Inexpensive way to move long distance (Atlanta, Smyrna: truck rental, movers, how much)

[CrownPrincess]

Are there other ways or companies besides Pods or UHaul that do long distance moves. I heard something about bidding on a price...does anyone have any info? thanx

[samiwas1]

Just don't do what I did and use a company like National Moving Network. All of their people are currently on trial for massive fraud after being investigated by the FBI. Luckily I figured out the scam before they actually did my move...I figured it out after they didn't show up on the first day.

[208happystreet]

There are other companies out there other than PODS that are less expensive but use similiar containers. I would check around.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by CrownPrincess

Are there other ways or companies besides Pods or UHaul that do long distance moves. I heard something about bidding on a price...does anyone have any info? thanx

Just as an aside ... even U-Haul can end up costing quite a bit depending on the length of your move and the number of boxes, etc., you end up buying.

We needed two trucks (26' and 17') and two car trailers, and our move with U-Haul back in 2004 ended up costing roughly $4500 for a 1200-mile move.

Much of that was charges for the trucks and trailers and associated mileage, around $2000 as I recall, but it also included two hotel stays and food along the way, gasoline, 200-300 boxes (mostly U-Haul mediums, maybe 40 smalls, and a mix of specialty boxes), and paying a crew on the Atlanta/Smyrna end to help us unload (there's no way we wanted to unload the trucks all by ourselves in mid September in Atlanta). We had a couple dozen people on the home end for packing the trucks.

For do-it-yourself moving, the trucks are only a piece of the puzzle (and the overall expenses).

[CrownPrincess]

Thanx for the replies. I was going to use Smart Box...they bought Public Storage. The cost would be about $2500. My husband says get a U Haul but I figure it would cost just as much with the cost of truck rental...gas...paying help to load and unload. I'd rather pay Smart Box and let them do the bulk of the work. I thought I read on here something about shipping companies that take bids. I can't remember how it worked but now that I am interested.

[go falcons]

I site you might want to check out is Clark Howard's , the consumer advocate guy who is on the radio and tv. He has talked quite extensively about the rip off movers pull and how to avoid being taken to the cleaners with them. ClarkHoward.com Home: Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Rip-Offs on clarkhoward.com .

[CrownPrincess]

Thanx...I'll check out the site.

[roxyrn]

Let's face it, interstate moving is not cheap no matter what you do. It is day four for me of having movers here and I am amazed at the amount of supplies used-boxes, paper, tape, covers, plastic. We have a national company here with a very good reputation and it is still a bit frightening watching them carry out your things. I am impressed at how well they pack the trucks to avoid any shifting so if you are doing it yourself, make sure to pack your truck well.

Although I had tried to clear out as much as possible by donating and throwing things away, I am still amazed (and dismayed) by how much we still have.

Best advice- reduce your stuff as much as possible, do your homework comparing costs of all options and then consider reliability factors.

Good luck.

[midtown mile girl]

I used atlanta peachtree movers and had good results with them. They wrapped up everything and didn't waste time getting stuff loaded and unloaded.

[RainyRainyDay]

Originally Posted by roxyrn

Let's face it, interstate moving is not cheap no matter what you do.

Best advice- reduce your stuff as much as possible, do your homework comparing costs of all options and then consider reliability factors.

Good luck.

That's very good advice. The only way to move long distance cheaply is not to move your stuff!