All I have to go by for this is what it cost to get moved from Indiana to SE Virginia, with pro packing in the mix. 7000 lbs. packed, loaded and unloaded, and hauled 800 miles cost $11k.
Anyone out there know know what it might cost me to move the same 7000 lbs. 50 miles, provided we pack it ourselves? If it matters, we’re crossing a state line, too.
A good swag will do for now. My best unfounded guess is about $3k, FWIW.
Be careful with interstate moves. There is a company who has a very slick web presence for interstate moves but when they come and put your stuff on the truck, they then tell you that it’ll be another three grand if you want you property back. Chek the BBB listings for any mover you might want to hire.
–Cliffy
I know about that little stunt.
I have a couple of locally based companies in mind for this, and they have good reputations…
I operated a moving van from '81 to '91, if you want to do this yourself I can probably give you some tips, on both packing and loading the truck. Your 7000# should fit into an 18-20 ft. rental truck, HHG normally averages 7# per cu. ft. and I’m overestimating on purpose. If you hire a mover your best bet is probably the “two guys and a truck” deal. I’d gues that would cost you about $80 to $100 an hour and take about a day and a half to two days.
If your pretty sure you have about the same amount of HHG then it’s simple to call the various companies and get a quote.
I realize that I could call for a quote, and I will do that. Mostly, I was looking to see if my $3k assumption was good, and based on what you said, it looks to be a bit over what the bill might come to.
I’m quite certain on the 7000 lbs figure, because the last big move was 3 years ago, and we’ve purposefully gotten rid of stuff in the interim…
Anybody used one of the “we drop off a trailer, you pack it, we pick it up and deliver it to your new place” companies. Like this one?
CMC fnord!
I think $3000 should cover it easily. Of course there will be additional expenses over the labor and truck, but you sound good to go. I would strongly advise that you use moving carton, rather than getting cartons wherever. They are generally stronger and designed to be stacked on each other. You can often buy used cartons from the major moving franchises at a fraction of the cost of new cartons. They also have newsprint, tape, paper pads, etc. Use plenty of newsprint in your packing and don’t overpack cartons. These are a few of the most common mistakes made.
Update:
The question is sort of moot now. After the property inspection yesterday, we didn’t just walk, but ran screaming from the deal. The place was going to fall apart (quite literally) in about 2-3 years without major structural repairs.