Cross-Country Move Options

scnomad

scnomad

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2 years ago we sold our house, packed everything into a 28' U-Pack trailer, and moved our lives from MN to SC. We had a lot to move, and spent roughly $3500 on U-Pack. They drop off a 28 foot trailer, you load your belongings, and they haul it to your destinations, where you unload.

Fast forward, and we are now moving my MIL down here as well. She has a 1-bedroom apartment and not many belongings. A bedroom set, some clothes, and other misc. Started looking at options, and most of them seem to start right around $2K. The traditional methods I have looked into are:

1) PODS
2) U-Pack
3) 1-way moving van rental

Because of the cost, I have started looking into some other options including:

4) Buying a cargo trailer (6x12) that would be towed by our Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
5) Buying a short bus/shuttle van or something similar to transport us and the cargo

We enjoy camping, and have been talking about converting a cargo trailer or small bus into a camper. If we went with options 4 or 5, this would accomplish a couple goals, although at a higher cost. I just hate to throw away $2K+ on a one-time service when we could buy something that would be used long term.

Any other thoughts recommendations?
 
In my ( never very ) humble opinion, there are times where it just makes sense to pay the going rate for a service without looking for a bargain or "deal". It seems those deals always cost more in the long run either in hard cash or frustration. For *me*, this is one of those times. I'd go with 1 or 2 and be done with it.
 
You won't buy a trailer the size you need for 2k. But buying is the way to go.
 
Tim said:
In my ( never very ) humble opinion, there are times where it just makes sense to pay the going rate for a service without looking for a bargain or "deal". It seems those deals always cost more in the long run either in hard cash or frustration. For *me*, this is one of those times. I'd go with 1 or 2 and be done with it.
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Can't argue with that. I was just thinking if it happened to work out, it would be great to have something I can keep and continue using. Sometimes it just makes sense to pay the man and let them handle it.
 
Tim said:
In my ( never very ) humble opinion, there are times where it just makes sense to pay the going rate for a service without looking for a bargain or "deal". It seems those deals always cost more in the long run either in hard cash or frustration. For *me*, this is one of those times. I'd go with 1 or 2 and be done with it.
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I totally agree based on my advanced age and believing that there is something to "older and wiser". Lots of things I know how to do based on my life experiences but now I'll gladly pay someone the going rate to do it for me.

.
 
I say 4 and 5. Buy the van/bus and a smaller trailer and drive and tow it all to SC. Since you can load stuff into the van/bus, you can buy a smaller trailer. You can always sell the trailer when the move is complete and you'll have the van/bus for your conversion.
 
REELDOC said:
Would it be more economical to sell what she doesn't need up there and just buy her a new bedroom suite and stuff like that down here? Then you could just go get her without much hassle.
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I agree with this. In fact, we sold a LOT of things before we moved down here, but still had a lot of stuff. Unfortunately, the few furniture pieces she has are antiques, and just a few of her last remaining possessions, and would like to keep them.
 
Geezer said:
I say 4 and 5. Buy the van/bus and a smaller trailer and drive and tow it all to SC. Since you can load stuff into the van/bus, you can buy a smaller trailer. You can always sell the trailer when the move is complete and you'll have the van/bus for your conversion.
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Part of me really wants to go with the short bus route. If I could find a clean one down here in the south and drive it up, we could easily fit her belongings, then would have our camper as well. Plus if we got one with a wheelchair lift it would be easier to haul her since she doesn't get around so well anymore.
 
Now is not a time for a deal on anything. 16’ enclosed trailers are over $6000 new. Up over $2000 just this year.

Pods give you lots of options after loaded. Delivery places, loading and unloading when you please, storage upon arrival, and peace of mind.
 
scnomad said:
Unfortunately, the few furniture pieces she has are antiques, and just a few of her last remaining possessions, and would like to keep them.
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Which makes a solid argument for hiring a moving company to take the responsibility and liability for getting them to the destination safely. They may still get broken, but at least you would be entitled to some kind of compensation, unlike if you go the DIY route and something happens.
 
6x12 Cargo trailer, 7 days. You'll have to adjust for one-way.

1629387926648.png
 
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Les White said:
6x12 Cargo trailer, 7 days. You'll have to adjust for one-way.

View attachment 367825
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This option is about $735 to go from MN to SC. The least expensive option yet, but with an empty weight of 2000 pounds I am not sure how well our jeep wrangler unlimited will handle it. EDIT - Looks like the 6x12 has brakes, which would really help.
 
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Les White said:
6x12 Cargo trailer, 7 days. You'll have to adjust for one-way.

View attachment 367825
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I've rented this size to move my daughter back from NYC. A one bedroom apt fit in it. It has surge brakes, not electric, but they really helped. Pulled it with a Ford Escape small SUV with the 4cyl hybrid motor no problem.
 
rdinatal said:
I've rented this size to move my daughter back from NYC. A one bedroom apt fit in it. It has surge brakes, not electric, but they really helped. Pulled it with a Ford Escape small SUV with the 4cyl hybrid motor no problem.
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Well if a 4-cylinder escape can do it, I would think our V6 wrangler can. Just have to navigate over/through the mountains...
 
scnomad said:
This option is about $735 to go from MN to SC. The least expensive option yet, but with an empty weight of 2000 pounds I am not sure how well our jeep wrangler unlimited will handle it. EDIT - Looks like the 6x12 has brakes, which would really help.
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One-way is always more expensive. Figure out the days you'll need, rent it as local (pickup/dropoff at the same location), and see what the cost difference it. You're already driving there, take the trailer with you. I'd do that if it's cheaper. Yeah, you have to tow the empty trailer there, but you'd be going prepared instead of having to rely on the hacks at u-haul to have the equipment ready and available, which despite being their business they screw up frequently.

Fwiw, you might need a bigger tow vehicle.

1629390313816.png

I've got a 6x14 I'd rent to you, but I'm sure the Wrangler would struggle with it.
 
Les White said:
One-way is always more expensive. Figure out the days you'll need, rent it as local (pickup/dropoff at the same location), and see what the cost difference it. You're already driving there, take the trailer with you. I'd do that if it's cheaper. Yeah, you have to tow the empty trailer there, but you'd be going prepared instead of having to rely on the hacks at u-haul to have the equipment ready and available, which despite being their business they screw up frequently.

Fwiw, you might need a bigger tow vehicle.

View attachment 367828

I've got a 6x14 I'd rent to you, but I'm sure the Wrangler would struggle with it.
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We are going to be up there for 2 weeks total, visiting family and whatnot, so bringing the trailer with is only a couple hundred less than the one-way rental. Reduced mileage will also offset some of the cost, plus overall risk.
 
Those 6x12 UHaul trailers are a PITA. Very noticeable "back there" with a 1/2 ton truck. The brakes are hydraulic, actuated by a m/c on the tongue, so expect lots of clunking & jerking.
 
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