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The Cheapest Way to Move Category: Moving Budget
 
Posted By:
Jeremy
6/10/2011
10:09 AM

It's Flashback Friday— each week, U-Pack will revisit a blog topic that's been helpful and fun for our readers. Be sure to check the comments section of each post for even more valuable moving advice!

It's pretty obvious that everyone wants to find the cheapest way to move. If you're trying to conserve cash, moving with U-Pack is your best bet. Read on to find out why!

What is the cheapest way to move?

This, folks, is the million dollar question. And, when you Google it, you get lots and lots of answers. Of course, everyone tells you their way is the cheapest way to move – whether it is or not. The only way to find out for sure is to do the research, starting with getting moving quotes.

You'll probably find that most full service movers require an in-home estimate, where they come to your home, take a look at your stuff, and estimate your moving cost based on weight. Although there are exceptions, like MoveBuilder&tm; - movers who charge based on space rather than weight – you probably won't add most full service movers to your "cheapest way to move" list.  They usually aren't. And, if it is a full service mover that charges by weight, with an unusually low price, you should probably check them out at the BBB and movingscam.com – if it sounds too good to be true, it may be. 

From what I've read, popular opinion is that the all around cheapest way to move is truck rental. For some reason people automatically assume that truck rental costs less since all of the work is left up to the customer.  

I have to disagree.

The cheapest way to move. Seriously.
Because of ABF's efficient linehaul system, a long-distance move with U-Pack normally costs about the same as a rental truck – and you don't have to drive. Score! Remember, while you're calculating the actual truck rental cost, you have to add fuel, taxes and insurance to get your end price. In the end you'll probably find that it's not the cheapest way to move. U-Pack prices already include fuel, taxes, liability coverage and the driver – so based on what you get for the price, you'll probably find that "you pack, they drive" services are the way to go.



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Comments
Name: Larry Goldsmith
Date: 5-3-2010
I thought you where the cheapest, but then I checked out My Move Options at http://www.mymoveoptions.com. Seems they offer a professional mover at origin and destination, do you over this with Move Builder. We are trying to move fast.
Name: Jeremy
Date: 5-4-2010
Mr. Goldsmith,
Since you're trying to move fast, and you need affordable movers at origin and destination, MoveBuilder sounds like a great option for you. You can get a quick moving estimate by calling 800-940-9155 or at movebuilder.com. Unfortunately, I've never heard of the other company you mentioned, so I'm unable to speak to their reliability. You might consider looking for consumer reviews at the BBB or movingscam.com.
Name: luciyahelan
Date: 6-9-2010
Really, Hat’s off. Well done, as we know that “hard work always pays off”, after a long struggle with sincere effort it’s done. This action proof to be a win, win situation. This is a true art
work, which will be a success story.
=============================
Used Furniture
Name: Cheyenne
Date: 9-15-2010
Thanks for such nice and wonderful post. Cheyenne
Name: kalani
Date: 10-31-2010
I am trying to move from Hawaii to San Diego and I am having a hard time finding the cheapest way any sugestions?
Name: Autumnn
Date: 11-1-2010
Kalani,
You're right, there aren't many options out there for moving to San Diego from Hawaii. Luckily, U-Pack can help. You should be getting an updated quote emailed to you shortly. Let me know if you have any questions!
Name: Rob
Date: 2-19-2011
Hi, My wife and I are moving to Michigan from Arizona and we need to leave quick. We used a 16ft penske truck just 3 months ago in getting here and are still with the same stuff minus two dressers. Is UPack a good way to go? Or are there any other (on the cheaper side) options where we can get our stuff back without having to drive? Appreciate any insight!
Name: Autumnn
Date: 2-21-2011
Hi Rob,
U-Pack is a GREAT way to go! You pack and load your belongings, and we take care of the driving (fuel, taxes, road tolls, and driver already included in your rate). The best part is that you only pay for the space you use. Have you received a U-Pack quote yet? I'll email you personally to see how I can help.
Name: Lami
Date: 4-8-2011
Greetings: I am moving to Michigan in the fall for school. I need a cheaper quote from origin to destination. what are my options?
Name: Autumnn
Date: 4-8-2011
Hi Lami,
I think your least expensive option is a terminal to terminal move--that means you would load your items at the ABF service center closest to your origin, and unload at the ABF service center closest to your destination. I'm assuming since this is a student move , your move is small. If it's studio apartment-sized or smaller, you should be able to fit into 5 linear feet of the moving trailer, or a ReloCube. Let me know if you would like someone to call you to discuss these options.
Name: Sarah
Date: 4-18-2011
Very good post, thank you. I got a quote from ABF, but I also wanted to check around. Do you know how they compare with PODS? We’ll be moving from Las Vegas to Indiana at the end of July, but our dates are flexible. Do they have flat rates, or are there cheaper times to move? Also, we’re wanting to take our time moving back since we have 3 young children and family and sights we’d like to visit on the way there. What is the best option for us since we won’t be there when our furniture gets there, and will it cost more than if we were to do a direct drive and meet there to unload? Lots of questions for you:)
Name: Autumnn
Date: 4-19-2011
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for the questions! Our Compare Portatable Storage page has a lot of great information about how U-Pack compares to PODS. I think you'll find it very helpful! As far as finding the best days to move, I'm not familiar with how PODS does it, but with U-Pack the lowest priced days are traditionally Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the beginning of the month (not around a holiday). So, in your case, you may consider loading the moving truck/ReloCubes around July 12th or 13th. Your U-Pack representative can look at your estimated transit time and give you an idea of the ideal time to load in order for your shipment to arrive around the dates you prefer. They can also look at the most affordable -storage options at your destination if you find that's necessary. I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have other questions.
Name: Random
Date: 6-14-2011
Cheap? You quote low when in reality moves are way overpriced. Want to hear the whole story? Let me know and I will tell it... Horrible experience with this company. I feel like I was lured in with a low price and in then end, when it was too late to back out (stuff was on the truck), I was charged almost triple the amount quoted. Rethink your choice of using MoveBuilder. Have someone come out and give you a real quote.
Name: Autumnn
Date: 6-15-2011
I'm so sorry to hear of any problems with your moving experience. If you would email me your move info to publicrelations@upack.com, I will pass your information over to my MoveBuilder representative for help.
Name: Barbara
Date: 6-19-2011
I would not recommend this company. Overpriced, careless drivers, no care taken driving with the loads, dispute over actual footage used DESPITE actual PHOTOGRAPHS showing the footage when we closed the bulkhead.

Many antiques and dryer were damaged despite being well protected when packed. These items weren’t meant to be bounced around, people!

I even had to tell the driver how to back into our place and then help a second driver get the forgotten ramp to our place because he couldn’t manage the driveway either.

Not a good experience

The movers hired to unload the trailer were excellent, however.
Name: Autumnn
Date: 6-20-2011
Barbara, I apologize for any problems with your move and would like to help. I'm emailing you privately for your move info.

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