Moving to US with furniture, anyone done it?

monie2004 · Jul 1, 2004

I am planning ahead for next year to move down to Florida but want to bring my bedroom set and dining table, small things. Has anyone moved their house with them? I was thinking to get a uhaul and pack it ourselves, but sometimes their trucks are not reliable enough to take the drive. I looked at a few moving companies but they said either my load was too small or they want $2-3000!!! :angryfire

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jul 1, 2004

I've moved a LOT... and yes, we moved down here to SW Va. from CT and did it all ourselves... the packing, the loading, the hauling. Did UHaul all the way... and that was with a HOUSEFULL of everything.. and I do mean EVERYTHING.. ALL the furniture, rugs, you name it that went along with 2 little ones... had to make several trips back and forth to bring down dh's backhoe and farm equipment, then his few head of cattle, the ponies... :chuckle

Yes, it can be done a lot cheaper this way. It's work, but who's afraid of a little work? :rotfl:

My sis did the same thing several times... all by herself as well.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jul 1, 2004

I've moved a LOT... and yes, we moved down here to SW Va. from CT and did it all ourselves... the packing, the loading, the hauling. Did UHaul all the way... and that was with a HOUSEFULL of everything.. and I do mean EVERYTHING.. ALL the furniture, rugs, you name it that went along with 2 little ones... had to make several trips back and forth to bring down dh's backhoe and farm equipment, then his few head of cattle, the ponies... :chuckle

Yes, it can be done a lot cheaper this way. It's work, but who's afraid of a little work? :rotfl:

My sis did the same thing several times... all by herself as well.

Repat · Jul 1, 2004

Your title says moving to the US - so I am assuming you are coming from outside the US. We did it, from the UK, and even with full service (the company paid), the customs stuff was a nightmare. Be sure to have all your ducks in a row, and be able to have the truck inspected easily (so you don't have to unpack and repack). We also had a small load from MA, and we found a company to take it as a partial load. Much cheaper because we just waited for a load with space to come through and pick up our stuff (which really didn't take too long). Because we were willing to do it on their schedule, it was cheaper. Good luck!!

Repat · Jul 1, 2004

Your title says moving to the US - so I am assuming you are coming from outside the US. We did it, from the UK, and even with full service (the company paid), the customs stuff was a nightmare. Be sure to have all your ducks in a row, and be able to have the truck inspected easily (so you don't have to unpack and repack). We also had a small load from MA, and we found a company to take it as a partial load. Much cheaper because we just waited for a load with space to come through and pick up our stuff (which really didn't take too long). Because we were willing to do it on their schedule, it was cheaper. Good luck!!

DawnE · Jul 12, 2004

I moved from New Brunswick to North Carolina. Cost me a fortune!!! I used a moving company.

Audreyfay · Jul 12, 2004

I've moved too many times. Always rented a truck or a trailer. Hubby and I actually moved from Southern CA to Mpls, MN. Then, from Mpls, MN to Oahu, Hawaii. Get that for a move! We never had problems with the truck. We always used Ryder. Don't know why. We also got rid of everything we possibley could. After as many moves as we made, we sure don't have a lot of extra baggage! Just make sure you have a cell phone with you. Good luck! May the move go easy. :)

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Jul 12, 2004

I initially went with a moving company, North American Van Lines, and they doubled their price once they got my stuff loaded up. So then I rented a U-Haul and some friends went with me and we did it ourselves. The border guys want a list of all you are bringing in, I listed the furniture and the number of boxes, then wrote on the boxes what was in them. Lots of work but they only got us to open the back of the trailer and didn't even go inside. No problems at all. Be sure to have your letter promising employment and your RN license from Canada ready. Also remember if you are importing a car to call soon and have them fax the appropriate paperwork, as it took me over a month to get the papers from customs and from the automobile manufacturer.

monie2004 · Jul 12, 2004

Thanks for the replies! Canoehead I didnt even think about that with the car where do I start to get the paperwork? So I guess that the best bet is to rent a truck? What about stopping at hotels and stuff overnight, did anyone experience ppl tampering with the truck? :rolleyes: