Moving Tips and Advice

[nis965]

I'm planning a move from the east coast to the midwest. I was hoping that any members with some previous moving experiences, could please post some do's and don'ts. Thanks, and wish me luck! 

[sky121]

I'm planning a move from the east coast to the midwest. I was hoping that any members with some previous moving experiences, could please post some do's and don'ts. Thanks, and wish me luck! 

Good luck!!! Moving is always...an experience.

           

[nis965]

Thanks! Just hope it's a good one!

[Dan]

I did too much of it myself and with friends and rented bochurim...should've just paid for the pros to do it and not killed ourselves in the process

[Ergel]

I did too much of it myself and with friends and rented bochurim...should've just paid for the pros to do it and not killed ourselves in the process

+1
Would even recommend having them pack for you. Your sanity is worth the extra $400

[A3]

I did too much of it myself and with friends and rented bochurim...should've just paid for the pros to do it and not killed ourselves in the process

+1 especially long distance moves

We priced out to rent a truck etc and do it ourselves.. one way plus insurance would have been just a couple hundred $$ less then professionals.. they came wrapped everything up, and got it all 10 days later. We moved from Monsey to Miami, not so much stuff, one bedroom set, living room, dinning room, etc, the regulars... and it was 2800 w/o tip, and didnt have to lift a finger, they took everything apart and put it all back together when we got there. (Diff people btw.)

Shame i forget the name of the Israeli movers we used.. We got a bunch of quotes from Movers.com I think and they were the cheapest by far.

One thing a lot of people recommended  we do is take out insurance, we actually forgot, we were gonna, but we ordered the policy to late, and B'H we didnt have a problem.

[Dan]

Yup, but this was a 1/2 mile move.  Still regretted it for the week after.

[sky121]

Yup, but this was a 1/2 mile move.  Still regretted it for the week after.

Many times moving only a short distance is harder!

[nis965]

All the "full service" movers I called for a quote was anything from 3k to 4k dollars. The cheapest rental truck I priced out was Penske and after gas and insurance came out to about 900. Drawback is that I would have to drive the truck while my wife drove the car with our 16 mnth old! The other option was U-Pack, they come and drop a 28 ft trailer in front of your house, you pack it, and they come back pick it up and deliver it to your final destination. That came out to 1100 dollars for 13 linear feet (equivalent to a 17ft rental truck)  in the truck. If I use less/more they adjust by 26$ a ft (minimum charge is 950 and maximum, if I use the whole truck it would be 1500). For the (little) amount of stuff I have that is the best option for me. Granted this is all before my friends and I start the schlepping! 

[Achas Veachas]

I heard there are moving companies who will actually pack up your boxes for you. Anyone have any experiences with this? Can they usually be trusted? How much more does it usually come out to?

[YSP]

+1
Would even recommend having them pack for you. Your sanity is worth the extra $400

Your wife's sanity.... Priceless

There are some things points can't buy for everything else there's Starwood

[Achas Veachas]

Your wife's sanity.... Priceless

That's the main consideration, what with 2 kids under 2 at home moving will be hard enough for her.

[Dan]

I heard there are moving companies who will actually pack up your boxes for you. Anyone have any experiences with this? Can they usually be trusted? How much more does it usually come out to?

I'd be nervous to have someone else pack up my stuff.

[Achas Veachas]

I'd be nervous to have someone else pack up my stuff.

That's what I'm worried about, I'm thinking of taking all the valuables to my parents' for the day, and of course we'll be around to supervise, but should I be worried anyways?

[ShmuliT]

Yes moving does take its toll especially when it's DIY. Usually not worth the back pains.
Was an investigation some time ago about "cheap movers" adding on a bunch of hidden fees before they start unloading your goods, so research into the company you use.
And just a tip as the title says, labeling /color coding the boxes will make unpacking a whole lot easier, from knowing which room to dump each box when it comes off the truck, to finding a specific thing you are looking for.
Also if you are looking for boxes, ask someone who recently moved for theirs.

[Achas Veachas]

Yes moving does take its toll especially when it's DIY. Usually not worth the back pains.
Was an investigation some time ago about "cheap movers" adding on a bunch of hidden fees before they start unloading your goods, so research into the company you use.
And just a tip as the title says, labeling /color coding the boxes will make unpacking a whole lot easier, from knowing which room to dump each box when it comes off the truck, to finding a specific thing you are looking for.
Also if you are looking for boxes, ask someone who recently moved for theirs.

Thanks for the tips. This is actually our 3rd time moving (IY"H for the last time now).

[Ergel]

I'd be nervous to have someone else pack up my stuff.

Because?

[ausome]

Good luck!

[farfallen]

When we moved we used an israeli company and we had them pack our entire kitchen and china etc. - it was the best thing we ever did! (they guaranteed it in writing)

[smee123]

IMHO it's not worth saving a couple hundred $ on something you may regret.
Having moved myself, it's not easy. I had allot of good help (packing, moving, access to a van) and even then was not easy. I would do it again just bec i like doing things my way and myself but It's ALLOT of HEAVY lifting and unless you're up to it It's NOT WORTH IT.

Packing on the other hand you should be able to do yourself with some online tips.

And of course someone who hangs around DDF would get insurance and do their research.

Good Luck