Caveat Emptor

Not much of a post today, just a strong warning to anyone out there who is moving, contemplating a move or has ever moved. Whatever you do, DO NOT use World Wide Moving Systems.

Unfortunately, my good friend (and former roommate) found out entirely too late about this wretched and infuriating company. She hired them to move the contents of her one-bedroom apartment from Baltimore to Boston. Reasonably easy task. No complicated furniture. No baby grand piano or antiques. Should take a day to a day-and-a-half maximum.

WWMS picked up her stuff on June 16 and estimated they would be in Boston by the 17th or 18th. This was perfect as my friend had until July 1 to settle into her new home, unpack, organize, etc. But her whole plan came crashing down as the moving company kept delaying delivery, again and again and again. Finally her stuff arrived yesterday, July 2.

Not only did they repeatedly delay, but they also damaged numerous items beyond repair. Three of the four legs on her kitchen table were broken as were the chairs. Boxes appeared to have been sat upon by the likes of Shrek, the Jolly Green Giant or some far more nefarious creature. Bookcases and storage shelves were busted apart and rendered useless. She estimates the damage at nearly $1000.

I know moving someone else's stuff takes a certain amount of panache. I've helped plenty of people move and I know that sometimes little things can be broken. I would completely understand a folding table getting trapped in a compromising position or wine glasses breaking. But how does a licensed and bonded company take 2 1/2 weeks to drive a mere 400 miles and arrive with items that seemingly survived the siege of Beirut?

This holiday weekend, do yourself a favor and save yourself a lot of headache - don't use this company. EVER.