I need moving advice, please.

[Gardeaux08]

I am planning a move from Pennsylvania to Minnesota in the summer. I don't want to have much to take with me just a few pieces of furniture, bed, etc. And my two cats!

I am looking for advice from anyone who has made a move a few thousand miles away as far as how and what you did to economize on moving expenses. More importantly, what kind of "priority scale" should I give my possessions? Obviously family heirlooms are not going to be sold or left behind but when I think of moving all my books, I just shudder...but they are my BOOKS!!! :)

I guess I just need some good advice about keeping my thoughts on this move as realistic as possible.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

1. Save a ton of money

by packing up your books and mailing them - at the book rate - to yourself at your new address.

Paying movers to move books is the height of madness. Postal book rates are great, but make sure they're packed very soundly, because they really get beat up in the journey.

Good luck.

[Gardeaux08]

5. Moving companies

would charge me an arm and a leg! So I planned to rent a truck and tow my car. That will cost me about $900 and the size of the truck is big enough to move everything I own now. I just hate to move things like cheap particle board furniture! I know, I know. I have cheap furniture. The bigger issue is that I will be sharing a place with a friend who already lives in St. Paul so she has a whole home set up. But I still have things that I can't part with.

[hickman1937]

8. If you change your mind

Do not, use a bargin mover. I've heard horror stories of people who have had their possesions held hostage by movers, until more money was extorted.

[Deja Q]

12. Isn't money a wonderful thing?

:evilgrin:

[blueknight]

if you have very little to move

rent a truck, or van. do not hire a moving service unless you have to! a lot of them try to scam you

[bobbieinok]

2. in 89, book-boxes could be mailed something like 4th class....pretty cheap

[shraby]

4. Cheapest to buy a used moving truck

then everything is in your own care. We have moved all over with everything in a moving truck. We bought one used then sold it when we were done.
The moves cost the price of gas and any repairs that were needed.

[Gardeaux08]

6. I thought about parcel post.

I have a friend who did that and she moved very cheaply.

[amazona]

3. a suggestion for books

You can box them up and ship them United States Postal Service "book rate" for cheaper than having a moving service move them.

It depends on what kind of quote you get for moving, but I've heard some very high quotes recently, so high that if your furniture is inexpensive, it would be cheaper to garage sale it or even donate it and buy a new bed when you get where you're going. A friend of mine did that and ended up actually saving a couple thousand dollars.

I also read of a man who bought a van, moved his stuff himself, then sold the van at the other end, and actually turned a profit, because he was so ticked at being quoted $4,000 to move his stuff.

Don't be afraid to consider a lot of options that might seem to be outside the box.

[Historic NY]

7. Mail your books or UPS them.....I do it all the time......

I get heavy file boxes and pack books for shipment regularly for those borrowing them. I've shipped off 9-10 cases back and forth no problem. I would make the weights as equal as possible so you don't kill yourself picking them up. Distribute them so you can use every little space in each box.

[cally]

9. My sister bought an old trailer

for about $300. She was planning to rent but found it was cheaper to buy.

[sbj405]

10. A few thoughts

If you don't have a lot of stuff, consider renting a cargo van rather than a uhaul type truck. Better mileage, handling, and unless you're used to driving a large truck less stress. I'm not sure if you could tow your car though.

Second, Uhaul sucks. I recommend Penske and then Ryder.

Third, your particle board furniture in all likelihood may not survive. So unless you really want it, save yourself the hassle of hauling it all that way.

[Historic NY]

11. books I have lots of them and would be sad to leave them behind...

after all they are like old friends. I have 2000 up on shelves and probably another 500-800 at my office. Most of mine are history related. They have been on my mind lately as I have to do my will. I can't decide whether to leave them to a library (local municipal one stinks, they sell stuff off and just shove them somewhere) or to (give them to USMA at West Point, some of theirs are worn out). Selling them off at their true value would take sometime, but they are worth quite a bit.