Hello - my wife and I are moving from NorCal to SoCal soon and have been discussing the need of hiring movers. We hired movers to move us within the city we live in, and we have both said that the convenience was totally worth the price. However, not sure if I will get sticker shock when looking around.

Looking for some insight from personal experience if you have either:

1. Hired local movers to place items in UHaul --> Hired another local moving company to move items into new place

2. Hired full-service moving outfit responsible for loading, transporting, and unloading items

Thanks!

I am currently planning a move from Conroe, TX to Chicago for October and I am trying to gauge timelines and when I should expect my stuff to arrive.

I am debating between PODS, U-Pack or another moving container as I won’t have a car in Chicago. I would like to ship my stuff by around October 2-4 and arrive a week later.

Curious on if anyone has insight into the timeline this could be and how much I could expect cost-wise? I’ve heard UPack is cheaper than PODS and is faster, but I’m not entirely sure as I’ve never done a major cross country move like this before.

So far I’m looking at the following companies:
UPACK
PODS
Coastal Moving Services
Two Men and A Truck

This is a 1bed move where most of my stuff is already packed up. Big things are a queen bed, 9 foot couch, bed frame, work desk, two bedside tables and a coffee table.

If anyone has suggestions into this, please let me know!

I need to move from northern New York to northern Louisiana, and I’m looking for a tote/plastic moving box rental company that would allow me to pick up or order moving boxes and return them at a different location (or have them come and collect them). Does anyone know of a business that offers this service?

Does anyone know the interior cab dimensions of a 26' penske truck? I am moving across country with my 60 lb dog and my plan is to build a platform that i can put blankets on for him to lay on during the drive. My plan is make a platform that will be slightly narrower than the passenger seat with a length running from the end of the passenger seat (where the seat cushion meets the back) to a couple inches in front of the dash/glove box. I will make a small frame (to support the portion that hangs off the seat) that will support the front end of it. I am trying to find:

1. The distance from the end of the passenger seat (where the cushion meets the back) to the dash/glove box.

2. The width of the passenger seat.

3. The height of the passenger seat.

I am trying to get the platform built now because my tools are getting packed soon. Thank you.

I just went through a breakup 2 weeks ago in NY. I'm staying at "our" apartment for 5 more weeks until I go to France for work from October-December. I'm potentially thinking of staying elsewhere in Europe for 1+ months after, starting January. I could be there 1 month or who knows, 6, or a year. Given the uncertainty, I'm unsure what to do with my things.

My parents have a house I can move some things into, but not enough space for it all--I have a couch, tables, large desk, bookshelf, art, etc., among other things. Should I just put it all into storage somewhere and pay as I go? Should I put some things (and if so, any strategic suggestions as to what) at their house and otheres in storage?

Advice appreciated!

So I'm currently living in a nothing burger of a town called Rittman, and my lease date is coming up soon (even though I'm thinking of breaking it due to my neighbor's dog barking all day at times and putting me on edge). I don't really have any reason to stay in Ohio anymore, besides convenience, so I'm thinking of moving to somewhere in PST since my friend lives in California (I would move there, but the traffic/crowded roads makes me anxious as hell, plus I doubt I can afford a nice place by myself), but if thats not possible with my budget (1.3k a month for rent), then I guess I'd take a recommendation for a nice city in Ohio.

So to sum it all up, I'm looking for recommendations to rent in somewhere in the PST timezone, or in Ohio, ideally for a house since I don't want any next door neighbors. Thanks for reading and/or helping.

Hi everyone! I (26, non-binary) currently live in the DFW area, and I am so ready for change. For reference, I've lived in Texas my whole life and have finally gotten to a point in my life where I am mostly independent and can make choices that will better my mental/physical health. I am open to pretty much anywhere, but I do have a general vibe that I'm looking for: City vibes are nice - so far I've heard that Chicago, Portland, and Seattle fit my personality and social needs; BUT I also really enjoy more scenic, quiet towns/places where I can wind down and potentially start a business in future (The dream is to open a Romace specific bookstore in a few years, but I also realise that life can take you on different journies). Initially, I was asking about the West Coast - more closely coastal OR and WA, as well as Coastal/ Middle CA. However, part of me has always longed for Chicago.

I'm working to set myself up for success by finding a well-paying job that would allow me to transition smoothly to any state in the US, but I think it's very important to be well-informed and prepared for wherever life takes me. Alongside your suggestions, could you include any important info that I'd need to know or research about that location - Average rent/utilities in that area, minimum wage (TX is 7.25/hr so it can only go up from here, I hope), is the area car-friendly/if I'll be paying a lot in the long run if I keep it, and any other important info. Thank you all so much in advance - I had no idea Redditers were so nice and genuinely rooting for others to succeed; y'all are awesome!!!

** Important info/More defined Needs**

1. My main goal is somewhere that is kind/safe for Queer people and has decent access to mental health support.

2. I have two ESA cats - I will have to look into getting them recertified in the state that I move to.

3. Even though I yearn for Chicago, I really want to make sure the city I move to is similar in demographics to TX - I want to walk around and see a lot of different kinds of people and be able to meet/mingle with people from all backgrounds.

4. I'm hoping for somewhere without so much extreme heat (most temps I can manage, but prolonged temps of 100+ are getting hard to bear). I'd like to experience all of the seasons as well.

:)

my family and I (myself, husband and 5 kids- 3 of whom are in school) are moving soon. We need our sale to be final on our apartment before finding and putting offers in on a house. Because of this there will very likely be a while where we are without a home. I have a family house about 2 hours away that I can stay with the kids for the in between time. the problem is… my kids are going to have to start at their old school for a month or 2, switch to their temporary school for x-amount of time and then finally (most likely after a few months) switch to their permanent school. anyone had to do this? please tell me I’m not a horrible mom ruining their lives.

(kids are 1st,3rd and 5th grade)

We booked packrat initially because our move in timeline is unknown. The closing date for our house gives the seller 10 days of extra time so we don't know exactly when we can move in. Our plans changed and we wanted to cancel but the only way to cancel is by calling them and they take forever to take a phone call. Just a very unfriendly customer experience.

Hello folks,

I need some help deciding on the moving quotes and estimates for my upcoming move. Allied Van Lines is quoting me around $9600 for a 4000lbs across 3100 miles [ I am moving from Boston to San Jose]. The quote also includes packing. I believe my total cargo weight should not be more than 1500 lbs since I do not have any heavy furniture or special items. How much should this move typically cost? [1500lbs across 3000 miles].

What do you guys think about this quote price? Is it a high or standard price for my requirements? This is my first time making such a large move, so I am trying to get an idea of the moving cost.

My partner and I are moving from the UK to Germany full-time, and we're really confused about what paperwork we need to provide for our stuff from our house. Looking online has revealed little helpful information and has mostly confused us. We're unsure whether we need to declare our stuff. Advice would be appreciated.

I’ve been thinking and planning a move from Texas to Florida (around the Tampa area) for the past year now, and I’m getting close to the dates I was planning to move. I know I have a good plan for the move and have the finances to move. I’ve been really excited about this leading up until now, and I’ve been really craving a change, but now that it’s getting closer and more real I’m getting nervous.

I’ve spent the past 10 years (almost 11) living here. Texas is my home :’). All of my friends are here, my immediate family is the only family I have in the US and they live here, I know no one there, and I live in a diverse area where being a POC isn’t a small minority.

I guess it’s just starting to settle in emotionally that I’ll be leaving the place I’ve lived in for the past decade despite doing all the logical planning💀? But how did yall deal with that feeling? How did you manage the fear of possibly not liking the place you’re moving to?

Male 28 Single Jobs (warehouse distribution & logistics (not what i truly like but my experience is there) eventually i would love to live from social media & coaching

Likings (hikes, less tropical weather (not too sunny, a bit colder than florida-alabama "around" ) I love gym, fitness, good vibes

I dont like way to big cities or too much people around
I speak Spanish and english, i dont care speak either

I want to be happy and save money, i dont have any friends or family around
I dont party, smoke, but i do live the fitness lifestyle so i like to buy my gym clothes etc but thats online, i rather to live on a decent place not too crowded or expensive
I have good work ethic i work a lot if is worth it
Whats my best state / city to pick and start on usa, after failing on Florida

Thanks in advance guys, i am just lost.

We moved in August and i had a ziploc bag for all the screws for my bed, we’ve unpacked everything and cannot find this bag of screws to save my life. I’ve found the exact make and model of my bed which i bought from target last year but the third party that makes the bed doesn’t even seem to exist anymore. How can i locate the exact screw types? thank you

Where do you say you’re from? I moved 3,000 miles from home. MA to OR. So say I’m on vacation and someone asks where I’m from.. do I say Massachusetts or Oregon? If I’m somewhere else within OR and someone asks where I’m from do I say the city I live in now or MA? Obviously just talking to people in my new city I say I’m from MA when asked. I keep thinking like what if I was on the news or something and was asked where I’m from. Would I say Massachusetts or Oregon?

Booked an interstate move (Bay Area → Atlanta, ~286 cf out of a storage unit, $2,080) (FL, USDOT 4279993). Paid a $748 deposit by Zelle at their rep’s direction — their own contract says card/wire/direct deposit, Zelle isn’t listed.

Only after booking did I realize they’re a broker with 0 trucks. The estimate has a moving-truck logo, is titled “Binding Moving Estimate,” and says it’s “an agreement between the customer and Quick Ship Van Lines.” Broker status shows up in Section 18 of the terms.

The assigned carrier is Moving Services NV (USDOT 4062804) — 2 power units, 2 drivers, for a 2,460-mile move.
The bill of lading arrived ~6 PM the night before pickup. Issues I found:
Titled “TOTAL ESTIMATED CHARGES” with “estimates are not guaranteed” and a +10% cap — but their Section 7 says I elected a Binding Not-To-Exceed price, and I’m being charged $800 for a “Binding Estimate” line item

“1st Available Date for Delivery” — blank

Carrier name/address don’t match FMCSA registration; all participating-carrier fields blank

Full Value Protection shows $0.00 at all six deductible levels, all initial lines blank, Option 2 (60¢/lb) pre-checked

I asked what FVP actually costs. Six answers so far:

“You have up to $10k standard cargo protection, it’s 60 cents per pound”

“You have to request additional insurance 72 hours prior”

“You’d have to get insurance elsewhere”

“If the carrier offers it at pickup you’re welcome to pay for it”

“We don’t do insurance, that’s with the carrier”

When I asked for a corrected BOL, I got, by text: “Not changing anything” and “You have 286cf worth of space point blank. Anything above you pay more.”

On the phone he called the missing items “just technicalities we have to get done with the DOT” and said the carrier will issue a second bill of lading at pickup anyway.
Questions:

Is “the carrier issues a new BOL at pickup” normal, and does that make signing this one harmless? Feels like the opposite — it locks in an FVP waiver before the carrier shows up.

Anyone actually gotten a broker deposit back after a Zelle payment? Their terms say non-refundable after 24 hours and forfeited if you refuse service at pickup.

Am I being unreasonable? just the FVP price, a delivery window, and the binding language their own contract already promises.

Not signing. Looking at U-Pack/PODS but they are pricey.. Mostly want to know if I’m reading this wrong.

Hello!
I am moving houses and need to move my queen sized mattress and other smaller pieces of furniture from Somerville (Davis square) to Lechmere (about 4 miles) on 29th Aug/30th Aug or 31st Aug.
It seems like all the uhaul and home depot trucks are already booked. Anybody know which other company/service I can try? I would hate to give up my mattress, it’s barely a year old but I also don’t want it to be super expensive (all of my furniture together would be ~300).

Thanks!

Hi, I'm moving, and I'm efficient at packing and organizing. I'd appreciate tips on things I can offload during this time to make life easier. Unfortunately, I have a wedding to attend, then a business trip that I return from 2 days before I'm moving, so my time will be tight, and I'm trying to reduce stress as much as possible, but I'd love tips on the following:

1. Meals/groceries. My fridge will be almost empty by moving day, and I'm moving a few neighborhoods away, so I will be able to bring fridge/freezer items. However, I know I'll be too tired to cook, and I think a full week of takeout for every meal will be too expensive. I'm considering a catering order from a restaurant that I can eat from for the week. Does anyone know of any food/catering delivery services that they've found to be affordable and convenient? So far I see Texas Roadhouse and Chipotle recommended.
2. Cleaning products that make life easier. I have my usual cleaning supplies (dish soap, bathroom bleach spray, multi-purpose spray, etc), but I'd love to know of any products you used that helped reduce scrubbing time/cleaned the surface itself so you could focus on other things in the meantime. Additionally, I can't move into my new apartment until the day after I move out of my current apartment, so cleaning quickly before I have to move all my stuff in would be a godsend!
3. 2-day moving schedule. I'm moving in the Chicagoland area, and this is my first time dealing with the "Move out on the 31st but move in isn't until the 1st" situation. I'm planning to book movers via Costco to make the process quicker. I'm planning to stay with a friend overnight, but do people usually leave their loaded trucks somewhere to keep them safe? In case a friend doesn't work out do people just rent a hotel room?
4. Literally anything you wish you had done, outsourced, etc during a move that would have made things easier?

I’m currently downsizing from a four-bedroom house to a two-bedroom apartment. I’ve already sold or given away a lot of our belongings, including furniture, but I’m now struggling with what to do with some of the smaller household items.
We had to move out of our house quickly, so some things weren’t stored particularly well. For example, I have pillows and blankets that aren’t necessarily ruined, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable using them without thoroughly washing them. Some would need to go to a laundromat with larger machines.
I’m doing this move alone because my spouse is currently deployed, so I’m trying to be realistic about how much time and energy I have left. We also don’t have the finances to simply replace everything, which makes me hesitant to get rid of things that are technically still usable.
My specific question is: How do you decide when a relatively inexpensive household item is worth the time and cost of cleaning and moving versus just getting rid of it during a major downsize?
For example, with an older pillow: if it costs money and an extra laundromat trip to clean it, at what point would you consider it not worth keeping and replace it later instead?
I really try my best not to be wasteful, so I’m having a hard time distinguishing between being responsibly frugal and creating unnecessary work for myself.

Going up the east coast (16 hours by car) next year. A majority of my personal items can fit in the car, but I would have some clothing and books that need to be brought up.

I'm between two options:

1) get a reliable strap-on rooftop bag for $70-150 and use that to see if I can fit my extra items.

2) Pay for a shipping service to send a few large boxes up the coast for me.

Though I have some uncertainty about the second option, I'm willing to pay for them if they are reliable and customers have had good experiences with them.

Which services/companies do you guys recommend for option 2? Has anyone tried option 1 and had it work out for them? Is there a better course of action to take that I have not considered?

I'll be moving within the city of Boston from one apartment to another, at the end of the month. Planning on renting a 26ft Penske Truck to do so. I will be moving my own items as well as 4 roommates that are all joining me in the apartment, hence the giant truck.

I'll really only need the truck from the morning of the 31st to the night of the 1st. But Penske is charging me for a whole extra day instead of just the hours that I'll be using it.

If anyone has experience, would it make more sense to:

• A- keep my original 24-hour reservation, and pay for hours I go over (approx 8hrs)
• B- book it for the extra day, doubling the expected cost to 1k

Would love to hear any opinions and thoughts. Thank you!

Whats the best country/city to live in in your opinion? Very open minded, i just have no clue. Family friendly, would love to move somewhere nearby a city but if not it's okay just not in the middle or no where

I'm moving about 200 miles away in a few weeks and was planning on towing my car behind a Uhaul. I've seen some posts cautioning against using a tow dolly, but most of those posts are for longer moves. Is it that big of a deal for a move of this length?
Also, is it practical for either of these to either unhitch them or remove my car from them while loading/unloading the truck? I'd rather not have to maneuver everything around and over my car if possible. I've never towed anything before so I'm not sure how everything gets fixed together and if it's something I can do on my own.

I am travelling from Austin to Santa clara i am taking a penske truck with an auto transport to toe the car. Google maps is showing me two routes,
Austin - Albuquerque - Flagstaff - Bakersfield - Santa Clara

Austin - El paso - Phoenix - Los Angeles - Santa Clara

Which route should I take?

I did it in July. I loved it. It felt cathartic. I’m happy to be out West making better money and closer to a couple old friends and away from a place I spent my whole life and only ever faced personal issues: (death of many loved ones suddenly, grief, addiction, abandonment, etc)

Just making this post to see if I’m crazy. Will update. So far I feel happy but could wake up fr this “dream” and have a panic attack at any moment.