What would you bring to Alaska to a move from Gulf Coast of Mississippi? (Anchorage: sale)

[Tarina]

My family is planning a move to the Mat-su area. We were debating on whether or not to bring everything or sale everything and start over. Should we take our furniture,washer-dryer,TV's,electronics ect..ect...? Will it be easily replaced there? What would you of brought if you would of known ahead of time. ANy information about the Mat-Su area would help also.
Thanks,
SOOOO tired of the heat and humidity

[Rance]

Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce

City of Wasilla

[akman]

This is only my opinion, but it really depends if you are moving everything yourself or if you are having it done by movers. The reason I say this is because depending on the amount of stuff you have you may be forced to get rid of some stuff if you are moving it yourself because you run out of space in the moving truck/trailer. As a general rule I would say you are always better holding on to what you have if that is an option. I say this because you aren't going to get much if you sell used stuff. Also, when you replace your stuff if you can find a good used replacement you are going to have to buy all new and that will prove to be expensive. I am in the military and have seen this play out over and over. Good luck on your move and I am jealous as can be because the military is moving me from AK to Louisiana!!

[Tarina]

Thanks for the replies. I have researched the links you gave already, just wanted to hear from someone who knows the area first hand. I guess it would be a good idea to check into the cost of freighting our stuff. Where should I start to look for movers? That distance so worries me. Would it be better to rent a moving truck to do ourselves? After of course purging alot..lol. know any companies off hand. Thanks again for the replies Guys!

[Arcticthaw]

Some people come up driving a Uhaul van and tow a car on a dolly. Others have movers do it, check with your local moving company. Another way to get the household here is have a 40 foot van delivered to your home and load it yourself, usually there is even room for the family vehicle. Takes about 3 weeks for the shipment to get here. Check with shipping consolidators like Pacific Alaska Forwarders. There are others too. Of course the classic method if you have a pickup is load it up and tow a cargo trailer, just be sure not to overload either.

[Marylandkitten]

When I called UHaul they said they weren't allowed to rent them out to people that would be crossing the Country Borders into Canada anymore.

(I was looking to make the drive from Maryland/VA area, to Anc)
So that shot my idea right down....

Were they lying to me? o.0

[Xa'at]

Probably not. UHaul is a large company and thus a beaurocracy, which means they are going to put as many restrictions on everything as possible. Plus, crossing a border in a UHaul or other moving van would be a major pain in the you-know-what. They'd search you for sure, and a cargo load that big would take forever to search.
My suggestion would be to get someone to haul it for you- it may be more expensive but in the long run it will save a lot of hassle. I know Lynden Transport runs Houston-Anchorage trips every once in a while, that may be a good one to look into.
As for what you bring, it's up to you. If you're particularly attached to a piece of furniture, bring it. I wouldn't bother trying to take appliances, they are heavy and difficult to transport, and you will likely find a good selection where you're going. Just remember: everything's bigger in Alaska- especially the price tags!

[Out of Alaska]

This threat re: U-Pack is very helpful on the moving inexpensively side... http://www.city-data.com/forum/illin...-distance.html

Might check them out.

I would take it all. What you want is less accessible and more expensive. Good Luck!!!

[earls]

boy you are reallygoing from one extreame to another heat to very cold humidity to not bad. but lots of bugs also. Still i have never met anyone that lived or visited Alaska that would not go back. I think that you should just check with major movers and get a quote. Alaska is not cheap so don't plan on buying anymore than you need to. Plan on shopping in Anchorage - much better prices.

[mal_flisk]

Try Pacific Alaska Forwarders too