best interstate movers before deciding.
- Ask about delivery notification windows before you book: If you’re moving to a city with permit requirements or street parking restrictions, find out upfront how much notice your mover will give before delivery. Waiting until you’re mid-transit to ask creates unnecessary stress at the finish line.
- Read the Mayzlin Relocation company review if you’re considering them: Sally had a positive experience overall, but knowing what to expect from communication and handling can help you ask the right questions before you sign.
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