Do-it-yourself moving

(this post originally appeared on my other blog on 3/5/10, and I thought it was worth keeping around on this blog)

A week from today we'll be loading up all our stuff for the trip across the country. With this move, we'll have moved 6 times in the 8 1/2 years we've been married. We've also had our stuff in storage on 4 different occasions.

So I thought that today I'd talk about some of the things we've done, and what we've learned.

Our first move was across the street and down several blocks, about a year after we got married. Since it was so close, we loaded my Jeep and my sister's pickup truck and made a couple trips till everything was moved.

Our next move was an out-of-state move when we went to language school the first time. For this move, we rented a Budget truck and drove it ourselves. Since housing wasn't available right away, we put our things in storage for a couple weeks. When a house came available, we rented a U-Haul and transferred everything.

Our third move was back to where we'd been living before language school. Mr. M was finishing some training in another state, and I had stayed behind while I finished my classes. Once I was done, I didn't want to stay there by myself, so I loaded what I could in the car and moved back. We had to have orders in order to have the move paid for by the military, so we put everything else in storage. This was our only move that was done by professionals- they came and packed everything up, stored it for 3 1/2 months till Mr. M was done with his training, then shipped it to where I was living, where they unloaded it. One glass jar was broken and our ironing board got lost, but I'm not complaining- my parents always had massive amounts of breakage/theft/etc with their 'professional' moves.

Our fourth move was back to language school, and we used a Budget truck again. Once again, we put our stuff in storage for about a month while we waited for a house to become available. When it did become available, we used a Budget truck to transfer everything.

Our most recent move was here, where our families are. We loaded everything into a U-Haul truck and drove it here, where we unloaded most of our stuff into a storage unit in town. We eventually used my parents' truck and trailer to move everything to a shipping container in their back yard.

Our upcoming move will be made using ABF to ship our stuff. We're using their ReloCube option, but we have to take our stuff to the ABF terminal to load them, so we'll have to load everything into a U-Haul truck and haul it into the city (a hassle, but way cheaper than all the other options, so still worth it). ABF will ship our stuff and store it for a week or so till we can move into our house, at which time they'll deliver the cubes to our house and pick them up once we've unloaded them.

Some things we've learned:

1. U-Haul will match other companies' posted prices for the same trip/services. If you go to Budget's site (they've been the cheapest option for our past moves) and get a quote, then call U-Haul, they'll confirm the quote and then match it. I didn't learn this till our second move back to language school, after I had already rented the Budget truck, unfortunately. Budget and Penske trucks are higher off the ground, with a higher center of gravity, which makes them feel less stable. When you're driving a big truck over the mountains or in windy conditions, this could be an issue. I like the U-Haul trucks because they have lower beds and a lower center of gravity, which makes for a more stable ride.
2. If you don't want to drive a truck, there are other options: PODS, ABF, etc. I called PODS for a quote, but they were going to charge almost twice as much as what ABF quoted me. ABF actually has two options: fill a semi trailer (and pay by the linear foot) or use their ReloCubes. For our move, the ReloCubes are cheaper to use, but I imagine that could change based on where you're moving to and from. The trailers are not as secure- you don't get to lock it; but you do get to put your own locks on the cubes, so no one else can get into them- much safer.
3. When you're storing things, call around for rates and deals. Both times we stored things for a short time while we waited for a house to open up we used Public Storage. They had a deal where the first month was $1 plus some administrative fees. Since we were out before the first month was up, I think we paid a total of $20 each time. Way cheaper than the $200-300 regular monthly rate (it was an expensive area). I've frequently seen half off the first month's rent and other deals, so call around to see what you can find. Make sure you read the fine print to make sure they don't require a minimum stay- Public Storage didn't.
4. We didn't have a Public Storage option when we moved here, so we used a local no-name company. I didn't like how much we were paying each month, so I started researching other options. I ended up renting a shipping container from Mobile Mini for half what I'd been paying the storage unit company. Mobile Mini does charge delivery and pick up fees up front, but when you average that across the length of time we used the container, it's still way less than what we were paying for the storage unit. I think for how long we've had it, the fees were only $15-20 a month. Plus, there was the added convenience of having our things in our back yard.
5. Look around before buying boxes: I've bought them online from Uline, and I've bought them from moving companies and even Home Depot. Buying them online only works if you're buying enough to make the shipping charges worth it. For smaller amounts of boxes, check out moving/storage companies and hardware stores. You can also get boxes for free from stores like WalMart- just ask for them. I like having just 2 different sizes of boxes (I'm OCD like that), so I do pay for boxes. It makes it easier to load the truck or stack in storage.

If you're doing a do-it-yourself move, research the options and see what will work for you and your situation. What are you willing/not willing to do? How much stuff do you have? Are you ok driving a big truck? I drove UPS trucks one summer in college, so I don't have a problem with it, but I've also reached the point where I just don't want to deal with it on a 3 or 4 day trip. What is your budget? How far are you moving? How much time do you have? Do you have friends to help you load the truck, or are you doing it yourself?

Figure out what's important to you, make your decision from there, and enjoy the adventure of moving to a new place.

Have you picked up any money-saving tips for moving?

9/17/11- edited to add:
We've now moved seven times in 9 1/2 years of marriage. This last time was when we bought our house and moved about 6 or 7 miles away from our rental. Several friends helped me empty the cupboards and closets and we hauled most of the small stuff in our vehicles (small SUVs and minivans) before the actual moving day, when I rented a UHaul truck and some guys from church helped me load all the big stuff up. Unfortunately, we have more crap than I thought we had, despite getting rid of a lot of stuff through craigslist, so we had to make a second trip with the UHaul truck. It wasn't a huge deal since we moved just down the road, it just took longer than I thought it should have.

What I learned this time? Never underestimate how much stuff you have- inevitably you have more than you think you do :)

The Great Train Adventure

Here's the long-over-due recap of our train trip:

Monday

We got to the train station two hours early since we weren't sure what traffic would be like, but it was definitely better than being late. The station is an old building with details you just don't see anymore. I love the intricacy of the moulding.

It is starting to look a bit shabby, though.

I think the 'Telegraph' sign is great! The window isn't there anymore, but the sign is.

For some reason, I like this sign too. Maybe it's because I never spent any time around trains or subways (I've ridden subways while traveling abroad, but that's it), but it just has a magical quality to it.

The waiting area even had high-backed benches with lights at the top like you see in movies. LMS had fun playing on them with her lambie.

And reading books to lambie.

We got the smallest room available on the train (aka the cheapest room available), and they really are small- I thought there'd at least be enough space for a couple suitcases, but one suitcase was crowding things. The two seats face each other and there's good knee space between them, and they're nice and wide. The seats fold down into the bottom bunk, the upper bunk folds down from above.

From the door, looking to the left.

From the door, looking straight ahead.

From the door, looking to the right (that's LMS hiding under her pink blanket).

From the door, looking up at the bunk that folds down at night.

My backpack sitting in the only space big enough for a suitcase.

There were hooks for hanging things, as well as a narrow closet (right side of the picture), but I didn't put anything in the closets as they really were too narrow for anything more than a coat or a suit.

When you upgrade your tickets to include a room, you also get three meals a day in the dining car, without worry about the cost of the item. It was great- you just order whatever you want and only worry about the tip. The dining car has booths that line both sides of the aisle and each seats four people. If you have less than that in your group, the servers will seat you with others, which was neat- we got to talk to people from different areas.

Monday night we were seated second of four or five tables of people to arrive, but somehow we got our food last, and our table had the only kids in the room. Since it was 8:30 by the time we were seated, the kids were antsy and tired. We got some dirty looks and overheard some not-so-nice comments, but really, what do you expect at that time of night? I will state here that LMS was not the loudest- the other little girl was definitely the noisy one.

The food tasted good and the portions were generous. I'd checked ahead of time so I figured there'd be at least one gluten free option at breakfast and dinner, lunch might be a bit iffy. I had herb roasted chicken that just fell off the bone, a baked potato, and vegetable medley. LMS had a grilled cheese sandwich, mashed potatoes, and vegetable medley. I also had lemon sorbet for dessert. LMS took one taste and didn't like how tart it was, but I thought it was good.

The bathroom was very similar in design to airplane bathrooms, i.e. tiny and cramped. But they served their purpose.

Back in our room, the chairs had been folded down and the bunk lowered. The beds were narrow and the top was narrower than the bottom, with straps that hook to the ceiling to hold the person in. LMS was supposed to sleep there, but she didn't like the swaying, so she slept with me. I didn't get much sleep that night- I never do with her in my bed, and this bed was just too cramped with both of us in it.

The roomettes give a nice illusion of privacy- walls, doors, windows with curtains, but sound travels! Not that I heard anything I didn't want to, but anytime anybody moved something against the wall next door or talked, you could hear it.

Tuesday
The car was crowded Monday night, but by the time breakfast was over, most in the surrounding rooms had gotten off, so we had peace and quiet, and were able to put the suitcase in the roomette across the aisle.

For breakfast I had a veggie and cheese omelet with potatoes- yummy. LMS had french toast and sausage.

The shower was interesting- you push the button and the water stays on for 30 seconds at a time. It was supposed to be 100 degrees, but it wasn't- it was cold, and never warmed up, so I rinsed off quickly and got out and didn't even think of rinsing off LMS.

Our room was on the top floor, and the sway was rather noticeable depending on the track. This was really only a problem when trying to go from our car to the dining car next door- it felt a bit like trying to get through a gauntlet in one piece.

For lunch I had the vegetarian salad (a greek salad), which was good, but not completely filling. LMS had another grilled cheese sandwich with some potato chips. While we were eating we crossed the Mississippi river. Our server pointed out areas where the flood waters from a year or two ago still haven't completely disappeared, leaving stagnant pools of water and half-submerged trees.

This particular trip would be much prettier in a few more weeks, once everything greens up. It was a bit drab and dreary- winter wasn't quite ready to let go yet.

Iowa and Illinois remind me of Ohio- vast fields with trees or shrubs along the fencelines, old farmhouses scattered here and there.

The small towns we passed through had mostly older homes with faded, peeling paint. A few of the houses had been fixed up and had newer paint. The smaller, shabbier homes were a sharp contrast to the acres of big, blocky polished houses that we encountered as soon as we were within commuting distance of Chicago.

When we arrived at the station in Chicago, we were able to wait in the first class lounge, because we had sleeping accomodations. This was nice! Nice decor, several tvs, complimentary snacks and drinks, and you could check your baggage with an attendant. It also had a peaceful atmosphere- when we left the lounge it was loud and chaotic. Another perk was being led directly to our train when it was time to leave. First class treatment, and definitely the way to go.

On the second leg of the trip, our room, which was the same as the one on the first train, was on the lower floor, which seemed to have less sway, or at least it was less noticeable.

We'd made reservations for dinner while we were still in the lounge, and I picked the earliest time available, so we were eating by the time we left the station. I had a pork loin with apricot sauce, a baked potato and mixed veggies. I also ate the top half of a piece of chocolate chip cheesecake (couldn't eat the bottom because of the cookie crust), which wasn't super smart on my part, but it sure tasted good! LMS had grilled cheese again (no imagination!), but fell asleep half way through. A late night the night before and no nap that day was just too much for her. She didn't have a meltdown though, just laid her head on my lap and fell asleep while I kept eating. She slept through me carrying her downstairs to our room, undressing her and putting jammies on, and putting her on the top bunk.

Wednesday
We slept in a bit. I let LMS sleep as long as she wanted, and since breakfast was 'brunch' due to the scheduled arrival time, the hours were longer, so I wasn't worried about missing breakfast. The bathrooms on this train were a bit more up-to-date, not quite as cramped, more like an rv bathroom than an airplane bathroom. The shower was a lot nicer and even had warm water, so LMS joined me in rinsing off.

For breakfast I had another omelet and potatoes. LMS had french toast again. The menus actually had a good variety, I was just limited by my dietary restrictions, and LMS is an unadventurous 3 year old.

The trip between Chicago and DC was interesting- more fields and lots more trees. As we swept through the countryside, I caught occasional glimpses of crumbling stone walls and chimneys and the occasional forgotten cemetary, its headstones tilted and broken. It was easy to imagine early settlers trying to conquer the land and eke out a living, and it's clear it wasn't an easy life- the underbrush and trees take over so quickly.

The DC station was loud and busy, like Chicago. We waited in the first class lounge again while we waited for our final train to arrive. So nice to have a quiet place to wait.

We took a commuter train for the last leg, which means no sleeping compartments- just seats. I'm sooo glad we went with the rooms on the first two legs of the journey. LMS did not want to stay in her seat- she kept trying to run up and down the aisle. I can't imagine spending two whole days chasing after her, not to mention trying to get her to sleep in a reclined chair- it wouldn't have happened until late, and she'd be tired and cranky the whole trip.

Conclusion
It was a fun adventure and LMS and I both enjoyed it. During the day we watched the countryside, read, and colored. I never did have to pull out the dvd player and movies I'd brought. I'd do it again, as long as I don't have to worry about having a vehicle on the other end.

If we were to do this again with Mr M, we'd definitely have to get one of the bigger rooms. The small room we had worked out well for LMS and I, but would be way too crowded for a third person.

One word of warning: pack light. Not all trains have checked baggage, and the smallest rooms really only have room for one small suitcase. We didn't have a lot of choice since we had to pack enough clothes and such to last us till we could move in to our house (a week and a half after arrival), but it all worked out.

One observation I had was that a lot of the riders are older. Admittedly, I only saw those in the dining car (we never went to the coach cars), but the majority of those who ate in the dining car were retired age couples or small groups, which I found interesting.

And so that journey ended and we started a new adventure in a new house in a new town...

I haven't completely dropped off the face of the earth...

Ok, so we've moved into our house and our internet finally got connected today, so I can start blogging again.

We ended up filling 5 Relocubes when we loaded everything up for the move. Two were delivered last Friday afternoon and we unloaded them Saturday morning (our first day in the house). The next two were delivered Monday afternoon and we unloaded them that evening. The last one was delivered Wednesday afternoon but we didn't unload it till last night since LMS has soccer practice (!) on Wednesdays.

She has practices on Wednesdays and "games" on Saturdays. Her group is made up of 3 and 4 year olds, so they don't actually play games, they're still learning the basics. It's been an adjustment for her- following instructions in a group setting- but she's getting the hang of it.

that's her in the purple shirt- too cute!

All our stuff is in the house now, and I've started the daunting task of unpacking everything. Ok, that's not as daunting as the sorting- as I unpack I have to decide if we're keeping, chucking, or selling/donating it. We have way too much stuff, and now is the perfect time to scale back and simplify. I've made good progress, but it'll take at least a week to get through everything.

Once the unpacking and sorting is finished (and the listing on craigslist), we'll start building bookshelves and such to organize the things we are keeping.

I've got the drafts written for a couple posts, including a description of our train trip (which was a lot of fun!), I just need to finish them up and then I'll post them.

We're all packed and loaded!

We picked up the U-Haul, loaded it, drove into the city, unloaded the U-Haul into the ReloCubes, and returned the U-Haul. Whew!

It took less time than I was afraid it would (thanks to those that helped!), and it almost all fit. I wasn't sure how much space it would all take, and in the end, some of LMS's plastic toys for outside didn't fit. We'll store them at my parents' house till the fall when we come out for a visit when I run the marathon. So, I'm a little disappointed about everything not fitting, but it won't be too difficult to fix in the end. At least all the boxes fit.

Our next big thing (other than my flute solo on Sunday) is the train ride that we'll start Monday night. We're almost there!

I've got a few posts written and scheduled, but I don't think I'll be doing much posting till the end of the month, when my computer has been unpacked.

Now I'm off to go soak in a nice, hot bath tub- I'm sooo sore and tired.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I've been busy the last couple weeks with all the little details of moving:

Peeling the vinyl off LMS's playroom and bedroom walls:

what it used to look like

what it looks like now

Packing lots of boxes:

there's even more in there now

Hauling said boxes out to storage to make the loading process as quick and painless as possible (this Friday!). I think I've got everything out that can go out at this point. I'll pack up the computer tomorrow night, and it, along with my dresser and cupboard and a box of toys and miscellaneous stuff will have to go downstairs Friday morning.

And I've been busy practicing my flute (not usually associated with moving, I know). Two weeks ago I received a call from our ward music coordinator, asking if I could play a flute solo this Sunday. It's our last Sunday, but I will still be here, so I said I'd have to practice a bit, since it's been quite awhile since I last played (I think at least a year, if not more, though I didn't tell her that). She responded that she was sure I'd do a good job. Such faith! Luckily, I used to be a fairly decent player, so if I practice a bit I can usually sound decent for whatever I've been asked to do (usually play a number with the choir).

As I've practiced, I've remembered why I was never a really good player: I find practicing the same thing, whether it's music, scales, or whatever, over and over quite tedious. I also have a real problem counting while playing. In band, I'd watch the band leader's down beats to make sure I was in the right place (and it drove me nuts when he wouldn't give a definite down beat), but I was a disaster when it came to marching band. I ran cross country in high school, and since it was at the same time as marching band, I couldn't participate (oh darn!). I did, however, have to do several marching band activities in junior high, and they were a mess: marching in time, in whatever constantly changing formation is required, while playing memorized music. Yeah, that so didn't happen. My brain just doesn't work that way. I'd end up faking that I was playing while trying to at least stay in step and in formation.

Beautiful weather for a walk

cell phone pic of the road stretching out in front of me on my favorite route

There was gorgeous weather today- perfect for a 3 mile walk with Little Miss Sunshine. Not so perfect for hauling half a dozen boxes and two file cabinets out to storage- the ground is defrosting and turning into a sloppy, muddy mess.

We need another cold snap by next Friday, or the ground needs to dry out- Friday the 12th I have to drive a U-Haul truck back to the storage container, and the following Monday the container is supposed to be picked up. Neither is going to work out if the ground stays a muddy sloppy mess.

I've gotten quite a bit done this week

Since we spent a good portion of Monday running around doing errands, I didn't go for a walk. However, Tuesday I walked 2 miles, and Wednesday I walked 1 mile. I was planning on taking Thursday off, but there was a last minute change in plans (I was needed to help watch a niece on Friday), so I walked a mile on Thursday and took Friday off instead.

I also packed up our books, movies, papers from the filing cabinets, and the clothes we won't be needing till after the move. It's amazing how much stuff we have. I keep taking boxes out to the storage container, and there's still so much that still has to go out- toys, my sewing and craft stuff, and so on. I can't wait to sort it all out and declutter.

I made our Amtrak reservations, but I'm a little perturbed. I had read online that if you buy a particular Thomas the Train DVD, it has a code for a free child's seat with purchase of an adult seat. So I bought the DVD, and tried to book our seats using the code. Turns out that the 'some exclusions may apply' should have been spelled out better:

• you can't book online- it has to be in person or over the phone
• it only applies to the regular reserved seats- it can't be used when upgrading to a sleeping compartment

So I wasn't able to use the code. Very disgusting. Anyone want a Thomas the Tank DVD?

I did figure out that by changing the route slightly, I could save some money. On the original route, point A to point B to point C, the least expensive sleeping compartment is not available on the point B to point C leg. By changing the route to point A to point B to point D to point C, we're on a different train for the second leg (point B to point D), and the least expensive sleeping compartment is available.  We do end up with a bit more time spent waiting in between legs, and a bit more time on the train, but between the savings and the later arrival (evening rather than middle of the afternoon, so Mr. M won't have to get off work early), I figure it should be worth it.

I made the reservations for the ReloCubes a couple weeks ago, and this week I called and made the appointment to have the storage container picked up after we unload it. Just a few more things to get taken care of, and we'll be ready for the move.

our little cutie, with a bit of rugburn from a tumble down the stairs