Getting from here to there?

Im wrapping up my first assignment and I chose to stay relatively close to home (200 miles). My question is for those of you who have traveled distances. How do you get your things from place to place? Especially if 1 your car is small and it doesnt fit and 2. if you fly to your next destination?

I can't answer for the flying part as I always drive to assignments (longest trip so far about 3500 miles). I'd suggest a cartop carrier to add space to your small car. Then start eliminating things you "thought" you'd need. Anything you can buy at a dollar store or at Goodwill doesn't need to be toted with you. See what you have that can be replaced with a smaller model ( my tv is a 13" tv/dvd combo and my dog weighs 5 1/2 pounds). Ask your company if they provide a "housekeeping package" and take only those items which having your own is important to you - I've got to have my great big wrap around bath sheets. Those space bags that you compact by vacuuming all the air out of really work well, especially for my feather/down pillows. If there are things you really can't fit but must have, ship them by UPS or similar route.

All of us take way too much when we start traveling ( and collect things along the way). I still drop off a box or two at Goodwill or Salvation Army at the end of about every 3rd or 4th assignment.

I have traveled for over 3 years and up until this assignment always drove to my assignments. I utilized a car top carrier for the things that wouldn't fit. Like the previous poster stated you really have to stop and think of what is totally necessary. I bought alot things at dollar stores when I arrived, even pots and pans, figured they only had to last 13 weeks and I did alot of cooking in the microwave.

This assignment I flew to as I am only going to be here 8 weeks and it is on the other side of the country. I hate it as my company wouldn't provide a rental car and due to the fact I don't have a credit card I can't get one. So get back and forth to work using a taxi and am pretty much stuck in the apartment on my days off which really stinks. If you fly, make sure it is with a company that will provide you with a car, but i don't know as if their are many out there.

Good luck.