DIY Move (rent, insurance, how much)

[Fearlessfemme]

Well... I have a moving truck! So I am looking at loading up whatever earthly goods I want to bring on my new adventure, and driving up the end of October.

My questions are.... at the border, will they pull everything out of the moving truck? How long does it take to clear customs?

Thanks (again)...

[AKStafford]

In my experience it all depends on their mood. I've done trips where they turned the vehicle inside out. And I've done trips where they waved you in between sips of their coffee.
Be prepared for the worse and hope for the best...

[roadfamily6now]

Yup, mood.

We came up once with a U-haul and they insisted we open it. Lucky for us things had shifted and when we opened it, stuff started falling out! LOL, that boarder patrol man stepped back quickly and said all was fine and we could proceed.

We have moved in and out of Alaska a few times and each time was different at the boarder. We like to cross at SweetGrass, Montana. Least amount of problems.

[Moose Whisperer]

It also depends on your appearance and demeanor. If one pulls up to the crossing looking like some kind of sketchy vagabond, you would likely get the third degree and possibly a search. If one presents themself as a rational, reasonable human being, with all papers in order and able to answer their questions with coherent, reasonable responses, you will likely spend less than five minutes at the checkpoint.

[roadfamily6now]

who you calling sketchy?

[Fearlessfemme]

Thanks for the info! Most of what I am bringing are large rubbermaid boxes packed with regular household items which I've collected over the years and don't want to part with, and of course, the normal sentimental items. I don't have that much big furniture... I was planning on buying some off craigslist when I get there.

[kelly_MatSu]

Buying the big furniture once you get to AK is a great idea. That's the way I would do it if I were to do it again. We ended up buying a small horse trailer instead of renting a uhaul since it was so expensive and once you get here you can sell the trailer and most likely for a profit. Most of our belongings ended up covered in dust and now has rub marks all over it. Our TV has black rub marks on the plastic and the entertainment center also. Our DVD player was destroyed by the dust. Try to have it as well organized and secure as possible. Your stuff is going to shift and hopefully your belongings won't get damaged like some of ours did. It's a long, long drive.

My husband had a hunting rifle we moved with us so we had a more intense search than most at the border. They were very nice and though they did search our truck thoroughly and the trailer it didn't take more than about 20 minutes. It was much faster and easier than I anticipated it being. It will be much easier for you.

[Fearlessfemme]

I think I am shipping my .45 (hand gun) through an FFL. I bought a 18' cube truck (under 26000 so I don't need a CDL) for $2800 - and I may either keep it and rent it out or sell it when I get there... will have to see how much it costs for plates, insurance etc. I am hoping my pottery and glassware make it... other than that... I have moved a bunch, so I hope I can keep the damage to a minimum.

[bthorn31]

I just crossed in Montana about a month ago. They didn't go through our things, but had us come inside and talk to them, I think primarily because I stated I had a bow and arrow and several rifle barrels. The guns were all ready here,having been previously flown in, I was just bringing extra barrels up for my hubby. But the car next to us that looked like it was full of Mennonite folk was torn apart, they even crawled under the car and took off the hubcaps. It took me about 45 minutes for them to sign off on my paperwork.

[stiffnecked]

Ship your firearms as airfreight. When you use an FFL you transfer the firearm to them and you must fill out a new form 4473. They have to call in the FBI background check and everything. Not worth the hassle.