Suggestions Requested on how to move

[Southern Retirement]

We had to move 3000 miles. After doing all the research I could, I just could not feel comfortable using a major moving company as everything I tried to contact one I ended up getting brokers. When you book thru a broker they give you a price then either they or the moving company will hold your items for ransom stating the other party is at fault. PODS had a lot of restrictions as to where they delivered and not the best reviews. We went with ABS U pack trailers. We hired loaders and unloaded for extra. They both charged a couple of hundred over estimate and frankly the ones we hired for unloading really sucked, however we moved during peak time and were lucky to get what we got. All in counting two trailers, shipping a motorcycle, and using two 27 foot trailers with loaders an unloaded it cost roughly $15,000. Mind you we kept our antiques and books so our costs were high even while downsizing from five bedroom to three bedroom house. Moving company estimates ranged from $27,000 (Ukranian or Russian broker so assume a hefty ransom would be required) to $60,000 with majority of estimates being in $45,000 range. Pricing increases to premium rates after May 1st for most companies up to start of school year. Yes you can cut costs by extreme purging but remember to include replacement costs for furniture and stuff you purged and realize you will still need. Freebie sites are good but quality and availability vary greatly.

[ChicagoMeO]

Downsize your 200 boxes of stuff! I bet you could whittle it down to 100 boxes or less.

Watch videos on YOu Tube that talk about downsizing, i know you might say no way will i do that - i need all my 200 boxes of stuff.

But i bet you could truly whittle it down if you tried. that will save a lot of money in many ways and time spent packing and unpacking, etc.

[Jupie]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I appreciate it.

I make fused glass pieces. The price on the glass has increased considerably and some of the colors are no longer available. That is what I have in most of my boxes. I know that it is crazy but not sure if I could replace them so I don't want to part with them. Hopefully, I will not regret that later.