College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville
Junk removal service · Gary, IN · reviewed since 2023
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%67+36.5Reliability 24%52+12.6Value 14%93+13.2Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Momentum penalty60−4Experts Score= 65Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.65SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#75 of 79 piano moversiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 5%
4.7★★★★★359 Google reviews · 23 photos
91%five-star reviews
4.50★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
7.8%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
98%reviews answered by the owner
$522typical billiMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville at a glance
Google reviewers rate the company 4.7 out of 5 based on 359 reviews, with the owner responding to 98% of feedback. Positive comments frequently highlight punctuality, professional communication, reasonable pricing, and careful handling of items during moves and junk removal. In contrast, negative reviews cite incomplete jobs, improper packing techniques, property damage, and billing discrepancies that exceeded initial quotes.
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 359 reviews (91% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 359 Google reviews (317 with written comments, 20 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 98% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 20, 2026.
Service: Piano Mover serving Gary, Indiana.
Data from Google, last updated November 10, 2026.
Score profile vs other piano movers
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: replies to reviews and value; weakest: reliability.
This companyPiano Movers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville: 67/100 on this factor. Category median: 91.B
67
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville: 52/100 on this factor. Category median: 88.C
52
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 92.–
–
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville: 93/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
93
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville: 60/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
60
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
100
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
359 Google reviews we collected
4.7of 5
5 stars32591%
4 stars82%
3 stars21%
2 stars51%
1 star195%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 317 written reviews
93%praise
Praise62293%
Complaints447%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
97%fair
Great price2430%
Reasonable5163%
Overpriced22%
Not sure45%
$522-41% vs typical piano movers
Middle half of what 72 customers paid ($196–$879) · gold mark = category median.
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude19429%
Speed & response15223%
Quality & results11718%
Would recommend9715%
Price & value609%
Communication284%
Honesty & trust183%
What customers talk about
We read 317 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Both men we're very courteous and respectful of my items.”
“I made the very wrong choice going with this unprofessional company.”
“Eli and Demetrius were quick,friendly and AWESOME!”
“They also came 3 hours late for drop off (they had a no show before us, so not entirely their fault).”
“Eli and Demtrius did a great job very efficient very thorough very kind and courteous.”
“I you are not responsible enough to return a call and face the fact that your employee messed up, why are you in the business?”
“I highly recommend them and will them in the future.”
“I would never recommend them, and had to pay to get these damages fixed for the new home owners prior to them moving in.”
“Ausome company very polite and did a great job, very reasonable THANK YOU”
“I would not recommend them solely off my experience with being over charged.”
“They listened to my concerns, worked with me, and made the whole process so easy.”
“The pricing was completely transparent and stuck right to the estimate with no surprise hidden fees.”
“It definitely felt a bit shady; whether intentional or not.”
People customers mention
Kevin11 reviews
Noah10 reviews
Starbucks6 reviews
Jonathan5 reviews
Eric5 reviews
Deon5 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville for 6 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
thomasLocal Guide · 124 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
Eli and David are excellent at their job. Both men we're very courteous and respectful of my items. Everything was wrapped so well that it would be hard to damage.
Paid $1,000–1,500Reasonable priceLocal moving
Evelyn1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★
The 3 guys/movers themselves were very pleasant and respectful. However EVERYTHING ELSE about this move was horrible! The job was incomplete with items being left in my linen closet and garage. The guys had no idea how to properly pack and basically wrapped everything in Saran plastic wrap or packing tape. On top of…
Darryl11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
They were truly an awesome crew. They were professional ,courteous and hard working. It was a nasty job and they never complained or appeared frustrated. I highly recommend them and will them in the future.
Paid $500–1,000Reasonable price
Andrea1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Eli and Dre were amazing. Very prompt and on schedule. Very friendly and personable. They were very helpful!
Paid $500–1,000Reasonable priceLocal moving
Shannon3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Amazing men to work with. Fast, great commutation & very careful with belongings.
Paid $1,500–2,000Reasonable priceLocal moving
David5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Eli and Jonathan were great. Right on time for scheduled appointment. They were friendly and worked efficiently. Price was best around. Would recommend to anyone moving or getting rid of items.
Where do I start? The owner of the Merrillville Indiana location Mia is very inconsiderate, discetful and is not a person of her word. One of there employees decided to drive across my front lawn after we had 2 days of rain. Mind blowing or maybe just stupid. The truck got stuck a tow truck had to come and drag the truck 🚚 out of the front lawn . The front of my lawn is still tore up . They destroyed the drainage ditch across the front yard. Now when it rains the whole front grass is standing water. I've made numerous calls and emails to the customer service line and to the Merrillville office GIA to get this all fixed. She is avoiding me thinking it will just go away. Wrong thing to do! I you are not responsible enough to return a call and face the fact that your employee messed up, why are you in the business? This will be handled !
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Sandra Sanford, On behalf of our CHHJ team, we want to truly apologize for any frustrations or inconveniences that may have transpired during your experience. We always strive to provide 5-star service and we’re saddened to hear that we didn’t meet our goal this time. We would like to discuss your experience with our team in more detail if you could please contact us at +1 219-355-3523. Thank you again for your feedback and we look forward to hearing from you.
Dana Sabotka4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dana has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Keith Anderson, Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful review. Our team works diligently to provide our customers the best junk hauling and moving experiences. Reviews such as yours help provide them with encouragement to keep doing what they are doing. Thank you again for choosing College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving, we greatly appreciate it!
thomas canonLocal Guide · 124 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews thomas has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Eli and David are excellent at their job. Both men we're very courteous and respectful of my items. Everything was wrapped so well that it would be hard to damage.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Price: $1,000–1,500
Services: Local moving
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Thank you for sharing, thomas canon! At College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville, our movers take extra care with furniture, wrapping and protecting each piece to ensure it arrives safely. We’re glad you noticed the effort.
Evelyn Jarvis1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Evelyn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The 3 guys/movers themselves were very pleasant and respectful. However EVERYTHING ELSE about this move was horrible! The job was incomplete with items being left in my linen closet and garage. The guys had no idea how to properly pack and basically wrapped everything in Saran plastic wrap or packing tape. On top of that NONE of the boxes were labeled therefore all boxes and to be placed in our garage upon delivery and not to their designated room. AND they charged me a $200 fee to hold my items overnight on the truck when the original plan was to pack on a Thursday and come pick everything up on Friday morning to be delivered to our new home. This also meant we were forced to get a hotel home for a night unexpectedly. I’ve been calling this franchise for the past 3 weeks and have not received a call back from the franchise owners (Eric & Gia). We were overcharged by at least $500!
Price assessment: Not sure
Price: $2,500–3,000
Services: Local moving, Moving-related packing, In-state moving
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Evelyn Jarvis, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re grateful for all feedback, whether positive or negative. We want to apologize for your experience and we’re so sorry we fell short of your expectations. We’d appreciate the chance to make things right if you could please contact us at +1 219-355-3523. We will do our very best to help rectify this situation!
Allison Roach3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Allison has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Don’t waste your time with this company. I was told on the phone that they send someone to your home to give you a quote based on how much stuff you need moved. They scheduled the quote and gave me a 2 hour window, so I rearranged my day around this, only for them to not show. When I called them to see if someone was still planning on coming, they said they couldn’t get ahold of the person that was supposed to give me the quote. We rescheduled for early morning the next day and I was told this was scheduled as “high priority”. Once again I was given a 2 hour window, but no one showed up. So unprofessional. I ended up hiring a different moving company because I didn’t want to risk College Hunks standing me up AGAIN on the day I need to move out of my house..
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Allison Roach, Thank you for giving us your honest feedback. We want you to know our College Hunks team is committed to providing exceptional service and take all feedback, including yours, very seriously and with the utmost concern. We will address your concerns internally and use your feedback to make some improvements.
Marvin Rodriguez4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Marvin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Eli, Lex and Emanuel, great and respectful. Real fast service. All three went above and beyond!
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Marvin Rodriguez, Thank you for the 5-stars! We take pride in giving our customers the best service and we’re overjoyed to receive your compliments and appreciation. We’re incredibly grateful that you took the time to leave us this review and hope to serve you again in the future for any junk removal or moving needs.
Darryl Armstrong11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Darryl has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
They were truly an awesome crew. They were professional ,courteous and hard working. It was a nasty job and they never complained or appeared frustrated. I highly recommend them and will them in the future.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Price: $500–1,000
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Darryl Armstrong, We’re happy to hear we were able to meet your expectations! It means so much to us when customers share their experiences. Please do not hesitate to contact us again for any of your junk hauling and moving needs!
Chip Ballew2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Chip has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Excellent service by Eli and Jonathan! Happy to recommend them!
Services: Local moving
Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago
Chip Ballew, We appreciate you taking the time to leave us such a great review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your experience and our team will definitely be happy to read what you wrote. We put customer satisfaction as our top priority and your review proves our hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you for the kind words and we’re truly grateful for amazing customers like you.
Janet Tumidalsky8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Janet has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Eli and Demetrius were quick,friendly and AWESOME!!!
Services: Moving-related storage
Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago
Janet Tumidalsky, Thank you for choosing College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving. We hope to be your go-to company for all of your labor, junk hauling and moving needs. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback with us. Thank you again!
