Ask HN: Best way to move across the country? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Best way to move across the country?

3 pointsp1esk4 comments

I’m moving to Florida from California in 5 weeks. I have a car and about two rooms of stuff. There are different options, but mainly it’s a choice between driving there myself or hiring someone else do it, or shipping a pod. Which option do you recommend, which moving companies, any advice?

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I personally find every dollar that I pay to a moving company to be completely worth my while. They know how to properly disassemble and pack things like desks, furniture, etc. There’s also a correct way to pack the truck to minimize damage. Find a moving company affiliated with a national network, like North American, and you should be good. Call them on Monday though if you’ve got to move in 5 weeks. You want to be sure you can get on the schedule.

As for packing up (since you only have two rooms), I’d recommend getting actual moving boxes. These are sized to pack completely into a truck. U-Haul has a fantastic supply of these, and a bunch of specialty ones (TVs, Lamp Boxes, Dish Barrels, etc).

I’ve moved cross country twice, and did an international stint. My advice is it frequently costs more to store or move most of the stuff we own than it would cost to buy it new. Figure out the truly irreplaceable stuff, move that, sell or donate the rest.

As for how to get there: it’s a lousy time of year to drive across the US. If you’ve got the time, plot a scenic route and avoid pulling into urban areas at rush hour. If you don’t have the time: ship your car (or sell it and buy a replacement in FL).

If you’re moving for a job, are they offering M&L? If so, take advantage of that because the movers they recommend will be more interested in keeping the company’s business.

Consider using the Craigslist Teleportation Service for any things you possibly can. Sell it on Craigslist at the source and buy replacements at the destination.

>I’m moving to Florida from California in 5 weeks.

Can you share why?

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