Moving Across Country

[Ruby22]

Hello everyone!
I am going to be moving from the west coast to Chicago area in a month to attend graduate school. I am feeling overwhelmed at how to do this the most cost-effectively and need some guidance.

I don't have enough "stuff" to warrant a Uhaul (or the $1400 to rent one) but do have a hope chest, quilt rack, family silver, etc. that I would like to take with me instead of leaving it in a closet at my dad's to maybe ship over later.

PODS quoted me at around $3000-4000 for their smallest POD! YIKES. Another company quoted me around $1500 for their smallest moving bin.

I won't be needing my small Toyota when I live in the city, so I have two options that I have come up with:

-Sell my car when I'm here, ship items to myself (leaving the hope chest and the like here). Fly out to Chicago for $150 plus taxi fare, and then buy up the furniture (including a used bed) from the previous occupant.

-Pack up my car, drive it to Chicago. Put hope chest, clothes, etc. in car and hopefully sell car after arrival in Chicago. Use the $150 that would have been for airfare (and the money saved on shipping clothes/books) to pay for parking for hopefully only 1 month until vehicle sells.


Also- I know I need to get over my phobia of buying a used bed off of a stranger....but if I do come up with some money to buy a new, slightly larger bed (I found a place that sells floor models that are used for show and cheap) any tips on how to save money on purchase/delivery? Is IKEA a decent place to get mattresses?



Any other advice you have for me to move across country, selling my car, the city of Chicago, getting furniture (even at thrift stores) without having a vehicle is appreciated!!!!

[dogwalker79]

I like the option of driving yourself and belongings then selling the car. It will cost you gas and tolls, but you don't have to worry about your items. You can always get insurance on the items you would ship, but if something were to happen you can't replace things like photos,etc.

For mattresses try looking at Overstock.com

[frugalfranny]

Not sure what I would do with the move........always like to have my own vehicle.........but you are smart to do without, if you can, while in school.

IF the stuff would fit in your car.....and make sure it will all fit....then I would probably be tempted to drive.

Also for mattresses........you can get those 'air beds' pretty reasonable.......unless you want one with a frame. They are much thicker than a regular air mattress. I slept on a queen size for well over a year when I moved back here. One warning for them: I thought it was colder than a mattress........but I am always cold! Another way to go without getting a used mattress..........is a rollaway bed.......but you have to get it to your apt. somehow......unless the store will deliver.

As for thrift stores.........we have a couple here that will deliver........for a fee. But you might ask. And don't forget Craigslist..........some great buys on there.

[shoiji]

I would keep the car and move myself that way. Also check on craigs list to see if anyone has a small trailer so you can move all your stuff. Would think selling a toyota would be easy any where you move to.

You can also check into sending some lighter things via UPS to your place. Years ago I did this. My brother the professional mover said it would be cheaper than having a moving van do it.

As far as the bed is concerned how about just buying a mattress? Then again, if you could find some type of trailer for cheap you could take the mattress you are using now.

[Ruby22]

Thanks so much everyone! I think I'm going to make the drive....and ship whatever lighter stuff I don't need like books, winter clothes, etc. I can ship to myself... great advice! Thanks everyone!

[Ruby22]

Now how in the world do I mark this as "answered???"

[Saule]

Also check out the book/media rate at the post office. A friend shipped her extensive library that way a few years ago, it was the cheapest alternative for those things.

[craftypam]

And no mistake FF the air matresses are cold. You would need to put something on the mattress before the sheet so you'd be warm

[2ndGenGranola]

You can get a new basic bed frame for around $25. Check places like Sam's and Mattress outlet places and you can pick up a mattress for around $100.

[frugalfranny]

Just thought of another thing.......

I see ads on CL all the time for people wanted something 'hauled' somewhere...........not sure about the safety of it.......but could give that some thought. Maybe someone is going that way.

Know any truckers-18 wheel drivers, that have an enclosed truck?

[shoiji]

I have to second the advice on the air mattress. When I moved into my new place a couple days early I thought I had it made with an air mattress I had. Well, since the furniture was not in the mattress was cold. It was in the fall and I did have the heat on, down mattress cover, sheets, and blankets.

I would ask around and check things like craigslist for a cheap trailer to help haul your stuff. People are always moving so it would not be difficult to get rid of when you get to Chicago.

[KathleenCG]

There's also Freecycle.

[Debbie-cat]

I too would take the car and move everything possible. Sell the car when you get there and ship the rest. What an adventure! Have fun and good luck!