Safeway Moving Review 2024: Real Customer Experiences
Here’s the bottom line: Safeway Moving is one of our favorite and consistently top-rated companies, particularly when it comes to long-distance moves. Our readers say they appreciate Safeway’s balance of affordability and quality service.
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
Every move has its snags and surprises, even when working with a stellar company like Safeway. When Isabel made a cross-country leap from California to the Big Apple, she learned that New York City’s weekend moving restrictions would delay Safeway’s delivery of her belongings by a couple of days.
Those kinds of setbacks are beyond anyone’s control. But what Safeway did have control over was how it handled the situation, and Isabel was impressed with how well they communicated issues that arose. In fact, she said, in general, the company stayed in touch with her throughout the entire process.
We’ve gathered hundreds of honest, in-depth accounts like Isabel’s through our Better Moves Project. Hear what she and some of our other readers had to say about their move with Safeway to decide whether the company is right for you.
Pros & cons of Safeway Moving
- Triple-check verification system to ensure accurate quotes
- Flat-rate pricing and price matching, so you don’t have to worry about
hidden fees - 30 days of free storage included with all interstate moves
- Veteran-owned company that offers military discounts
- No local moves
- Not ideal for small moves
- No online tracking options while your belongings are in transit
Jump to the Safeway Moving info you’re looking for:
What customers had to say about Safeway
We’ve heard from lots of our readers who hired Safeway Moving for their relocations. Overwhelmingly, they walked away from the experience happy with Safeway’s professionalism and pricing.
Like Isabel, Melissa was pleased with Safeway’s communication before, during, and after moving day and leading up to the delivery of her items from Florida to her new home in Tennessee — despite some slight annoyance when her rep was nearly an hourly late for one of their calls due to technical issues.
We think it’s important to manage expectations and understand that things like that can happen during even the most well-planned and executed relocations. Melissa’s move was not without a few more hiccups and headaches. Her items arrived in Tennessee in lightning-fast time — just four days (Safeway had estimated it would take 10). But she was a little disappointed to see that a couple pieces of furniture had suffered some slight damage — a leg was broken on a cabinet and there was a small tear in her couch. Neither were significant enough to warrant filing a claim, though, and a moving crew member was actually able to repair the cabinet on the spot!
That kind of service might be why, despite some bumps along the way, Melissa told us she wouldn’t hesitate to use Safeway again in the future. The accurate quote she received (her final costs were actually slightly under her initial estimate) and quick delivery trumped anything that didn’t go quite as seamlessly.
We know that every move is different — and so are people’s experiences working with the same company. Here are some insights on Safeway Moving from a few other Better Moves participants.
Safeway pricing: How much it costs to move
Safeway Moving stands out for their free quotes and competitive, transparent pricing. Safeway offers a price-match guarantee if you are able to find a lower quote from another moving company. They also have discounts for service members and an early-bird deal.
Safeway even gave Joshua $400 off for booking his 2023 move from New Jersey to New Orleans on the phone. While that’s a great incentive — and Safeway does have a thorough process for calculating accurate quotes, even by phone — we recommend in-person or virtual estimates whenever possible to avoid surprise charges due to miscalculations.
Joshua would certainly second our recommendation. His initial over-the-phone quote jumped up almost $1,000 on moving day because he underestimated the total weight of the belongings in his 675-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment.
The good news is that Safeway now requires video surveys for all moves as part of their triple-check verification process. While a virtual walk-through with a moving rep will take a little time, it’s worth it in the long run to get an estimate that closely matches your final price. A moving rep will be well-equipped at itemizing household goods, estimating your move size, and anticipating any additional expenses like long-carry or stair fees.
Below is a breakdown of the quotes Joshua received based on moving an estimated 2,500 pounds approximately 1,300 miles before ultimately selecting Safeway:
| Company | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | $4,300 |
| American Van Lines | $5,800 |
| US Relocation, Inc. | $3,100 |
| Jersey Moving Pro | $5,200 |
Joshua did the right thing by getting quotes from multiple companies before deciding on the best option. You can use our moving cost calculator to quickly gather and compare costs.
Here’s what some of our other Better Moves participants paid for their move with Safeway:
| Better Moves Participant | Approximate Distance | Route | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shannon M. | 550 miles | Boston to Richmond, VA | $7,774 |
| Laurel H. | 1,730 miles | Saratoga, CA, to Austin, TX | $11,900 |
| Christian T. | 2,900 miles | Brooklyn, NY, to San Francisco | $4,731 |
Safeway Moving services
- Long-distance moves: Safeway Moving is our pick for best long-distance movers. They serve all 50 states, and deliveries include GPS tracking and barcode-scanned inventory.
- International moves: Safeway provides some international relocation services, although its specialty is interstate moving. Safeway has limited global relocation information on their website. If you are making an international move, contact a customer service representative for more information.
- Packing and unpacking: Professional movers will wrap, pack, cushion, and label your household goods and fragile items and unpack them at your new home. Last-minute packing services can also be provided if needed, but will likely result in an additional charge if they weren’t part of your original quote.
- Custom crating: Safeway can provide custom crates for packing heavy, fragile, high-value, or oddly shaped items like electronic equipment and art to ensure they’re not damaged during shipping.
- Comprehensive insurance: In addition to the basic coverage the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all moving companies to provide free of charge, Safeway has optional full-value protection. That more comprehensive coverage provides compensation of $6 per pound for damaged, broken, or lost items, compared to $0.60 per pound with the basic plan.
- Storage options: If you need to store your possessions before moving them into your new home, Safeway will keep them in a climate-controlled storage facility for up to 30 days free of charge. They also offer long-term storage solutions for commercial or personal goods with no term limits. You can cancel at any time to avoid charges for the upcoming month, which will then be prorated.
- Flat-rate pricing: Safeway moving experts use virtual walk-throughs to provide accurate quotes and prevent any hidden fees at the end of your move.
- Price matching: Safeway guarantees that it will meet or beat lower quotes from qualified competitors.
- 24/7 customer service: Safeway’s moving experts are available at all times by phone to ensure any questions or concerns you have about your move are addressed immediately.
rating
4.85 / 5
89% of users select this mover
How Safeway stacks up against the competition
Safeway Moving stands out for providing quality service at a reasonable rate, and our readers overwhelmingly praise their efficient and skilled moving crews. But depending on your specific needs and budget, another pro mover may be better-suited for you.
Take a look at how Safeway compares to three of our other recommendations for best moving companies: Mayzlin Relocation, JK Moving Services, and International Van Lines.
| Company | Our Rating | BBB Score | State Availability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.85/5 stars | B- | 50 | Overall value |
| Mayzlin Relocation | 4.9/5 stars | A- | 48 (not in AK or HI) | Personalized service |
| JK Moving Services | 4.6/5 stars | A+ | 50 | High-end moves |
| American Van Lines | 4.5/5 stars | A | 48 (not in AK or HI) | Moving experience |
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Safeway Moving vs. Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation is a family-owned moving company that provides professional services with a personal touch.
Mayzlin consistently receives high marks from our Better Moves participants for the one-on-one attention they give their customers. Michelle was anxious about hiring a mover to relocate her belongings — particularly her 3D printer — but liked how Mayzlin’s moving rep instantly put her at ease and handled her household items with care. Although her final bill was a bit higher than anticipated — $180 extra in long-carry fees — she thought the company’s pricing was fair and accurate.
In comparison to Safeway, Mayzlin has the upper hand in its ability to provide local moving services (something Safeway doesn’t offer). They also have a straightforward cancellation policy that includes a full refund if you cancel seven days before your move date.
However, while Mayzlin offers full-service packing and unpacking, they don’t have crating options like Safeway. While they technically serve all 50 states, Mayzlin is primarily based on the East Coast, and availability can be somewhat limited in other areas. They also don’t service international moves.
Safeway Moving vs. JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services is a high-end mover that provides true white-glove service and uses AI technology during the quoting process for accurate quotes. Like Safeway, JK Moving also has secure, climate-controlled storage options and specializes in long-distance moves. JK Moving only provides local moves within Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
The biggest drawback of JK Moving is price, which is typically much higher than Safeway and other competitors. This means JK Moving likely won’t be the best fit for budget-minded customers. But some people, like Shannon, don’t mind paying more for premium service.
Shannon has used JK Moving in the past but for her most recent move in 2023, chose to go with Safeway to save some money. Comparing the two companies, Shannon had a good experience with Safeway… but a better one with JK Moving. She said while the move with Safeway went smoothly, communication was spotty and she hit a few snags in terms of pricing.
Safeway Moving vs. American Van Lines
Like Safeway, American Van Lines stands out for its affordability. And as a pro mover with a reputation for experienced crews, American doesn’t skimp on service in order to keep costs low. American only handles domestic moves with the Lower 48, so if you are in Alaska or Hawaii, Safeway is the better choice.
Based on feedback from Better Moves participants like Kathy, American Van Lines seems on par with Safeway in terms of professionalism and efficiency. Kathy describes an overall positive experience with American, despite her moving date being unexpectedly pushed back a couple days. However, others, including Jen, say that professionalism was a bit inconsistent, resulting in some delays and damage.
American provides the same 30-day free storage deal on all long-distance moves as Safeway, and can similarly build customized crates for artwork, antiques, electronics, and other large items that don’t fit into standard moving boxes.
Where American edges out Safeway is in terms of its specialized moving crews. American’s team of movers has an average experience level of 10 years, and crew members are required to undergo ongoing training and certification for pianos and antiques.
How moving with Safeway works
Safeway operates a nationwide network of partner locations. This large networks allows Safeway to offer affordably priced full-service moving services year-round. So, even in the summer — when peak moving season is in full swing — they can get a moving truck to you.
After you book your move, you will typically be assigned a moving date based on your preferences and when moving crews are available. Prior to that reserved date, your moving coordinator will give you a moving-day time range of a few hours for when the moving crew will show up.
If you’re planning to use Safeway for a cross-country move, be aware of the possibility that your items may go into storage while another truck is procured to transport them to their final destination.
For example, Christian told us he was happy with the crew Safeway sent, which arrived at 10 a.m. and finished loading by 1:30 p.m., but he was surprised to learn his items would be stored in New Jersey until a truck bound for California showed up. It took 60 days from Christian’s moving date for his items to finally arrive at his new home in California.
Typically, items will be delivered within 30 days, but unforeseen issues like inclement weather, equipment issues, or logistic delays can push back your delivery date, particularly when you are making a cross-country move.
FAQ
What are the best moving companies?
The best moving companies include Safeway Moving, one of our top recommendations for long-distance mover and among our list of the best international movers. However, there are other full-service movers worth considering, including Mayzlin Relocation and American Van Lines.
If you’re looking for a more DIY approach, we suggest you check out options like U-Pack or Budget Truck Rental, another two of our picks for best long-distance moving companies. Just keep in mind with DIY moves, you’ll have to do the heavy lifting yourself. And truck rental companies require that you also transport your belongings yourself.
Where is Safeway Moving located?
Safeway Moving is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and offers moving services in all 50 states.
Is Safeway Moving a scam?
No, Safeway Moving (also known as Safeway Moving Systems) is not a scam. They’re registered with the FMCSA.
However, there are other moving companies that also use the name “Safeway” that unfortunately are shady. To make things simple, this is Safeway Moving, Inc.’s website. That link goes to the Safeway Moving discussed in this review. Be wary of any other sites that use the name Safeway Moving with small tweaks to the website or company name — this is a common sign of a moving scam.
Does Safeway Moving’s services include cross-country relocations?
Yes, Safeway Moving services include cross-country relocations. Safeway specializes in long-distance and cross-country moves. For example, several moveBuddha Better Moves Project participants have used Safeway to move from New York to California (or vice versa).
Can I find customer reviews for Safeway Moving online?
Yes, you can find customer reviews for Safeway Moving online through the moveBuddha website and other consumer feedback sites. In addition to checking reviews on websites like Google or Yelp, moveBuddha’s Better Moves Project offers in-depth reviews of actual customers who used Safeway Moving for their moves. These reviews provide a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of their moving experiences so you can get a better idea of what working with Safeway Moving is like.
Our rating methodology
At moveBuddha, we understand that all moving companies aren’t created equal. We undertake a rigorous review process to rate and review companies like Safeway Moving to ensure we provide accurate recommendations.
Here’s a breakdown of the methodology we use to rate movers:
- Customer satisfaction: In addition to looking at reviews with the BBB, Google, and other third-party sites, we rely heavily on interviews with Better Moves Project participants to understand the pros and cons of each mover.
- Standard services: We look at what services are included as part of a company’s standard offerings, and which ones you can only get for an additional fee.
- Reputation: We evaluate a company’s industry ratings, including aspects like carrying sufficient insurance coverage and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Add-on services: We look at any add-on services that can simplify a move, such as custom crating or storage options — services that aren’t offered by all moving companies.
- Availability: The areas a company serves — as well as whether they offer local, long-distance, or international services — is another important consideration. Widespread availability is most useful.
- Type of mover: A moving company’s capability (such as full-service vs. DIY) will directly impact its service offerings.
- Payment: Ease of making a payment (including submitting a deposit) with multiple options (credit card, check, cash, etc.) can also make moving easier.
- Scheduling: How easy is it to book a move? What kind of lead time is needed? Readily available booking services and streamlined scheduling will help get your move underway.
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