What To Expect When Moving from LA to NYC

Author:

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date:

Category: Long Distance Moving Advice, Neighborhood Advice

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Each year, 9.8% of Americans move—and a third of those relocate to a new state. So if you’re thinking about moving from Los Angeles to New York City, you’re in good company.

But before you ditch the idyllic temps and less-than-idyllic traffic of L.A. for the skyscrapers and snowstorms of NYC, there are some key details to think through: 

  • How much does a cross-country move cost?
  • What exactly does a cross-country relocation entail?
  • What does it mean for your car?

As someone who grew up in L.A., I understand all of the amazing qualities of this sprawling city, but I also know why, after a while, you might want to try something new. After all, New York City is a big place, with 8 million people, 5 boroughs, and about 3,000 “best slice” spots. Here’s what I learned on my move.

From Coast to Coast: What You Need To Know When Moving from LA to NYC

los angeles move

As Frank Sinatra crooned, “If you can make it here, you’ll make it anywhere.” Of course, that implies it takes some fortitude to make it in NYC. (As a Los Angelino, you’ve already got that in spades.) 

Here are a few key differences to consider between the two cities:

  • Transportation: Los Angeles is a driving-centric town; you must have your own vehicle in L.A. But the traffic is atrocious, and it takes so long to get anywhere that you really have to think hard before every RSVP. NYC is all about walking, but the subway is always there as a backup. Although the multicolored Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) map might seem daunting at first, you’ll quickly get to know your local route, and your knowledge from memorizing overnight switchovers and deciphering the conductor’s messages will only grow.
  • “The Vibe”: There might be some culture shock if you’re used to laid-back vibes. They say that New Yorkers are mean and rude and, well, some people are! But to be fair, you can find gruff people anywhere. Both cities offer diverse communities who will likely love to chat about their favorite brunch spots, fitness fads, and what they love or hate about their town.
  • Weather: Are you sure you want to give up the beach? OK, to be fair, you don’t exactly have to! NYC offers access to Coney Island, the Rockaways, and the Hamptons, providing a variety of beach escapes with different vibes. The big change is that you only get to enjoy NYC beaches for a few months out of the year. Then again, there’s something to be said for adding chic coats to your wardrobe.

la to nycWhat’s the cost of living in NYC vs. L.A.?

One thing that New Yorkers love to talk about is how much everything costs. So, let’s talk about money. 

NYC has one of the nation’s highest median incomes: $87,745. 

However, you should also consider that rising housing costs and the overall cost of living counteract some of those take-home benefits. One study shows that when today’s median household income is adjusted against county cost of living, New York County ranks very poorly: No. 3,105 in the U.S.

So, you can’t simply ask, “Is it cheaper to live in L.A. or NYC?” It’s important to really take into account your own lifestyle and the factors that might impact your take-home pay—everything from groceries to movie theater tickets. Both L.A. and NYC are unsurprisingly among the most expensive cities in the United States; L.A. ranks No. 7, Brooklyn comes in at No. 4, and Manhattan owns the dubious honor of No. 1. 

See fast facts below, based on the latest findings from the Council for Community and Economic Research.

  • Typical Monthly Rent (across all rentals):
    • Manhattan: $4,604 
    •  Brooklyn: $3,532
    •  Los Angeles: $2,717
  • Median Home Value:
    • Manhattan: $2.4M
    • Brooklyn: $734,800
    • Los Angeles: $670,700
  • Grocery Premiums:
    • Manhattan: 44% above the national average
    • Brooklyn: 11%
    • Los Angeles: 26%
  • Transportation:
    • Manhattan: 18% above the national average
    • Brooklyn: 11%
    • Los Angeles: 10%

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

HireAHelper.com can save you up to 40%, compared to traditional interstate van lines.

Compare our long distance moving company options.

Moving to “Post-COVID-19” NYC

A few things have changed about living in New York since 2020, several of which might inform a move to NYC. 

One factor is that renters in NYC might need to pay broker fees again. These fees, which can range from one month’s rent to 15% of annual rent, were briefly prohibited in 2020. However, that is a “might”, because it’s possible to sort listings so that only no-fee apartments are displayed in your searches. In some cases, the amount itself may be negotiable, but this is something to discuss with a broker up-front.

 

“Consider that the 40-hour drive from LA to NYC takes about four days on average to complete—and that’s with an average vehicle, not a large moving truck.”

 

Another thing is that prices have steeply increased from the all-time lows of the pandemic. Not only are NYC prices rising, but it’s made bidding on apartments pretty fierce. Prospective renters might offer to pay over the asking rate, sign leases sight unseen, put down deposits in cash, and do other things that would’ve seemed crazy year ago. While competitive, you probably aren’t used to competition this fierce in LA.

How to ensure you get an apartment in NYC

What helps most is to know exactly what you’re looking for so that you know it when you see it, and that you’re ready to act.

Have all of your paperwork on hand so that you can apply for an apartment right away; typical documents include pay stubs (or similar proof of employment), records from the past year’s tax returns, and proof of the money that’s currently in your bank account (or other assets you hold).

The Mover’s Guide for How To Get From Here (L.A.) to There (NYC)

la to nyc move

You’ve made your decision to pack up and head off to the opposite coast. Congrats! Now it’s time for the actual moving part. Although it’s impossible to provide one guide that will suit every situation, this at-a-glance overview offers useful and comprehensive tips for moving to NYC.

How to get your move out of L.A. started

It’s not really possible nowadays to simply decide you’re leaving today. Several experts recommend booking movers two months ahead of your trip, but this is a general rule.  Given this is a long-distance move, you might want to start as far back as three months, especially if you’ll be moving during the busy summer season, which books up fast!

Pack now!

When a friend of mine moved to NYC recently, she started planning a few months out and felt pretty confident, but looking back, she says she could have benefitted from a little extra time to double-check everything, pack a little earlier and slower, and itemize and appraise some of her belongings. Case in point: a few of her boxes went missing. But she had difficulty holding her movers accountable — she wasn’t 100% certain about what specifically was lost because she’d marked them down broadly (i.e., “Kitchen”).

You need to look at NYC places well in advance

Unfortunately, housing inventory doesn’t show up online too far in advance of its availability in NYC. At best, you might see it listed a month early, but that might not feel like a lot of time to find somewhere to live, put in an application, and get everything in order while also planning your move. 

 

“With moving containers, you pack all your stuff up and have it driven cross-country for you!”

 

Consider a temporary location, like an Airbnb

This is why some people find temporary places to stay at first or lease places without ever visiting them. If possible, schedule a weekend trip to NYC about a month ahead of your move and plan long days with back-to-back viewings until you find a place. For this to succeed, you might want to enlist a broker and develop a relationship so that they understand your needs.

Tips to make your NYC move-in day smoother

nyc move

While moving days anywhere might have their little quirks depending on the city, here are some NYC-specific tips for the big day. 

Check and double-check your apartment measurements

Many New York buildings are old (like remodeled tenements), and even new builds are often atypical in size and shape to make the most of limited square footage (Ever hear of “shoebox” apartments?). Measure:

  • Your doorways (they are not all standard)
  • Halls (especially corners)
  • Stairwells (plus, count the flights if it’s a walk-up)

Make sure you can actually get everything into your apartment before you put so much effort into moving your items to NYC!

For move-in, you might need to show your building proof that your movers are insured

This protects the building in the event that any damage occurs to stairwells, hallways, and the like so forth, during the move-in process. Professional moving companies are used to being asked about this, but it might cost a small fee to request a copy of their proof of insurance. (Tip: If the building doesn’t bring this up, don’t ask!)

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

How to haul all your stuff to NYC

You have a few options for getting yourself (and all your belongings) to NYC:

  • Do-It-Yourself: Some people think the main advantage of DIY is saving money, but this may or may not be true depending on how you go about it. Consider that the 40-hour drive from LA to NYC takes about four days on average to complete — and that’s with an average vehicle, not a large moving truck. You’ll have to think about paying for gas across about 2,800 miles. And if you park at hotels and motels along the way, you’ll want to make sure your worldly belongings stay secure in your truck while you sleep.
  • All-In-One/Full-Service: Many people enjoy using moving services that do packing, move-out, transport, move-in, and unpacking (or some combination of those options). The obvious perk is convenience because it lets you focus on other aspects of the move. However, it’s important to find a company you trust, since they’re handling every element of your move. 
  • Shipping Containers: A solution like PODS might be ideal for moving to NYC, because PODS gives you both storage and moving in one service, and you only have to load and unload one time. With moving containers, you pack all your stuff up and have it driven cross-country for you! Once your containers get to New York, you have the option to leave them in storage for as long as you need while you find a place to live and get yourself settled. Then, once you’re ready, you just book your container delivery and unload everything into your new place.

How much does it cost to move from L.A. to NYC?

la to nyc move

First of all, give yourself time to price-shop! Do your research, compare prices, and don’t be afraid to bring other company quotes to places you prefer and ask them to match them. 

And don’t assume all moving companies are the same. Some are definitely more trustworthy and experienced than others.

Remember my friend whose items got “lost” when moving to NYC? She later learned that other complaints about that company losing belongings were buried on Google. With a little more time spent, she would have turned those up before losing her entire jewelry box while trying to save a few bucks.

The great thing is that most websites offer free quotes based on your specific details. Here are a few quotes that I turned up for each of the options above using exact NYC addresses:

  • DIY (Rent and Drive a Truck Yourself): $179–$219 (per day, truck rental) + $1,088 (total gas, assuming an average moving truck’s MPG and current national gas price average as of September 2022)
  • Full-Service: $4,290–$7,280
  • Shipping Containers: $3,368–$4,420

The main takeaway is that while the DIY and shipping container options look a lot cheaper than full-service, when all is said and done, the final numbers may not be so far off from each other. It all depends on which company you use, whether or not you choose to drive, how long you take to drive if you choose to, and little add-ons like getting insurance, permits, or adding moving labor

Rather than concentrate entirely on the price tag, decide what really works best for your move — then pursue the best company and a fair price.

What’s the best time of year to move to NYC?

la to nyc moveGenerally, it’s cheaper to move during winter months and holiday weekends when fewer people are moving and demand is lower. 

Demand is highest during a few peak dates in New York City: June 1 or 15 and September 1 or 15.

On and around those dates, it’s more difficult to find movers and rental trucks. But in NYC, there’s more to consider. For example, if you move into a high-rise building, you’ll often need to reserve special parking spots for move-in trucks (loading zones), and you might need to reserve the building’s freight elevators for furniture and big boxes. 

Parking slots can fill up on prime move-in days, meaning that even if your lease is starting on June 1, if you can’t reserve parking and elevators, you might need to bring some of your things on another day in order to meet the building’s move-in policies and codes. If you’re moving into a more relaxed building, these might not be concerns.

Remember, consider available apartment inventory. If you choose a month when fewer people are moving out, there might be fewer vacancies for you to choose from.

“…if you move into a high-rise building, you’ll often need to reserve special parking spots for move-in trucks…and you might need to reserve the building’s freight elevators for furniture and big boxes.”

 

Do I need a car in NYC?

This is a question that always gets asked, and there are, unfortunately, only three real answers:

  • Sell it. Some people have cars in NYC, but the hassle of parking it is typically not worth the convenience of having it. Renting spaces can be anywhere from $200–$500 per month, while street parking requires moving your car to alternate sides of the road almost every day to avoid getting a ticket.
  • Tow it. If you’re driving yourself across the country, you can easily tow your car behind the truck and bring it with you.
  • Drive it. If your belongings are being moved separately, you could take a nice, long road trip and see more of the U.S. Don’t forget to factor in today’s gas prices and your car’s mileage.

How much money should I save before moving to NYC?

It’s hard to give an exact number to save up before you make your move since that figure really depends on where you’re going and what your rent situation will be. But I can give you a list of factors that can help you come up with a number that makes sense.

You’ll need to have enough money to cover:

  • Moving costs (see above)
  • First month’s rent
  • Last month’s rent
  • Security deposit (which is typically equivalent to a month’s rent)
  • Tipping your movers: Make a good impression by tipping your doormen, movers, and anyone who helps you get settled. They will remember, and it will go a long way toward ensuring a more pleasant acclimation period.
  • Cabs/takeout/extras: When you move, you’ll be exhausted, and you’ll spend a few days ordering takeout and taking cars everywhere instead of walking. This is one of those rare times it really does help to throw money at the problem—pad your budget just enough.

All in all, you’re easily looking at ~$5,000+ estimate for moving from L.A. to NYC. That’s between a rental truck or moving service, first and last month’s rent, and other miscellaneous costs. (Even the most extreme DIY scenario will still net a couple grand in expenses.)

Of course, it’s always good to add some buffer in there to cover the extras that are sure to come up. Nothing makes you feel more like a New Yorker than a crazy curveball thrown at you at the moment you least expect it.

Hopefully, this advice helps you feel more confident about moving from L.A. to NYC. Now all you need to do is take the leap.


Illustrations by Meredith Miotke

7 Technologies That Changed How People Move

Author:

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date:

Category: Buying & Selling a Home, Movehacks, Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

There was a time when literally the only way to connect to a moving company was to call their landline, leave a message on their answering machine, and wait for a call back. And if your couch didn’t end up fitting in your new house, you just had to deal with it and check it off your inventory list with a literal pencil. This wasn’t even that long ago.

Fortunately, times have changed, and technology has improved the way we find a new home and move into it. Here are seven ways technology has forever changed the moving industry.

1. Tour your new home without having to actually be there

This used to be fantasy, but now it’s almost an expected feature. And it’s getting crazier.

Virtual reality (VR) technology has totally changed the home buying process. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zillow saw a 191% increase in sellers creating 3D home tours. With the help of technologies like 360 and 3D professional photography, people routinely see a home in its entirety before ever setting foot on the property. 

360 photography

matterport
Matterport setup for home sellers

Virtual tour software platforms like Matterport allow photographers to photograph, tag, and measure properties they want to show off online. A link is generated and uploaded to the listing on the real estate company website, which can be sent to any interested party. This is awesome if you’re a buyer; you can take the time to do a virtual walk-through of the home you are thinking of buying without ever stepping foot inside.

Drone photography and videography

Drone photography and videos have impacted real estate almost as much as any other business. Not only are you able to clearly see a home and yard from any screen in the world, but you can also check out the neighbors’ lawns, roads and even alleys in the surrounding area. This gives a virtual buyer much more context into the neighborhood and surrounding areas when deciding whether or not to make an offer.

AR and VR technology 

Augmented reality (AR) and VR use similar technology in very different ways. Where VR uses headsets to give the impression you are somewhere else, AR adds to what you can already see! It can work with the camera and apps on your phone to overlay information literally on top of what you see in front of you (like in Star Trek, though maybe not quite as cool yet).

AR Real Estate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB3O0WSCP0k

For homebuyers, this means realtors can often facilitate highly realistic virtual walkthroughs of spaces for cross-country buyers. Homes can also be staged using AR to reduce actual staging costs and logistics. In addition, design apps sometimes use VR and AR technology to help you virtually “move in” and decorate your space so you have a plan before your actual move.

2. Scope out everything about a neighborhood from the comfort of home

In our current data-driven and highly social world, there are many ways to research the safety, functionality, and friendliness of an area so you know which neighborhoods are most ideal for your move.

Neighborhood accessibility 

With basic apps like Google Maps, you can get real-time data on the roads, restaurants, and shops in your new neighborhood. You can use it to map traffic flow on routes you will need to travel most like to the school for drop off or work. Learn the best routes and the best time of day to travel them to reduce traffic-related headaches — hopefully.

 

“At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zillow saw a 191% increase in sellers creating 3D home tours.”

 

Crime statistics

Learn about the safety of your new neighborhood with apps and websites like Citizen and City Protect. City Protect offers police reports, public record requests, and more. Some features of both apps are free. Family Watchdog is a free app that provides publicly available information about sex offenders in your area. (Be warned that there is a fee for detailed reports through the app.)

Neighborhood vibe apps

Believe it or not, there is more to a neighborhood than traffic routes and crime stats! Neighborhood Scout is a subscription-based app that focuses on real estate in a particular area and provides a profile using 600 characteristics. 

AreaVibes is an app that has crime stats, but that also provides a big picture of your future neighborhood based on seven main factors: crime rate, amenities, cost of living, education, employment, housing, and user ratings. It then compares that against a national average to give you a composite picture of your potential new neighborhood. It even offers a custom search function that sets it apart from similar apps, which allows users to access the information most relevant to them.

3. The rise of public reviews for professional movers 

Consumer reviews have become increasingly more social in recent years with the ubiquity of Facebook, Yelp and others.

hireahelper mover reviews
Public reviews on HireAHelper.com

Local moving companies have been impacted by this change tremendously. Almost more than any other type of old-school business model, movers used to exist on the strength of personal recommendations; but now that info is available at scale, and with the client in the driver’s seat. One hour of research is enough to skim reviews of 10 or more service providers that could do your move, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Sites like Yelp, Facebook, and HireAHelper shed light on the movers that make moving day actually manageable.

Note: Anyone can leave a review on Yelp or social media, but it’s worth noting that HireAHelper verifies all reviews, meaning that all public reviews are guaranteed to have actually, you know… really happened!

4. Accurate (and free!) moving quotes online, without needing a walk-through

Newer moving companies like HireAHelper and Simple Moving Labor have streamlined the quote process that your grandparents used to use.

Your inner introvert will be happy to hear you can get free moving quotes entirely online these days. Virtual quoting allows you to enter the basic information of your move online and instantly get moving quotes for free (plus, you even get to read the reviews for each mover). 

See prices for movers by the hour—instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

We especially don’t miss the part where you cross your fingers for a quote that doesn’t break the bank after the company is already at your house… who has time to start over at that point?

If you have any doubts or concerns about your quote, HireAHelper can quickly ballpark your moving needs over the phone with just a couple of questions (not a whole freaking tour). On top of that, many movers offer live video chats over Facetime or ZOOM to ensure they have a clear picture of your needs so there are no expensive surprises at the end of your move. (This practice has become far more common since COVID.)

5. Design your new place from your phone

vr app
Homestyler

Many buyers spend hours planning where their furniture will go in their new home, as well as what new décor they’ll need to buy to fit into a different (and often bigger) space.

Smartphones have made this step substantially easier, especially for those moving cross-state or cross-country. There are apps like Planner 5D and Homestyler that allow you to scan a room with your smartphone to save its dimensions and openings. Add in windows with the swipe of your finger, and you have a virtual mockup for your new life.

Not only does this allow movers to skip the tape measure pressure during their inspection, but it also can save precious time and back strain that used to come with arranging and rearranging. Even better, you can access room designs while you’re out and about furniture shopping!

6. Virtual checklists (and “checklist services”)

Virtual moving checklists like Porch’s Home Assistant allow you to ditch your moving to-do list and track all of your pending items in one shareable dashboard, from ordering home insurance to filing your change of address form.

porch home assistant
Porch.com’s “Home Assistant” works like a personalized moving checklist service

Not only does this mean no more paper to-do lists that will inevitably get lost, but it also means there are fewer chances for crucial steps to slip through the cracks. (Nobody likes arriving at their new place just to realize that they forgot to get their internet set up.)

7. GPS trackers on moving trucks

GPS technology has been around for a long time, which is why it’s become easier than ever for movers and moving companies to buy inexpensive trackers to avoid losing track of valuables, entire boxes, and even the moving trucks themselves.

For individuals and families booking their own moving truck, a GPS can help ensure a thief can’t run off with your expensive rental and disappear. You can also use more localized Bluetooth technology like Tile to tag boxes that have valuables in them in case they get misplaced within range.

Not to mention, companies now provide more realistic updates for moving companies that are providing long-distance moving services. Can you believe people used to stand around and wait for weeks for their stuff to arrive? Yikes.

How Much Does a U-Haul Really Cost? We Found Out.

Author:

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date:

Category: Money Saving, Moving Trucks

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Updated for 2023

 

We’ve all seen it: that $19.95 per day deal that’s advertised on the side of seemingly every U-Haul truck and van across the country. And that price looks mighty nice.

But just like renting a truck is only one small part of your move, that $19.95 U-Haul rate is likely to end up being just a fraction of your final bill. We know, because we went out to rent a U-Haul with one question in mind: how much does a U-Haul really cost? 

Here’s absolutely everything we learned.


The Big U-Haul Cost Breakdown

How much does a U-Haul truck rental cost?

After trying to rent a truck on their website, we found out the $19.95 price point refers to local moves only, not a “one-way” move, where you drop off at a different location – aka a long-distance move. (More on those prices later.)

The famous $19.95 price point is also exclusive to any one of their three smallest options:

  • 8’ U-Haul pickup truck
  • 9’ U-Haul cargo van
  • 10’ U-Haul Rental truck (what we rented)
How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
UHaul.com

“To get your actual U-Haul cost, you need to add up all of their other fees that come with renting a U-Haul.”

And most importantly, the $19.95 only accounts for U-Haul’s “rental truck fee”. (And while this price is consistent for local moves, mileage rate and taxes can vary based on location.)

Here are the U-Haul fees that make up one (1) U-Haul bill

  • Rental truck fee ($19.95/day — subject to availability)
  • Mileage fee: rate varies by regional location/distance driven (Doesn’t apply to trailers)
  • Damage protection fees (aka insurance)
  • Fuel costs (Doesn’t apply to trailers)
  • Environmental fees (Doesn’t apply to trailers)
  • Equipment rentals
  • Miscellaneous fees (e.g., Cleaning, toll, damage, parking, convenience, drop-off fees)
  • Taxes
  • https://blog.hireahelper.com/wp-admin/edit.php

How much did it cost for us to rent a U-Haul for a day?

Our final cost was $52.40 for the most bare-bones rental imaginable.

Below we break down how U-Haul gets their prices, what else we could have bought instead, as well as what we had to do to get our quotes.

How much do the bigger U-Haul trucks cost?

 

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
UHaul.com

It’s not possible to pinpoint the exact cost of a specific truck size because mileage and tax rates vary, but local U-Haul truck costs are consistent everywhere. There are sites that ballpark individual truck size costs, but if you want an estimate based on user-reported, real-time prices for U-Haul moves, click on the graph below.

 

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
Moving101 Real-Time Pricing Page

 

Can you rent a U-Haul for more than a day?

Yes, you can (usually) extend your rental at the same daily rate if you need it longer than 24 hours (for a local move). All we had to do was call before the truck was due back and ask the store for an extension.

There’s also no limit to the number of days we could extend our rental. The only exception would be if our truck was reserved for the days we wanted. That’s why it’s best to extend your rental when you make your original reservation. Otherwise, you have to return your truck and get a new rental truck that isn’t reserved for the additional days you want.

If you wanted to extend your rental to multiple days and there were no rental trucks available, U-Haul would likely sell you on one of their moving containers as an alternative, if those are available in your area.

“Paying for a U-Haul in cash? We were told cash customers need to put down a $100 deposit or the estimated rental charges, whichever is more. (Yes, seriously.) This would eventually be reimbursed – minus our total cost – upon return of the vehicle.”

For long-distance moves, depending on the distance, U-Haul assigns a minimum number of days with your truck. This might just be a single day for a shorter distance like 150 miles or less. We asked and yes, you can add days to your long-distance rental — but only with advance coordination with your local U-Haul store, and only as long as your truck is still available.

Beware: U-Haul tacks on an ADDITIONAL $40 fee to every day you keep your truck after five days.

Here are the daily U-Haul rates for adding days to a U-Haul long-distance truck rental:

  • U-Haul trucks – $40 per day
  • U-Haul trailers – $20 per day
  • U-Haul towing devices – $20 per day

By the way, there are no discounts for returning the moving truck earlier than the minimum assigned number of days, but you still can return it earlier. Virtually the only advantages would be that it would reduce the likelihood of anything happening to the truck while in your care, and to get it off your to-do list.


Trailers and Hitches 101: How exactly does renting a U-Haul cargo trailer work?

How much does a U-Haul cost?
Middletownstorage.com

We didn’t rent a cargo trailer with our truck, but we got all the info straight from U-Haul.

There are three types of trailers U-Haul offers:

  • Cargo
  • Utility
  • Car carrier (Available only at some locations)

For smaller loads or something super fragile (or heck, even quarantined), U-Haul offers trailers that hitch to cars and trucks, pending location availability. U-Haul likes to say they’re perfect for moving a dorm room.

Like their trucks, U-Haul advertises these as being as cheap as $14.95 (not including tax), and just like the trucks, that quote is only for the smallest versions of them AND only if you’re moving locally. There’s no limit to the number of days you can keep them, as long as availability permits. You generally get five days to use a U-Haul trailer for long-distance moves. Your quote will be based on your start and end locations.

 

Here’s $25 Off Movers

$25 Off Coupon

 

All trailers are subject to regular U-Haul fees (minus gas and mileage) and – most importantly – come with an installation fee if you don’t have the proper hitch.

How much does it cost to get a U-Haul hitch installed on my vehicle?

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
Tacomaworld.com

All types of U-Haul trailers require a proper hitch and lighting to hook to your vehicle.

You can use your own hitch if it’s compatible – a Class 2 or Class 3 with a 2-inch hitch ball (a Class 1 is kinda like a bike rack hitch, in case you’re curious). If you don’t have a proper hitch, you must have one installed. You can either get that done on your own, or make an appointment to have U-Haul install a hitch for a fee roughly around $100 or greater.

But note that U-Haul won’t install third-party hitches. Of course, trailer hitches and installation is an additional fee to your U-Haul rental bill.

For the heck of it, we asked U-Haul how much it would cost to get one of our cars modded for towing a trailer, and for pieces and installation. We were quoted $509.07 online to mod my incredible 2014 Kia Soul.

  • Hitch: $149.95
  • Hitch lifetime warranty: $5
  • Ball mount $24.95
  • Hitch ball $12.95
  • Pine & clip: $2.95
  • Wiring: $89.95
  • 2-year wiring service plan: $10
  • Installation fee: $180
  • Taxes: $33.32
  • Total after taxes: $509.07

The U-Haul rep I spoke with about hitches told me that the cost of installation depends on the complexity of the installation. Installation tends to be cheaper on older cars because the electrical wiring is simpler than with more expensive, newer cars.

(Fun fact: we were actually quoted a better price over the phone – $458.80 – so you may want to give U-Haul a call, as well as run an online quote for the hitch.)

Either way, this isn’t exactly a steal, given that doesn’t even include the rental. But at least you’ll be good to go for the future. You will be buying all the pieces you need, but expect to get up-charged versus if you found the pieces elsewhere.

Let it be known that technically, you can actually rent a trailer for your U-Haul truck rental (which already has a hitch and lighting hook up on it) if for whatever reason you needed a little additional space.

What’s the difference between the three different U-Haul trailers?

There are actually three different kinds of trailers you can typically rent. (Note: there might be more at an official U-Haul dealership.)

U-Haul Cargo Trailers

uhaul trailer
subaruoutback.org

U-Haul cargo trailers officially come in three different sizes and come with a built-in, lockable latch, so they’re secure.

uhaul cargo trailer
UHaul.com

None of them generally come built with the U-Haul “EZ Ramp,” so prepare for that.

How much does a U-Haul Cargo Trailer cost?

For local moves, U-Haul trailer rentals generally cost as little as $14.95 before fees, and as much as $29.95 for the biggest size, after fees.

Without any hitch installation and for single-day use, the smallest cargo trailer (4’x8′) with no ramp was quoted to us at exactly $14.95, before taxes or miscellaneous fees. For their biggest cargo trailer (6’x12′), it was $29.95 under the same stipulations.

For a long-distance move, that quote goes out the window. Our quote from Florida to Texas for the smallest trailer (4′x8′), minus the taxes and miscellaneous fees and for up to seven days, was $114.00 plus tax. And the largest cargo trailer (6′x12′) was $257.00 plus tax! This is exactly how your U-Haul price can skyrocket fast.

Don’t forget the hitch installation charges if you need it, which adds another couple hundred, at minimum, depending on the year/make/model of your car.

U-Haul Utility Trailers

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
UHaul.com

Utility trailers are needed when you have to transport something tall or oddly shaped. So when you move your arcade cabinet (okay, probably a refrigerator), you can strap it to this and haul it behind your vehicle.

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
UHaul.com

Bring your own ramp, though, because only the 5′ x 9′ and 6′ x 12′ utility trailers come with U-Haul’s fold-out “EZ ramps”. (Careful, they rent a 6′ x 12′ trailer without a ramp, too.)

How much does a U-Haul Utility Trailer cost?

tow haul
You may see this sticker inside your U-Haul

For local moves, prices generally begin at $14.95 and go up to $34.95 for the biggest size. The daily local rates don’t vary.

We were only able to get a quote for a long-distance move for a 5′ x 9′ Utility Trailer because it turns out the 4′ x7′, 5′ x 8′, and 6′ x12′ Utility Trailers are only available for local and roundtrip moves. Our quote was $153 plus the rental fee and taxes for five (5) days from Clearwater, FL to Arlington, TX. (Keep in mind this doesn’t include optional damage coverage or if you need to have a hitch installed.)

You can expect both larger and smaller utility trailers to scale roughly the same in cost as U-Haul Cargo Trailers.

U-Haul Vehicle Trailer

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
corvetteforum.com

Finally, if you need to tow a vehicle and aren’t looking to ship your car, check U-Haul’s car towing site, and maybe also call ahead to see if the U-Haul near you has any car and motorcycle trailers available.

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
UHaul.com

This type of move can definitely save you some cash compared to normal car shipping, but keep in mind that do-it-yourself car transport is not for moving rookies and requires a lot of time and some skill.

How much does a U-Haul Vehicle Trailer cost?

For our local move, U-Haul trailer rental rates for a tow dolly for a front-wheel drive vehicle started at $44.95/day and an auto transport trailer started at $54.95/day.

To get an idea for a hypothetical long-distance move, we came prepared with two faraway ZIP Codes. Before fees, our quote from Florida to Texas was quoted as $80 for a tow dolly and $222 for an auto transport trailer for 5 days. We thought this was pretty cheap, as long as you’re up for driving it yourself.

“…(W)e had to reproduce the same or another form of payment in person, regardless of what we used online to reserve it. Makes sense, but it might be a stumbling block for some people.”

Keep in mind that hitch installation, taxes and other fees are not included in this quote, which as you can see, can add hundreds more to this cost.

Oh, by the way, the rep told us U-Haul won’t let you rent any trailer of any kind if your vehicle doesn’t have a hardtop, SUV and Jeep included. They also strongly recommend you not exceed 55mph with any of this stuff attached to your vehicle.

How much do U-Haul U-Box containers cost?

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
UHaul.com

We also didn’t actually rent a storage container but were told they are available for long-distance moves. Here was our quote, though:

My U-Box Container Quote for Clearwater, FL to Arlington, TX

U-Box Container that fits about 1.5 rooms (+1-month use): $99.95
2-dozen furniture pads: FREE
Gentle ride shipping (guaranteed delivery 13 days after pickup): $1,242
One-way transit fuel cost: FREE
Truck delivery: $115
Subtotal (before taxes): $1,456.95

However, according to Moving101’s real-time, user-reported prices, the average price for a U-Box move is $2,755.

For a complete breakdown on all U-Box moving container costs before you make your U-Haul U-Box reservation, check out the Moving101 U-Box page.


How U-Haul Mileage and Gas Fees Work

How much does U-Haul charge for mileage?

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?

 

In general, the price per mile is region-specific. Mileage rates are also higher for local moves.

For a rental truck:

  • Our quote was $1.09/mile for Los Angeles on a Wednesday. On a Saturday, the quote we got was $1.39/mile.
  • In the Midwest, it’s more common to find price points of $0.79 (for a truck) or $0.69 (for a van or pick-up) per mile on a weekday. On a Saturday, we found these rates were $1.49/mile and $0.99/mile, respectively.
  • Meanwhile, the mileage rate for either U-Haul rental pick-up trucks or U-Haul vans are typically $0.69–$0.79/mile on a weekday and $0.79–$0.99/mile on a Saturday.

We drove the U-Haul all of eight miles from and back to the U-Haul store to take pictures. For this, we were charged $0.99/mile, for a total of $7.92.

Imagine, now, how much your mileage fee will stack if you drive your rental 20, 50, maybe even 100 or more miles to and from the rental location? That’s why some call it “consumer-unfriendly“. Let’s hope there are U-Haul coupons out there somewhere.

“If returned with less than 1/4 tank, I agree to pay a $30.00 service fee.”

-U-Haul customer agreement receipt

What are the mileage rates for a long-distance/one-way U-Haul rental?

If you’re moving long-distance, a certain number of miles is accounted for and rolled into your final rate. There are technically no mileage limits, but if you drive more than this number, you’ll be charged $0.40/mile, which seems to be consistent for long-distance rentals regardless of location.

Remember, a one-way/long-distance to U-Haul simply means dropping it off at a different location than the one you rented it from. Technically, this could mean as near as a town over. Keep this in mind when typing in “U-Haul near me” into Google… just return it to where you got it.

Also, mileage is cheaper for long-distance moves, but other fees are way, way more expensive, so make sure you stick to local (in-town) rates, if possible.

Do U-Hauls have unlimited miles?

With U-Haul, there’s no limit to the number of miles you are allowed to drive.

But remember, for local, in-town rentals, miles are never included in the rate – you’re charged per mile. For long-distance moves, you’ll be charged $0.40/mile for anything beyond the expected mileage that U-Haul declares is necessary for your move.  

If you do need to put on some extra miles, you’re better off looking at Penske or Budget. This area is where the $19.95 price promise really falls apart, unless you’re moving something across the street from your U-Haul store.

How do U-Haul gas fees work?

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?

Simply put, you will pay for any gas you use. You gotta bring it back with at least as much gas as it started with.

The U-Haul clerk marked down the exact mileage and gave us their daily rate for gasoline. We had the choice of filling up what we used ourselves out in the wild, or paying U-Haul $6.25 a gallon (!) to do it for us after we returned it as a “convenience fee.”

And heed this warning straight from our receipt: “If returned with less than 1/4 tank, I agree to pay a $30.00 service fee.”

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
U-Haul mileage gauge

We spoke with a U-Haul rep who told us there’s no universal rule at U-Haul for this convenience fee, so this may be location-specific. (Oh, and in case you were wondering, U-Haul usually won’t reimburse you if you return the truck with more gas than you had to start with, so easy does it at the gas pump.)

Protip: Here’s how to save money on your rental truck’s gas.

How much mileage (MPG) does a U-Haul truck get?

A 10′ U-Haul truck should get in the neighborhood of about 7–10 mpg, although this can vary depending on what size truck you rent. The 15′ trucks and bigger are equipped with a fuel economy meter on the dashboard that shows you whether or not you’re getting the “Best MPG” in real-time. Our 10-footer had one too.

Protip: Normally, U-Haul is supposed to give you a truck with a full tank, but the tank can have less than this, and you’re only required to replace the gas you use. (We were given a truck with 5/16 of a tank of gas.) Make sure your truck’s tank is full when you take it off the lot. And by full, we mean full! (The fuel tank capacity for the 10′ truck is 33 gallons according to the equipment contract.)

When you pick up your truck, your U-Haul rep might think “full” means the needle on the gas gauge is more or less at full. But when you drop it off, that same rep will likely insist it isn’t full if there isn’t gas splashing out from under the gas cap.


U-Haul Insurance and Movers 101

What are my U-Haul insurance options?

U-Haul has two (2) main kinds of insurance. They’re called SafeMove and SafeMove Plus. Just like everything else, the added cost varies depending on whether you’re move is local or long-distance.

Keep in mind that absolutely no U-Haul insurance covers damages due to …improper packing, normal shifting of cargo in transit or theft of cargo“. When in doubt, U-Haul will probably win out.

Here are the differences between their two insurances.

SafeMove

SafeMove is basically coverage for if someone hits your truck. It gives you:

  • Damage waiver: Covers most accident damage to the rental equipment (doesn’t include collision with an overhead object)
  • Cargo protection: For loss or damage to the stuff in the vehicle (cargo)
  • Medical/life protection: Life coverage for the people in the cab of a U-Haul rental truck

You’ll have to look to your own insurance if you hit someone else, or get Safemove Plus, which covers you against damage done to another vehicle. And your stuff inside is only covered if you get hit, there’s a fire, a windstorm, or if your truck literally overturns.

“There are no formal military, senior, or student discounts at U-Haul. However, it’s up to the discretion of the U-Haul store you’re renting at if they offer it for asking.”

SafeMove Plus

SafeMove Plus is basically the coverage for if you were to cause an accident:

  • Coverage for accidental damage of any kind
  • Limited coverage for the stuff in the vehicle (cargo coverage)
  • Life coverage for the people in the vehicle
  • Supplemental liability coverage

It covers overhead damage, like the kind you see on YouTube where people slam their trucks into low clearances, as well as tire protection. (You know, the two most likely things to go wrong if anything were to go wrong.) And as a “safeguard” to your personal insurance, if you were to cause an accident or mess up their equipment somehow, this covers up the first million dollars (literally) of losses.

For our tiny little “move,” we were scared by U-Haul customer service into picking up U-Haul’s regular SafeMove coverage for $14. SafeMove Plus would have cost us $28.

Do I have to buy insurance with my U-Haul?

No, you don’t have to buy insurance of any kind to rent a U-Haul.

Here’s the thing though. While you’re statistically in the clear, U-Haul’s policies are perfectly crafted to screw you if absolutely anything were to go wrong.

  • Your personal auto insurance policy most likely does not cover damages to rental trucks
  • Your credit card likely does not cover any damages to rental trucks
  • You are responsible for damages even if it’s not your fault, including things like vandalism
  • Some stores told us you have to pay U-Haul the exact moment you return the vehicle for any and all damages, while others told us it goes through insurance — so, uh, probably ask

Keep in mind that U-Haul only offers SafeMove for their rental trucks. Pickup trucks and vans have their own type of insurance they call Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).

 

The difference between a move that takes you all day, breaks your back and your friendships, and keeps your stuff out of the hands of amateurs could be as little as $200 … Movers may be the most value you can get from any single add-on.”

 

U-Haul also offers SafeTrip for $5 extra per day, which means if you need roadside assistance they’ll send someone out to help. Kind of sad that you have to pay extra for this, but the option is there.

Bonus Insurance: SafeTow

SafeTow is U-Haul’s coverage for trailers, tow dollies, and auto transports. It’s available at different coverage levels from $8 per day up to $16 per day. Here’s what it covers: 

  • Damage to the rental trailer or towing device
  • Damage to your cargo or vehicle while being transported with a U-Haul rental trailer, auto transport or tow dolly
  • Medical and life protection for you in case of an accident (passengers are covered only if they’re riding in the passenger area)

Damages and cleaning fees

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?

Also, if you leave some kind of a noticeable mess, they will charge you up to $25. Maybe don’t eat while you drive … or transport hay.

U-Haul Equipment

We didn’t rent any equipment or buy any boxes or supplies, but we definitely had the option!

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
U-Haul stores give you a wide range of boxes and equipment to choose from online, and in person.

Sure, it’s possible to move without renting (or buying) any special equipment. But even if you hire a crew of movers to come in with all their hand trucks and dollies to load (and unload) your truck, you’ll at minimum still need your own blankets to protect your belongings.

Here’s how much the stuff cost for us.

Average* U-Haul equipment purchase prices:

  • Padlock: $4.95 to $16.96 (Best value is a 4-pack for $10) unless you want to get really fancy with a $49.95 braided steel cable lock
  • Stretch wrap: $9.49
  • Boxes: $1.09 to $16.95 per box (Wide varieties available)
  • Tie Down Rope: $3.95
  • Straps: $9.95 to $15.95 
  • Roll of packing tape: $3.95
  • Furniture dolly: $19.95
  • Hand dolly: $75.75 online (but a different model was on sale in the store for $49.95)
  • Furniture pads: $7.95 each

Keep in mind that you can rent some equipment versus buying it. U-Haul has furniture pads for $5 per half dozen, as well as furniture dollies ($7 for local and $12 for one-way/long-distance moves) and appliance dollies ($10 for local and $15 for one-way/long-distance moves).

*These prices came from U-Haul’s website and may vary by location. You may want to check your local store first before buying online in case their prices are cheaper.

 

How much does moving labor cost?

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?

When you go to a U-Haul shop, it’s likely they’ll try and sell you on movers. Even the inside of their trucks have advertisements for moving labor all over them.

How much are U-Haul movers? Movers prices will vary dramatically, depending on the number of hours booked, how many movers you book, whether they are doing a load, unload, or both, and how soon you need them. U-Haul’s rate is for two helpers, and there’s a two-hour minimum per location (your starting point and end point). But if both locations are near each other, you may be able to combine the loading and unloading at both locations into one two-hour block.

Movers through U-Haul cost as little as $200 to as much as $5,000, which is why you need to get your own moving quote to compare against theirs.

moving equipment
Moving equipment can sometimes add up to cost almost as much as local movers!

The way U-Haul’s movers work is that they have a network of local move helpers that sign up to receive job requests via their marketplace. But unlike HireAHelper’s $1,000 guarantee if anything goes wrong or gets broken during a mover, with U-Haul you’re mostly taking your chances. They’ll connect you with movers, but it’s beetween you and them after that.

We found this part of their terms a little unsettling:

“Furthermore, the Moving Help request and its acceptance and if applicable, any resulting provision of Services, are solely between You and the Moving Helper. Therefore, when and where there are any claims, demands, liabilities, damages or losses incurred as a result of the same, You, your heirs, successors and assigns, do hereby waive and release Us (Our officers, directors, agents, parent, subsidiaries, affiliated companies and employees) from any such claims, demands, liabilities, damages or losses.

You acknowledge and agree that both You and the Moving Helper each have the right to pursue a claim against one another in a Court of competent jurisdiction or in another similar forum of dispute resolution.”

This, compared to cheap movers through HireAHelper, which provides some insurance for free (and $1,000 service guarantee if anything goes wrong), plus additional insurance starting at $12.

And in case you were wondering, for us to add movers to our made-up, on-the-spot move, U-Haul quoted us $312.

Are movers actually worth it?

The difference between a move that takes you all day, breaks your back and your friendships, and keeps your stuff out of the hands of amateurs could be as little as $200, depending on how much stuff you have. Movers may be the most value you can get from any single add-on.


Other Factors That Affect Your U-Haul Cost

What actually happens at the U-Haul store after you reserve online or over the phone

U-Haul reservation text
Here is the reservation text you get after you reserve a vehicle

We went online and used a credit card to book a 10′ rental truck, and we thought the booking was all paid up. But it wasn’t — our card was just used to make the reservation.

While our vehicle was reserved online (thank goodness), we had to reproduce the same or another form of payment in person (cash was acceptable as well), regardless of what we used online to reserve it. Makes sense, but might be a stumbling block for some people.

After that, U-Haul put a hold on our bank account upfront for all the estimated costs (rental fee, environmental fee, tax, and mileage). They asked us how many miles they thought we’d drive for our local move and added that to the total cost for the hold. If you end up driving less, they’ll charge you less in the end. If you end up driving more, they’ll charge more. Plus they’ll add any applicable miscellaneous fees.

When we returned with the vehicle, they checked out the truck before charging us to verify gas level and mileage (and probably to check for damages). We were given a paper receipt with the total costs. Because we used a debit card already on file, no further action was needed.

Paying for a U-Haul in cash?

We were told cash customers need to put down a $100 deposit or the estimated rental charges, whichever is more. (Yes, seriously.) This would eventually be reimbursed – minus our total cost – upon return of the vehicle.

Here’s how the cash payment breakdown works, straight from their website:

“If you’re paying with cash, the following is due when you pick up your equipment:*

  • Local/in-town truck: $100 or estimated rental charges (whichever is greater)
  • One-way truck: $100 plus rental rate 

*Cargo vans and pickup trucks must be reserved with a credit card. Deposits cannot be made in cash.

The total estimated charges for your rental are due when you pick up your equipment regardless of your method of payment. Payment can be made by credit card, debit card or cash. 

Cash is accepted for pickup and van rentals. However, a valid credit or debit card with a major credit card logo will also need to be presented in the name of the renter.”

Haggling and U-Haul coupons

There are no formal military, senior, or student discounts at U-Haul. However, it’s up to the discretion of the U-Haul store you’re renting at if they offer it for asking. The rep let it leak that anywhere between 10-15% discount is what they’re allowed to apply to an order if they decide.

How old do you have to be to rent a U-Haul? 

Wanting to test the age limits, we sent one of our 20-year-old team members to officially do the honors of picking up the vehicle. No matter, as U-Haul says you need only be 18 years old with a valid driver’s license, and just 16 years old to rent a trailer attachment.


The Cheapest We Were Able to Get Our U-Haul

Our final cost for our U-Haul was $52.40.

  • Rental Fee: $19.95
  • Mileage Charge: $7.92
  • SafeMove Insurance: $14.00
  • Environmental Fee: $1
  • 1.6 Gallons of Gas from U-Haul: $7.51
  • Tax on Rental: $2.02

Total: $52.40

We got a 10′ truck, U-Haul’s smallest with no ramp, and drove it a “colossal” eight miles. We bought the cheapest insurance, absolutely zero equipment and zero labor, and got hit with no other fees (since we didn’t actually put anything in the truck).

Our bill was still almost three times the advertised price.

Of course, $52.40 isn’t a bad deal, depending on what you need it for. The problem is that if you needed only a quick lift to pick something up, $50+ can render a lot of good deals useless.

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost?
The $19.95 truck has raised wheel wells inside the vehicle, which takes up some serious space in your rental truck.

On the other hand, if you were seriously moving, odds are great you’d drive many more miles, and your mileage would probably be way higher, given you probably aren’t hauling air. And if it’s during the busy moving season, the rental rate will likely be greater than $19.95.

An extremely conservative estimate for a very small, local move is probably closer to around $125 for the rental. You’ll realistically need one of the larger trucks for a real move.

And that is strictly local. For long-distance moves, even a small load will be much closer to $1,000 or more. And that is assuming you don’t need a hitch installed.


The Bottom Line

Nobody pays $19.95 plus tax. How much you finally shell out will depend on your circumstances, your preferences and your requirements. Keep the above in mind as you plan out your move. You’ll probably save at least enough for some extra coffee on the drive to your new home!

I Moved Five Times in One Year, Here’s What I Learned

Author:

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date:

Category: Moving Stories, Neighborhood Advice

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Until I graduated as a graphic designer, I lived my entire life in the small desert town I was born (the nearest city was Tucson, Arizona). Besides farming and cattle, there were few career opportunities… let alone ones for an aspiring designer.

This is why after a couple of months working for a local magazine, I decided to pack up and find a bigger city with greater employment opportunities—specifically in the tech industry. My choice to move to Austin, Texas was easy. But my next four decisions to move (in the same year) were all a bit harder.

How to Survive if You Have to Constantly Move

Due to job changes, living conditions, and other needs, I had to move over five times in one year, and each one of them had their level of difficulty. It forced me to learn many things, from finding suitable roommates, to knowing when to buy your first pieces of furniture. 

There’s still a long road ahead of me, but I want to share with you what I’ve learned about continually moving with limited resources and big aspirations. 

Make finding friends an immediate priority

Foregoing possessions, I had to focus all my energy on establishing myself. I had to keep the packing as light as possible and only brought these bare necessities to start my new life in Austin:

  • Important legal documents and every government-issued ID I had (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
  • My computer
  • A few essential clothing items: five shirts, two sets of pants, a hoodie, and undergarments

Lucky for me, I had a few friends who didn’t mind housing me for a few weeks while I got settled in the city. As a lucky break, after seeing my work, my friend gave me a job referral that helped me land my first job at the startup where he worked! 

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

So here’s my first piece of advice: Know how wide your friend and acquaintance network goes, and especially who might help during your first few days. You might not know someone that lets you crash on their couch, but maybe a friend of a friend can point you in the right direction for the safest places in town to find a room or a hotel. 

If you don’t have a job lined up yet (like me), do what I did and start combing through your contacts on LinkedIn that might provide you recommendations. I was able to find Austin recruiters who showed me open positions in my field. (Job listing websites such as Glassdoor or Indeed can work well, but I’ve come to find that the best way to get a quick answer is by reaching out directly via LinkedIn.) 

Finding Decent Living Arrangements on a Budget

I’ve lived alone before, but now in a larger city and with a limited budget, it was necessary to find a place where I would live with roommates.

I’ve learned to identify potential red flags in a home or roommates with every move. After living with six people in five different places, here’s my ultimate list of the most consistently important things when looking for good living arrangements (aside from the typical “find somewhere close to work”).

How do you find a good place to live?

A lot of things won’t be perfect when you’re starting out, but in my experience, these were the worst things I dealt with while finding my own way.

  • How old is the apartment/house? Unless you’re okay dealing with your roommates and landlord over leaky pipes or moldy cupboards, I suggest finding a place that has less than 10 years on the market, or at least looks like it’s been diligently looked after. Living in newer homes means you’ll be less likely to have any issues with the infrastructure—trust me.
  • Learn the room space to rent ratio. I was so inexperienced that I never realized I could negotiate rent with my roommates, so I ended up splitting the rent equally. Later, I moved in with people who broke down the rent according to room size, and everything just made more sense! Why was I paying the same rent as someone with a bathroom and walk-in closet? Talk openly to any potential roommates and negotiate rent for fair pricing.
  • Don’t settle when it comes to pets and household cleanliness. An irresponsible pet owner (ahem) can be a nightmare when sharing a reduced space. If there are resident pets in the place you’re considering, check out if they are potty trained or where the litter box/puppy pads are located. Ensure that the smells that may arise won’t be a source of inconvenience for you (accidents happen, but hopefully, it won’t be near your room!)
  • Avoid places with pests and infestations. You won’t get a complete picture with only one visit, but it’s always a good idea to ask how long has it been since the last fumigation and how do they keep dangerous bugs or vermin at bay (I once lived in a place where I couldn’t open a kitchen drawer without seeing a cockroach running around and I ran out of there as fast as I could).

How do you find roommates?

Moving in with strangers as a foreigner is sometimes intimidating. It was for me. But after living through some rough experiences, I finally have a pretty good idea of what topics to discuss before picking a roommate.

  • What’s their lifestyle? Social butterflies and introverts aren’t always a good mix for sharing a living space. While one may choose to have friends over every weekend, the other might find it overwhelming. There’s nothing more awkward than spending the night cooped up in a room while knowing more strangers are outside (been there). All I’m saying is to make sure your future roommate’s activities and behaviors are compatible with yours.
  • Share electronic payment responsibilities. The most pleasant places to share are those with clearly defined responsibilities. It’s usually a good sign if you see that household tasks are divided among the rest of the roommates. For example, someone pays the electrical and gas bills, while the other pays for internet and water bills. 
  • Cleaning help truly helps. As responsible adults, it’s ideal that everyone cleans up after themselves… but as crazy as it sounds, I highly recommend pooling together and setting aside a budget for cleaning help at least once a week, especially for the common areas that are bound to get dusty or dirty. It will save you and your potential roommates a lot of emotional frustration. 

Furnishing (When You Move a Lot)

To avoid a furniture dilemma, seek furnished rooms during the first months of your arrival. My first three places were furnished rooms before finding a cozy loft where I could live by myself. Only until that point did I start frantically looking for a mattress, box, and desk, which were the bare minimum I needed to live and work comfortably. 

How do you constantly deal with furniture?

Whenever I needed a piece, this is the moving timeline I used for organizing all my furniture shipping (so I didn’t get stuck sleeping on the floor for days):

  • Three weeks in advance: Seal the deal with the new landlord of your place. This depends on each property, but this usually includes dropping a security deposit, one month’s rent, and all legal paperwork. It usually takes over a week to get it all in place and finally have the keys in your hands.
  • Two weeks in advance: Once you have an agreement in writing, start measuring up the place to know how big your furniture needs to be. After putting down a deposit and rent, there tends to be little wiggle room for impulsive buying (at least for me), so I recommend creating a layout of the stuff you need with measurements, and shopping accordingly.
  • One week in advance: Once you carefully select all the furniture for your place and have the keys, leave a one-week delivery window for your stuff to arrive. If you’re given the opportunity, plan to receive most of your things on the same day; otherwise, you’ll have to be coming and going all week long. 

By the way, I learned the hard way to keep your new stuff packed and sealed until you are fully moved in to avoid getting dust and dirt all over it. This will make the moving day far easier.

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

How to Move (Quickly)

Forget about sparking joy until you think you’re even close to settling down. Here are some tips.

Don’t obtain much to pack

Packing will get more complex as you grow in your new life and feel the new city like a second home. 

I try to keep my stuff easy to transport, but for my fifth and final move, I had to hire a truck and a couple of movers to help me with all the furniture, books, clothes, and even plants. I used this last-minute moving checklist to help with those small details I never dealt with before, since I was moving so often and so quickly. (Here’s a hint: keep things light!)

Search for hourly movers

Finally, when you’ve finally accumulated enough stuff, you might need some muscle for a quick turn-around.

Though I didn’t know the first thing about hiring movers, two weeks before my move I Googled and was able to find movers by the hour, then I booked them online almost immediately. All I had to worry about was finding enough boxes, though a couple of trips to the supermarket solved it (if you’re getting your boxes from a supermarket, remember to clean them first). Also, since I don’t own a car and mainly use my bike for transportation, this post on keeping it safe in a moving truck saved my life. 

Earlier on when I was moving so much, everything was as simple as picking up my clothes, getting in an Uber, and arriving at the new apartment during my first few moves. Yet even as it got a little more complex, getting a couple movers was a little bit rewarding, as I got to see the fruits of my new life I had finally made.


Moving is an unavoidable part of growing. And if you’re anything like me, be prepared to grow a lot. If you’re going through a similar journey, I hope my experience helps you find a great place to live with awesome roommates. Good Luck!

How To Pack a Bike for Moving like a Pro

Author:

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date:

Category: DIY Projects, How To Pack

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This article should probably be called, “How Regular People Should Pack a Bicycle for Moving”. Most people don’t even bother wiping the mud splatters off their bike before they have their movers roll it onto the truck.

But if your bicycle is not in a box, it will either end up lying flat on top of your stuff, or wedged in the middle somewhere. Yet in transit, not only can your bike get damaged, but it can also cause some serious damage.

The pros know this. But lucky for us regular people, it’s not only possible but not too difficult to pack a bicycle in the garage or out in the yard. You just need a short list of simple supplies.

What You Need to Disassemble a Bike

  • A couple of hand wrenches (most pedals require a 15mm wrench)
  • Hex wrenches (i.e., Allen wrench set)
  • Padding, such as bubble wrap, foam tube covers, sheets of foam, or whatever you’ve got
  • Tape, including box tape and some skinnier stuff
  • Scissors (or a pocket knife)
  • A small cardboard box for bike parts
  • Sixty minutes, give or take

And for the absolute best results, you need a good sturdy bike box! Call or visit your local bike shop, as they’ll likely be more than happy to have you take one off their hands. If they don’t have a box on hand, ask when they’ll be getting new bikes delivered and ask them to set an empty box aside for you.

Bonus: Ask them to leave the packing materials in there for you. You’ll see why in a minute.

Other helpful bits:

  • Zip ties
  • Ziploc or other plastic bags
  • Extra cardboard

Packing Your Bicycle, Step By Step

1. Shift the gears to the lowest gear on your bike, so the chain is on the largest (innermost) rear chainring

How do you pack a bike? You have to start on the lowest gear. This pulls the rear derailleur, aka the most expensive and delicate component on your bike, closer to the rear wheel. It also adds an extra ounce of protection against potential impact damage.

Remember: to shift, you need to be pedaling! 

2. Remove the pedals

Now it’s time to use that 15mm wrench. (This might seem scary, but it really isn’t.)

Get a tight grip on the end of the pedal and twist. Note that you’ll have to turn the pedals in opposite directions, left pedal clockwise, and right pedal counter-clockwise. Please take note that removing some pedals requires an Allen (hex) wrench, with the hole on the inner end of the pedal closest to the bicycle.  

Put the pedals in your small cardboard “parts box”.

You’ll notice each pedal should be marked with an “L” or an “R”, which tells you which side of the bike each one goes on when you put your bike back together (since the threads on one pedal run opposite to the other).

Note: Over time, some pedals can become kind of stuck. Some WD-40 type lube might do the trick. If it doesn’t, my working solution is to sit on the bike with the wrench on the pedal, free-end toward the rear of the bike. Squeeze the brakes and push down on the wrench with your foot. But please, be careful not to bang, scrape, or lacerate your leg on your bike once that pedal comes loose!

3. Start adding crucial padding

Use bubblewrap (or whatever you’ve got) to wrap the most sensitive (and dangerous) parts of your bike frame: 

It’s a good idea to tape or zip-tie one of the pedal cranks to the bike frame to keep the chain drive from moving and shifting. Do this before wrapping the derailleur!

Pro tip: If you are superhuman and can rip a piece of tape off the roll with one hand while holding your bubble wrap in place with the other, awesome. For us regular people, it is super helpful to stick a couple of pieces of tape on your forearm or the leg of your jeans before you start wrestling that bubble wrap into place.

In the end, your bike might look as covered as this:

4. Remove and secure the handlebars

With the Allen (hex) wrench, remove the four bolts holding the faceplate in place.

Be careful not to let the handlebars go freefalling when the bolts come out, as this can do bad things to the brake and shifting cable mechanisms—and possibly your knees. Immediately screw the bolts back in to put the faceplate back on when the bars are off.

Since they are attached to the ends of your handle bars, be careful not to yank, strain or otherwise abuse the brake and shift cables while you’re doing this! If possible, tape or zip-tie the handlebars to the right side of the bike frame, like this:

5. Remove the front wheel

Rim brake (left) and disc brake (right) – cyclingnews.com

If you have rim brakes, you’ll need to loosen them first to allow the wheel to come off. Disc brakes need no attention for now.

To get the wheel off, you need to flip the little lever on the left side of the wheel hub and loosen the axle until the wheel comes free. Keep unscrewing the axle until the part on the right side comes off.

Careful: there are two conical springs on the axle, which look exactly how they sound like. Don’t lose them! Simply slide the axle out of the wheel, put the spring and the end piece back on the axel, and put the whole thing into the cardboard parts box with your pedals (and other small parts).

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

6. Wrap the front fork

When you are taking the front wheel off, it’s a good idea to have a piece of cardboard ready so you don’t set the ends of your front fork on the ground where it will get scratched. A foam pipe cover cut to size works well as fork padding, but bubble wrap works too.

7. For added protection, pad the disc brake (if your bike has disc brakes)

If your bike has disc brakes, you’ll have to pad the brake mechanism on the left fork. (Pad the ends of the forks well!) Padding wheel hubs and the elements of your chain drive can be challenging… to say the least. But if you really care about your bike, this is what a professional would do to protect it fully.

Also, taping pieces of extra cardboard to the inside of the bike box where these parts sit lends an extra layer of protection. Go even further by putting extra bubble wrap or foam underneath these extra pieces of cardboard.

If the good folks at the bike shop gave you the packing materials along with the bike box, look for something that looks like the head of a hammerhead shark. This is a specialized piece that will not only protect the ends of your forks, but will hold them in place to prevent them from getting bent or otherwise damaged from pressure or impact. Other pieces may attach to the wheel hubs, not only protecting them but also providing an extra surface area to keep the box from getting crushed against your bicycle.

8. Put your bike in the box

Make sure to turn the front fork 180 degrees so the neck (the part that holds the handlebars) is facing backwards. Slide the front wheel in on the left side of the bike. Keep the front tire on the left side! This is so it doesn’t get chewed up by the chainrings on the right!

Lower your seat so you can put some padding and/or extra cardboard on it and still properly close the box. Left in place, the seat can help keep the box from getting crushed on top.

Note: Some people prefer to remove the seat, wrap it up, and tape/zip-tie it to the bike frame or pack it separately. You do you.

9. Tape up the box

Before you do, you may choose to stick some extra items in there for even more padding and protection. Old blankets work well, as does camping gear like tents or sleeping bags. However, be aware of any sharp points or edges on your bicycle that could tear a hole in the fabric, especially if the bike is going a long distance. Don’t use anything you particularly care about.

Tape the box on all corners and along the top and bottom edges. Tape the carry holes on the sides of the box to reinforce them, like so.

Pro tip: If the box is big enough, putting these extra blankets, tents, or whatever in plastic bags helps keeps dirt and chain grease away.


The Final Pro Tip

If you find your bike won’t quite fit in the box, well, remove the rear wheel too! This will require the removal of the rear derailleur from the frame, which should only typically involve removing one additional bolt or screw. But don’t just leave it hanging! Wrap it well and secure it to the inside of the bike frame where it won’t get smacked around.

Take the axle out of the rear wheel just as you did the front, and just like before, take extra care to protect all those chainrings.

And now the fun part: you’ll have to zip-tie one or both wheels to the bike frame so that all those exposed chain drive components are not resting on the bottom of the box. (And avoid having to do all of this by simply getting a big enough box!)


Packing a bike isn’t as complicated as it seems, it just takes a little getting used to. And if you’re finding yourself too frightened to do all of the above, ask your movers if they can help (they probably have done this before). But if you’re doing this alone and/or for the first time, don’t freak out! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll never forget. It’s kind of like riding a…

This Is Why Shrink Wrap Is Essential for Moving

Author:

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date:

Category: How To Pack, Moving Boxes & Supplies

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some call it “plastic wrap”, others say “stretch wrap”, and movers in a hurry call it “shrink”. But the most common name for that huge roll of sticky sheet plastic that movers use? It’s just “shrink wrap”.

Shrink wrap resembles Saran Wrap, but it’s bigger – about eighteen inches long – and it’s as thick and heavy as a log. While Saran Wrap covers your leftovers, shrink wrap covers your couch to protect it from dirt and more importantly, keep everything in place while moving.

Despite its name, there’s nothing small about shrink. It’s claimed its place as a staple in the toolbox of every moving team. This is why I’m going to share why using shrink wrap is so important and how you should be using it for your next move

Why do movers always use shrink wrap?

Some might say that the sky’s the limit when imagining how you can use shrink wrap. Once I witnessed wo of my fellow crew members, who were in the process of tackling a garage, enclose an entire plastic shelving system with everything still on the shelves as an alternative to packing everything on those shelves in boxes. It actually worked! (Although, I don’t recommend it.)

Most professional movers use shrink wrap for three things:

  • To keep dust and dirt off of upholstered furniture (“OS”, in mover-language)
  • To keep furniture pads in place around larger items like OS, major appliances, pianos, large TVs, and heavy tabletops
  • To keep things safely in place. This means keeping drawers from sliding out of your dresser, keeping the cushions on your sofa and loveseat from falling off and getting dirty (or lost); and keeping the doors on your china cabinet or armoire from suddenly swinging open and breaking right off their hinges

Now that we have covered why movers use it, let’s talk about how to use it. It might be a little harder than it looks.

How do you use shrink wrap?

3menmovers.com

The whole point of using shrink wrap is to create a tight protective layer of plastic over whatever you are wrapping. You’ll notice pretty quickly that shrink wrap doesn’t generally stick to your stuff; it only sticks to itself. So if you don’t have a shrink wrap dispenser and are shrink wrapping, say, your sofa, you’ll need to do the following:

  • Either tie the end of the plastic wrap around one leg of your sofa, or have your friend hold the end of the plastic in place against one side or corner of the sofa
  •  Walk backward with your shrink wrap in your hands, letting it unroll as you go, circling until you overlap the end of the roll (and probably your friend’s hands)

From there, with your shrink wrap now stuck in place, keep circling your sofa (or china cabinet or tool chest) until it’s safe enough to be loaded into the truck.

shrink wrap dispenser
A shrink wrap dispenser will set you back around $50, but can expedite a pack job, especially for junior crew members.

Important Mover Tips for Using Shrink Wrap

As we mentioned, the secret is wrapping tightly to keep the plastic from sagging and becoming useless. I recommend doing these things to ensure you’re using shrink wrap like a pro on all your moves.

Always wear work gloves when using it

Some shrink wrap comes with handles on either end, making it look like a big rolling pin. But I find that these handles just get in the way, especially when you try to wrap the bottom edge of your upholstered sofa or heavy dresser.

It’s much easier to hold your roll of shrink wrap loosely, letting it unroll around your fingers as you go. But be careful before you find out the hard way that the friction of the spinning roll of shrink wrap will burn the skin right off your fingers, kind of like a rope burn, but potentially much worse. Trust me. Find some decent gloves.

Don’t let your shrink wrap fall or roll on the ground

Suppose you drop it on the floor and damage one edge of the roll. The fall can cause the plastic to shred (!) as you unroll it over your furniture, and that will most likely result in you throwing that now-useless thing out the window in a rage of frustration because the stuff is also expensive!

Likewise, don’t roll it across the floor, or your driveway, or the floor of your truck or container. Even one small rock can nick the surface, causing the plastic to pull apart in pieces the next time you try to use it. Feel free to test me on this if you don’t believe me, but I will not be held responsible for your ruined roll of shrink wrap or the window you throw it through.

shrink wrap

Don’t use shrink wrap on wood and other specific surfaces without an extra layer of coverage 

One of the most common uses of shrink wrap is for OS and mattresses (But I strongly recommend reusable mattress bags over one-time landfill-filling shrink wrap). Wrapping OS and mattresses with shrink wrap generally does not cause problems because it won’t adhere to the fabric and damage it.

On the other hand, shrink wrap can get stuck to wood, vinyl, even metal. This is crucial for long-distance moves and items that are going into storage. Over time and in extreme temperatures, shrink wrap will stick to your wooden dining room chairs, your leather couch, and maybe the surfaces of your fridge. And it may never completely come off.

To guard against this, cover these items in furniture pads or thick brown Kraft paper sheets before wrapping them tightly in shrink wrap. “Tightly” is the key word here, because if it is not tight, it will not hold those pads or sheets of brown paper in place, and your fridge will slip right out of your hands.

Don’t ever lock in any moisture

While shrink wrap’s primary purpose is to keep dust and dirt away, completely sealing your sofa in the stuff can backfire. If moisture gets trapped inside and has no way of escaping, you can end up with mold (the black, blue, and green stuff) and mildew (the white stuff) all over your living room set. Again, extended time and extreme temperatures can exacerbate the situation. Be sure to leave a few openings when you wrap your OS (and everything else).

Don’t squeeze too tight!

As mentioned, shrink wrap should be stretched tight (within reason) when used. This of course, means pressure on what is being wrapped. So if you pull it too tight around your dining room chairs or your coffee table, you might snap the legs right off. This applies to any other pieces of furniture with legs, like upright pianos, sideboard tables, and the rare dining room or kitchen table with legs that don’t detach.

Similarly, I don’t advise shrink-wrapping cheap IKEA-type furniture. That bookcase you bought and put together yourself was probably not made to withstand a three-day bear hug.


Upholstered furniture will likely not get irrevocably dusty after one day in the back of your rental truck. Tape is often effective enough to keep furniture pads – and dresser or armoire doors – in place. 

However, if stuff is going into storage for a while, and you want to make sure everything remains safe and protected, shrink wrap might be a worthwhile investment, and it’s always important to keep some in stock back at headquarters. 

How To Move Plants Long Distance

Author:

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date:

Category: Green Moving, Long Distance Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Moving long distance has a lot of moving pieces, but can one of those pieces be your garden? If you have a beloved monstera deliciosa or English rose garden that needs to be moved from point A to point B, we have some options for you and your green friends.

Is Moving Plants Long-Distance Possible?

It’s important to know that most moving truck and shipping container companies don’t allow the transport of plants. Many of these companies won’t move plants due to certain state laws and possible liability. 

And don’t think about hiding your plants among your other belongings, either. Doing so could void your contract with the long distance movers and would invalidate any protections if the plants cause a mess that damages your belongings.

That said, it may still be possible to move your plants across the country. You just have to really, really want it.

First, check state laws to see if you can bring your plants at all (seriously)

usda

Moving plants across state lines can be a bit tricky.

States that rely heavily on agriculture – including California, Texas, and Florida – are very wary of allowing in any pests or invasive species of plants that could destroy crops. Several have strict regulations around bringing in plants from out of state. Unfortunately, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) even bans the transport of some plants altogether.

If you really want to get into the weeds (ha), you can check out the USDA’s full list of regulated plants within all 50 states and U.S. territories.

Because the rules for each state are different, you’ll need to research which states you’re traveling through and ensure that you don’t risk having your plants confiscated at border checkpoints. Some states allow you to bring in plants that exclusively exist indoors, but may require you to re-pot them with sterile soil before moving. Others may require a certificate of inspection, or have you quarantine your plants before bringing them home.

No proud plant parent wants to say goodbye to their collection, but that may be what you have to do. In that case, spend some time finding them a good home by donating them to friends and family, users on plantswap.org, or finding buyers on sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

If you’re still committed (and legally able), pick how you want to transport your plants

moving with plants

Again, most moving companies don’t transport plants (but definitely ask ahead of time). You’re likely to have to use your own vehicle, whether it’s your personal car or a rental truck. Don’t forget your spray bottle of water!

Cars

It may go without saying, but don’t pack your plants away in some box. Instead, you should pack your plants so you can give them plenty of room and attention. Plants that are more fragile or sensitive to temperature should go in the front where there is access to A/C or heat and the driver can keep an eye on them. Other plants can be packed in the backseat and even secured with seat belts. (If you have a lot of plants, you may need to literally keep an inventory.)

If possible, don’t pack plants in the trunk, since the airflow is limited, and avoid open vehicles like the bed of a pickup truck (unless it’s covered) since the wind can damage plants in transit.

“Because the rules for each state are different, you’ll need to research which states you’re traveling through and ensure that you don’t risk having your plants confiscated.”

 

Rental trucks

moving plants long distance
Uhaul.com

For the same reason, it’s best to transport plants in the front cabin of a rental truck, due to sunlight and airflow concerns (especially since you’re probably driving a long way). Plus, remember that U-Haul, Penske, and Budget Truck Rental have cleaning fees if your plants leave a mess. (U-Haul’s says their cleaning fee is $25, while Budget simply claims a “reasonable fee“.)

It’s worth noting rental companies like U-Haul can lend you plastic moving bins for dirty and fragile things like plants. It’s an upsell if you don’t have your own plastic bin to use though. U-Haul claims their “Ready-To-Go” boxes begin at “12 boxes for a week (for) as low as $18”.

Other moving alternatives such as Moving Place can create a custom made moving plan that includes the right transportation method for your plants.  All you have to do is make sure they are packed properly and they will drive them safely to their new home.

Can’t drive? Try the post office

That said, if it’s not possible to personally drive your plants to your new destination, you’re not out of luck. 

The second best option when moving plants across the country, believe it or not, is to mail them. It’s not ideal, since you can’t directly control the care with which they’re handled, or allow them to get water and sunlight while in transport. That means you should choose a fast shipping option and prepare to pay a good chunk of change for it. And be sure your plants don’t arrive before you do! (Read more on how to mail plants below.)

Prep your plants for the move

Once you’ve nailed down the transportation method for your plants, you gotta prep them for moving.

Moving will undoubtedly be stressful for your plants. You want to make sure they’re in the best shape possible before you uproot them. Getting rid of any dead leaves or pests will ensure they’re happy and primed for growth when you get to your new home.

With that in mind, now let’s talk about how to best physically move your plants.

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

 

HireAHelper.com can save up to 40%, compared to traditional interstate moving companies. Click here to learn how.

How To Move Your Plants and Garden

There are some special considerations for plants moving long distances.

It’s a good idea to water your plants well a couple of days before the move, not right before you pack them up. A soggy potted plant is heavy and could leak all over your belongings while in transit. Not to mention, overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems. Make sure your plants are well hydrated ahead of time and that the soil is just moist enough when it’s time to make your trek across the country.

How to Move Plants in Pots

plastic pots
Always use plastic pots to ship plants long distance.

If you have potted houseplants that need to be moved long-distance, you’ll want to take a few steps to ensure that the pots don’t get broken and the plants themselves survive the trip.

For smaller plants, you can nestle them in a box in their original containers. Use crumpled paper, dividers, or bubble wrap to ensure they don’t clink together or move around. Wine shipping boxes are great for this purpose. Just be sure to leave the top open so they get adequate airflow.

For larger plants, it’s best if you can transfer them to plastic pots. You’ll not only save yourself some sore muscles from lugging heavy pots around, but ensure that your delicate pieces don’t get broken in the move. Alternatively, you can place your plants in a more eco-friendly planter if you’d like to avoid plastic. It’s also a good idea to cover the top of the planter with cardboard or a bag to prevent the soil from spilling when things get jostled around.

Be sure to transfer your plants a couple weeks ahead of time. You’ll want to give them enough time to adjust to their temporary housing and ensure the moisture level is just right so they’re not stressed before you even begin the move.

How to Send Plants in the Mail

polymer
Polymer crystals mixed with a little water will help release water a little bit at a time.

If you’re shipping your plants, it’s important to make sure they’re well packed and protected from damage. 

In this case, it’s best if there is no pot involved. Instead, trim down the roots, wrap them with a few wet paper towels, and then wrap that with a plastic bag and place in a box. If it’s going to be a longer trip, add a couple of teaspoons of polymer moisture crystals to water and apply this slurry to the roots before wrapping it in plastic. You can also loosely roll the plant in newspaper before packing it to help protect the stems and leaves.

The box you choose should be sturdy, but not too roomy, as you don’t want the plant to bounce around inside. In fact, every empty space around the plant should be filled with newspaper and bubble wrap to ensure it stays secure. You can also put a “fragile,” “live plant,” or “this end up” label on the box (even better, all three) so handlers know to be careful.

Finally, mail it at the beginning of the week. Much of the USPS does not run on the weekend, increasing the odds your plant sits in a dark room for a couple of days. Additionally, check the weather for the day of your box’s arrival so your beloved plant neither freezes nor wilts to death. And it may go without saying, but if you’re going through this much trouble to transport your plant, you probably want to spring for the quickest delivery option!

Finally, be sure you aren’t violating any restrictions on shipping plants in the mail.

Can I move my garden locally?

moving a garden

What if you have a prized garden that you don’t want to just abandon? Though there are a few more steps involved than moving potted houseplants, it is possible to move plants from the ground to somewhere relatively nearby.

The time of year you choose to move is important. Perennials, especially, need to be moved during the spring or fall when they won’t be exposed to harsh temperatures. 

You’ll actually want to soak them really well the night before you move them. Though it’s not a great idea to water houseplants right before moving them, the opposite is true with in-ground plants. 

When digging up your plant, attempt to get as much of the root as possible. Do this by digging a ring around the base of the plant, ensuring that you don’t cut into the roots. For larger plants, this may require digging at least six inches into the ground. Don’t shake off the extra soil attached to the root ball—this will offer extra protection during the move.

Check out our infographic for more details.


Regardless of how you transport your plants, you’ll want to get them into their new homes right away to minimize stress and damage. Have your pots unpacked and ready to go, and your garden dug up and labeled so you know where everything should be replanted. With a little extra TLC, your plants should adjust to their new surroundings in no time.

How Much Does Car Shipping Cost? (And How Does It Work?)

Author:

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date:

Category: Long Distance Moving Advice, Money Saving

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Moving far away? Maybe you landed your dream job across the country, or maybe you’re relocating to another state to be with a long-distance love. Whatever the reason for your cross-country move, there’s a chance you’ll need to ship your car. After all, driving thousands of miles is no easy task.

But how do you ship a car? Below are answers to the most pressing questions people ask about shipping a car long-distance.

How Does Car Shipping Work?

There are many types of car shipping companies out there. You can work with

  • A private transporter
  • A large volume transporter (those trucks on the highway with lots of cars strapped to them)
  • The moving company that’s handling the rest of your move, if they offer car shipping

Most people will opt to have their cars shipped via a multi-car transporter in order to save on costs. However, if you have a valuable car or are moving somewhere that’s not easy to get to, it’s possible to go with another option.

“When it’s all said and done, the average cost of shipping a car in 2021 is around $1,200

Once you settle on a car shipping company, you typically arrange a convenient pickup location and time. Some companies offer door-to-door pickup and dropoff, while others may require you to meet them somewhere a bit out of the way. You will also discuss the estimated arrival time. Keep in mind that it can take a few days to drive across state lines, especially if the transporter has multiple vehicles to load, transport, and unload along the way. Again, these details will depend on the particular service you choose.

In the meantime, you should prepare your vehicle for shipping, especially because car shippers charge by weight. To prepare,

  • Clean it out
  • Empty the gas tank (except for a bit to drive to a gas station once your car is home!)
  • Put down a good layer of wax to protect your paint during the shipping process

Once your car is ready to be picked up, you and the driver will go through an inspection and note any existing damage. (Keep good notes to match theirs!) Then your car is on its way.

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

HireAHelper.com can save you up to 40%, compared to traditional interstate van lines.

Compare our long distance moving company options.

How Much Does Shipping A Car Cost?

car shipping

Understandably, many people’s top question is how much shipping a car is going to cost them. The cost of shipping your car will depend on a few major factors.

Distance: One of the biggest factors in the cost of shipping a car is distance.

If you’re moving less than 100 miles away, your shipping is considered a short-distance move. If you’re moving to another city within the same state, it can additionally be known as an “intrastate move”. Shorter moves will cost you more per mile, on average, but less overall, since you don’t have far to go. 

Long-distance moves of several hundred miles or more, particularly cross-country (i.e., interstate) moves, will be much more expensive. It can also be more expensive to ship a car to a location that’s off the beaten path versus a major metropolitan area.

These other things will also impact your cost

single car carrier

Vehicle size and type: Not all vehicles will cost the same to ship. Size and weight seriously determine your cost. If you have a compact car such as a Honda Civic or Mini Cooper, it will likely cost you much less to ship than a Ford F150 or Toyota 4Runner. (It’s also important to note that certain vehicles, such as vintage or luxury vehicles, often cost extra to ship, due to the extra care required.) 

Method of transportation: There are many options for shipping your car when it comes to the type of carrier. If you have a sedan that’s several years old and in decent shape, you may be okay with shipping it via an open carrier big-rig.

However, if your car is brand new, a classic, or custom-built, an open carrier may leave it too susceptible to the elements. In this case, you might opt for an enclosed carrier, which can cost quite a bit more. How much more? Enclosed carriers cost about 60% more, on average.

enclosed car shipping
https://cartransportingservice.com/

In addition to open versus closed, there are various types of vehicles that may transport your car. In most cases, your car will be shipped by truck. This option is the most widely available and often allows for door-to-door transport. However, if you’re moving overseas, your car will need to be transported by ship or even air. You might be able to have your car shipped by train, which is often faster and safer than a truck. Of course, as you probably guessed, these later options can significantly add to the cost.

car shipping by ship
You can get your car shipped overseas.

Time of year: The season during which your move happens will also impact the overall cost of shipping your car. Summer is the most popular time to move, so there’s increased demand among car shipping companies. This means the rates also increase. If you can, try to schedule your move for spring or fall, when the weather will still be mild but the cost won’t be at its peak.

Added fees: There might be some situations that require you to pay additional fees on top of the base shipping price. For instance, if you’re shipping a particularly valuable car, you might want to pay for extra insurance. If you need your car shipped ASAP, you could pay a few hundred dollars extra for express shipping.

How much does car shipping cost for short moves?

If for whatever reason you find yourself unable to drive, the good news is that intrastate and short-distance moves will generally be a lot cheaper than long-distance moves, simply because there’s a lot less mileage involved. On average, you can expect to pay about $1 per mile for moves of 500 miles or less for a short-distance move. However, since costs can vary quite a bit across car shipping companies, it’s a good idea to budget around $500 to $1,000 for a short move.

How much is car shipping from one state to another (i.e., interstate moves)?

car shipping

What if you’re planning an interstate move? Contrary to what you might expect, rates actually get cheaper to ship a car the further you go. If you’re doing an interstate move of over 1,000 miles, the average cost per mile drops to $0.60. However, you’ll still end up spending more overall on a long-distance move due to the high mileage. 

As we discussed, the size of your car will make a difference here, though. Heavier or larger cars cost more per mile to ship than smaller, compact cars.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay* per mile for car shipping from one state to another (1,000+ miles):

  • Compact: $0.57
  • Mid-size: $0.74
  • Mid-size pickup truck: $0.87
  • Mid-size SUV: $0.87
  • Minivan: $0.97
*estimates

When shipping a car, can you pack it?

Yes, but it’ll cost you more.

Moving long distances can be pretty pricey, so any way that you can reduce the size of your moving truck or shipping container helps. (You can check out Moving Place, our sister company that specializes in long distance moves.)

The good news is that in many cases, you can pack some of your belongings in your car to be transported along with it. However, you can’t shove just anything in there. Avoid packing anything fragile or valuable, and keep your belongings in the trunk and/or below the window line to avoid theft. Remember, the car shipping company isn’t going to drive straight through from point A to point B – they’ll be making stops at gas stations, rest stops, etc. where could-be thieves might see your stuff.

Also, consider that because weight impacts the overall cost of car shipping, you don’t want to make your vehicle overweight and incur added fees. Usually, there’s room for about 100-200 pounds of extra weight before fees get tacked on.


These are all the basic things to know about car shipping. When it’s all said and done, the average cost of shipping a car in 2021 is around $1,200, according to Home Advisor. If that sounds high, saving on other moving costs is one of the best ways to move for a much better value.

The Most Damaged Items During a Long Distance Move & How to Pack Them

Author:

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date:

Category: How To Pack, Long Distance Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Moving valuables far away can be worrisome for everyone involved. For us movers, is there anything more important than keeping our customers’ belongings safe during a long distance move? Damaged goods can be costly… both to our bottom lines and our reputations.

Movers can probably guess what kinds of items are most prone to suffering damage in transit. Nevertheless, we crunched the data to find out which items are most at-risk during transit, relative to other common items. Here are crucial tips on packing these items in a way that will minimize damage, maximize profits, and keep our reputations sky high.

How to Pack Flatscreen TVs

flatscreen tv

For anyone out there who thinks wrapping a flat-screen TV in a furniture pad and loading it on the truck is a good idea, I’ve got one word: “Areyoukiddingme?!” Not only are flat screens the most often damaged item on long-distance moves, but they are also, unofficially, every customer’s most valued possession. This one has to be done right.

Luckily, it isn’t hard. You just need the right supplies.

  • Always start by securely wrapping every inch of that flat screen with a furniture pad
  • Get a TV box. Prep your TV box by lining the bottom with crumpled packing paper
  • Cover the screen side of your padded TV with an extra piece of cardboard, to add an extra bit of protection against external impact
  • TV in box, add more crumpled packing paper to further protect each surface and edge
  • Tape your carton securely, Label the outside with plenty of words of warning: “TV”, “FRAGILE”, and “KEEP UPRIGHT”

Get an instant quote for local TV mounting services.

How to Pack Glassware, Dishes, Vases, China, Ceramics

glassware china

These items win the prize for most time-consuming to pack. The trick with this stuff is to find that balance between adequate padding and keeping everything inside the carton tight, for two reasons. One, you don’t want breakables moving and shifting and vibrating in that carton while in transit. Two, a tight, dense carton is less prone to being crushed or damaged, vertically or laterally, from external impact.

  • A sturdy carton is always best
  • Use plenty of packing paper, crumpled and covering each interior surface of your carton
  • Pack glasses upright, and plates vertical/on end
  • Pack dishes on the bottom of your dish pack, bowls in the middle, glasses on top
    •  In other words, heaviest items on bottom, lightest on top, just like loading a truck
  • A packed dish pack should be dense and tight, with lots of crumpled packing paper on top
  • Partitions are useful for crystal and stemware, mainly to guard against top-down pressure. Still, it’s critical to keep everything tight and immobile in there

Note: Decorative glass and ceramic items, particularly odd-shaped pieces, are better off packed separately from the plates and bowls and glasses in the kitchen. Using a dish pack for such items is not always necessary. Using ample amounts of packing paper is. Keep things tight, and label that box on every side in big red lettering: “FRAGILE, GLASS, TOP LOAD”!

Packing Help – Instantly Compare Local Packers and Movers | HireAHelper

How to Pack Picture Frames and Artwork

moving art

Picture Frames and Artwork

Picture frames come in all sizes, and therefore can – and should – go in whatever size carton is appropriate and sensible. The one common denominator? Pack them (and load them on the truck) vertically.

  • Large picture frames and pieces of wall art can be wrapped in furniture pads, though brown Kraft paper will usually suffice
  • Cover large surfaces with extra cardboard (same as TVs)
  • Smaller picture frames can go in dish packs – not with dishes, but with other picture frames
  • Fill extra space in your box with non-threatening items (e.g., clothing, bedding)
  • Smaller frames can go in 4.5 cartons, 3.1 cartons, or even book boxes. Just keep them vertical and protected and label those cartons well

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

 

MovingPlace can save up to 40% compared to traditional interstate moving companies. Click here to learn how.

How to Pack Mattresses and Box Springs

Moving mattress

Though they are among the simplest items in the world to pack, mattresses and box springs nevertheless often get damaged on long-distance moves. The reason? They don’t actually get packed… at all. Haul a mattress or box spring onto the truck and cover it with some pads, and you’ll end up with soiled and torn fabric. Do this instead:

  • Put mattresses and box springs into proper mattress cartons, which can be a bit pricey, but not nearly as costly as a replacement mattress
  • Slip mattresses and box springs into mattress bags before packing them in cartons to help keep them clean
    • Avoid taping mattress bags completely shut, especially for long drives. Doing so can trap moisture inside, causing mold, mildew, or just plain stink
  • For the same reasons, DO NOT wrap mattresses and box springs in shrink wrap (yes, I’ve seen it done). Besides the moisture factor, shrink wrapping is also wasteful and ineffective. Go with the mattress bag/box combo

Had trouble with other hard-to-pack items? Let us know! We’ll go over more strategic tips to give your skills and your business a boost.

×

I'm Moving

Moving? Thinking about moving? Whether your move is off in the distance or you already have one foot out the door, you'll learn about everything you should expect through our useful how-to's, cool articles and much more. It's all specially curated for you in our "I'm Moving" section.
Explore
×

I'm a Mover

For rookies or veterans alike, our "I'm a Mover" section is filled with extensive industry news, crucial protips and in-depth guides written by industry professionals. Sharing our decade of moving knowledge is just one way we help keep our professional movers at the top of their game.
Explore