Arena Van Lines

I will say one thing in their defense, they were lied to by Real Time Relocation the same way I was, but beyond that, they contributed to the a disaster of a move. Can't get anyone on the phone, overseas call center. First: only 1 guys spoke English. The company obviously didn't even take the time to teach them basics like recognizing the word FRAGILE. Secondly: they should have at least had them read the children's book "Big Bird's Big Blunder" about stacking. I have moved myself every other time, but with 2 kids that weren't able to help and my wife's health issues, I had to contract the move. But I have learned in all the others a few simple things. One of those is you have to take your time, because when you are packing, you put the heaviest on the bottom, so you have to take things out, then set them down and repeat so the heavy is on the bottom again. They didn't. So heavy boxes on top of fragile items. You also don't put the face of a cabinet toward anything that can damage it. If you absolutely have to, at least turn the back to it. Hand painted hutch that looks like someone took a hammer to it. Third: FRAUD. We were told it was OK to pack light things in the cabinets and drawers. They took things out to bump up the volume and charge us more. They took things out of one cabinet and left it's twin full. Took things out of one dresser and left the other full. Took wicker baskets out and put them in a box. Fourth: Didn't know how to put things in the house. Didn't bother to stack things, so you couldn't walk in any room in the house. They didn't place furniture. Damaged the stuff they did place. I'm scrambling trying to establish some sense of order, but wasn't fast enough so they left stuff in the driveway to get destroyed by water. As you have heard from other reviewers (see YELP), DON'T USE THIS COMPANY. Plan your move early, before you need to get out of your current residence and if they show up REFUSE. You may get pushed into using them as others have stated, but be sure that you tell the contracting mover that if Arena Van Lines shows up, the contract is void. Put that in writing.

Arena Van Lines advertises nationwide moving, but they actually sub-contract to low-end mot-of-state moving companies when the delivery occurs. They assured that our belongings were going to be stored in safe indoor facility close to our new home. But they lied when we saw that the storage unit was an outdoor, dirt-floored shed. They mishandled our storage bins and delivered mud-covered cracked bins, 2 missing, with broken/damaged items inside. Then this other moving company, Freedom, hastily delivered late at night. NIGHTMARE!

Arena Van Lines moving crew, impressed with their speed and cooperation on the big day.

The consultation process was greatly simplified by our relocation coordinator, was not only helpful and understanding, but also kind and patient. When I accidentally changed the moving date, they were there to save the day. Whew.