Need something moved? You’ll hear more stories of “man and a van” in Edinburgh than you will about kilts at Highland Games. The stories of people’s experiences–from happy to downright chaotic –spark as much conversation as they do curiosity. For extra assistance, find more help at our resources section.
Let’s start by setting the scene. Imagine this: You’re knee-deep in boxes of cardboard, staring at the sofa. It’s the one you have had since university. Enter your savior, the man with a truck. But how can you tell if it’s a good one or not? It can be like scrolling through Hogwarts letters, where one letter promises magic while the next shows a troll hiding in a dungeon.
First impressions count, even when it comes to moving. A friend of mine once hired a chap whose van, let’s say, was overflowing with personality–clothes, tools, a questionable air freshener. He was fifteen minutes behind schedule, and humming something that sounded like the bagpipe rendition of “Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.” She was charmed, but a bit skeptical.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Some of these guys are true professionals at what they do. These guys will handle your granny’s antique dresser with the same care as they would a Rosetta Stone. Reviews are full of admiration for those that treat furniture pieces as if they belonged in Edinburgh Castle. Many customers get so inspired by a professionally-handled move that they think about picking up barbells the next day.
There are some stories that make you wonder more than usual. Some stories involve furniture that is gravitationally damaged to the point where it disappears. What is the twist? The twist?
Some people, however, tell their stories with the smoothness of a Laphroaig 18. They have a hint at complexity but a nice warm finish. These are the stories which remind you that perhaps not all is lost. Some van drivers go the extra mile to provide good old-fashioned customer service. One commenter online raved: “Moved the piano and it stayed in tune!” This is what I mean by striking the perfect chord.
Relationship is also important, right? Casual banter under the weight of an oversized bed can transform what could be a tense day into a surprise buddy movie. With a little bit of Edinburgh sunshine and a flat-pack IKEA item, it becomes a scene straight out of a “Local Hero”, with stories of Arthur’s Seat being swapped over the IKEA flat-pack furniture.
What’s your takeaway message? Do not trust without verifying. Talk to friends, and compare reviews as if you were judging a local cake competition. You’ll want to look for a consistent level of praise. Red flags are a big deal in this industry. It’s like eating fishcakes: you can always tell when there’s something wrong. Remember that a happy customer may be the result of serendipity. What about a string of positive comments? This is starting to look promising.
The man with the van, in the end, is just as important as the castle atop the hill to the tapestry that is Edinburgh. Each review, from the hilarious to the harrowing is only a thread of this fascinating, often baffling quilt. Remember, when you’re staring at your mountain of moving boxes, the next chapter in your story is only a van trip away. We hope that it is more like a fairytale and less like a crime novel.
