1. Before it was a Company
It all started in 1987 with a move to Jacksonville, Florida by two college students. The move was a favor for family friends- and an unbelievable adventure worthy of Hollywood. A rental truck was loaded all day during a cool Saturday in November. The pair set off at 7pm, driving a large truck for the first time through a snowstorm for the first two hours. They drove all night, stopping every few hours for fuel, coffee and bathroom breaks, before finally arriving in sunny Florida at daybreak to meet the customers. A deep, coma-like sleep followed before unloading the next day.
2. The Name
Varsity was the key name and chosen first to capture the spirit of the company- All-American, clean-cut, and athletic. Virginia was named for the commonwealth and selected for being bigger than Roanoke. (And, no, it is not for the University of Virginia.) Transfer was picked for being more professional than Movers.
3. Where it Started
We are NOT named for (nor did we start at) Virginia Tech, UVA, or Roanoke College, though we have had countless staff members from these schools. John Lugar was a Radford University undergraduate at founding (class of 1991) and got his masters at Virginia Tech in 2004. The company’s physical headquarters (if it can be called that) moved around like a college student, until post-college growth supported the first office on Colonial Avenue.
4. Movers are NOT the Same
Virginia Varsity Transfer was founded to be the anti-movers and everything lacking in the negative stereotype of movers. That meant being affordable, clean-cut and professional, with a policy of short-hair and handsome uniforms.
To many, price is the #1 factor when selecting a moving company. Price is important- to be sure- but substantial differences exist between professional, licensed companies and corner-cutting, cheap companies. The moving industry mandates proper licensing, insurance coverage, fleet and state filings, certifications and encourages community-mindedness and participation in the Better Business Bureau.
The moving staff, however, is unquestionably the most important consideration, as they’ll be handling everything you’ve worked for, be in your home and around your family. Know who’s moving you- check references, physically visit their office and consult the Better Business Bureau.
5. Bait & Switch w/Damage
Some local moving companies are well-known for giving great estimates, then delivering a final bill that is much higher. Oops or sorry are not much consolation when you’re unexpectedly paying far more than budgeted, not to mention if your possessions get damaged. Is a really cheap price that comes with damage to your favorite piece still a great deal?
6. Long Distance Moving
Virginia Varsity Transfer is nationally licensed and primarily serves the Eastern half of the United States. Large relocations and small, partial moves can all be handled by Virginia Varsity Transfer’s staff and fleet. The VVT staff oversees the entire process- loading, driving and unloading at your destination- and move dates are guaranteed.
7. Online Estimates
Online estimates are chronically unreliable. This is almost always due to poor or incomplete information provided. Moving is one industry that will never be fully automated by technology. Getting an estimate via email without having to bother with people, scheduling estimates, or taking the time sounds very appealing- but be very careful.
Only when a moving professional can physically visit your home, can they fully assess everything related to your move; the contents, driveway/home access, moving obstacles, density of stuff, furniture quality, equipment needed and time needed for preparation, disassembly and disconnection time. With a site visit, a truly accurate, fully-informed estimate can be provided. If necessary, an online estimate can be provided, but is only as accurate as the information provided. Misunderstandings are very common when an on-site estimate is not done.
8. Everything Matters
Furniture gets the glory, but everything counts in moving. It may seem that there’s not much going, but once you add dozens of boxes, contents of closets, linens, clothing, patio furniture and rubber bins, it makes a significant difference. Alone, these items are not terribly challenging, but non furniture makes a big difference and can be 1/3 to 2/3 of the total move. Overlooking non furniture is often the cause of misunderstandings between moving companies and customers.
9. Conservative Estimates
Virginia Varsity Transfer’s philosophy has always been to estimate conservatively in time and cost. This is done to protect customers. The great majority of the time, the final price comes in within, or even below, our estimates. Realizing it cost less than expected makes for happy customers and a reputation of fair, honest business dealings.
10. You Make a Huge Difference
Being well-prepared, having everything moving ready, and knowing your situation can save you money. Conversely, having a cluttered home, not knowing where things go at the new house, or having contractors (or other workers) around during the move is a recipe for paying more than necessary.
