Truck rental from NOVA to Atlanta (apartment, mattresses, how much)

[metron]

Hello,

I am making a one way move to ATL from DC, and need some advise planning. Does it matter on which location/local office I rent from?

How much stuff: 1 to 2.5 bed room apt.
From: 1 way, DC metro -> Atlanta

I am looking for advise on:

1) Where to get good pricing on a reliable truck to move (does rental cost vary in diff. local offices?)
2) Which truck company (currently leaning to budget)
3) How much should I budget ~640 miles
4) Truck size & boxes: Where are cheap moving boxes? How many would i need for a 2 bed room apt
5) Odd question, I have two 4x4, how can I tow them, one has a hitch!

thanks
Metty

[MedvedActual]

Look at each company and compare the daily and mileage rates, as well as the charge for what I assume is a one way move. I know the above-listed companies vary in their rates, just do not remember by how much without looking it up. You can then calculate the daily rate and mileage. You can get boxes at either Lowe's/Home Depot or at any moving place; do compare the prices as I know they differ quite a bit. You could get a car dolly for towing, but towing both at the same time may not be feasible. You may have to ship one or drive it down separately. Also, the boxes estimate - not sure, but you can buy more than you need and then bring them back for a refund; this would probably be easier through Lowe's or Home Depot vs. an independent place since you can do that in Atlanta vs. having to come back.


P.S. If I am not mistaken, Penske is the most expensive one. I usually go with UHaul, so it would be that or Budget if it were me.

[Ffxdata]

Costs can vary dramatically depending on if you are going from a high need to a low need area. Perhaps one company really needs trucks in Atlanta and one doesn't. It could be a vastly different price.

Also, especially with a trip of this length, make sure you get the smallest truck possible. The problem is you can reserve one and they may give you something larger the day of. Be aware of this and plan your fuel costs accordingly. The price may even be better to have a moving company do it.

[metron]

@MedvedActual @Ffxdata thanks I am calling around.

Wish I could get bigger boxes than the 24x18 - was hoping for 36"x 36 x 36 or 24 any ideas where I can get that size. The wardrobe boxes are bigger, we do not need the hangers but each is 12 to 18$!!

[HokieFan]

1) Where to get good pricing on a reliable truck to move (does rental cost vary in diff. local offices?) Call around to different places, or you can do online quotes for many of the big companies - Budget, Uhaul, Penske, etc.

2) Which truck company (currently leaning to budget)

The cheapest one.

3) How much should I budget ~640 miles
The company can probably give you an estimate for gas mileage on those things. So calculate gas, meals, an overnight stay if you don't anticipate making the drive in one day. Also, be sure to buy/bring a combination or pad lock for the truck. Rental companies don't provide those and the door to the cargo hold doesn't lock, so to protect your stuff, you should get one.

4) Truck size & boxes: Where are cheap moving boxes? How many would i need for a 2 bed room apt
We rented the 12' truck when we moved our 2 bedroom apartment. But it depends on how much stuff and big furniture you have. Check with a couple of local grocery stores and ask them if they will set aside some boxes the next time they unload stock. You can get those for free.


5) Odd question, I have two 4x4, how can I tow them, one has a hitch!
You can rent a carrier to tow behind the truck but you'll be able to only tow one vehicle. And if you're not accustomed to driving a big truck and towing a vehicle, be very careful and take your time. It can get tricky. Especially making turns into parking lots and such.

We had a moving truck and two vehicles, so we asked a friend to drive one of our cars. Husband drove the truck, I drove my car, and the friend drove husband's car. When we reached our destination, we paid for the return flight home for our friend.

[MedvedActual]

Originally Posted by metron

@MedvedActual @Ffxdata thanks I am calling around.

Wish I could get bigger boxes than the 24x18 - was hoping for 36"x 36 x 36 or 24 any ideas where I can get that size. The wardrobe boxes are bigger, we do not need the hangers but each is 12 to 18$!!

Check Lowe's or Home Depot for other sizes; been a while since I looked. No luck on bigger boxes at a moving store?

[loveautumn]

Also inquire as to how they will protect your property against bed bugs, especially your mattresses and box springs and chairs/couches , find out how you can protect them yourself.

Big problems with moving vans. When you unload check every single box before putting anything away.

[LynchburgLover]

If you don't mind smaller boxes, try the local ABC store. Then they're free.

[HokieFan]

The first time we moved, I ordered a moving kit from Uline.

https://www.uline.com/BL_7907/Moving-Kits

[jeff22152]

Originally Posted by metron

Hello,

I am making a one way move to ATL from DC, and need some advise planning. Does it matter on which location/local office I rent from?

How much stuff: 1 to 2.5 bed room apt.
From: 1 way, DC metro -> Atlanta

I am looking for advise on:

1) Where to get good pricing on a reliable truck to move (does rental cost vary in diff. local offices?)
2) Which truck company (currently leaning to budget)
3) How much should I budget ~640 miles
4) Truck size & boxes: Where are cheap moving boxes? How many would i need for a 2 bed room apt
5) Odd question, I have two 4x4, how can I tow them, one has a hitch!

thanks
Metty

Have you thought about using ABF Relocubes or PODS? The cost is comparable without the hassle (and added expense) of driving a truck between both locations. Of course, the 4x4s might be a challenge if you can't tow them with your own vehicle.