Houston Moving Company - No Show?

Welcome to my blog… Just to fill you in – I work for All My Sons Moving and Storage. We’re a local moving and storage company that specializes in local moves and long distance moves. I’m writing this to help you deal with some or the not so great Houston Movers - and help you choose a great Houston moving company!

Ok, so here it is – the start of another month… That means it’s a flood of calls from people wanting to move. That means plenty of people that are pissed because their movers didn’t show up. They just left them waiting around for them. There some local movers that tell customers that they will be there and then never show up!


What happens is these companies book your move, after telling you what a great job they will do for you. They hang up the phone… Then the phone rings and it’s a larger move. You have a decent sized house… 2-3 bedrooms along with 2-3 other rooms. The problem is the next call is bigger – and these little local movers have to chase the bigger moves. If you are in an Apartment – forget it!

Go with a reputable company. Choose a local mover that will not bail out on you at the last moment. Houston’s local movers - All My Sons Moving and Storage. scrambles to get our men to cover moves that other local companies don't show up for every month. Some Houston movers use Brokers. My next blog I will cover Brokers. I’ll tell you what they are and why they should be avoided!

What are Brokers?

Hey, it’s just me again… Your friend - local mover industry… Just trying to help save you from heartache and from a nightmare move.


What are brokers? They are what some Houston movers use that give you a quote – then they auction it off to the lowest bidder. That means that the professional Houston movers that you think is showing up is sometimes a man in a pick-up truck pulling a trailer… Sometimes it’s a horse trailer!

Listen up… That is not the way to move your furniture! Those trailers do not have the suspension that a moving truck has. These people usually don’t have the experience to complete a move. Your property is damaged, stolen, and sometimes made to look like it is not broken (this can be very dangerous when you have children)!!!

I’ve seen old rental moving trucks that have the original decals removed – then local movers spray paint Moving Co. and a phone number on the side of the truck with a can of spray paint. These local moving companies are not licensed and insured.

The problem with these Houston movers and with the Houston movers that brokers send out is simple… If they get hurt in your house or even on your property they can sue you! These local companies also use untrained day laborers that are in no hurry to get the job done… Why would they? They have no guaranteed job the next day! So on top of a extremely long move – you will also have items missing!

Here at All My Sons Moving and Storage. - You talk to us, and it is All My Sons Moving and Storage that moves you! Just a great company doing a great move for you! We are a local moving company that takes pride in all of the moves we do - no matter how large or small, and no matter it it's right next door - or across the country. In my next blog I'm going to show you an example of the professional moving jobs we do!

All My Sons - A Great Local Moving Company Helping a Great Show!

Ok, so in my last blog I told you about brokers... I explained why these are bad/dangerous, and why you should avoid these. I also said that I will give an example of what a great local mover All My Sons Moving and Storage is.

All My Sons Moving and Storage. is a national moving company! We have many local locations in many cities that are local movers as well as long distance movers. Office moves, corporate relocations and residential moves are moves that we specialize in!!! Read below to see how All My Son's Moving and Storage teamed up with another great organization - Extreme Makeover: Home Edition!

All My Sons Moving & Storage Lends a Helping Hand

Kirkland, WA ─ All My Sons (AMS) is a local mover, but it's the individual attention and care given to each customer by every employee that sets this local moving company apart from others. Highly trained movers are genuinely thoughtful of every customer, and concerned about the possessions entrusted to him. The history of the family-owned company's compassion, which dates back four generations, is evidenced by the sense of personal pride exhibited by every employee.
So it's no surprise that, when asked to help a family from within its own community, All My Sons rose to the occasion. The ABC program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition selected a remarkable, Seattle area family that found themselves in despair when faced with losing their home, along with its only source of income. Connie Chapin is a single mother of three who uses the family's swimming pool to produce income, calling her business "Angelfish." An avid swimmer, Ms. Chapin teaches swimming and life-saving lessons to children, some with disabilities. She has taught more than two hundred children to swim at "Angelfish."

Just as Angelfish Swimming's numbers began to grow, Ms. Chapin received excruciating news. Her home was found to be in violation of many building codes. Although neighbors volunteered to work with her to make the necessary repairs, Ms. Chapin wasn't able to handle all of them, and faced losing her home and her business.

All My Sons Moving and Storage agreed to partner with Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Although this local mover(AMS) was asked for minimal support, after surveying the home, the local All My Sons company voluntarily contributed more in a heartbeat. This local mover utilized two trucks and four movers to make the move to their storage facility. Even All My Sons office staff voluntarily went to the house to pitch in on packing, supervised by trained packers, right along with hundreds of neighborhood and community volunteers who helped with demolition and construction.
While the Chapin family enjoyed a complimentary vacation, courtesy of Extreme Makeover, at the Disney Vacation Club in Vero Beach, Florida, All My Sons provided professional packing services to pack everything in the house, from appliances to breakables, providing all packing materials. This great local mover also provided complimentary warehouse handling into storage, sixty days of free storage, and free warehouse handling out of storage, including two deliveries out of storage in Kent, Washington. All of the services, including moving, handling and storage of 21,000 pounds of goods, were valued at $13,000 and were donated by All My Sons.

All My Sons still continues to store half of the family's belongings, which AMS will deliver with no charge to the family when it is ready.

"I'm just glad we were asked for help," comments Kermit Escribano, of All My Sons. "It's nice when you have access to exactly what someone needs to improve their quality of life. I think the work Home Makeover performs is outstanding, and I'm thrilled that All My Sons was able to help this deserving family. All My Sons is a company with a big heart, and we're happy to serve our neighbors and communities."
The scheduled air date for this episode is Sunday, December 16 on ABC.

All My Sons Moving and Storage has been a family-owned and operated moving and storage business, for four generations. The company, whose corporate headquarters is located in the Farmers Branch area of Dallas, Texas, has branch offices in 35 cities across the country. TOP

All My Sons Moving and Storage specializes in local and Long Distance Moves, Office Moves, Corporate Relocations, and Local Residential Moves.Mover of Choice For


Sundays 8/7c on ABC


Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (non-competitive), is entering its 5th season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Denise Cramsey is the executive producer, and David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA.

Houston's All My Sons Movers - Packing Tips Lesson #1

Ok - so now you know what a great local mover that All My Sons of Houston is... Now it's time that I share some packing tips that will help you ensure that you will have a great move!!!!


If you decide to pack your belongings yourself, make sure you consider the time and effort necessary to properly protect your belongings. In most cases you can save money by doing your own packing, however I strongly recommended that you let a local mover pack any fragile(s) or valuable items. When you use a Houston mover, you have the option of doing some or all of the packing yourself, or you can leave it to the experts. Discuss the options available to you with your local Houston movers.

For the next couple of days I will be giving you some lessons and tips on how to properly and safely pack your goods. Good packing is an essential key to having a great move: it's especially important that you be familiar with the techniques and boxes that will best protect your possessions. Here are a few things to remember if you have chosen to pack your own goods:

You will need to have everything properly packed and ready for loading when the Local moving company arrives. Your local moving company or Long distance mover has the right to inspect packed-by-owner items to ensure they are sufficiently packed to protect your goods.

If the local mover thinks a container is not packed properly or safely, the local mover may ask you to repack it; or the mover/ carrier may offer to repack the container for you. Keep in mind they will charge you for the service.

You must report any damage to packed-by-owner (PBO) containers on delivery day. If you fail to do so almost all local movers and long distance movers will decline any claim on PBO containers.

Use only strong, corrugated cartons with tops or flaps that fold shut. Purchasing new, high quality packing materials specifically designed for moving can really make the difference in making sure that your household goods arrive at their destination safely. Moving boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes that are specifically suited to fit a variety of household goods. Check with your local movers on prices of boxes for you. You can sometime get used moving boxes at half the price, though I do not recommend you get used boxes for packing your dishes.

What Type of Packing Supplies are You Going to Need?

Dish Pack (also referred to as a dish barrel or a dish box) - is a special box used to pack either dishes or any other type of fragile(s). The box is usually double corrugated for more protection and can some times come with inserts for glasses or dishes.

Small Box (also referred to as a 1.5 cu. ft. box or a book box) - this box is used primarily for books, allowing them to be filled completely and still easy to handle. You can also use this box for miscellaneous small items.

Medium Box (also referred to as a 3.1) - this box is 3.1 cu. ft. (hence the name) it is primarily used as the catch all box. It is strong enough to handle most things and can typically be filled to the brim and still handled pretty easy.

Large Box (also referred to as a 4.5) - this box is 4.5 cu. ft. (hence the name) it is primarily used for linens, sweaters, toys, etc.
Wardrobe Box - this box is used primarily for hanging clothes. It is not uncommon for local movers and shippers alike to fill the bottom of the box with shoes or other foldable garments.

Mirror/Picture Carton ( also referred to a corrugated container) - this box is used to properly pack pictures, mirrors and artwork. Though you can use separate pieces to protect the glass on cabinets and entertainment centers.

Newsprint - just another word for paper. It is the same things as newspaper except there is no print on it. In other words its just plain paper.

Getting Started

Before packing cartons, you'll need to wrap most items to protect them from scratching or breaking. Save old newspapers for packing material, but be careful — the ink may rub off and stain certain items, especially china and glasses. I recommend that you use unprinted newsprint. This is the same type of newsprint that most local movers will use. You should be able to purchase this paper directly from your local Houston mover!

Start by placing a small stack of paper on a flat, uncluttered table or counter top. Round glasses and jars can be rolled up in two or three sheets of paper; always begin from a corner of the sheet and fold the sides in as you roll. Large or odd-shaped items require a similar technique. Place them in the center of the sheet and bring the corners together. It may be necessary to flip the item over and wrap it again from the other side. If in doubt, use more paper! When the corners are brought together, secure them with tape.

Before packing each box, line the bottom with a few inches of wadded paper for padding. Then place large, heavy items on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on the top. Plates, books and things of a similar shape, should be loaded vertically to utilize their own maximum structural strength.

DO NOT overload your boxes; keep them to a manageable weight. Fill in any voids with wadded paper and also top off your boxes with a few inches of wadded paper. Then tape cartons securely to avoid shifting during transportation.

Packing Tips

Pack one room at a time. This will help in preventing you from getting confused or overwhelmed.
Start with pack things that you do not use often or can live with out. Make sure you do not pack items that you will need until moving day.

I highly recommend that you do not use masking tape or duck tape on your boxes. Masking tape is never strong enough for full boxes and will break. Duck tape does not stick very well and when it does stick it is very hard to get open. The most effective packing tape is poly-vinyl chloride or PVC. You can purchase this tape from your local mover.

Use newspapers only for cushioning not for wrapping items. The ink on the newspapers will rub off and can stain items such as fine china or glasses.

Do not over pack you boxes, instead try to limit your boxes to a maximum weight of 50 pounds this will allow you, the local mover, or long distance mover be able to move your boxes safely. Make sure your boxes are packed firmly and do not rattle or shift. The top should close easily without force, but should not bend inward. Seal your boxes tightly with tape.

Empty all your drawers of breakables, spillables, non-transportable items and anything that would puncture or damage other items.

Pack similar items together. For example, do not pack your china in the same box with pots and pans.
Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example, curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic bags and taped or tied securely to the article to which they belong.

Wind all electrical cords, fastening them so they do not dangle.

Wrap items individually in clean paper, you can sometimes use colored wrapping paper to draw attention to very small things that might otherwise get lost in a carton. Use a double layer of newsprint for a good outer wrapping.

Place a two or three inch layer of crushed paper in the bottom of cartons for cushioning.Build up the layers, with the heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight next and lightest on top. As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces firmly with crushed paper and add more crushed paper to make a level base for the next layer. Once the box is packed place a two or three inch layer of crushed paper on the top for cushioning.

Pack small, fragile, individually wrapped items separately or a few together in small boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded paper. Place small boxes in a single large box, filling in spaces with crushed paper.

As you finish with each box, put the name or the room it belongs to and the contents on the side of the box (for easy viewing while stacked). Make sure you indicate "FRAGILE" on on any breakables and "THIS END UP" where appropriate. I recommend that you place a sign on the door of each room at destination corresponding to the box labels so the movers can place the boxes into the proper rooms quickly.

Never pack flammable items or non-allowable items. (For example: chemicals, propane tanks, pesticides, etc.)

Make sure you pack high value items carefully. (For example jewelry, stamp collections, coin collections, etc.) I also recommend that you transport these items yourself, however, if that is not possible make sure you register these items with your local Houston Mover - so that they can pay special attention to these items.

Local Houston Mover - All My Son's Packing Tips Lesson #2

I thought I'd give some more packing details that will only help you pack your belongings carefully. Whether you plan on moving these items yourself - or having a great local mover - like All My Sons Moving and Storage of Houston move your family - these tips will help you!

Now that you know you are relocating you can begin packing your kitchen first. Start with your rarely used serving dishes, seasonal items and minor appliances. Make sure you check all your cabinets and the dishwasher to make sure you have gotten everything.

Next, pack your large serving bowls and any specialty pots or pans. I recommend that you buy some disposable plates, cups, and utensils for those last couple of days in your home. The last thing you are going to pack in your kitchen is your food and any cleaning items. Below is some tips on how to pack certain things from your kitchen:

Dishes & China

Select a medium-sized carton (or a dish pack provided by your local mover) and line the bottom of the carton with 2 -3 inches of crushed packing paper for cushioning.

Have your packing paper stacked neatly either on a table or on the counter top, center one plate on the paper.

Grasp a corner of several sheets and pull the paper over the plate until the plate is completely covered.

Stack a second plate on the first and grasp another corner of several sheets and pull them over the second plate.

Stack a third plate. Grasp the remaining two corners and fold using two sheets, one corner at a time over the plate.

Turn the wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your paper. Re-wrap the entire bundle with a couple more sheets. Starting with one corner of packing paper and pulling the sheets over the bundle, cover the bundle with the next corner, then the third corner; and finally the fourth. Seal the bundle with packing tape(packing tape can be bought from your local mover).

Place the bundle of plates in the box (or dish pack) so that the plates are standing on edge. This will allow you to utilize their own maximum structural strength. Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no voids or unfilled spaces.

Add 2 - 3 inches of crushed paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next layer.

Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls should make up a second layer.

Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in a dish pack.

Once you have finished filling the box add 2 - 3 inches of crushed paper on top and seal the top with tape.

I always recommend that you pack your delicate china and glassware in dish packs which you can purchase from your local All My Sons. These boxes are specifically designed for your dishes and are double corrugated for more protection. Make sure you label these boxes "Fragile - or This Side Up".

Glasses / Cups / Stemware

Before wrapping any of the glasses, cups or stemware, fill the inside of the glass or cup with crushed paper.

Lay the glass, cup or stemware on the corner of your packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size).

Pull the two side corners of the paper up and over the glass one at a time and tuck the corners inside the top of the glass, cup, or stemware and continue rolling to the far corner.

Place cups in a vertical position, lips down (Not on their sides), near the top of the box. Do not stack heavy items on top of the cups.

Remember, as you pack each layer of a box, use crushed packing paper to assure a snug fit wherever there is a gap. All boxes that contain fragile items should be marked Fragile.

Bowls and Odd-shaped Items

Depending on their weight, these might be used for either the bottom or middle layers.

Wrap the same way as flat plates. Stand shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) on edge in the moving carton and deeper ones (such as mixing bowls) can be placed two or three together, upside down and on their rims.

Wrap sugar-bowl lids in newsprint, turning them upside down on top of bowls. Then wrap both together in newsprint, followed by a double outer layer.

Wrap sauce containers, gravy boats and similar pieces in newsprint and then a double outer wrapping.

Place all these items upright in the moving carton, then top off the layer with 2 - 3 inches of crushed newsprint to protect the items and make a level base for the next layer

Flatware / Silverware

Loose flatware should be wrapped individually or in sets, in paper, clear plastic bags, or in small boxes that are then secured with tape.

Remember, air causes silver to tarnish so make sure all silver pieces are enclosed completely in clean newsprint and then placed in plastic bags or plastic wrap.

If you have silverware that is in a chest, consider wrapping each piece individually and repositioning them in the chest, or fill all voids in the chest with newsprint to prevent shifting while moving. The chest can then be wrapped in a blanket when the movers come to prevent any damages to the chest.

If you are traveling long distance or if your goods are going into storage for a long period of time I recommend that you wrap each piece in cloth or low-sulfur-content paper(ask your local mover) to prevent tarnishing over time.

Small Appliances

Use the original manufacturer's carton if available; if it is not available, follow instructions below.
Remove any loose items from inside any appliances like microwave ovens, such as cookware, glass shelves and carousels.

Wrap loose articles and place in a separate container.

Each appliance needs to be wrapped individually.

Tape any doors or movable objects shut.

Place tape in an "X"-pattern to protect any glass on the doors.

If their cords disconnect, wrap them in plastic and secure them to the appliance they belong to. Make sure cords are wrapped so as not to scratch or damage items while moving.

Place the items in a sturdy medium sized box cushioned with crushed paper with the heavier items in the bottom.

Have an authorized serviceman prepare all large appliances (refrigerator, stove, freezer, washer, dryer, etc.) for moving. * Be sure to prepare major appliances (defrosting them, cleaning them and drying them as needed) before your local movers arrive.

Food Items
Do not take anything perishable. In other words either use or donate all your perishables before moving.
Small containers of herbs and spices, condiments, bouillon cubes, gelatin, flavorings, etc. should be placed together in a small box before packing in a larger carton.

Cover holes of shaker-type containers and seal with tape.

Open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and cereals should be sealed with tape.

Dispose of any open packages and or opened glass jars to prevent breakage or spillage during your move.

Do not risk moving food products during the summer. The inside of a moving van (especially in Florida, Nevada & Arizona) can reach 155 degrees causing food to either spoil or explode.
In the winter months, do not take anything subject to freezing.

Canned goods and other non-frozen foods should be packed upright in small boxes (1.5 cu. ft. book boxes) with no more than 24 to 30 cans per carton.
Top Of Packing Tips #2