What are good moving options for cross-country moves?

[Emilio_Trenzado]

Hi, I am moving to Pleasanton at the end of December, and I didn't want to move everything - just a desk, chairs, dining table, tv and coffee table. Are there any good ideas on options for smaller moves cross country?

Also if you have for covered car transport that would be awesome as well.

Thanks,
Emilio

[leobenkel]

You can use thumbtack.com to find good movers.

[None28]

I had a great experience ABF Freight. They have two services under their UPack brand which is best suited for do-it-yourselfers.

One solution uses a large trailer, and another is a small shipping cube. They have an online estimating tool that will help you figure which solution is best for your needs/budget.

http://www.upack.com

I used the trailer, here's how it works:
They drop off a small sized semi-truck trailer to your property. You have a couple days to load it. They take the trailer away and send it to your location where you have another couple of days to unload it.

Their approach is different. You are purchasing a portion of the trailer. You pay for the amount of linear space you use, not by weight. They provide some wood to install a "wall" so your contents are protected at the front of the trailer. Then they use the leftover space for commercial cargo which is headed the same way. When the trailer arrives at your destination the cargo is gone so you only have to deal with your contents.

You will want to pack your items well and with plenty of padding. Roads may be rough or dusty. I avoided shipping valuables and super fragile items. Things that might be attractive to steal should be buried or hidden.

I will definitely use them again, it was reasonable, professional, and safe.

[Mike_Hawkins]

Well, your suggestion of what you want to move is a bit between. There are several quality fully furnished or executive apartments in the Pleasanton area like Kensington and Oakwood but that doesn't answer the furniture your bringing. You can also look at unfurnished singles, bring your stuff and buy a bed. Covered car transport can be done by a moving company which can also include your car inside the truck. That really increases the costs. Moving expenses are a function of cubic feet, weight and distance. A car is cheaper than, say, a piano because it rolls and it's a bit more durable but nevertheless most cars move by open transport. You didn't say where you're coming from but cross country in an open transport is around $800-$1000. Inside a truck is more. Pleasanton and in fact the whole Bay Area is really expensive as a place to live. If it was me, I'd bring nothing except for clothes and drive or ship household goods fairly complete and then either drive or use open transport. If someone else is paying for the move - stick to the big companies. There are too many hands touching your stuff and the smaller companies can do dubious things. I've had that experience, sadly. Pick a bigger company, research reviews and buy the extra insurance. This isn't the place to save money. Moving can be stressful so control the things you can.