Moving Company vs. Lugg: Which Moving Service Fits Your Needs?

When planning a move, selecting the appropriate service can significantly impact your experience. Two prevalent options are traditional professional moving companies and app-based services like Lugg. Each has its advantages and potential drawbacks. Let's explore these to help you make an informed decision.

The short answer is:

Lugg will be your best bet if you are on a budget. The service is well suited for very small moves or just moving a few inexpensive items. People often choose Lugg for taking items down for a curbside pickup or delivery of secon-hand items purchased online.

Luggers loading unprotected couch on a van
hire professional movers

Hiring movers is worth it if you have a larger move, big stuff that would require special handling, furniture that would need to be disassembled, and fragile items that would have to be carefully packed.

The short answer is:

Lugg will be your best bet if you are on a budget. The service is well suited for very small moves or just moving a few inexpensive items. People often choose Lugg for taking items down for a curbside pickup or delivery of secon-hand items purchased online.

Luggers loading unprotected couch on a van

Hiring movers is worth it if you have a larger move, big stuff that would require special handling, furniture that would need to be disassembled, and fragile items that would have to be carefully packed.

hire professional movers

Lugg: Convenience for Tiny Moves

Lugg offers quick and convenient moving solutions, ideal for transporting single items or small loads without the need for extensive planning.

For minor moves, Lugg can be more economical, avoiding the minimum-time charges often associated with traditional movers.

Lugg van is fully loaded with furniture
Luggers loading furniture on a pickup truck

However, some users have reported issues with Lugg, including damage to items and lack of proper equipment. For instance, a customer on BBB noted that movers lacked moving blankets and proper dollies, leading to damaged appliances. Hundreds of pictures of damaged items and property on Yelp also suggest that little savings often lead to big problems.

There have been complaints about Lugg's customer service, particularly regarding damage claims and communication. One Yelp user expressed frustration over the company's handling of a damaged floor, having her complaint being ignored by the company.

As Lugg connects users with independent contractors, the level of professionalism and care can vary between movers.

It's difficult to objectively rate Lugg as their reputation varies significantly from platform to platform. For example, they have an astonishing rating of 4.8 stars on Trustpilot while Yelp pages for some big cities have ratings as low as 1.6 stars.

Lugger with a loaded pickup truck

Lugg: Convenience for Tiny Moves

Lugg offers quick and convenient moving solutions, ideal for transporting single items or small loads without the need for extensive planning.

For minor moves, Lugg can be more economical, avoiding the minimum-time charges often associated with traditional movers.

Lugg van is fully loaded with furniture

However, some users have reported issues with Lugg, including damage to items and lack of proper equipment. For instance, a customer on BBB noted that movers lacked moving blankets and proper dollies, leading to damaged appliances. Hundreds of pictures of damaged items and property on Yelp also suggest that little savings often lead to big problems.

There have been complaints about Lugg's customer service, particularly regarding damage claims and communication. One Yelp user expressed frustration over the company's handling of a damaged floor, having her complaint being ignored by the company.

Luggers loading furniture on a pickup truck

As Lugg connects users with independent contractors, the level of professionalism and care can vary between movers.

It's difficult to objectively rate Lugg as their reputation varies significantly from platform to platform. For example, they have an astonishing rating of 4.8 stars on Trustpilot while Yelp pages for some big cities have ratings as low as 1.6 stars.

Lugger with a loaded pickup truck

Professional Moving Companies: Expertise and Comprehensive Services

Traditional moving companies employ trained staff adept at handling various items, including delicate and valuable possessions. Their expertise ensures efficient and safe transportation.

These companies often offer full-service options, including packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking. Some even provide white-glove services for high-value items, ensuring meticulous care throughout the move.

professional movers loading a truck

Traditional moving companies employ trained staff adept at handling various items, including delicate and valuable possessions. Their expertise ensures efficient and safe transportation.

These companies often offer full-service options, including packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking. Some even provide white-glove services for high-value items, ensuring meticulous care throughout the move.

professional movers loading a truck

Professional movers are typically licensed and insured, offering peace of mind that your belongings are protected. In case of damage or loss, claims are handled systematically.

Established moving companies prioritize customer satisfaction, aiming to build long-term relationships through reliable and responsible service. In a larger city like San Francisco, no moving company can survive with a rating of less than 4.5 stars. That's why professional moving companies care about each customer and their experience.

But of course there are cons too:

experienced movers perform furniture assembly

Professional services can be more expensive, often with minimum time requirements that might not suit smaller moves. When a company properly employs people, provides training, pays all the insurances, licenses, medical, and retirement fees, larger expenses are unavoidable. Hence, with a moving company you will most likely pay more than for just a guy-with-a-truck who is classidied by Lugg as a contractor.

experienced movers perform furniture assembly

Professional services can be more expensive, often with minimum time requirements that might not suit smaller moves. When a company properly employs people, provides training, pays all the insurances, licenses, medical, and retirement fees, larger expenses are unavoidable. Hence, with a moving company you will most likely pay more than for just a guy-with-a-truck who is classidied by Lugg as a contractor.

Booking in advance is usually necessary with most moving companies, which might not be ideal for last-minute moves. Traditional moving companies in the Bay Area don't have trucks and teams hanging out all around the city waiting for a job. Delivering a truck and gathering the right team requires time and planning inevitably reducing flexibility.

Many moving companies don't even want to deal with one-item moves. The operational costs are too high to give a reasonable price for just bringing a dresser upstairs. Paying over $300 for a 20-min task is not what most customers expect, so you will likely just waste your time calling around trying to get a better deal.


Making the Right Choice

For Large or Complex Moves: If you're relocating an entire household, have valuable items, or require comprehensive services, a professional moving company is likely the better choice. Their experience and resources can handle the complexities of such moves efficiently.

For Small or Immediate Moves: If you need to move a single item or require immediate assistance, Lugg offers a convenient solution. However, be mindful of the potential risks and ensure you're comfortable with the level of service provided.

Conclusion

Both professional moving companies and services like Lugg have their place in the moving industry. Your choice should depend on the scale of your move, the value of your items, and your expectations for service quality. While professional movers offer reliability and comprehensive services, Lugg provides quick and flexible solutions for smaller tasks. Assess your specific needs to determine the best fit for your situation.