4. GET YOUR STUFF TO YOUR NEW LIFE.
Wow, that sucked. But we're afraid it's going to get worse before it gets better. Now that you have the outline of what to do and when, you still need to decide which way you are going to pick up your stuff and get it somewhere else. There are a few major options and we've listed them here starting with the easiest and working up to the most involved.Just do it yourself
Get someone else to do it
Just do it yourself
In a car: Look, you don't need us to tell you that if you want to, you can just chuck all your stuff into a car and drive to wherever you need to go. The list of things to remember is still helpful, but beyond that, we'll trust you.
With a rental truck: Okay, this is a slightly more complicated option, but you know the gist. Here are the factors you'll want to consider:
a. How far are you moving?
You can pretty much drive a rental truck anywhere in America, but obviously the farther you go, the tougher it is to do. Unless you have people who will help out with the driving, pulling a cross-country haul is going to be tough if you're the only one at the wheel. Hey, even the professionals need help from amphetamines. And remember how long it will take you to cross the country also. To get a crisp idea of just how far you'll be traveling, hit this site and enter your old and new addresses. You'll get a map and the distance.
b. How much stuff you have?
If you don't have a car of your own, but you don't have that much stuff to move, you may be able to avoid renting a truck. There's always the three big shippers; check these sites to get an idea of their costs and services:
- US Post Office -- For when you don't care how long it takes, you just want it cheap.
- UPS -- For when you want the middle ground of cost and time.
- Fedex -- For when the cost be damned, you need it there now.
c. What does it cost?
If you decide to go with renting a van or truck and hauling it yourself, you're going to need a lot more information. Remember, sharing expenses with a friend is always a good idea, so before you drop the cash on this option, check with schoolmates or coworkers. Then, hit these sites for an idea of your options and costs.
As a general tip, the cost is usually a function of the amount of time that you have the vehicle and the distance you drive it. Sometimes it costs more to drive the car one-way, but not always, so shop around.
Get someone else to do it
Okay, this is the big one. Agreeing to have someone come and take all your stuff calls for a healthy dose of cash and a great leap of faith. Social Darwinism tells us that the guys grabbing all your worldly possessions probably never made it all the way through DeVry or ITT, so take a deep breath, and keep these tips in mind.
First, you need to know whom to call since you've already discarded the other options we've laid out for you. So where do you begin? Start by hitting these web sites that contain directories to movers nationwide. From there, you can choose a mover who operates in your area and can deliver to your destination.
1. Choose a mover.
Obviously you'll want a mover who can meet your budget and your needs. That information you can get by using the movers' directories. But another strong element to look for is whether you mover is accredited by the AMSA, the American Moving & Storage Association. AMSA is a trade organization that holds its member companies to a higher standard of ethics than just the general law. Anything that you can use to filter your choice of mover is clearly worth keeping in mind, and you can easily weed out the sketchy groups by asking for their accreditation. This web site has the goods on AMSA accredited movers.
2. Get an estimate.
Before you agree to do this, you're obviously going to want a pretty precise estimate of how much it is all going to cost you. Other than checking a mover's general rates -- which are typically a function of how heavy your stuff is and how far you plan to move it -- you'll want them to come by to see your stuff and to give you a more exact number.
There are two types of estimates: binding and nonbinding. Binding just means that they can't change their mind on you later. Not a bad idea, but it doesn't really matter too much. To get an accurate number for either, you have to show them everything -- everything -- you plan to move. So clear out under the beds, empty the closets, bear it all.
3. Plan your move.
If you're going full service, the mover will pack your stuff for you. But you may want to keep an eye on the process, since this is when they'll be compiling your inventory. So when that Faberge egg your granny left you suddenly shows up missing, you'd better have a record of it.
You can dodge this nightmare if you really want to, but if your valuables are being groped, it's not a bad idea to keep an eye on things. Just stay out of their way. You will need to show up at some point to sign the Bill of Lading -- the document listing all the items being moved. Obviously you should check this list very closely. When you get to your new house, if you can't find it and it isn't on the Bill of Lading you signed, you could be s.o.l.
There you go. You're all set. Now get a move on already...
