Diamond Certified Company Report

Advantage Moving & Storage

Diamond Certified Company Report

Advantage Moving & Storage

Diamond certified ratings dashboard
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i
Customer LOYALTY i
Helpful Expertise i
Company Credentials i
  • Workers Compensation
  • Liability Insurance
  • License Verification
  • Business Practices
  • Current Complaint File
Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 200 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i

Julie P.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

1 of 200

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are reliable and the crew is a good, trustworthy crew to have around your family and your things.

I have used them two or three times. When I have called, they were always able to come out and give me a bid with no problems and they were always comparable to other companies.

Ginger H.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

2 of 200

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I have told friends about them. I said if you want it done professionally and cost effectively, go there. They were so awesome. They went the extra mile. They were great.

I thought the cost was really good. They weren't the most expensive. They were professional from the beginning to the end.

Donna H.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

3 of 200

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Easy to work with, good rates, and responsive, they do what they say they are going to do.

I depend on them. They are my best movers. I have moved with them 4-5 times now. I think they are fantastic.

Read All 200 Survey Responses at Ratings View
Diamond certified company
Diamond certified company PROFILE

Brian Kavanaugh is president of Advantage Moving & Storage.

Advantage Moving & Storage offers complete relocation services to residential and commercial clients throughout the Bay Area. The company specializes in household and office relocations and provides packing, crating, and special handling services for both local and long distance moves.

In addition to its regular moving services, Advantage Moving & Storage offers automotive moving and has full storage capabilities. Customers’ possessions are carefully inspected, wrapped, inventoried and stored, says President Brian Kavanaugh, which ensures they’ll be returned in their original conditions. The company’s storage department thoroughly registers all items to control shipments and eliminate the chance of loss.

Advantage Moving & Storage uses its own in-house staff of professionals who have extensive training in packing, moving, safety and risk management. Mr. Kavanaugh says his employees work diligently to assess customers’ specific needs and make sure they know exactly what to expect. “Regardless of the nature and requirements of the move, our goal is to make the operation seamless and stress-free.”

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COMPANY REPORT NAVIGATION

Diamond Certified Companies are Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise.

  • Why this rating is the most accurate.
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DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED CAPABILITIES ON Advantage Moving & Storage

COMPANY CONTACT
Locations

The Bay Area

Get Directions
SERVICES PERFORMED

Residential & Commercial
Interstate & Intrastate Moves
Local & Long Distance Moves
Packing & Storage
Automotive Moves
Free Estimates

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Advantage Moving & Storage

An Advantage Moving & Storage employee loads a box into one of the company’s moving trucks.

Company Profile

Advantage Moving & Storage offers complete relocation services to residential and commercial clients throughout the Bay Area. The company specializes in household and office relocations and provides packing, crating, and special handling services for both local and long distance moves.

In addition to its regular moving services, Advantage Moving & Storage offers automotive moving and has full storage capabilities. Customers’ possessions are carefully inspected, wrapped, inventoried and stored, says President Brian Kavanaugh, which ensures they’ll be returned in their original conditions. The company’s storage department thoroughly registers all items to control shipments and eliminate the chance of loss.

Advantage Moving & Storage uses its own in-house staff of professionals who have extensive training in packing, moving, safety and risk management. Mr. Kavanaugh says his employees work diligently to assess customers’ specific needs and make sure they know exactly what to expect. “Regardless of the nature and requirements of the move, our goal is to make the operation seamless and stress-free.”

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Company Philosophy

“Our goal is to be our customers' personal moving consultant–to provide ideas and solutions and afford them the smoothest, most trouble-free moves possible. We pride ourselves on treating their belongings with as much respect as we would our own. We believe every good move begins with a customer receiving professional and accurate information, and that's exactly what we provide.”

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Comparative Summary

Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for moving companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Advantage Moving & Storage, the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is simple: provide high-quality service at a competitive price, regardless of the extent of the job. “We believe every client deserves personal, detail-oriented service, so that’s exactly what we provide,” says co-owner Chitra Bheeman. “From our quick response time to our comprehensive follow-up, our goal is to make sure our customers are happy throughout each step of their projects.”

Advantage Moving & Storage provides a complete range of relocation services for residential and commercial clients throughout the Bay Area. In addition to handling local and long-distance moves for homeowners and business owners, the company has the in-house capabilities to offer packing, crating, storage and specialized services like international moves.

Unlike moving companies that hire inexperienced day laborers in an effort to reduce their operating costs, Advantage Moving & Storage maintains a staff of highly trained professionals who have years of experience in the moving industry. “All of our employees are full-time and trained on an ongoing basis to ensure they’re maintaining our high standards of quality,” explains Ms. Bheeman. “They get better with every move, which means our services continually get better as well.”

To further differentiate itself from its competition, Advantage Moving & Storage emphasizes promptness in every aspect of its operations, from immediately returning phone calls to spending time with customers who have questions about its services. “As a small, locally-owned company, it’s important for us to provide our clients with individualized attention,” says Ms. Bheeman. “Every move is different, but by taking a detail-oriented approach to our work and being prompt with our communication, we’re able to fulfill our customers’ needs and exceed their expectations.”

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Industry Info

Preparation is the key to any successful move. Any time you waste during a moving project translates to wasted money, so the more you’re able to prepare beforehand, the easier your move will be. Consider the following preparation tips:

Get a written estimate from a reputable moving company. Getting an in-person estimate will ensure the movers get an accurate idea of what your move will look like, including the extent of your belongings, the size of your furniture and any special items that may be harder to move. “When you get an estimate in writing, you have a clear promise of what your movers will do and what you’ll pay for their services,” says Chitra Bheeman, co-owner of Advantage Moving & Storage in Milpitas. “If everything is clear upfront, moving day will be much less stressful because there won’t be any surprises.”

Use better boxes. It’s important to use strong boxes with plenty of tape to ensure they don’t collapse in transit. However, an even better alternative to cardboard boxes are stackable plastic storage bins—they’re low-maintenance (no tape needed), sturdy and reusable.

Disassemble furniture yourself. Fixtures and furniture such as bookshelves, beds, and cribs often need to be taken apart in order to fit into a moving truck or through a doorway. This is a time-consuming task, but you’ll save a lot of time and money by doing it yourself ahead of time instead of leaving it for the moving crew. If you have any doubt that a piece of furniture will fit, disassemble it to be safe. Otherwise, you might be stuck paying for a last-minute disassembly service.

Prepare fragile items. Remove light bulbs from lamps so they don’t shatter from the vibration of the moving truck. Also, smaller lamps and lamp shades tend to be very fragile, so box them up instead of keeping them out with standing lamps. Tightly wrap framed pictures in blankets and ask if your mover has a special rack in the truck for transporting them.

Consider the location. If you live in an urban setting, you might need to reserve a loading dock (particularly if it’s a high-rise building) or procure a street parking permit for the day. Remember, these details are your responsibility, not the moving company’s. To obtain a parking permit, you can either go to your local police station or visit the city’s website. Parking permits may not be cheap, but they’re less expensive than a parking ticket or rescheduling your entire move. Other factors that might come into play in an urban area are road closures for maintenance or street fairs, so do some preliminary research to make sure nothing will cause delays on the day of your move.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How will you estimate the cost of my move?

A: We’ll schedule an onsite appointment so we can look at what we’re moving, take a complete inventory and give you a ‘not to exceed’ price bid so you have everything in writing.

Q: How will you protect my belongings during the move?

A: Our movers are trained to use industry-best moving practices, so they know how to prevent damage from occurring during a move. For example, they make sure every piece of furniture is properly blanket-wrapped, shrink-wrapped or disassembled so it’s protected while it’s in transit.

Q: What if something gets damaged during the move?

A: You can choose from a variety of insurance options, including basic liability insurance that offers coverage at $.60 per pound and additional coverage for full-value replacement. Our claims department is very customer-oriented, so if any of your belongings accidentally get damaged during the move, we’ll take care of everything according to your needs and the insurance coverage you chose at the beginning of the project.

Q: Are your movers full-time employees?

A: Yes. Our employees are trained moving experts who know how to protect your belongings and ensure the success of your move.

Q: Can you guarantee pick-up and delivery dates?

A: Yes. For local moves, as long as the date you request is available, we guarantee we’ll be there to take care of everything. For long-distance moves, we can guarantee a pick-up date, but deliveries require more logistics, so we usually give a time window that’s dependent on the size of the load.

Q: When do I pay?

A: Payment is always due at the end of the move, regardless of whether it’s a local or long-distance job. Instead of requesting a deposit, we’ll have you sign an Order for Service document to reserve your move date.

Q: Will you inventory my items to make sure everything arrives at the destination?

A: For long-distance moves, we list every item on an inventory document and place a corresponding numbered sticker on the item. We’ll use that document to check off everything as it’s delivered. For local moves, everything that’s loaded onto the truck is secured and delivered immediately to the destination. You can do a walkthrough of your home or office to make sure all the items are removed, and upon our arrival at the new destination, you can verify everything was delivered and unloaded as expected.

Q: What can I do to ensure a smooth move?

A: The main thing is to be prepared and fully packed before the movers arrive. Since local moves are based on time, this can save you a lot of money. Any furniture should be cleared off so the items are ready to protect and load. You should also make sure pets and young children have adequate care so they aren’t in the way during the move. Communication is also important—if you have questions about your estimate or certain aspects of the job, make sure you talk to the movers before work begins so everyone is on the same page.

Q: What if it rains on moving day?

A: Moves don’t stop if it’s raining—we simply make sure everything is protected and carry on with the work. If it’s raining so heavily that it creates an unsafe situation, we’ll wait until conditions improve and then resume. Rain won’t stop us from performing our job as long as it’s safe for our movers, our customers and the items we’re moving.

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SELECTED PHOTOS FROM Advantage Moving & Storage

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Chitra Bheeman

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE
  • Chitra Bheeman is vice president of Advantage Moving & Storage, a Diamond Certified company. She can be reached at (408) 840-3997 or by email.

Chitra Bheeman: A Personal Move

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

MILPITAS — With a background in business development, Chitra Bheeman has always preferred interacting with people to crunching numbers. That was one of the main reasons she decided to get into the moving industry—that and her husband needed the help. “When my then-fiancé Brian first started Advantage Moving & Storage, I helped him and his partners get things up and running,” she recounts. “A couple of years later, after the two other partners left, I quit my job and joined the business full-time. Since then, I’ve particularly enjoyed the interpersonal aspect of the job. While I also worked with people in my prior career, with moving, the client interactions tend to be a bit more personal than what you experience in an office setting, so that has been very rewarding.”

Today, as vice president of Advantage Moving & Storage, Chitra says her favorite part of her job is helping customers through the moving process. “Moving is typically a stressful experience. I talk to our customers, address the challenges in getting them relocated and try to make sure things go as smoothly as possible. At the end of the day, when the customer is all moved and with minimal stress, it’s a good feeling.”

A resident of Milpitas, Chitra spends her time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “Brian and I enjoy being outdoors and walking our Australian Cattle Dog, Buddy,” she details. “We also do a lot of traveling—our goal is to visit a new country every year, if possible. The most recent places we’ve traveled are India, Vietnam and Laos.” When she’s not traveling or enjoying the outdoors, Chitra likes to read and spend time with friends and family.

In regard to a personal philosophy, Chitra espouses the importance of living in the moment. “Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is uncertain, so all you can really do is make the most of today,” she says. “In addition to being intentional and present, I think it’s important to keep a positive mindset. A lot of different challenges come up in life, especially when you’re running a business, but you can’t let the pressure and negativity get you down—you have to stay positive and do your best with the time you have.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

A: Do crossword puzzles. I can lose myself for hours.

Q: Do you collect anything?

A: Souvenirs from traveling. On every trip, we usually find some unique, handmade item to bring home as a keepsake.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Africa.

Q: Have you ever read a book more than once?

A: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dessert?

A: Anything dark chocolate.

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Expert articles
  • How to Avoid Unlicensed Movers

    MILPITAS — A huge issue plaguing the moving industry today is unlicensed, fly-by-night movers. In the past, these illicit operators would mainly advertise on websites like craigslist, but nowadays, many are using high-profile resources like Google AdWords to show at the top of search engine results pages.

    When you hire an unlicensed mover, you run a lot of risks. Since they aren’t licensed, if something goes wrong (like damage to/loss of items), you don’t have any legal recourse to recoup expenses. Even worse, some fly-by-night movers have been known to “hijack” customers’ freight by demanding an additional payment before they unload the truck.

    To avoid falling prey to an unlicensed mover, follow these tips:

    Verify licensing. Prior to hiring, ask the mover for their Carrier ID number with the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). All moving companies are required to be registered with the BHGS, so this is a reliable form of verification. You can also look up a moving company on the BHGS website: bhgs.dca.ca.gov/consumers/movers

    Research reputation. Given the substantial cost of moving, you want to deal with a company that will give you a positive experience. Use the Diamond Certified Resource, social media sites and other outlets to read reviews from a moving company’s past customers.

    Get a written estimate. When you get an estimate in writing, you have a clear promise of what your mover will do and what you’ll pay for their services. Keep in mind that an accurate estimate requires an onsite inspection, so if your mover offers to give you an estimate over the phone, you should probably take your business elsewhere.

    Don’t make a pre-move deposit. Deposits are not customarily required for moving projects (that’s what the contract is for), so if a company asks you for one, don’t take the bait.

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Expert video tip
  • Video: Choosing a Reputable Mover

    Complete Video Transcription

    MILPITAS — Host, Sarah Rutan: Due to the abundance of unlicensed operators, it’s crucial to exercise caution when hiring a moving company. Today we’re in Milpitas with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Chitra Bheeman of Advantage Moving & Storage to learn more.

    Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Chitra Bheeman: Moving is considered one of the top five stressors in a person’s life and any time you have to move, there are a few things that we recommend that you keep in mind. In California, our industry is licensed by the bureau of household goods and services, so the first step is to make sure you check that the company you’re dealing with is licensed and that they are a legitimate business.

    The second thing that you definitely want to keep in mind is to make sure that you get an on-site inspection and get all of the services, the cost of all the services, in writing.

    One of the things to keep in mind, also, is that there is no deposit required to book a move. You reserve your move by signatures on the contract that the mover gives you. If anybody asks you for a deposit, that’s a clear red flag and you want to stay away from those people. The cost of a move could be anywhere from $1000 to $50,000, depending on the situation, so you want to deal with a good mover in the industry in your local area. Definitely check on the reputation of the company with your resources like Diamond Certified, you have other social media sites where there are reviews about the companies written, make sure you check every one of them and, you know, so on the day of the move, you don’t have any kind stress to deal with except to get your belongings, load it up, move to your next location, and settle down at your new home.

    Host, Sarah Rutan: To learn more from local, top rated companies, visit our Diamond Certified Expert Reports at experts.diamondcertified.info.

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Advantage Moving & Storage WEBSITE AND EXTERNAL FEED
Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Advantage Moving & Storage
Diamond certified ratings dashboard
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i
Customer LOYALTY i
Helpful Expertise i

Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials i
  • Workers Compensation
  • Liability Insurance
  • License Verification
  • Business Practices
  • Current Complaint File
Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 200 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i

Julie P.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

1 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are reliable and the crew is a good, trustworthy crew to have around your family and your things.

I have used them two or three times. When I have called, they were always able to come out and give me a bid with no problems and they were always comparable to other companies.

Donna H.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

2 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Easy to work with, good rates, and responsive, they do what they say they are going to do.

I depend on them. They are my best movers. I have moved with them 4-5 times now. I think they are fantastic.

Ginger H.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

3 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I have told friends about them. I said if you want it done professionally and cost effectively, go there. They were so awesome. They went the extra mile. They were great.

I thought the cost was really good. They weren't the most expensive. They were professional from the beginning to the end.

Jacklyn S.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

4 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They were very helpful and nothing was damaged. They were very fast.

How organized everything was

Michael K.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

5 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are reliable and they showed up on time.

They were careful with my stuff and I liked the people who worked for them. They just were reliable, followed up, and they were always helpful.

Anita H.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

6 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I found them to be extremely and they came in under the bid. Nothing was broken.

It was totally fuss free.

Bill L.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

7 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I don't know. I don't have anything to say.

They seem to be professional.

Caroline P.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

8 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are dependable, reliable, honest, and very careful.

I have used them twice. Once to move my son to an apartment, which was a small job. They were really efficient and they didn't stretch the job. After that, I called them to move an entire house. I had a Grand piano and they were great. They first came and assessed the house. They looked at where everything would go and everything went very smoothly.

Cheryl K.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

9 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They were very professional in terms of their contract. What they laid out in their contract is what they provided.

They did everything that they said they would do.

Chris J.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

10 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Very professional, very organized, and I think the service is friendly.

They came in and they gave me a quote and the price that it cost me was pretty close to the quote.

Daniel B.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

11 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They were efficient and friendly.

They were able to move all of my stuff without breaking or hurting anything at a reasonable price.

Erica H.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

12 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are reliable and everything worked out.

The prices

Francis N.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

13 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Good price and good service

Very professional, and they got everything done quickly like they said they would.

Kristy P.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

14 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are on time, fast, and efficient. The guys are friendly.

They were fast and efficient. They got the job done in the time frame they said they would.

Pamela C.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

15 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They did everything that they said they would do at a pretty reasonable price.

I have an old office and laboratory needs and they have shown up and gotten the job done on both accounts.

Rick G.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

16 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are just professional and very good.

They are just professional and very good.

Ron B.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

17 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They were honest, straightforward, and they kept up their end of the bargain.

They were honest, straightforward, and they kept up their end of the bargain.

Shiri D.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

18 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Make sure that they get a confirmation via email or something like that before the move.

They were professional and they came on time. They did everything, including packing. They were efficient.

Wonha C.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

19 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They delivered everything that they promised.

They were on time, which is pretty important to me.

Brian G.

VERIFIED Advantage Moving & Storage CUSTOMER

20 of 200

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Overall, it's a quality service.

We liked the rates and the movers. They were friendly and helpful. I don't recall their names.

Read All 200 Survey Responses at Ratings View
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