Selling most of our stuff and moving with a trailer vs a van (jobs, Budget)

[Annabells]

My bf and I are planning to move from ND to CA in May and we're confused and a little stressed about how much stuff is worth taking. A Budget truck costs 1200 (plus gas) and we both want to get rid of our cars anyways and get something newer. We have a 1 bed apt, and all of our furniture we don't really need... The only things we are really wanting to keep is the queen mattress set (selling the bedroom furniture), 46 gallon aquarium with stand, and a leather chair. Of course we have some boxes of clothes, dishes and some decorations... but we were considering trading in both of our cars for an SUV or something and towing a 6 x 10 trailer, which is only like $460. This would save us a lot of money, and we would have a vehicle right off the bat when we get to Upland, CA! Has anyone got any thoughts or input on selling all the old and buying new for the new home? Can you really fit all you need in a little trailer?

[Bigg Mann]

Imgot divorced in KS in 85 and moved to FL via Greyhound with a suitcase and 900.00. Wife and lover of the week took everything else.

[Steve Bagu]

You have to list the Pros and cons separetly.

The $460.00 could go towards replacing the mattress new in Upland. (I lived in Covina close by). You could buy a NEW set for that money.

Fish tank and table can be replaced if it's a priority after you arrive.

Clothes will fit in the SUV if you buy one....then has to be smoged and registered in Calif.

Dishes are replaceable cheaply unless you have a heirloom family piece. I have cup and saucer from my grandmother dated 1909.

Will give you a take. When my parents and I moved from Hamilton Ont Canada to Los Angeles in 1948 we came with a large radio in the back seat...clothes in the trunk...dad had sold the house and all the furniture and after arrival got a house and new furniture.

That would be my move in your shoes with just the best of the two cars to make the trip.

[Annabells]

Thanks Bigg Man, that was super helpful!

[shadowwalker]

Sell everything that you can buy at the other end, except things with personal meaning. Buy one of the vehicles that you now can get with good credit and work history where you are. It will be harder to get credit in a new town without a job and work/residence history.
Hey you might get better stuff out in california.

[Omaha Rocks]

Originally Posted by Annabells

My bf and I are planning to move from ND to CA in May and we're confused and a little stressed about how much stuff is worth taking. A Budget truck costs 1200 (plus gas) and we both want to get rid of our cars anyways and get something newer. We have a 1 bed apt, and all of our furniture we don't really need... The only things we are really wanting to keep is the queen mattress set (selling the bedroom furniture), 46 gallon aquarium with stand, and a leather chair. Of course we have some boxes of clothes, dishes and some decorations... but we were considering trading in both of our cars for an SUV or something and towing a 6 x 10 trailer, which is only like $460. This would save us a lot of money, and we would have a vehicle right off the bat when we get to Upland, CA! Has anyone got any thoughts or input on selling all the old and buying new for the new home? Can you really fit all you need in a little trailer?

Unless the stuff has sentimental value, I'd sell everything I could. I'd sell the mattress set too. You can buy an air mattress, and pump, for about $50, and use that until you get settled in.

If you get an SUV, and worked it hard, you might even be able to get all your remaining belongs in and on the vehicle.

With the cost of renting the truck, and the cost of gas (which inevitably will be higher toward Memorial Day), it might not make good economic sense to take anything with you. Put the money you'd spend on gas toward some new furnishings.

[misplaced1]

Do you have jobs and housing lined up? I think that would be a big factor. Then I'd consider replacement cost vs. taking it with you costs. If you'de rather start over then go for it. Sometimes it's nice to have an excuse to just start decorating all over again but if jobs don't work out it seems to cost a lot to replace a bed.

[nightbird47]

If you buy a car there make absolutely sure its smogable. If not you will not be able to register it. If you drive an existing vehicle and want to sell it you can't have it reregistered if it can't be smogged. Also make sure any regrestration of the vehical was within that one state. You don't want to hear the story of the car with regrestrations in two...

Replacing your furnature can be done cheaply if your willing to buy used. Salvation army has a "monthly madness" sale every month the last friday of the month. Everything from that month is half off. Everything from the month before is half off plus half off and they have beautiful stuff. If your matress is not expensive I'd leave it. If its one of the type like a sleep number or that type by all means bring it. (that kind fits in a box). I highly reccomend the two Salvation army stores in Riverside and Corona. Really good stuff cheap.

Go through your clothes and see what doesn't fit, is not likely to every be worn due to style, and so on. DO bring your sweaters and warm coat. It does get cold there. (lived in Riverside for 30 years). Pack in real moving boxes. They may cost you a little but they are heavier and the same size so they stack right.

I agree about dishes, its hard to pack them and unless you have the space just replace them. Do bring your favorite cup and glass and such though. In fact, while your driving and stopping in motels, having one basic set of dishes per person can be useful. Most places have microwaves so you can save on eating that way. Remember to bring something to wash them with.

I wish you a wonderful trip!

[Bigg Mann]

Originally Posted by Annabells

Thanks Bigg Man, that was super helpful!

I was not being a smart a$$ just had to start over. I had a cheap car and a cheap motorcycle and a few personal items but moved to FL from KS and was cheaper to start from scratch than risk breakdowns and storage problems etc. I spent less than 100.00 for bus ticket and used money for apt. deposit and got some furnishings from used stores etc.

Recently moved from Indiana to Kentucky and brought everything with us and spent a couple thousand to do so and job did not happen and sold most everything to survive so would have been better to do what I did in 85. We will be moving to Nebraska in 2 yrs and will have plenty of money to do so but will sell everything here except personal items and buy needed stuff when we get there.

[Annabells]

Originally Posted by nightbird47

If you buy a car there make absolutely sure its smogable. If not you will not be able to register it. If you drive an existing vehicle and want to sell it you can't have it reregistered if it can't be smogged. Also make sure any regrestration of the vehical was within that one state. You don't want to hear the story of the car with regrestrations in two...

How exactly do I do this? In ND, I wouldn't think that they would even have the equipment to test it. I was wondering if it would be better to buy a CA vehicle and then ship it? *sigh* complications...