Moving flats in HK, need advice

Pretty soon, we need to move flats for the first time in HK and could use some advice.


Do the movers provide boxes or is that something we have to furnish ourselves? What about those big boxes that can be used to hang clothes?


Do the movers in Hong Kong also help you box your belongings?


Do they disassemble (and then reassemble) the large furniture or do they prefer just walking and down the stairs?


We have a 1000sf flat that is not cluttered, but I think some of our IKEA-esque furniture needs to be taken apart to get out of the building.


How do the different moving companies determine their quotes? are they usually pretty competitive amongst the different companies?


Would also appreciate any private messages with good mover recommendations.


Thanks.

I "discovered" our movers through an ad in the HK magazine.


They provided all the boxes, and a few days before moving day, they came to our flat and delivered boxes of different sizes and a few stackable baskets (they used these for perishables and other food items). These were for items we wished to pack ourselves like lingerie, valuables, etc.


For clothes in hangers, there was no need to remove them from hangers as they provided boxes to fit these.


The large furniture, yes they packed very well--bubble wrap and layers of paper. Our TV too was packed very carefully in thick material (like a comforter) then bubble wrapped too. Other valuables like paintings they handled very carefully as well.


For some of our IKEA items like book cases and 2 sets of wardrobe, they suggested that they be emptied and packed as is. No need to disassemble if they will fit in your lift.


I asked 3 companies to submit quotes, and the cost of the 2 weren't too far apart (one was our mover from our home country to HK last year, so repeat-client rate was submitted). The last one was a few hundreds more expensive than the 2. They all sent representatives to make an estimate of our furniture, measured doors, lifts, etc..


My sister in law used the same moving company, and they were happy.


I created a thread about missing items when we moved, but a few weeks after, it turned out that they were (seriously) misplaced--found the jackets packed inside pillowcases, together with other linen.


Anyway, best lessons learned:

1. Insist on a detailed packing list with numbered boxes

2. get insurance even if it's a short distance

3. watch while they pack, and if you can,

4. supervise when they load your stuff


Send me a PM if you need more info.

Do you have the telephone numbers of any of the movers? I have the 'man-with-a-van' telephone number and would like one or two more to compare quotes. Thanks in advance.

2683 1999 look for stephanie or wilson


9756 9838 look for jon


can't mention their companies here..

Mine were pretty good. brought boxes beforehand, dismantled and re-assembled ikea furn, pretty affordable too, 5000hkd for a 800sf place. contact ms. Wan 26900188

Do the movers typically give you new boxes or do they recycle old boxes?

They will provide you new boxes for sure. Clients/customers will keep the boxes without timeframe as we all know we won't unpack all the boxes in one go or one day, right?

It's a combination of both new and recycled. You can ask them to come back for the empty cartons when you're done unpacking

I have moved several times and learned that you should always go back to the movers and ask for a discount saying that you have several offers for less... they always knock down the rate -- particularly the "best" foreign movers...