Moving Tips - Canton,MI

Hi,
Lucky parents! I had to move to Michigan with my family because of my husband's transfer 6 months ago. I had put an ad on Craigslist for a month when I was done unpacking for free moving boxes, nobody came to get them. I ended up having to recycle them. You can check there if you like. I still have about a dozen or so boxes, should you be interested in picking them up write to me privately.
It's a good idea with the POD as I believe they can ship it to Florida and then just store it there, near where your parents will be living, that way they'll have access to it. Moving is expensive, we were lucky enough to be moved by my husband's job, they packed everything, and provided all the boxes and packing materials.
Good luck!
A.

You can look for free boxes on freecycle.com or craigslist.com. As far as a POD, my aunt rented one and it was a lifesaver. Like your parents she sold before she had a place. She lived in an apartment until her house was built and didn't have room for everything. It was so easy having the POD in her driveway, loading it and having it deliverd to her new home when she was ready. When you mean shipping in a truck I assume you mean using a service like ABF or another trucking company. I think that would be fine too. I just think the POD is so much easier and much less stressful. Just what you want when your moving.

I have moved 5 times in the past 4.5 years! (not military either) I know how to move. But it is quite expensive with getting boxes, tape, bubble wrap, wrapping paper etc. I just found this site

https://www.usedcardboardboxes.com/#

We moved from TX to CO just a few months back and there was this awesome store that sold gently used boxes for REALLY cheap. We just bought our tape and bubble wrap from walmart. I don't know if there is something like that there but that website will ship the boxes for free and be there in 1-2 days. Buying new boxes from walmart and moving stores is SO expensive!!! I have not looked into the POD or a shipping truck. When we had to move ourselves we found that the Penske trucks are so nice and drive really nice too.

Pack suitcases of 1 or 2 weeks of clothes and put everything else in boxes. (a couple of hanging boxes are really nice for those that are already hanging) If it is clothing or anything fabric that will be in storage they might consider getting rubber tubs to help keep any creatures out. When picking boxes consider the size and weight. If you get big boxes that hold a ton of stuff they will be heavier to move but there always seem to be a few of those that can't be helped.(ie kitchen!) Buy a large pack of black markers and write EVERYTHING on the box. The only other recomendation is to buy a box cutter or 2 for when you unpack! Sorry it's kinda long but felt like I should share! Happy moving!!!

We looked into using a POD to ship some stuff from VA to FL that family memebers had left and then needed, but couldn't come get! It was around $1500. Which was about the cost of the truck that my family had rented. We wish we had checked into the PODS the first time.

I would suggest going with a POD. Why would you need to rent a storage unit? The PODs have a storage option, they store it for you and then just deliver it when you are ready.

M.

I've never moved that far before, but thought I could give you tips on getting boxes...

Check for a local "freecycle" group (usually a Yahoo group) where you could ask for free boxes. This is how I've gotten a lot of boxes for my moves! You can sometimes get packing peanuts & bubble wrap too.

I also met a lady through that group who is on dialysis. She gets her supplies mailed to her, and she goes through 1-2 boxes a day. She is always looking for ways to give away the boxes, instead of throwing them out. So, I collected a LOT of boxes from her. They are really sturdy boxes & not too big (kinda like Girl Scout cookie case boxes).

You can also ask some stores for their boxes. I asked a few stores around here, and they all told me to check back at like 2 or 3am! Sooo that didn't work for me...

Computer boxes are also really sturdy. We got a bunch from a new company building after they had gotten their new computers.

We've moved cross-country 3 times in the past 9 years. Not fun!

You can get free sturdy boxes from liquor stores. I know, it sounds funny, but they have a ton of them that hold heavy bottles with handles. Also, try to get some banana and other produce boxes from local grocery stores. You will need to call both places beforehand to have them hold them for you.

Get smaller boxes and pack those with the heavier items, esp. books, appliances, dishes, etc. Clothes that won't be put in storage can go in THICK plastic bags (don't get those thin ones!).

Clothing and paper items need to be put in plastic storage tubs if they are going to be placed in storage.

When packing the truck, think of all the things they are going to need first when they get there and put them towards the back door of the truck.

Rent a dolly to take with you (you can get those from your rental truck place). It helps move several boxes at a time and larger furniture. Get a truck with a ramp or Tommy lift!

Call around and price out your trucks and take the best priced one. They really do differ. Get a GAS truck and NOT a diesel truck. Diesel is much more expensive per gallon than gas right now (double check at your local gas station).

Label every box with all of the contents or a category. Not just kitchen. Put dishes or cups or whatever is in it. That silverware is always one of the last things to find! :)

Use bedding to wrap picture frames, etc. Newspaper to wrap everyday glasses.

Never used a POD, but price it out. Just figure the amount for fuel driving down will be for the truck in your estimation of a rental truck. Most trucks average 8 -10 miles a gallon! Ask them when you call to be sure.

Lastly, bend at the knees when you pick something up. :)

GOOD LUCK!

I would look on craigs list and freecycle for boxes. We moved this summer and I was begging people to take the boxes. At the time, they were a hot ticket. No paying necessary - I even had packing paper and all the professional boxes (wardrobe, chandelier, etc.).

Good luck!