Mulligan Stew for You! Claddagh Moving, led by a Dubliner named Neal, moved me from Bakery Lofts on the Emeryville/Oakland border back to my renovated/recreated home of some 30 years, 3.7 miles east. I met Neal and 1 of his movers 9 days ago in the Bakery Lofts parking lot as they were moving someone (lots of folk leaving, but that's another story). My lease would be up at the end of November and I used the national holiday as my getaway date. I had been moved in a couple of years before by Jay's big + small moves: jaymoves.com, and asked them for a quote along w/ Claddagh. Claddagh came in $30/hour cheaper at 165 for 3 movers, 3 hr. minimum + 15 gas + 20 for incidentals. So far a bargain, and that's where the bargain ended. I had a helper get me packed and took him at his word on packing and boxing the books and stuff in the loft (I had an 810 sq. ft, 1 bedroom unit w/ a loft above the kitchen/dining area - very practical and nice place). So when they arrived on time yesterday I found out the malfeasance and spent a good 30 minutes doing the work that I had, in part, paid for the day before. Neal scolded me appropriately as their window to move + deliver was 5 hours and they were starting behind. We worked well to make up the time and finished the moveout in just under 3 hours. So far, so good. His workers were really good: sturdy, serious, nice to chat with, friendly, as wes Neal. The ride home was less than 15 minutes - probably 12 at noontime traffic 2 stops east on 580 to Grand ave, then North 1 mile. Good weather, good time: what's not to love? Attitude, manners and listening to the customer is what. Nov. 11 isn't a parking free for all day: rules are enforced. Neal had 2 trucks and when he arrived there was a spot across our driveway which would fit 1 truck spilling into the neighbor's driveway (always empty during daytime - I know as I've lived there since 1986, my wife since 1983) and she suggested they park there rather than leave the 2 trucks staggered, double parked in the middle of the street 2 houses from the block's end. No, we'll leave them where they are, Neal insists. Asked kindly a second time by my wife his answer remains the same. She turns, exasperated, and goes back to the porch. (I wish she would have called the cops at this point to make him think a little clearer. Not to bust him, just to reinforce "good manners, playing well w/ others and listening") . I then asked him a third time if he would reconsider. No he says and starts whining: "you weren't totally packed, you made us late, i'm not going to work past 5 hours {we are at hour 3 1/4), 'bleet, bleet, bleet'. And I said to him: you've offended her and me: Stop Wingeing! - which means something in the UK to whining like a spoiled brat..." He didn't take kindly to that, storms back into his cab and chomps down on his 7/11 hotdog (whose wrapper he ultimately threw out the window and left on the street as an expression of his disgust)! Finally the guys started and here's where the mess really unravelled: A real mover would get the stuff out of the trucks, assemble on the sidewalk and move the furniture in first, not just the art work and random boxes. They did the exact opposite and the result was a total sloppy mess. They cluttered the space, communicated like emasculated baboons and really were acting (particularly Neal) like a bunch of hyperfiziactive adolescents who didn't know any better. The "fuster cluck" ran on 2 and 1/4 hours more and at the 5hr mark I agreed to go an additional 1/2 hour. When he presented me the final bill: $944.25 for 5.5 hours + incidentals (correctly) I paid him in cash {because he's a cheap skate and doesn't take either checks "Company Policy" or credit cards (That's 4% you know" - actually its more like 3%, but for sketchy wanna be businesses, probably higher!) and he gracefully stated: "Have a great life..." in a sarcastic, demeaning tone. I replied: You, too, Neal. I'm so sorry I didn't use jaymoves.com. The money I saved isn't worth the agony of dealing with a Shanty Irish sloppy, bull-headed and rude Mick. I'm 1/2 Irish myself, love the people and the country having visited there 2 years ago, but as we all know there's a rotten spud in any batch of potatoes and I think I've found it. Do yourself a favor and DON'T patronize this man: cheapskate, rude, doesn't listen to women at all.

I reached out to several moving companies (on Yelp) late one Friday afternoon. Many responded, some gave me pricing info, some didn't do either. Some weren't willing to do such a small move. Neal (owner of Claddagh Moving) responded promptly, answered my questions via Yelp chat, was patient with my requests for clarification, and remained in communication until I made the decision to hire his company. He was straightforward and transparent about his fees, and his company turned out to be the most affordable for my small move. One can feel vulnerable when giving out private phone/email/address info weeks before a move, but I found Neal to be trustworthy and ethical. I moved from Oakland to San Rafael. There were stairs at both locations and some heavy items requiring careful maneuvering. Neal and Logan were warm, friendly and mindful. Their communication was excellent; they asked questions rather than making assumptions (very important in my book). And they were incredibly energetic, capable, and motivated to Get The Job Done. I've worked with a variety of moving companies over the last 25+ years, and none impressed me as much, nor made my move as easy and pleasant, as Claddagh Moving. I highly recommend them.

Thanks to Neil and his crew at Claddagh Moving for a quick and stress-free move last week. Of the moving companies who I reached out to last week, he got back to me within ten minutes, despite being away on a trip! He was prompt in his responses, showed up on time, and he and his crew were fast, efficient and friendly. Plus, we had some good chatter about traveling. Thank you so much, Neil!

Jason and Logan were excellent. Professional, quick, and resourceful. I called with just a week in advance and Neal was still able to pencil me in. Thanks so much

These guys did a great job with my move from Walnut Creek to Oakland. Real friendly guys, took good care of everything, and were real helpful placing and re-arranging the furniture in my new place. Neil responded to my request for a quote immediately, and did the same with all my questions. Hopefully I won't be moving again anytime soon, but if I have to I'll definitely use them.