Moving to Alaska Category: Alaska Moves
 
Posted By:
Derek
3/17/2008
09:42 AM

Moving to Alaska

Besides buying a whole new wardrobe for the freezing cold temperatures, what else do you need to think about if you’re moving to Alaska? You may be wondering - What options do I have for moving my stuff? Do I have to drive a truck through the sometimes treacherous terrain? Can’t I just fly and not have to worry about anything?

You do have options other than driving a rental truck through snow, ice and mountains.

The most affordabld option for moving to Alaska is the “You pack, they drive” option that ABF U-Pack Moving offers. You’ll usually find this to be significantly less expensive than the full-service moving option (even if you hire loaders). You can move to Alaska with U-Pack using a moving trailer, moving containers (ReloCube) or an ocean container. 

If you need to find out how much moving to Alaska costs, you can get a FREE, no-obligation moving quote from ABF U-Pack.

Another option for moving to Alaska is hiring a full service mover - you’ll find that most will place your items in an ocean container, possibly mingled with other people’s items that are also moving to Alaska, then the container is placed on a ship. You’ll usually find that moving to Alaska using a full service mover is pretty expensive.

Small Alaskan Move
If your move is small – such as one room or studio apartment - U-Pack's moving container (the ReloCube) is a good option. You’ll notice a significant cost savings with this moving option because service is limited to delivery at our Anchorage ABF service center. You just unload your items at the Anchorage moving service center then move them to your ultimate destination either in your personal vehicle or a rental truck.

Large Alaskan Move
If you have a larger move, or need door to door delivery, the moving trailer option is probably a good fit for you. With this option, we can deliver your trailer to most of the major cities (as well as some small ones) and military bases (like Elmendorf AFB) if you're doing a military relocation.

Other Moving to Alaska options
If you happen to be moving to a location where we do not offer door delivery, you also have the option of using a 20ft, 40ft or 45ft ocean container. These containers can hold anywhere from a 3 bedroom home to about a 6 bedroom home, depending on the size of the container. With this option, you pay for the entire container regardless of how much of it you use…this is because your items are never co-mingled with other people’s stuff.  

How long does moving to Alaska take?

Whatever option you choose for moving to Alaska, it's a good idea to consider how long it will take your items to get there. When you speak with moving companies, be sure to ask how long it takes. Most moving companies can't guarantee the arrival date since it travels by ship, but there can be a huge difference in transit times from company to company. When you move to Alaska with ABF U-Pack, typcially, once your shipment reaches Tacoma, WA to be placed on the ship, it takes around 5 to 7 days to get to Anchorage.

If you're looking for an affordable way to move to Alaska, feel free to give me a little information about your move (where you're moving from, an estimated move date, and how much you're moving) and I'll gladly email you a free moving quote - or just get a quick online moving quote - whatever works best.

 

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Comments
Name: emily
Date: 4-7-2008
What about going the other way...moving out of Alaska? Same process? Is is cheaper if I pick up my stuff in Tacoma without delivery to a location?
Name: Derek
Date: 4-8-2008
Emily, when moving out of Alaska, we have the same services. Depending on the size of your move, we can provide a trailer, ReloCube or ocean container for you. If you are close to Anchorage and are looking for the cheapest moving option, loading a ReloCube at our terminal is going to be the best way to go. And, you are correct in that if you pick up your items in Tacoma, it would save you some money. Thanks for the questions.
Name: Jeanne
Date: 4-16-2008
We will be moving from North Pole AK. to a small town about 50 miles west of Shreveport LA. within the next 6 months. Would it be more economical to move a 20ft container or multiple cubes that hold about the same amount?
Name: Derek
Date: 4-16-2008
Jeanne, the ReloCubes are actually not available for moving from North Pole, AK. We do have either the 20ft container, or you can also use one of our 28ft commercial trailers where you pay for just the space that you use. If you have only a 2 bedroom home, the trailer would probably be more economical. Either option can be used for moving to Shreveport, LA. Thanks for the questions.
Name: Rick
Date: 4-27-2008
I am interested in the 20ft ocean container option but what I am not sure what would be cheaper for me in the long run. The Relo cubes seem nice but I am concerned not having having more than enough stuff for one cube but not enough for two cubes. How does the billing work then. Also I want to know if I can move my care in one of the ocean container.
Name: Derek
Date: 4-28-2008
Rick, if you are concerned that you might have more than enough for one cube but not enough for two, you might look at our trailer option. This would probably be the best option as you can pay for just the space you use. Whether you decide on the cubes, trailer or ocean container, ABF does not ship cars. However, you can check with Dependable Auto Shippers at 888-231-4948 to obtain a quote for shipping your car. Thanks.
Name: Michael
Date: 6-11-2008
We’re moving from Ohio to Kotzebue, AK, in July, a 2 bedroom house or about 3,000 pounds. Any idea on the best company/service to get it there? Any help appreciated!
Name: Derek
Date: 6-12-2008
Michael, unfortunately, I do not have any suggestions for Kotzebue. We do not have service there even with our ocean containers. I tried to do a little research online but was unable to find anything useful pertaining to moving. It seems everything is either flown in or barged in. You might contact some Anchorage or Fairbanks moving companies to see what options they might have. Sorry I was not much help on this one.
Name: Deb
Date: 2-1-2009
I am moving out of the Fairbanks/North Pole area of Alaska to Texas. When I researched, "no service" came up for my area. Is service anticipated in the Fairbanks North Star Borough any time in the near future?
Name: Derek
Date: 2-2-2009
Deb, we can provide service currently to Fairbanks and North Pole via our trailer option. I would be happy to provide you a quote from one of those to cities moving to Texas. Can you provide me with your city in Texas and size of home? Thanks
Name: Reece
Date: 2-13-2009
I am from Florida single parent of 8.I was told if a job hires you they have to relocate you.
Name: Derek
Date: 2-16-2009
Reece, an employer can pay for some or all of your relocation expenses. However, it is at the discretion of the employer. There are no requirements that say they must pay to relocate you. Many people will work this expense in with salary negotiations before they accept the position. I hope this helps.
Name: Nathanael
Date: 2-22-2009
I am considering a move to Alaska from Georgia but can not seem to afford any quotes given me so far. I have 3 bedrooms, a den, a dining room, and living room to move. I have had the total weight estimated at about 8,000 lbs. I am uncertain if this weight is accurate. With my last move, I packed everything into a 6x12 enclosed utility trailer and used about 14 ft of a 17 ft moving van (UHAUL) for everything else. I have not added very much to this and what I have added to it, is minimal in weight. I want to pack it myself and have it shipped to either Fairbanks or North Pole. The move would likely be this summer - any ideas?
Name: Derek
Date: 2-23-2009
Nathanael, moving to Alaska can be costly (especially when moving from Georgia due to the long distance). I believe that you’ll find that U-Pack can be very competitive when you consider truck rental fuel costs and the time it would take to drive there or even the expense of a an ocean container to ship your items. I will send you a quote shortly for your move. Based on the info you gave, I would say that you are probably looking at about 18ft of one of our trailers. Let me know if you have any questions once you receive your quote. Thanks.
Name: sara
Date: 3-7-2009
how does one get a horse hauled to homer ak? Hundreds of villages in the lower have ordinanced horses out but Homer is horse friendly. sara
Name: Derek
Date: 3-9-2009
Sara, I have been able to find a couple of websites of what seem to be reputable horse transport companies. One is Pure Pleasure Horse Transport: http://purepleasurehorsefarm.com/transport.htm. They are licensed by the US Dept of Transportation and ICC. I also found a directory of horse transport companies; however, some of them only ship within the continental 48 states. Here’s the link: http://www.i-announce.net/IAN/load.phtml?id=ehshaulers. I hope this info helps you get your horse moving to Homer, AK.
Name: Lora
Date: 3-30-2009
We used your services before and really appreciated them. We are moving from Indiana to Ketchikan. Do you have service to Ketchikan?
Name: Derek
Date: 3-30-2009
Lora, thanks for the comments and thanks again for considering U-Pack. I can tell you that the only option that we have for door to door moving to Ketchikan will be an ocean container. Do you have a larger size move? If so, this should work out great for you. If you are only taking a room or two, we could look at shipping your items to the Seattle area for you to pick up there. I would be happy to provide a quote for you for either option.
Name: moving to anchorage alaska
Date: 4-3-2009
Perhaps nowhere else combines the conveniences of the modern age with the freedom and adventure of living on the edge of a vast, unspoiled wilderness as do Anchorage and Alaska. Alaska’s a young state. Our major cities of Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau offer career and professional growth opportunities unlike many places in the Lower 48.
moving to anchorage alaska
Name: Jennine
Date: 4-19-2009
I’ll be moving to Manley Hot Springs AK from Rutland VT. The nearest city, 160 miles away, is Fairbanks. I was wondering, if I went with the trailer option, could I get door service to this location; or would I have to hire/rent additional transportation from Fairbanks down the Elliott Hwy?
Name: Derek
Date: 4-20-2009
Jennine, unfortunately, we do not service Manley Hot Springs direct. We may be able to provide an ocean container for you to deliver to your home. The smallest container would be the 20ft which typically holds a 3 bedroom home. I see that you had submitted a quote online which was for a much smaller space. I will go ahead and get you a quote to Fairbanks, but if you would like to know the price of the ocean container, just let me know. Thanks for the questions.
Name: ZACK
Date: 5-17-2009
I live in Chattanooga Tennessee and will be moving to Anchorage by August 1. I have a friend my family and I will stay with until we find a place to rent. I don’t have to much I’m taking with and will probably try to find new furniture there. Things i do wish to take with are fragile electronics TV, computer, etc.. any advice on the necessities I do need to take and how to get them there?
Name: Derek
Date: 5-18-2009
Zack, the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of moving to Alaska is warm clothes! No-brainer, right?! Seriously though, I would make sure to talk to people that live there year round. My guess is there are a lot of things that I would not consider. You might even talk to the Chamber of Commerce for Anchorage. They usually have a great deal of information on living and traveling in Alaska. The Chamber's website is http://www.anchoragechamber.org. ABF U-Pack has a couple of options even if you are moving just a small amount of items. I'll send you a quote for our minimum space so you can get an idea of the cost. Let me know if you have any more questions. Thanks again, Derek.
Name: Stephen Ambruzs
Date: 8-30-2009
I just tried to get a quote for a relocube from Reno to Anchorage and was told it’s not available. What’s that about?
Name: Derek
Date: 8-31-2009
Stephen, we can certainly handle moving from Reno to Anchorage. However, we do not have door delivery service Anchorage for the ReloCube which would mean that you would need to unload the ReloCube at our Anchorage terminal or use one of our moving trailers. I am sure that is why the message was given about availability. I will send you a quote for the ReloCube to the terminal in Anchorage so you can get a feel for the price. I am sorry for the confusion on the message you received. Thanks for your post!
Name: joe
Date: 10-17-2009
Can U Pak provide either a 20’ container or trailer to the Denali Park area on Highway 3 about 120 miles south of Fairbanks on the way to anchorage.

Can we ship our 2 snowmobiles in the container or trailer if all fluids are drained.

Move would be to Grand Junction area Colorado
Name: Derek
Date: 10-19-2009
Joe, we should be able to do a 20' container moving from Denali Park. As long as you drain the fluids, you can take the snowmobiles. I will get a quote worked up for you and send it to you via email. Thanks!
Name: angie
Date: 10-30-2009
Derek, we have a 3 bedroom home. we are moving from Soldotna, AK to Longview, Texas. What would be our cheapest option and how far in advance do we have to schedule the move? Thank you!
Name: Becky (for Derek)
Date: 10-30-2009
Angie,
Derek is out this afternoon, so I'll try to answer your questions. We will email a quote for moving from Soldonta, AK and moving to Longview, TX with a couple of different options, so you can compare prices. Moving out of Alaska, I would try to reserve at least a month in advance if you can. However, when there is availability, we can set up "last-minute" Alaska moves.
Let us know if you have other questions.
Name: Randy
Date: 1-1-2010
Derek- My family of 5 will be making the move to Anchorage from Cincinnati this July. We would like to put as much stuff in a 20’ft container, anything that doesn’t fit, we don’t need. If I bought my own container, could U-PACK transport it? I would please like a quote and your opinion as to what would be the least expensive option for us. Thanks!
Name: Derek
Date: 1-4-2010
Randy, I will be happy to get a quote for you on a 20' container for your move to Alaska. I think the 20' container will be your best option. ABF may also be able to transport your own container as well. I will check into the costs for this and email you that info separately. Thanks for the post!
Name: James
Date: 1-6-2010
Derek, I was wondering do you ship to North Pole, AK if so what would you suggest for a 3 bedroom house to be shipped in.
Name: James
Date: 1-6-2010
Derek, just thought I should say I will be moving from Missouri.
Name: Derek
Date: 1-7-2010
James, we do ship to North Pole AK from Missouri. The best option for your 3 bedroom house would be the partial trailer option as it allows you to pay for just the space you use. You can use our Room-by-Room Space Estimator to help determine the amount of space in the trailer you may need. Thanks for the post!
Name: BRAD
Date: 1-10-2010
MOVING FROM POST FALLS IDAHO TO HAINES ALASKA WE ARE THINKING ABOUT BUYING A TRAILER AND MOVING UP ON THE MARINE SYSTEM. A TRAILER IS GOING TO COST 2800 PLUS OUR FAIRY COST. WHATS YOUR THOUGHTS???
Name: Derek
Date: 1-11-2010
Brad, with our service, we can only ship an ocean container to Haines AK. I'm not sure exactly what the ocean carrier will charge you to transport the trailer. I can tell you that a 20ft container would run you around $5,700 at this time for door to door delivery. Are you thinking about purchasing a commercial, enclosed trailer pulled by a semi?
Name: James
Date: 1-11-2010
Derek, do you ship relocube’s to north pole, ak if so how much would it cost to go from Missouri to North pole, AK
Name: Derek
Date: 1-11-2010
James, unfortunately we do not ship ReloCubes to North Pole. We can only ship them to our terminal in Anchorage. I would assume that you would not want to make the trip down to Anchorage to pick up your items from the ReloCube. That's quite a haul from North Pole especially during winter months!
Name: James
Date: 1-11-2010
Derek, do you ship relocube’s to north pole, ak if so how much would it cost to go from Missouri to North pole, AK
Name: James
Date: 1-11-2010
Derek, do you ship relocube’s to north pole, ak if so how much would it cost to go from Missouri to North pole, AK
Name: Rose
Date: 1-28-2010
Looking for quote on moving. Do I need a ReloCube or what. I do have a small Ford Explorer, bed, couch, dresser and small amount of personal stuff from Fairbanks Alaska to Baird.Texas the end of March. Thanks
Name: Derek
Date: 1-29-2010
Rose, I believe you would be looking at using part of a moving trailer for this move. We do not have ReloCubes in Fairbanks. However, I can provide you with a moving quote using a small portion of our moving trailer. I will send this to you via email shortly. For your vehicle, I would suggest contacting Auto & Boat Relocation Services at 877-284-2125. They can get you a quote for the Explorer. Thanks!
Name: mcguines
Date: 2-21-2010
am moving to juneau and i need a definate you can do it have 3000-3500 lbs am going in april -may
Name: Derek
Date: 2-22-2010
McGuines, ABF U-Pack can certainly move you to Juneau. The smallest option for doing this is a 20ft ocean container. This typically holds around 10,000 lbs of household goods. I'll be happy to provide you with a quote to Juneau for the 20ft container if you can provide me the city you are moving from. Thanks!
Name: John
Date: 5-18-2010
I would appreciate any information that you can provide. I have no idea what it will take to move my family to Anchorage. I have a family of 5 with a 4 bedroom house of furniture and 2 automobiles. Not sure of date possible in June. Thanks
Name: Derek
Date: 5-18-2010
John, I can certainly understand the uncertainty. A move to Anchorage can be intimidating if you haven't done something like it before.

First, have you moved this size house before? If so, how did you do that? Did you rent a truck, go with a full-service mover or a self-service mover like U-Pack? Chances are you can do any of the 3 on your move to Anchorage.

Secondly, try to get rid of as much non-essential items as you can. It's a great time to go through your house and find things that you really don't want or need. It's always cheaper to dispose of them before your move.

Even after discarding some (or many) items, chances are you are still going to have a lot to move with that size of a family. If you are interested in a self-service move (which I recommend, of course), I would check into either shipping on a trailer or an ocean container. You would probably need a 40ft container or roughly that equivalent in footage in a trailer.

I would be happy to provide you with a quote for either one. Just let me know where you are moving from. Hope this info helps you with your move. Thanks!
Name: Shannon
Date: 5-21-2010
My husband and I hope to be moving to Palmer, AK this July (we have to be in Palmer August 1st). We are interested in moving our belongs from our 1 bedroom apartment up to Palmer and were wondering if you could point us in the right direction as to what would be the most economical. Thank you.
Name: Derek
Date: 5-24-2010
Shannon, there are probably a couple of ways you can go. Going with our partial trailer option will probably give you a best price and most flexibility. The door-to-door option will be the most convenient. However, if you are looking to do the move even a little cheaper and you have access to a truck, you might consider our terminal-to-terminal move. You would just bring your items to our local terminal to load up the trailer. Then, we would transport your items up to Anchorage, and you would come in and unload your items there. Now, we can also do a hybrid of the two if you do not have access to a truck on one end or the other. Either way, the price would be a little cheaper than the door-to-door option. I hope this info helps. Let me know if you have any more questions! I'll be happy to provide a quote for any of these options. Thanks!
Name: Shannon
Date: 5-24-2010
Thanks! Thats really helpful. You mentioned that you could provide quotes? We have enough stuff for about a ReloCube, but thats not practical for us (I’ve come to find out after doing my research). How much would the door-to-door and the terminal-to-terminal cost? And what would it cost to have the hybrid of the two- we may not have access to a trailer on the Alaska side. I appreciate all the help! Its a lifesaver.
Name: sarah
Date: 5-31-2010
My husband and I are hopefully looking to be moving to wasilla with my mom (who is already there)in about 6-8 months. However, we have NO idea how would be the best (and cheapest) way to ship our belongings up there from here in indiana. Please, any ideas would be a tremendous blessing!
Name: Derek
Date: 6-1-2010
Sarah, the best way to move may depend on how much you're moving. If you are planning to take a 3 bedroom home or larger, I would probably suggest using a trailer or ocean container and have it delivered door-to-door. If you are planning to take a smaller load, you may want to consider a terminal-to-terminal move which is a little cheaper. You would just load your items up at the nearest terminal in Indiana and then unload your items in at the terminal Anchorage when we arrive. I'll be happy to provide you with a quote for either or both if you would like. Just let me know! Thanks!
Name: moving back to anchorage
Date: 6-12-2010
Lived in Alaska for 7yrs. When we moved to Utah the moving company said NO LIQUIDS of any kind. No canned food, waterglobes, etc. Do you recommend the same? I recommend 2 others looking to move to AK is to prepare! Things are more expense, especially out of Anchorage area and good luck with the long dark nights.
Name: Derek
Date: 6-14-2010
I don't think we're quite as strict as your last moving company. Here's a link to our "Do Not Ship" list. Basically, any normal household goods can be moved with exception to the things on the "Do Not Ship" list. Hope this helps!
Name: Angie
Date: 8-12-2010
We are planning to move to Anchorage in about 14 months from Ione, CA, we are looking at buying an 20 foot enclosed trailer to move our stuff, and drive. Before we commit to purchasing a enclosed trailer. We need the least expensive way to move to AK. We would be interested in picking up at the Anchorage terminal to save money. Can you give me some options, and prices. Can ATV’s be shipped as long as the fluids are drained. Can you help us save money on this move.
Name: Derek
Date: 8-16-2010
Angie, I apologize for not responding sooner to your post. I have been out of the office for a few days. I believe our most cost-effective option will be our partial trailer move. I will get you a price for 20ft of the trailer, but remember that you can adjust your price and pay for only the space you use. So, if you do not need all of the 20ft, you will be able to use less and save money. ATVs can be shipped as long as you drain the fluids. Let me know if you have any questions about the quote. Thanks!
Name: Vicky
Date: 8-18-2010
We are considering a move to the Anchorage area. Is there a "better" time of the year to make the move? We are flexible on our move date, so when would be the best time to make the move?
Name: Sean
Date: 8-19-2010
Hello Derek,

I have a 24’ enclosed snowmachine trailer that I have packed my 3br house in, do you have a shipping option I could use to get my trailer and belongings to Palmer, Alaska?
Name: Derek
Date: 8-19-2010
Vicky, our prices are a bit higher in the summer due to peak demand. The best time of the year to move for price would be in Jan or Feb. However, I realize that might not be the best time to move to Alaska due to the harsh winters. I hope this helps!
Name: Derek
Date: 8-19-2010
Sean, unfortunately, I may not have a good option for you. We have our own commercial trailers which you can load your items in. However, if you want someone to pull your trailer to Palmer, we do not provide that service. I would be happy to provide you a quote for one of our trailer moves where you can load your items into our trailer. Wish I could be more help for you. Thanks for the post!

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