Making A Cost-Effective and Safe Long Distance Move (from California to Indiana)

 I have been trying to do some research all day about making a cost-
effective and safe move from California to Indiana (by July or August
of this year). It is frustrating for I am doing this alone and do not
have the money/assistance to make such a huge leap.

Question: What is the most cost effective way to make a long-distance
move? I do not have a lot of furniture. I cannot make the drive alone
and do not know anyone I trust to help me with this move. Would
shipping be the "best" thing? Hiring a moving company? Help?!

  bachelorette.no.3@gmail.com wrote:

If you dont care much about the furniture, it can make more
sense to get rid of it in Cal and get some more in Indiana.

 


  Back in '96, I moved from OH to AZ, not that different from what you
propose. I did have a lot of stuff to move, though.

  I used a moving company, but did all my own boxing of items, etc. The
moving company did let me pick up used boxes from them at no extra cost,
especially handy for the specialty boxes like wardrobe boxes, kitchen china
boxes, and such. I also decided which items weren't worth the cost of moving
and sold or gave them away rather than pay to move them.

  As I thought about it over the past decade, I should have *not* moved many
more items. Especially for heavy items, this is a good time to have a garage
sale, donate to charity, etc. Keep items of a sentimental nature and lighter
items, but don't move heavy stuff like sofa or a set of dishes, especially
if things like this show wear, are chipped simply something you never really
liked.

  For items to be moved, use your car to transport a computer, artwork,
important papers--and maybe a vacuum cleaner and other supplies needed right
off the bat at the new place--assuming you have a vehicle and are driving to
your new home. For the rest, although I've not done it, I've seen "moving
companies" that drop a semi-trailer-able "container" which you fill at your
own pace, they transport--and you unload. I'd think that'd be cheaper than
having to pay for a more traditional moving company with trailer and driver
with a helper.

  Even with me boxing and unboxing all my items, I think I paid 50 cents/lb.
over a decade ago, plus tips. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that rates for
your mileage could be well over $1/lb--or much more if the movers do the
packing. For each item, ask yourself, for example, if it's really worth $100
to have your 100# desk moved compared to simply getting a different desk in
Indiana at a yard sale, office supply store or whatever.

  Good luck.

Craig

 Craig wrote:


We did an 800 mile move 7 years ago under similar circumstances for
essentially 50 cents/lb.

The cost will be a cost factor times mileage (interstate rules).

Figure what's worth 50 cents/lb & ship it.   Discard / donate what's not
worth 50 cents/ lb.
(Not sure of the current cost factor)  Packing / unpacking by yourself
will help reduce cost.
Looking back, I wonder if it would have been cheaper to ship the books &
records via Media mail.

  bachelorette.no.3@gmail.com wrote:


Sell off as much stuff as you can (or donate it). Shop around for a
moving service. Is this move job related? If so, your employer might be
able to provide some financial assistance and you might be able to get a
tax deduction for the moving costs.