<p>I have a couple largish pieces of furniture that are going with me when I transfer in the fall–a bedframe my father made for me, my dresser, maybe the TV stand and table. Is a U-Haul the most efficient way to move this stuff thousands of miles? (I do have some closer colleges, but the fartherest one is literally all the way across the US from me–WA to NY.) Is there anything I should know about U-Hauls before I drive across the country in one?</p>
<p>Also, what do people do to prevent furniture breaking/scratching each other? Is wrapping them in sheets enough? (The TV stand has glass doors.)</p>
<p>While a bedframe your dad made certainly sounds like something you would want to hang onto for the long term, I think for college it may be cheaper to buy something when you arrive at your school rather than drive cross country in a U-Haul. Check the rental rates for the U-Haul, figure gas, motels and meals and then compare that to the price of a plane ticket, shipping some personal items via UPS Ground and buying used furniture in your college town. My guess is that the second option may be cheaper for a cross-country move.</p>
<p>Sheets will not provide sufficient padding. U-Haul does rent blankets you can use. The trucks are comfortable to drive. There is no cruise control so a long day can get tiring. Also, you need to keep in mind the width and height of the truck. While I personally find it easy to remember not to go through drive-throughs, it is easy to forget there is a big mirror sticking out on the passenger side of the truck.</p>
<p>Costco also sells inexpensive quilted blankets for moving furniture. Many college kids prefer to just get “stuff” in & around campus to schlepping it across the country & back. For handmade furniture, I’d probably not move it until you are settled in your post-college residence with a full-time job, since you won’t want to be moving that multiple times & risk damaging it.</p>
<p>The thing is, I’m in my own apartment now (independent student) with no place to store things after I move out, so anything that doesn’t come with me is going to Goodwill. So it’s literally a “move it or lose it” proposition! The table and TV stand I may jettison (although the TV stand is a nice piece of real oak . . . but SO HEAVY! The table is a piece of junk, but the legs come off so it wouldn’t take much room.) My couch is definitely not coming, it cost $20 and was nearly impossible to get into my current apartment. (Narrow staircase with a narrow landing at the top–ay yi yi.)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>This is one of my big concerns. Especially motels and gas.</p>
<p>I’ve heard the U-Hauls are gas guzzlers, is that true?</p>
<p>Would suggest you compare having professional movers schlep the stuff for you vs. you hauling yourself. Sometimes, the savings of doing things yourself might be far less than you may imagine. </p>
<p>I would not be comfortable with my S (or myself) driving a trailer or truck with furniture. He has no experience in the matter & for some trucks, you need special licenses (check this out before you make your decision). How much experience do you have hauling a trailer or driving a truck?</p>
<p>I drove a pickup extensively one summer, but never a “moving furniture” truck. Absolutely NO experience with trailers . . . They scare me with all their swinging about and odd habits while backing up. Professional movers . . . that’s a good idea!</p>
<p>Have looked at some websites recommended by our son’s U. Some have you load things into a “pod” and they they store it and/or ship it across the country for you. They will store it at the new location until you want it delivered as well. That might be something for you to look into. If you can’t finid something similar, let me know & I’ll look about & see what I can dig up again. I suspect your college housing office has info about services your peers have used and were happy with; your new grad school may as well.</p>