For those moving for programs this fall, any tips?

[hejduk]

The dreaded cross-country move starts soon. Just packed up my wife's elementary classroom, and all that boxed stuff is now sitting in our house. With less than 60-days to go, I'm trying to get an early start and make some headway against this beast.

We're taking a Penske truck, towing the Mini behind it, and leaving the other car here (one [Mini] car family!).

Shall we start some tips?

[rising_star]

• If you haven't worn it in a year, don't keep it. If it doesn't fit well, don't keep it. If you'll never get to wear it where you're moving or where you do research, don't keep it.
• If you haven't used it in 6 months, don't keep it.
• If it's paper, try to scan it and keep it digitally (with a backup!) rather than moving it.
• For books, you may be better off shipping them via media mail than actually hauling them in a truck (they're heavy, take up space, and media mail is pretty inexpensive).
• If your furniture isn't all that nice, sell it and buy new furniture when you arrive.
• For everything you're not keeping, try to sell it via a garage/yard sale or Craig's List. Use the money you make to help pay for gas and hotels on the way.

I'm totally serious about the clothing, btw. I go through my closet every few months for the gigantic swaps my friends and I have. Each time, I discover things that I never wear or that don't fit. I just recently gave away something I bought back in 2007 but have never worn. I've moved that damn thing across the country and four times in this city! Ridiculous.

[eklavya]

Use the money you make to help pay for gas and hotels on the way.

on this one, if possible, stay at friends' or relatives' if you have some in your route, and if they don't mind having you over for a night. i am stopping at 3 places, all friends, whom i haven't seen in a few years. you will save money, and be able to have some fun in the dreadful x-country trip.

in addition,

- take a gps, and keep it until you are very familiar with your new town.

- get a roadside assistance insurance. cancel it after you reach your town.

- books: get rid of everything that's not going to be useful to you. i have found out that i am a hoarder when it comes to books and this habit of mine has given me pain in the neck when it comes to moving places.

[Mal83]

I'm flying out, I've been living with my parents in Arizona for the past 2 years so I don't have quite the same chore ahead of me, although I have acquired a great many things and just have to get rid of them. But my parents are coming with me so I'll be able to cram some stuff into their bags as well, maybe I'll even pay to check another bag if I decide I just can't live it without something for however long it'll take for stuff to be shipped as inexpensively as possible. My parents moved here from NJ while I was abroad and took a lot of my things with them packed up in boxes so I'd have them when I arrived, but really I never touched most of it in 2 years and already I've gotten rid of whole boxes of things that I really liked at one time but couldn't care less about now, but some of it has been harder to part with. I feel like someone on that show "Hoarders, Buried Alive" like I'm picking through each item, mulling over it's sentimental value and then deciding that it would be far too devastating to part with it Seriously though, I've already given over a lot of clothes to Goodwill type places and dumped about a ton of books and DVDs in the donation bin of my library, I just can't throw those things out. I also started going through my things a while ago, not moving until August, so that I have time for a few rounds of picking. First round I got rid of things that I have absolutely no interest in anymore, you know, the "why did I buy this?" stuff. Then I went back and still managed to get things out of my house that I liked but realized it's just not practical and I have too much still. Now I'm at the point where I have to decide if things that I put in the "shipping" pile will be worth it. So I'm hoping that all of the time that I've given myself to do this will result in not spending a fortune to get stuff from one side of the country to the other. Despite the chore that this is though, I'm really excited about the move.

[rising_star]

on this one, if possible, stay at friends' or relatives' if you have some in your route, and if they don't mind having you over for a night. i am stopping at 3 places, all friends, whom i haven't seen in a few years. you will save money, and be able to have some fun in the dreadful x-country trip.

But, you have to figure out whether or not it's on the way or if you'll end up spending almost as much in gas due to the detour as an inexpensive hotel room would cost. I paid something like $45/night on my drive, and that was for two people at hotels with free wi-fi and free breakfast. If you wanted Motel 6, it's probably only like $30/night. I drove cross-country but didn't stop to visit any friends or family because it would've required a 2+ hour detour in either direction and gas was near $4.50/gallon then.

in addition,

- take a gps, and keep it until you are very familiar with your new town.

- get a roadside assistance insurance. cancel it after you reach your town.

- books: get rid of everything that's not going to be useful to you. i have found out that i am a hoarder when it comes to books and this habit of mine has given me pain in the neck when it comes to moving places.

I would just add a few things here.

1) I didn't take a GPS and have never needed it where I live. My new city is on a grid and all major shopping centers are along major streets that are easy to find. Plus, my route here was straight down two interstates, which didn't require a GPS to figure out. If you don't already own a GPS unit or have someone that will let you borrow theirs, you may find that you're better off going with your phone/iPad/nothing at all.

2) Roadside assistance can be invaluable, even if you just had your car serviced. True story: a friend of mine loaned her car to her partner two days after having it fully checked out. He started out on a 5 hour drive and the car broke down about halfway through that. Thanks to roadside assistance, he was able to have the car towed to his destination (which is also where the closest repair shops are). Considering that they share a car, she had no way to rescue him and he would've just been stranded on the side of the highway in 95+ degree heat.

3) It can be really hard to determine in advance what will and won't be useful to you. One thing you might want to look into is whether the books you're considering taking are held in a local library or not. Another is whether you'll need them for a course, a paper, revising your thesis, etc. Finally, you'll probably want to keep just a few books around that are pleasure reading for you. Oh, and if you're shipping via media mail, try to use medium-sized boxes. Otherwise, they can get quite heavy!

I'm flying out, I've been living with my parents in Arizona for the past 2 years so I don't have quite the same chore ahead of me, although I have acquired a great many things and just have to get rid of them. But my parents are coming with me so I'll be able to cram some stuff into their bags as well, maybe I'll even pay to check another bag if I decide I just can't live it without something for however long it'll take for stuff to be shipped as inexpensively as possible.

Mal83, you might want to think about your packing strategy more carefully. I've done the whole move 1500 miles in suitcases with the help of family thing, and it wasn't really that bad, though that was when the airlines didn't charge for checked bags. You may want to try to fly Jetblue (one free checked bag) or Southwest (two free checked bags) so that you can transport more things than might otherwise be possible. Definitely something to consider when purchasing flights. You'll also want to price out various shipping services (DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS, Greyhound, Amtrak) before deciding which one to go with.

[eklavya]

3) It can be really hard to determine in advance what will and won't be useful to you.

books before college = useless, except the books you cherish dearly

[runonsentence]

Cautionary note on Media Mail shipping: it's definitely cheaper than taking up space in a rented van (and using up the gas to haul those heavy things), but make sure you (a) keep a packing list/inventory of what goes in each box and ( purchase the optional insurance.

My former roommate shipped his books from Cincy to Tempe, AZ. A number of his academic books didn't make it (I think the USPS sometimes opens up boxes, especially heavy ones, to make sure you're only mailing media mail approved items) and were strangely replaced with books from the "___ for Dummies" series.

This said, I still think it's a good idea, and I'd still do it myself if I was moving cross-country right now.

Other ideas:

• Use alternative folding methods to pack your clothes more tightly (I got this site off of an NPR story): http://www.onebag.com/pack.html
• Buy large space/vacuum bags. I used these on my towels, afghans, sweaters, etc. and am convinced it helped me pack much more stuff into my car.

[lambspam]

I've found that file boxes are great for moving. They're small enough that they're really hard to overpack but big enough that they fit quite a bit of stuff.

We''re downloading some books on CD for the 3000-mile drive.

Any tips on how to keep pets as unmiserable as possible on long car trips?

[rising_star]

books before college = useless, except the books you cherish dearly

Depends on what you read before college. I read some theoretical stuff that has since proved useful. YMMV, of course.

[Golden Monkey]

The last time I moved, I used Fedex Home, as it was the cheapest. I'm going to try to do the same thing this time, then fly out.

[Mal83]

But, you have to figure out whether or not it's on the way or if you'll end up spending almost as much in gas due to the detour as an inexpensive hotel room would cost. I paid something like $45/night on my drive, and that was for two people at hotels with free wi-fi and free breakfast. If you wanted Motel 6, it's probably only like $30/night. I drove cross-country but didn't stop to visit any friends or family because it would've required a 2+ hour detour in either direction and gas was near $4.50/gallon then.

I would just add a few things here.

1) I didn't take a GPS and have never needed it where I live. My new city is on a grid and all major shopping centers are along major streets that are easy to find. Plus, my route here was straight down two interstates, which didn't require a GPS to figure out. If you don't already own a GPS unit or have someone that will let you borrow theirs, you may find that you're better off going with your phone/iPad/nothing at all.

2) Roadside assistance can be invaluable, even if you just had your car serviced. True story: a friend of mine loaned her car to her partner two days after having it fully checked out. He started out on a 5 hour drive and the car broke down about halfway through that. Thanks to roadside assistance, he was able to have the car towed to his destination (which is also where the closest repair shops are). Considering that they share a car, she had no way to rescue him and he would've just been stranded on the side of the highway in 95+ degree heat.

3) It can be really hard to determine in advance what will and won't be useful to you. One thing you might want to look into is whether the books you're considering taking are held in a local library or not. Another is whether you'll need them for a course, a paper, revising your thesis, etc. Finally, you'll probably want to keep just a few books around that are pleasure reading for you. Oh, and if you're shipping via media mail, try to use medium-sized boxes. Otherwise, they can get quite heavy!

Mal83, you might want to think about your packing strategy more carefully. I've done the whole move 1500 miles in suitcases with the help of family thing, and it wasn't really that bad, though that was when the airlines didn't charge for checked bags. You may want to try to fly Jetblue (one free checked bag) or Southwest (two free checked bags) so that you can transport more things than might otherwise be possible. Definitely something to consider when purchasing flights. You'll also want to price out various shipping services (DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS, Greyhound, Amtrak) before deciding which one to go with.

Yeah, we just booked our tickets on Southwest so that means between the 3 of we'll have 6 free bags, plus our carry-ons. Not too bad I guess.

[qbtacoma]

If it is feasible, take the train. I can get almost all the way up the west coast for less than $150 PLUS five boxes of stuff fifty pounds each, no extra charge. I'm having I don't have any furniture or pets, so that helps.

Actually the stuff I have the most trouble purging (since my sentimental things are still with my parents) is random office supplies that I *might* use someday. I feel bad about wasting it.

[runonsentence]

Most thrift stores are happy to take odds and ends (including random office supplies). I tell myself that it won't go to waste if I get rid of it; this is how I help convince myself to purge.

[hejduk]

We'll be driving across country, and staying in a hotel for a few nights. Anyone have advice to make sure the moving van isn't broken into while parked for the night? Is my only security just a good lock?

[ktel]

I am dreading the packing process. I am flying to Toronto, but will be visiting twice before then, so I'm paying for a second checked bag ($20) each time. Anything else I'm shipping using Greyhound. I leave for my first visit on Thursday so have started packing my second bag. I'm actually just using a box since it's so much lighter than a suitcase so I can max out my 50 lbs of weight.

[rising_star]

I am dreading the packing process. I am flying to Toronto, but will be visiting twice before then, so I'm paying for a second checked bag ($20) each time. Anything else I'm shipping using Greyhound. I leave for my first visit on Thursday so have started packing my second bag. I'm actually just using a box since it's so much lighter than a suitcase so I can max out my 50 lbs of weight.

Be careful with boxes. I have seen many destroyed boxes come out on the luggage belt.

[ktel]

Be careful with boxes. I have seen many destroyed boxes come out on the luggage belt.

I will be wrapping that thing with so much tape it'll be near impossible to open.

[rising_star]

I will be wrapping that thing with so much tape it'll be near impossible to open.

That may not meet with TSA approval, if you're going through the US at all. They can and do open checked luggage at will.

[ktel]

Nope not travelling through the US. Edmonton to Toronto. My boyfriend just did it with no problem. I figure they would probably just open it and then tape it back up again if they really need to look at it.

[mandarin.orange]

The last time I moved, I used Fedex Home, as it was the cheapest. I'm going to try to do the same thing this time, then fly out.

What sorts of rates did you get for FedEx Home? How much stuff (weight, or # boxes) are you looking to transport? I believe I tried to get quotes at one point this spring from both FedEx and UPS, and other bulk freighting possibilities. I concluded that USPS was by far the cheapest option, if using parcel post, and have been shipping stuff to my folks' house via them. It's run me about $450 so far for almost 20 boxes with just over 300 lbs of stuff. About $25/box, including insurance.

Edited July 5, 2011 by mandarin.orange

[blackshirt]

• For books, you may be better off shipping them via media mail than actually hauling them in a truck (they're heavy, take up space, and media mail is pretty inexpensive).

THIS. I've compared all possible options, and media mail definitely has the best rates. Having got rid of books I don't want or need, and having left some that I love but can't justify shipping in storage in the 'rents' attic, I'm at 5 boxes each weighing 20-30ish lbs, and each will cost between $12-$15 (though I will pay more to get them insured). Which brings me to runonsentence's cautionary tale:

Cautionary note on Media Mail shipping: it's definitely cheaper than taking up space in a rented van (and using up the gas to haul those heavy things), but make sure you (a) keep a packing list/inventory of what goes in each box and ( purchase the optional insurance.

My former roommate shipped his books from Cincy to Tempe, AZ. A number of his academic books didn't make it (I think the USPS sometimes opens up boxes, especially heavy ones, to make sure you're only mailing media mail approved items) and were strangely replaced with books from the "___ for Dummies" series.

This said, I still think it's a good idea, and I'd still do it myself if I was moving cross-country right now.

Do you happen to know how large/heavy the boxes in question were? I know the weight limit is 70 lbs and I've heard that it's best to stay under 40 so I'm sticking to 35 max. Do you think this will protect me? Your story scares me, because I know it's very hard to get USPS to replace things without receipts, and I have some rare old books...I think I just may sneak those into my luggage. I'll also create the inventory as you suggested, so I can figure out which of the more replaceable books need to be replaced if it comes to that.

Mal83, you might want to think about your packing strategy more carefully. I've done the whole move 1500 miles in suitcases with the help of family thing, and it wasn't really that bad, though that was when the airlines didn't charge for checked bags. You may want to try to fly Jetblue (one free checked bag) or Southwest (two free checked bags) so that you can transport more things than might otherwise be possible. Definitely something to consider when purchasing flights. You'll also want to price out various shipping services (DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS, Greyhound, Amtrak) before deciding which one to go with.

For others considering plane tickets, I agree with rising_star and have thoughts to add. I am a single woman moving alone without a car (CA to Chicago) so my only real option is flying. Having done the math, I found that it was cheaper to fly Virgin (Southwest would have taken me to the wrong airport) and pay $25 for extra bags up to 50 pounds than to ship everything. They allow lots of additional bags for this flat rate, so I plan on checking 3-4 large duffels and 2 standard suitcases. Of course, I also popped the small fee for flight insurance so I can recover bags that go astray. This way, my parents will only have to ship the 5 boxes of books and my only real difficulty will be finding a taxi/friend's car big enough to fit me AND all my luggage. I very much suggest trying this; the more you minimize shipping, the cheaper and easier your life will probably be.

Another note on flights--if you're on a budget (which I'm pretty sure we all are), you may want to use Yapta to track the prices of the flights you're looking at, or if you've already purchased, to see if rates drop enough for a partial refund/voucher from the airline. I discovered it too late for purchasing, but I'm still praying for the refund/voucher option. =)

Other moving tips--

• As others have said, sell everything you can. I made about $350 by selling all my furniture. And, if I didn't wear all my clothes to death (many already hand-me-downs from my pickier/more stylish friends), I'd have sold a bunch of them at a clothing exchange store (we have one called Crossroads; there are probably a bunch).Wait until arrival to buy your necessary grad school staples. I'll be buying a new laptop, printer, filing cabinet, etc. in addition to your standard notebooks and pens, pots and pans. And by "new" I don't necessarily mean brand new; lots of things can be purchased used or refurbished. This also saves money.If you do use the standard moving van and boxes, make sure you're organized with your labeling system. I usually use something like "Kitchen 3/5" so you know which room it belongs in and how many boxes there should be. Some people get even more specific--that's up to you.

Alrighty, this is pretty long. Good luck and happy moving to us all!

Edited July 6, 2011 by blackshirt

[runonsentence]

Do you happen to know how large/heavy the boxes in question were? I know the weight limit is 70 lbs and I've heard that it's best to stay under 40 so I'm sticking to 35 max. Do you think this will protect me? Your story scares me, because I know it's very hard to get USPS to replace things without receipts, and I have some rare old books...I think I just may sneak those into my luggage. I'll also create the inventory as you suggested, so I can figure out which of the more replaceable books need to be replaced if it comes to that.

I don't know the actual quantified weight, but since I lifted them myself and transported them to the post office after he'd left, I know they were damn heavy!

It's probably safe to assume they were over 40 lbs or close to it. (For illustration, a few of the books he lost were Norton Anthologies.)

[ktel]

I am getting nervous now about using my box for luggage. I am going to have to go buy packing tape because the duct tape I am using now is falling off. Oh well it only has to last being loaded and unloaded + a 4 hour flight

[psycholinguist]

Nope not travelling through the US. Edmonton to Toronto. My boyfriend just did it with no problem. I figure they would probably just open it and then tape it back up again if they really need to look at it.

Go for it. I did this a year ago and had absolutely no trouble at all. (From my hometown in B.C., I'd been travelling for two weeks out East. In the process, I'd acquired, uh, 21 books, some clothes, and a new pair of shoes. All that wasn't going to fit in my one suitcase; so I went to the nearest post-office and bought a nice big packing-box, put in the less-fragile things, and duct-taped the heck out of it. Worked just fine!

[Golden Monkey]

For those shipping stuff: how did you arrange for receiving the shipments if you're not there yet?