Moving to School

I used professional movers. It was just too much bother to do it ourselves especially once you factor in the costs with everything of a Uhaul. My wife and I know that there was no way we could move hour huge and heavy pieces of furniture ourselves and no one was going to be coming to Evanston to help. So we would have hired movers to bring stuff in and out. Add the fact that a UHaul rental and the 4.50 diesel prices last year...well put it this way the $500 it would have saved us wasnt worth all the extra work.

Downside to using movers is since you probably wont fill a huge truck they are going to put yourstuff with other peoples junk. This isnt an issue it just makes the time frame of arrival longer. They wont give you a day they will be there. Instead you will get a week or two when you stuff may come. (invest in a good air mattress) We were smart enough to bring some stuff to cook with but not really enough, we know people who didnt get stuff for a few weeks and ended up eating out every single meal. So if you have your stuff moved also pack a few sets of dishes, some cups, a pot and pan...stuff like that in your trunk.

Booking out a mover is tough. Check with the BBB in your area and research online. I heard a few horror stories of movers showing up and saying something like you owe us $300, pay or your stuff doesnt come off the truck.

As for the Uhaul thing...really do the math. Are you going to be able to move all your stuff or will you have to hire labor at one end or the other or even both. Packing materials can add up since you want to protect your stuff (especially if you have expensive **** like I do...my wife had to have that Ethan Allen bedroom set). Gas and tolls...oh and getting cars to wherever you are going.

Finally driving more than 8 to 10 hours in a day is a nightmare...especially if you are doing it in a Uhaul or a car with stiff sport suspension. Stay in a **** motel or something like that to split it up. Oh and after listening to one good story from a classmate. Stop pretty frequently to stretch, go the bathroom, and keep at least 1/4 of a tank...if you are cross the country or even going half way there are pretty long distances with no options available so dont overlook that sign that says last gas 250 miles.