[ghost1001]

Hi,

It is VERY hard to ballpark your move based on what others have paid….

The cost of your move will be calculated based on volume...which is the converted to pounds....and then priced per the "tariff" rate. So any large, bulky items that you can ditch prior will save money. Take a couch for instance, your entire kitchen (small appliances, plates, silver, etc) may take the same area as that couch but you will be charged the same. Maybe you need a new mattress…..buy that when you arrive at your new home instead of moving the one you have….you get the idea.

Packing yourself will save you money, obviously. You can maximize space and save on materials (boxes, tape, etc) as well as man hours.

The “pods” type containers are nice Atlas just came out with a new container service that is secured prior to leaving your house…the container is also bomb proof. You load and unload….still, pack it well to avoid damage.

If you are moving a house ask the agent if they “self haul”. That means that they use their own tractor trailer for the “long-haul” part of the trip. This will help to avoid damage, but no guarantee.

The general drill is the mover will use “straight trucks” to load at your house, then they will off load at their warehouse and then your stuff will be “packed/consolidated” with other peoples stuff going from/to the same general area.

Independent (non-van line) movers may use “brokers” for the long-haul….this can be a problem….you can have damage or the old, “your stuff is a week and a half behind sched.” The reason is that the broker will wait till they have a full load to move your goods.

Go will a national van-line…United, mayflower, Atlas….

This is my business (moving) and we just changed from United/Mayflower (these 2 are the essentially the same company, uni-group) to Atlas. The 2 organizations are night and day….my professional recommendation, Atlas they are very customer service oriented and have a great reputation in the industry….they will probably not be the least expensive, however.

Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.

Kevin