Girl...on a budget...very shallow pockets...moving across country...what is the safest/cheapest way to get this accomplished?
April 26, 2011 12:52 AM Subscribe
How does one move across country with the least amount of headaches possible?
I have decided to attend a school in the Northeast area of the U.S., but I am currently residing on the other side of the country. I am planning, pending acceptance to the school, on moving 6 months before I start school so that I get acclimated to the weather and culture (not to mention find a job), so I need to get this done by August since my lease is up then and I do not want to renew. I am on a budget and have decided to drive the 2500 miles by myself with a trailer of my things (accompanied by a good friend for safety reasons). I've researched moving companies and even shipping my stuff via UPS, FedEx, and AmTrak and have decided that I feel safest transporting my stuff myself. I am not sure if I will be able to fly to my new location to scope the place out and see apartments face to face (this would not really help with the whole keeping to the budget goal), but I do plan to bring as little as possible since I will be moving to a studio.
I would love any information on how any of you trekked across the country on your own and how you saved money. I also need any advice on safety tips for traveling. I will be moving to a state where I have no family or friends, so I am quite nervous about this decision.
I have decided to attend a school in the Northeast area of the U.S., but I am currently residing on the other side of the country. I am planning, pending acceptance to the school, on moving 6 months before I start school so that I get acclimated to the weather and culture (not to mention find a job), so I need to get this done by August since my lease is up then and I do not want to renew. I am on a budget and have decided to drive the 2500 miles by myself with a trailer of my things (accompanied by a good friend for safety reasons). I've researched moving companies and even shipping my stuff via UPS, FedEx, and AmTrak and have decided that I feel safest transporting my stuff myself. I am not sure if I will be able to fly to my new location to scope the place out and see apartments face to face (this would not really help with the whole keeping to the budget goal), but I do plan to bring as little as possible since I will be moving to a studio.
I would love any information on how any of you trekked across the country on your own and how you saved money. I also need any advice on safety tips for traveling. I will be moving to a state where I have no family or friends, so I am quite nervous about this decision.
Response by poster: I have a truck that I will have to get a hitch for to haul the trailer. I have not looked into relocating services because I did not know such things existed! I will be moving to a very small town and the school is a private university, so I am not sure if such things are available in all places. BUT, that is a great idea! I am currently researching where I can find/order moving boxes for FREE/CHEAP.
posted by penguingrl at 1:15 AM on April 26, 2011
posted by penguingrl at 1:15 AM on April 26, 2011
I've done the cross country move about 4 times now and driven it more than that...seems like the only good work is on one of the coasts.
I've always had a relocation budget through work, but here's what I've learned:
1) The first place you pick is NEVER the place you will end up. Try temporary housing if you can to get to know the area or short lease terms so you can move to the place you want once you figure out the area.
2) Make sure your stuff is covered with a plastic tarp in the trailer. They're not supposed to leak, but it doesn't mean they won't. If putting stuff on your roof rack, make sure it's water proof or you won't care if it gets wet.
3) If you're eligible for tax write-offs (almost everyone is) then keep track of every little expense that you make during your trip: Mileage, food, lodging, putting a hitch on your car, are all tax write offs if you're relocating for work, and I think you could swing that excuse.
4) If you're having your car towed by a truck, make sure ALL 4 WHEELS ARE OFF THE GROUND. Saves on your tires and prevents a potential blow out on one of your rear wheels during the drive.
5) Get AAA or roadside assistance through your insurance company if you're driving.
6) Don't ever play the "I can last until next gas station game"...you will lose.
7) Map your route ahead of time and where you will stay each night, makes things a lot less stressful.
8) Since you're a female, if you stay at a motel, always get a room in a hallway or an inside door. Rooms that face parking spots are easier targets because of how accessible they are.
9) Find your cars sweet spot for gas mileage, it makes a huge difference on the overall trip cost. Usually trying to push 75-80 with a 4 cylinder will cost you in gas mileage, vs staying around 70.
10) PLEASE learn the rules of driving on the interstate highway. Stay on the right unless you need to pass. Get over to the left to pass when you need to, then get back over to the right as soon as you can safely.
11) Bring LOTS of music/movies - whatever keeps you entertained when driving.
12) If you're a fast driver, buy or borrow a decent radar detector. This has saved me the most money on cross country drives.
posted by MeatFilter at 1:30 AM on April 26, 2011 [3 favorites]
I've always had a relocation budget through work, but here's what I've learned:
1) The first place you pick is NEVER the place you will end up. Try temporary housing if you can to get to know the area or short lease terms so you can move to the place you want once you figure out the area.
2) Make sure your stuff is covered with a plastic tarp in the trailer. They're not supposed to leak, but it doesn't mean they won't. If putting stuff on your roof rack, make sure it's water proof or you won't care if it gets wet.
3) If you're eligible for tax write-offs (almost everyone is) then keep track of every little expense that you make during your trip: Mileage, food, lodging, putting a hitch on your car, are all tax write offs if you're relocating for work, and I think you could swing that excuse.
4) If you're having your car towed by a truck, make sure ALL 4 WHEELS ARE OFF THE GROUND. Saves on your tires and prevents a potential blow out on one of your rear wheels during the drive.
5) Get AAA or roadside assistance through your insurance company if you're driving.
6) Don't ever play the "I can last until next gas station game"...you will lose.
7) Map your route ahead of time and where you will stay each night, makes things a lot less stressful.
8) Since you're a female, if you stay at a motel, always get a room in a hallway or an inside door. Rooms that face parking spots are easier targets because of how accessible they are.
9) Find your cars sweet spot for gas mileage, it makes a huge difference on the overall trip cost. Usually trying to push 75-80 with a 4 cylinder will cost you in gas mileage, vs staying around 70.
10) PLEASE learn the rules of driving on the interstate highway. Stay on the right unless you need to pass. Get over to the left to pass when you need to, then get back over to the right as soon as you can safely.
11) Bring LOTS of music/movies - whatever keeps you entertained when driving.
12) If you're a fast driver, buy or borrow a decent radar detector. This has saved me the most money on cross country drives.
posted by MeatFilter at 1:30 AM on April 26, 2011 [3 favorites]
Depending on how many nights you might have to stay in a hotel, keep in mind that a lot of the big chains have decent discounts for people who use their hotels for multiple stays. When I moved across country, this saved me quite a bit of money (at the time, Motel 6 had a deal). So, look into what deals are happening with the big chains.
posted by AlliKat75 at 1:55 AM on April 26, 2011
posted by AlliKat75 at 1:55 AM on April 26, 2011
This is not about the move itself, and you've already said you're planning to downsize to move into a studio, so maybe not what you're looking for, but: get rid of as much stuff as you can before you move. Seriously. Don't put it in storage (unless it's a chest of gold or something). Just get rid of it. This will (1) help save you from the temptation of bringing more stuff than will fit in your studio, (2) keep you from stressing out about your stuff that's in storage, and (3) probably save you money on storage itself.
You might even be able to sell some stuff for a bit of extra cash to help with moving expenses!
posted by SymphonyNumberNine at 2:58 AM on April 26, 2011 [2 favorites]
You might even be able to sell some stuff for a bit of extra cash to help with moving expenses!
posted by SymphonyNumberNine at 2:58 AM on April 26, 2011 [2 favorites]
We're doing this in two months. We are severely downsizing and taking one car and mailing the rest. Any kind of furniture/bulky items are being donated/chucked. I agree with the above post, downsizing is key.
Also have you ever driven a truck with trailer attached over a long distance? You definitely have to adapt when driving with one. And they do present a nice target to theives parked overnight- I have friends in a touring band that got cleaned out via their trailer.
posted by tremspeed at 4:54 AM on April 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
Also have you ever driven a truck with trailer attached over a long distance? You definitely have to adapt when driving with one. And they do present a nice target to theives parked overnight- I have friends in a touring band that got cleaned out via their trailer.
posted by tremspeed at 4:54 AM on April 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
I am currently researching where I can find/order moving boxes for FREE/CHEAP.
Liquor stores. Nice sturdy boxes. More the right size for books than clothes (i.e., smaller, for heavier things), but just call around to a few, see when they get deliveries, and ask if you can have some boxes. Grocery stores often have produce boxes available too, but some of your stuff will then smell like bananas.
I'd see what you can get at the liquor stores and then buy specialty boxes from a box place (like for glasses or dishes or hanging clothes) ... you'll only spend a fraction of the total box cost but you'll get high-quality boxes for the stuff that needs special care.
Last thought, when I moved several years ago I found a website that sold box overruns and misprints at a discount. That website no longer exists but surely there must be a similar one that some mefite knows about. I moved with 40 boxes that said, in bright pink, "Valentine's Merchandise -- Do not put on floor until January 15, 2003" or something like that. All the same size so they stacked beautifully!
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 5:21 AM on April 26, 2011
Liquor stores. Nice sturdy boxes. More the right size for books than clothes (i.e., smaller, for heavier things), but just call around to a few, see when they get deliveries, and ask if you can have some boxes. Grocery stores often have produce boxes available too, but some of your stuff will then smell like bananas.
I'd see what you can get at the liquor stores and then buy specialty boxes from a box place (like for glasses or dishes or hanging clothes) ... you'll only spend a fraction of the total box cost but you'll get high-quality boxes for the stuff that needs special care.
Last thought, when I moved several years ago I found a website that sold box overruns and misprints at a discount. That website no longer exists but surely there must be a similar one that some mefite knows about. I moved with 40 boxes that said, in bright pink, "Valentine's Merchandise -- Do not put on floor until January 15, 2003" or something like that. All the same size so they stacked beautifully!
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 5:21 AM on April 26, 2011
Something I didn't know before I moved 1000 miles - after you move, get your car insurance policy re-written in your new state. My car was totaled 6 months after I moved and it caused a lot of problems still having a policy from the old state.
posted by getawaysticks at 5:58 AM on April 26, 2011
posted by getawaysticks at 5:58 AM on April 26, 2011
Why would you feel safer moving yourself? Moving companies offer insurance so that when you get there and you find out your tv is broken, you aren't out the money yourself. They will also pack and unpack your stuff. I have moved 4 times across the country and it's miserable.
Don't forget that if you are moving for school or a job, you can write the moving expenses off on taxes.
Also, have you ever moved in august? IT IS MISERABLE!!!
Hire a moving company, have them pack and unpack everything, and get their insurance. Have a leisurely drive out there with a friend and don't worry about it.
Either that, or sell everything that you can't fit in your car and buy all new stuff when you get out there.
posted by TheBones at 7:05 AM on April 26, 2011
Don't forget that if you are moving for school or a job, you can write the moving expenses off on taxes.
Also, have you ever moved in august? IT IS MISERABLE!!!
Hire a moving company, have them pack and unpack everything, and get their insurance. Have a leisurely drive out there with a friend and don't worry about it.
Either that, or sell everything that you can't fit in your car and buy all new stuff when you get out there.
posted by TheBones at 7:05 AM on April 26, 2011
moving boxes for FREE/CHEAP
Office supply stores too. I also see them frequently in the free section of Craig's List.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:05 AM on April 26, 2011
Office supply stores too. I also see them frequently in the free section of Craig's List.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:05 AM on April 26, 2011
And they do present a nice target to theives parked overnight
You can avoid this for the most part by backing your trailer against a nice solid wall, as close as you can get it so people can't get stuff out of the trailer. Hotel dumpsters are often walled in with brick, so check that location first to make sure it's well lit.
I am currently researching where I can find/order moving boxes for FREE/CHEAP.
Yep. Liquor boxes are great. Also check the free section of Craigslist since people who have recently moved to your area will be trying to get rid of their boxes. Otherwise, I've always gone dumpster diving for them. Figure out which retail locations don't smoosh their boxes immediately (big stores smoosh immediately, so forget places like Wal-Mart or Target). Strip malls generally have an alley behind them, and many have cardboard only dumpsters. Usually the workers have flattened the boxes and you'll have to get some packing tape to make them whole again, but I just go grab what looks good. Look for strip malls with non-food locations (clothing stores, card/gift shops, etc.) so you get clean boxes. Or call and find out what day their shipments come in. Electronic stores are good for big boxes you can cut down to use as padding between furniture pieces or between your stuff and the trailer walls. It takes a little time to find boxes sometimes, but if you have more time than money, it's the way to go. And sometimes you hit a mother lode and are done searching after just one trip through a strip mall alley.
Ask a neighbor who reads the paper to save some for you for packing or pillage a recycling bin somewhere where people read a lot. People generally have way too many plastic grocery bags, and these can be useful as packing material, too, especially for kitchen things. Many of the times I've moved, the only supply I've paid for is packing tape. More recently, I did a giant cross-country move with two households' worth of stuff and bought only packing tape (don't scrimp on this--get good stuff and use a lot of it) and a few straps to hold everything to the truck.
Use your clothing for packing material, too. I think half my clothes were packed in with kitchen stuff last time I moved. T-shirts and such are good for packing between plates and filling in gaps between stuff in boxes, for example. For a long-distance move, it's really important to pack everything *tight* because it will get jostled all over the place.
Watch your speed because it will make you suck gas like nobody's business. Just 5 mph slower can make a big difference in your mileage.
And you might consider contacting your school to see if anyone there has leads for you. Even professors in your chosen department might be able to help or might be able to refer you to students who can help you find a place or help you unload when you get there or whatnot.
If you have a little cooler you can stock with snacks and drinks, that will save you a bit of $ on the road. Cheese sticks and cans of soda are cheaper by the pack at the grocery store at home than they will be bought singly at a convenience store.
Motel 6 is cheap--not very nice, but nice enough for a few nights while moving. We planned out our overnight stops beforehand so we weren't so tempted to push just a little farther when we got tired, but if you're in remote areas (Wyoming or Utah or places like that), have an idea of how far apart things are. Stop every couple of hours, even if it's just for a stretch break. We never passed up a gas station if we were nearing 1/4 tank of gas. Do you have a credit card you can use in a pinch? The gas will cost more than you think...
Good luck!
posted by BlooPen at 7:16 AM on April 26, 2011
You can avoid this for the most part by backing your trailer against a nice solid wall, as close as you can get it so people can't get stuff out of the trailer. Hotel dumpsters are often walled in with brick, so check that location first to make sure it's well lit.
I am currently researching where I can find/order moving boxes for FREE/CHEAP.
Yep. Liquor boxes are great. Also check the free section of Craigslist since people who have recently moved to your area will be trying to get rid of their boxes. Otherwise, I've always gone dumpster diving for them. Figure out which retail locations don't smoosh their boxes immediately (big stores smoosh immediately, so forget places like Wal-Mart or Target). Strip malls generally have an alley behind them, and many have cardboard only dumpsters. Usually the workers have flattened the boxes and you'll have to get some packing tape to make them whole again, but I just go grab what looks good. Look for strip malls with non-food locations (clothing stores, card/gift shops, etc.) so you get clean boxes. Or call and find out what day their shipments come in. Electronic stores are good for big boxes you can cut down to use as padding between furniture pieces or between your stuff and the trailer walls. It takes a little time to find boxes sometimes, but if you have more time than money, it's the way to go. And sometimes you hit a mother lode and are done searching after just one trip through a strip mall alley.
Ask a neighbor who reads the paper to save some for you for packing or pillage a recycling bin somewhere where people read a lot. People generally have way too many plastic grocery bags, and these can be useful as packing material, too, especially for kitchen things. Many of the times I've moved, the only supply I've paid for is packing tape. More recently, I did a giant cross-country move with two households' worth of stuff and bought only packing tape (don't scrimp on this--get good stuff and use a lot of it) and a few straps to hold everything to the truck.
Use your clothing for packing material, too. I think half my clothes were packed in with kitchen stuff last time I moved. T-shirts and such are good for packing between plates and filling in gaps between stuff in boxes, for example. For a long-distance move, it's really important to pack everything *tight* because it will get jostled all over the place.
Watch your speed because it will make you suck gas like nobody's business. Just 5 mph slower can make a big difference in your mileage.
And you might consider contacting your school to see if anyone there has leads for you. Even professors in your chosen department might be able to help or might be able to refer you to students who can help you find a place or help you unload when you get there or whatnot.
If you have a little cooler you can stock with snacks and drinks, that will save you a bit of $ on the road. Cheese sticks and cans of soda are cheaper by the pack at the grocery store at home than they will be bought singly at a convenience store.
Motel 6 is cheap--not very nice, but nice enough for a few nights while moving. We planned out our overnight stops beforehand so we weren't so tempted to push just a little farther when we got tired, but if you're in remote areas (Wyoming or Utah or places like that), have an idea of how far apart things are. Stop every couple of hours, even if it's just for a stretch break. We never passed up a gas station if we were nearing 1/4 tank of gas. Do you have a credit card you can use in a pinch? The gas will cost more than you think...
Good luck!
posted by BlooPen at 7:16 AM on April 26, 2011
Here's what I would do based on my experiences moving long distances:
1. Downsize.
2. Get a portable pack deal from a service that ships moving pods. Many of the self storage outfits have this service so you can pack your stuff yourself into a pod and store it there.
3. Take precious stuff in the car. Without a trailer. Gas cost and inconvenience are going to make the cross country trip complicated.
4. Get settled.
5. Have your stuff in the pod shipped to you at your settled location.
posted by effluvia at 8:18 AM on April 26, 2011
1. Downsize.
2. Get a portable pack deal from a service that ships moving pods. Many of the self storage outfits have this service so you can pack your stuff yourself into a pod and store it there.
3. Take precious stuff in the car. Without a trailer. Gas cost and inconvenience are going to make the cross country trip complicated.
4. Get settled.
5. Have your stuff in the pod shipped to you at your settled location.
posted by effluvia at 8:18 AM on April 26, 2011
"Hire a moving company, have them pack and unpack everything, and get their insurance. Have a leisurely drive out there with a friend and don't worry about it. "
Yeah we looked into this too, but it's a $10-20,000 cost moving cross country. If the OP wants to save money on cardboard boxes there's no way this is an option for her.
posted by tremspeed at 9:22 AM on April 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
Yeah we looked into this too, but it's a $10-20,000 cost moving cross country. If the OP wants to save money on cardboard boxes there's no way this is an option for her.
posted by tremspeed at 9:22 AM on April 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm in the process of doing this as well (CA to NYC) having somewhat recently done the reverse (MA to CA). Re: boxes -- how much downsizing are you doing? U-Haul will sell you a "box of boxes" (~20) for $50 and they'll buy back the unused surplus when you're done.
As for safety in a town where you know no-one, where in the Northeast are you headed? College-town or urban center? Or are you moving to the sticks?
posted by onetime dormouse at 10:05 AM on April 26, 2011
As for safety in a town where you know no-one, where in the Northeast are you headed? College-town or urban center? Or are you moving to the sticks?
posted by onetime dormouse at 10:05 AM on April 26, 2011
Yeah we looked into this too, but it's a $10-20,000 cost moving cross country.
HOLY CRAP!!! Sorry for that, but that's insane. The first time we moved to colorado from NC, it was 4k for a 1400 sq ft 3/2 house. The second time, just last year, it was 5k for the same size house from colorado to WA.
All moving companies will come out and give you a free estimate that they have to stick to once you sign the papers, so it is at least worth having them come out to give you an estimate.
We used united vanlines. Besides them being 2 weeks late with our stuff the second move, they were great. They actually gave us a stipend of $150 a day they went over their moving estimate too, so the second move actually cost us significantly less.
Plus they broke our old desk. Something we got off craigslist for $50 and replaced it with a comparable desk from office depot, something my wife found and billed them for. No hassles.
posted by TheBones at 10:20 AM on April 26, 2011
HOLY CRAP!!! Sorry for that, but that's insane. The first time we moved to colorado from NC, it was 4k for a 1400 sq ft 3/2 house. The second time, just last year, it was 5k for the same size house from colorado to WA.
All moving companies will come out and give you a free estimate that they have to stick to once you sign the papers, so it is at least worth having them come out to give you an estimate.
We used united vanlines. Besides them being 2 weeks late with our stuff the second move, they were great. They actually gave us a stipend of $150 a day they went over their moving estimate too, so the second move actually cost us significantly less.
Plus they broke our old desk. Something we got off craigslist for $50 and replaced it with a comparable desk from office depot, something my wife found and billed them for. No hassles.
posted by TheBones at 10:20 AM on April 26, 2011
Check your local Freecycle group for boxes; when I was a member, they were often available.
And I would do a little math to decide whether it's worth it to rent a trailer; what with the cost of the trailer and additional gas costs, it may be cheaper to donate your big stuff and replace it when you get there (also depends on the cost of living where you're going).
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 10:50 AM on April 26, 2011
And I would do a little math to decide whether it's worth it to rent a trailer; what with the cost of the trailer and additional gas costs, it may be cheaper to donate your big stuff and replace it when you get there (also depends on the cost of living where you're going).
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 10:50 AM on April 26, 2011
Downsize (Sell as much stuff as possible)
Get a GPS and a map book
Check the condition of your truck
posted by WizKid at 1:03 PM on April 26, 2011
Get a GPS and a map book
Check the condition of your truck
posted by WizKid at 1:03 PM on April 26, 2011
Get rid of stuff. Get rid of more stuff. Get rid of still more stuff. Unless your furniture is super-nice (and what grad student has super-nice furniture?), it's probably cheaper to replace used or through Ikea than to pay the extra gas to cart it across country. Same goes for books.
posted by deludingmyself at 1:59 PM on April 27, 2011
posted by deludingmyself at 1:59 PM on April 27, 2011
You are a student, and the move cross-country can be fun and (relatively) inexpensive.
Nth-ing all the recommendations for reducing all the stuff you think you might need. Being aggressive here, and seeing how little you can take with you, will pay enormous dividends.
You didn't mention looking into moving services; there is a service called ABF, which has both trailers and portions of trailers you pay for (they do the driving), as well as the cube things. Well worth looking into, and reputable.
I have had very good success tracking down lots of free moving boxes off of Craigslist, if you are diligent and have more time than money you can find the professional kind that many folks are happy to get rid of. I have literally saved 100's of $ over the many times we've had to move.
Security while moving cross country and staying at motels will be a concern, particularly if you have so many things that it would be in an open trailer. Even a closed trailer is a target for theives, so you will need to take some precautions (i.e. parking backed into a wall, a well-lit and easily monitored area, and a sturdy lock).
Eating cheaply while on the road is an art in itself, of course shopping a grocery stores along the way and cooking / preparing your own meals is something you want to research. (By the way, check out 'engine chicken', it is something I've always wanted to try out someday.) Stay away from the fast / convenient food along the way if you possibly can; you can easily spend a lot of your money that way! It is amazing how much people will pay for convenience just because they are on the road.
Since you will be settling into new environs in the East, why not take a route that you can enjoy along the way? There are a lot of amazing places to visit in this country, and since you are headed across the country it may be worth it to include a few 'let's hang out an extra day in this special place' destinations. Even if it is for just a few hours, it can make a week-long chore something of a vacation.
Best of luck - I'm a transplanted west-coaster myself, and the Northeast has quite a lot to offer.
posted by scooterdog at 8:32 PM on April 28, 2011
Nth-ing all the recommendations for reducing all the stuff you think you might need. Being aggressive here, and seeing how little you can take with you, will pay enormous dividends.
You didn't mention looking into moving services; there is a service called ABF, which has both trailers and portions of trailers you pay for (they do the driving), as well as the cube things. Well worth looking into, and reputable.
I have had very good success tracking down lots of free moving boxes off of Craigslist, if you are diligent and have more time than money you can find the professional kind that many folks are happy to get rid of. I have literally saved 100's of $ over the many times we've had to move.
Security while moving cross country and staying at motels will be a concern, particularly if you have so many things that it would be in an open trailer. Even a closed trailer is a target for theives, so you will need to take some precautions (i.e. parking backed into a wall, a well-lit and easily monitored area, and a sturdy lock).
Eating cheaply while on the road is an art in itself, of course shopping a grocery stores along the way and cooking / preparing your own meals is something you want to research. (By the way, check out 'engine chicken', it is something I've always wanted to try out someday.) Stay away from the fast / convenient food along the way if you possibly can; you can easily spend a lot of your money that way! It is amazing how much people will pay for convenience just because they are on the road.
Since you will be settling into new environs in the East, why not take a route that you can enjoy along the way? There are a lot of amazing places to visit in this country, and since you are headed across the country it may be worth it to include a few 'let's hang out an extra day in this special place' destinations. Even if it is for just a few hours, it can make a week-long chore something of a vacation.
Best of luck - I'm a transplanted west-coaster myself, and the Northeast has quite a lot to offer.
posted by scooterdog at 8:32 PM on April 28, 2011
Another note for you - if you do cross-country Amtrak (ie, you ride it cross-country), you can take up to three 50-pound suitcases for free, as well as three more 50 pound suitcases for $10 each. Plus two carry-ons (like a backpack and a smaller suitcase). Can be a pretty cheap way to move on a budget.
I actually moved from DC to California once doing this. It actually worked pretty well (aside from getting to and from the Amtrak station with that many bags.
posted by waylaid at 7:39 AM on June 9, 2011
I actually moved from DC to California once doing this. It actually worked pretty well (aside from getting to and from the Amtrak station with that many bags.
posted by waylaid at 7:39 AM on June 9, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Second, does the school have any services that might help with the relocation?
posted by ZeusHumms at 1:13 AM on April 26, 2011