Upcoming move-logistics question for the braintrust
 

I'm a stick in the mud, have been in the same area for over 40 years. We have an upcoming move of about 350 mi. to our "retirement" home. In addition to household stuff, we have 2 horses, a horse trailer, the pickup that pulls it, and 4 cars, a camping trailer and the kicker, a compact tractor that is too beat to sell because it looks like dirt but runs like a champ. All the vehicles run well. Assume that I can store them somewhere safe at either end for a couple weeks. I have 3 children nearby who will help if needed. So...

I'm thinking that I ship the horses, tow the horse trailer down loaded with barn stuff that's going to the boarding stable and some of my bicycles that I don't want in a moving van. Return empty. On moving day, tow trailer down. Regardless, I assume I have to ship tractor. So do I just find a hauler that will take 4 vehicles (2 collector quality and 2 dd but nice german sedans) and the tractor? Any ballpark idea of that cost? Or do I ship the tractor somehow and organize a road trip with 4 drivers and a chase (return) vehicle and pay for everyone's food and lodging overnite?

Selling this stuff isn't really an option-I mean, of course it is, but all of it is worth more to me at the moment than it is worth on the market, or it would have been gone already.

Fire away.

As you said, best bet is to unload what you dont really, really need. I would shuttle some cars if you can, I know I went back and forth between houses more than a few times for random reason. I might be on the way if you're going south and need a driver.

My calculations show that 5 people will require two trips. The truck gets a work-out going both ways twice with the first return trip being full of people after one night's lodging.

Tractor gets shipped.

Around me, there is always a market for beat up used tractors that run well. Throw it up on Craigslist

By 'compact tractor' do you mean it's too big for a car trailer?
Would it fit in the horse trailer?

Can you 'camp' in the retirement house after a trip down or isn't it habitable until after all is moved.
Sounds like it could be a great family affair if they all could get along with each other for a couple days.

If you haven't arranged transport for the horses these guys are top notch and located in SE PA:
Brook Ledge Horse Transportation
Former client of mine and great outfit.

Thanks for the tip on Brook Ledge, they're nearby.

The tractor is a jd670 w/ loader. Will need to be shipped, which is why I'm thinking of leasing out an open hauler and shipping everything.