Moving from Boston to Tampa

[snappysorbet]

Hi folks!

So, I've basically committed to a grad program in Tampa (just have to send in the paperwork) and I'm now starting to think about the logistics. My BF and I are currently in Boston, and so far we're thinking we'll move in July, but the question remains: how? I've been thinking about different options: PODs, UHaul, paying a moving company, shipping my car vs. driving south, etc. Anyone have any advice or experience with this type of a move, and what would be the best way to do it and still remain sane? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[michpc]

Personally, I think I would enjoy the drive as a sort of road trip. Take a few days to do it instead of just flying down 95 as fast as possible. It may be a wash in terms of the cost of driving vs. shipping, although I'm not sure if you factor in airfare too, so it's a question of whether you think driving would be fun or awful, haha. From experience, driving those big trucks (Penske in my case) is kind of nerve wracking, and I don't think I'd want to do it long distance. I've heard good things about the PODs though, and I think they're reasonably price if you want to go the move-yourself route. Of course, it will be July and likely hot as hell on both ends of the journey, sooo.... my thought is pick your budget and see what fits into it; what you're willing to sacrifice (driving instead of flying?) and what you're not (help moving when it's 90 degrees out?). Personally, I think that the act moving my actual belongings in and out of a truck/POD is the thing that kills my sanity the most in the moving process.

[snappysorbet]

Personally, I think I would enjoy the drive as a sort of road trip. Take a few days to do it instead of just flying down 95 as fast as possible. It may be a wash in terms of the cost of driving vs. shipping, although I'm not sure if you factor in airfare too, so it's a question of whether you think driving would be fun or awful, haha. From experience, driving those big trucks (Penske in my case) is kind of nerve wracking, and I don't think I'd want to do it long distance. I've heard good things about the PODs though, and I think they're reasonably price if you want to go the move-yourself route. Of course, it will be July and likely hot as hell on both ends of the journey, sooo.... my thought is pick your budget and see what fits into it; what you're willing to sacrifice (driving instead of flying?) and what you're not (help moving when it's 90 degrees out?). Personally, I think that the act moving my actual belongings in and out of a truck/POD is the thing that kills my sanity the most in the moving process.

Thanks for your response, michpc! I definitely like the idea of taking advantage of the drive as a roadtrip. I don't particularly want to drive one of those big UHaul or Penske trucks, although I'll do if if the price is right. What kinds of things have you heard about PODS? I don't know anybody who has used them, but I checked out their website and it looks like it would be easy enough to do if planned right.

[michpc]

Thanks for your response, michpc! I definitely like the idea of taking advantage of the drive as a roadtrip. I don't particularly want to drive one of those big UHaul or Penske trucks, although I'll do if if the price is right. What kinds of things have you heard about PODS? I don't know anybody who has used them, but I checked out their website and it looks like it would be easy enough to do if planned right.

A friend who used them was happy with their on-time performance for the pickup an drop-off. Another advantage is that you can keep them on the street for multiple days, so if you want, you can spread out your loading a little bit, instead of doing it all in one pop, which can be nice! I'm not sure about permitting in Boston proper, but I've seen them sitting in the street for days around here in Cambridge. Not sure about the prices though. I believe UHaul has a PODS-type system as well now, so that's worth looking into for cost comparison.