Moving

[Erika Callero]

We have always used Uhaul type of trucks and done all the packing and unloading ourselves. The best suggestion I have is to get rid of everything that you don't need. You might be able to get away with a smaller truck and also a smaller fuel bill! When my brother in law was moving across the country, they actually realized that their stuff wasn't really worth the $2,000 it was going to cost to move so they sold everything and just bought new things when they got here.

[cmaris]

I've made interstate moves on my own several times, and they take some planning if you're not going to wind up either broke or beaten to a pulp physically. I rented a one-way U-Haul truck with a tow bar on the back, hired men out of the labor pool on either end to pack and unpack the truck, and installed my cats and their litter tray in my car, where they napped happily for the whole trip once the initial excitement wore off.

A scary and exhausting adventure, but it got me there for practically no money, and CERTAINLY less than a moving company would cost me. Remember, when moving companies break your stuff, they reimburse you by the pound, not by the piece, unless you've taken out extra, and very expensive, insurance on specific items.

Labor pools are a good deal all year round -- men who are available to do heavy, non-skilled type labor. They are insured and bonded, and their company will deliver them and pick them up again after the job is over. I, and several other women I've recommended them to, have used them for moving and big digging-type jobs in the yard.

They charged me $10 an hour per man, with a 4-hour minimum. When I arrived in my new town, I got two guys for 4 hours each, and they unpacked the whole truck and got everything into my house and storage shed just the way I wanted it. I have a REALLY bad back, so it was well worth it to me.
You can find these companies under temporary help in the yellow pages -- be sure to find a company that insures its workers, so if one of the guys gets hurt on the job, it's not your responsibility. A very good thing to know about, even if you're going to use a moving company this time around.

Good luck on your move!

[RicaBFH]

All excellent ideas and information! I was trying to figure out how to get things loaded and unloaded, so the labor guys are a great option!

Thank you!

By the way, know of anyone who wants to purchase a 16x80 mobile home already set up in a great park in Jacksonville, Florida -- small down and take over payments? The guy who was going to buy it had his credit fall through.

[Harriette]

Just catching up on some areas of mail. Moving can be a lot of fun as it is a new adventure into sights, sounds, people, culture, etc.

One suggestion - no matter who packs your belongings - mark your boxes, e.g., bedroom/boys, kichen/pots and pans #2. It will make unpacking a lot easier.

Also, take a notebook with you and write down the basics of what is in the boxes, e.g., kitchen/pots & pans #2 may actually be your toaster/broiler and not just pots & pans.

Another packing tip is to use old black/white newspapers to wrap dishes, glasses or anything that you do not have to worry about possible ink transfer. Get packing paper from moving suppliers.,i.e., U-Haul for any light colored items like white lampshades. Scrunched up paper also makes good fillers in the corners of boxes and other areas to prevent items from shifting. Similiar to putting rolled up socks and underwear in your suitcases.

Make sure all personal papers, e.g., marriage license, birth certificates, copies of medical records, etc., are hand-carried to prevent loss and in the event of emergency.

If you use a mover I would still try to take with me is an old coffee pot and electric skillet. You still can have coffee, tea, instant oatmeal, etc. for breakfast or cook up a couple eggs in the skillet. Also when you get to your destination there is no tearing open boxes for something to cook with because the family says ' I'm tired of ready made store/fast foods.

From experience (about 25 moves thanks to the military and itchy feet), I found six months later I had to rearrange my kitchen.

Hope your move goes smoothly - just think of it as a new adventure in life. All old bad habits can be changed and unless you tell on yourself - no one will be the wiser.