How crazy am I? Moving edition

Just went through this, but with a LOT more stuff(3 engines, 2 transmissions, 1100 ft of garage space crap, and 2000sq ft of house), and only 800 miles. I'm not sure I can sway you either way on tow or truck, BUT PLEASE look at Penske trucks if you're renting something with an engine. I can't tell you how much happier I was knowing I was in the best maintained truck available(which isn't saying a whole lot), especially going through the WV mountains.

Passing 2 broken down Uhauls did make me a bit smug, especially knowing that my wife and newborns stuff was in the back and I was WAY overloaded (26' box truck, full + Legacy on a full trailer).

Also it was less than 10% more expensive than Uhaul. I think it was $1300 vs $1430, and I made that up in fuel costs I believe. The Penske got about 8mpg in diesel, which surprisingly was less expensive here in the midwest. Something about a refinery shutdown I believe.

There are different brands of PODS available. I would look into that.

Have you priced out the semi companies like ABF and Old Dominion?

They drop you a semi and the charge you by the foot of floor space. You put a padlock on the divider and they then fill the remaining space with pallets going your way.
Three to five days later, the semi with your locked goods arrives at your new home and you unload.

Remember, the semi trailer will be taller than a rental truck so if you need 20 ft or rental truck you will need less than 20 ft of semi space if you pack high and tight.

Many good points, ill need to look into more moving options obviously. The plan is also to have a job and home lined up before I move. That said the semi companys seem a good idea.

You're just as crazy as my family. In 2 weeks, we're moving across the country. Our house isn't listed, and we don't have anywhere to move to.

Theres a good answer! Haha. If I may, how is your family moving and are yall bringing any vehicles? If so how? My uncle moved across most the country but had various family members drive a vehicle in a massive convoy and that didnt seem very efficient to me but I dont know.

chiodos wrote: Theres a good answer! Haha. If I may, how is your family moving and are yall bringing any vehicles? If so how? My uncle moved across most the country but had various family members drive a vehicle in a massive convoy and that didnt seem very efficient to me but I dont know.

From Guelph, ON to Kelowna, BC. We're shipping our car by rail and then either renting a truck or hiring movers to get our stuff across the country. Rail shipping is relatively cheap, so it might be a viable option for you.

Cool, my significant other was born in burlington, on not far from there. By rail is a good idea I havent thought of

In reply to chiodos:

That's kinda funny. I have cousins in Burlington.

All of your answers are wrong. You are moving to Portland, the only appropriate way to arrive is by a rickshaw in tight pants ironically towing your belongings fueled only by micro brew that no one has heard of. Handlebar mustache optional.

Other than that, as a veteran of moving several times cross country, leave as much behind as possible. The cost to replace many things will be less than the cost of the additional rental of tow trailer, gas, wear and stress. Pair it down and buy a small trailer for not much more than rental, sell it after you have used it to drag home you replacement furniture.

I thought using a low, loud volvo wagon was sutable replacement for beer powered rickshaw.

We have pared down a lot, ive got a list of the furniture that were bringing and as soon as I come across a tape measure ill do some math to see how well we can pack it. I did come to another idea, sell my miata and purchase a used box truck, rent a tow dolly for the Volvo and sell the box truck when I land in Portland, or live in it, whatever. But one reason I was comfortable driving this volvo cross country is my experience with it is very deep and I know what would/could go out. Im slightly afraid of buying something else of unknown condition (high mile box truck/van) and making it on hopes and dreams.

Also backup plan, someone suggested penski and they are indeed cheapest and my significant others father may pay for a moving truck, hes flakey so im not banking on that but it could be an unexpected bonus.

chiodos wrote: The amount of crap were hauling is a coffee table, clothes for two, a queen size bed, small dresser, a chiffarobe, two tvs, an about 150lbs of tools. Not a whole lot a junk, we are two broke college "kids" after all.

Put the clothes you actually wear in the car, and sell/give away the rest.