These guys (and gals) are the real deal. They are more expensive, but in retrospect the difference was well worth it.
Moving from Los Angeles to Austin, I had originally arranged to work w/ a more “budget”-oriented moving company. The salesman was perfectly friendly, but after sending my deposit, the very next conversation I had was with an unpleasant, almost hostile dispatcher who seemed to be working out of her Santa Monica apartments. There were various other sketchy warning signs that I won’t bother to recount. I ended up canceling my “non-refundable” deposit by revoking the payment through Visa.
I was set to move the next day, so I called Northstar in a panic. Ted Tindall was extremely helpful yet consummately professional, and he found a way to accommodate us (not to say they can always do next-day moves, but at least he didn’t turn me down on policy grounds).
Moving crews on both ends were very professional. Various odd-shaped and large items were packed with no problem. It’s been a month since the move, and nothing has turned up missing or broken to my knowledge (we’re probably 90% unpacked).
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Northstar or use them again. It is NOT worth risking dealing with sketchy/unprofessional movers to save a few hundred dollars–and that’s assuming that it would’ve even saved money. (Final cost of Northstar was consistent with their estimates, whereas other companies were clearly low-balling on price in preparation for sticking you in the back end.)
First time I’ve ever used a moving company. I’m grateful I found these guys. What could have been a horror story was smooth sailing. Cheers to Northstar for being excellent at what they do.