Atlanta to Madison (relocating, job, ABF, Uhaul)

[Mattieus]

Hey everyone, I am a bit of a new guy here, but I have heard that this is the best place for help considering my situation. Upon reading these forums it seems as though I was told correctly. So here is my problem; I am planning a move from Lawrenceville, Georgia to Madison, Wisconsin. I am going to be attending school up there as well as relocating to an area that I love so very much. I feel as though I belong there! Anyway, here are the things that are on my mind;

1) I am not sure what I should use to move, should I use ABF rental? Perhaps a Penske rental truck with a tow dolly? I am taking my car with me. I only really have my queen sized bed, my 2 TVs, computer desk and reptile tanks, dresser, and coffee table. Any ideas? The fuel cost and all is what I am weighing. Gotta love $4 a gallon!

2) Speaking of reptiles, I am going to be taking my bearded dragon and kingsnake with me. Any ideas for transporting them over 800 miles and 14 hours with as little stress as possible?

3) I want to drive straight through, so being that Nashville and Chattanooga are the only large Metro areas that I will go through, what time should I leave? I would love to avoid any rush hour if at all possible.

4) Does a diesel rental truck really make any sense for me? Does it really offer the fuel savings that I am reading about? I am not really sure I need that amount of space to be totally honest.

5) What is the best way for me to actually drive all the way through? Is that something that is possible?

I believe that is all I can really think of. Any help you guys could offer would be fantastic. I am looking to move around Mid-August. I have the apartment and job all set up. I just need some advice! Thanks everyone!

[geekduo]

Take stock of your belongings. If they are used and/or easily replaceable it may be cheaper and less hassle to sell them and replace them when you get there. Or at least downsize enough so that you can tow a small trailer behind the car. Take a look at the Madison craigslist. You can probably find replacement items easily enough.

[deezine]

I agree geekduo, sell the stuff that you are willing to replace and just drive the car with a small trailer. You will probably be shelling out more money if you go the other route, just on gas alone.

Just to give you a little perspective, I drive a sedan and it cost about $50 to fill up now. When driving to Indy, I wouldn't have to actually fill up until I reached about mid way between Nashville and Kentucky. So about $100 would get me from Atlanta to Indy in about 8 hours. Not including stops for breaks and such. Also gas is a little cheaper in certain areas.

[Mattieus]

So I decided to get rid of a lot of the things I had and am now going to drive to Madison with a Uhaul trailer behind me. I could not bring myself to sell my bed, it was reaaaalllllly expensive and they don't make it anymore. Plus, I sleep fantastically on it. Anyway, I am really excited. Plus with my car I will get fantastic gas mileage in comparison to the truck. Hooray for me!

[IonRedline08]

Awesome! Congrats!

I am about to do the exact same thing, and I think it is for the best. For me, with Gas, I would be shelling out 2500 to move less stuff than you are moving, and i am not sure that it is worth it.