Big Move

So, as probably everyone here knows, I'm going to be moving out to Maine in a few weeks to be with Zilpha (yay! :-D) Thing is though, I'm realizing that logistically, I'm pretty unprepared. As of now, the biggest move I've done has been two hours away from one part of Ohio to another. I have a basic plan, but could use some suggestions about the actual process of the move is anyone has any.

Some basic questions I have:
-Does anyone know any reason (other than price) why they'd suggest getting a truck from someone other than U-Haul?
-Is there a better way to get from Ohio (I-70/71) to Maine that mapquest isn't likely to offer?
-Any other general suggestions about this kind of move.

I know I'm not the first person to move half-way across the country (or more) around here. Any advice would be much appreciated.

atleast you don't have to find us an AFFORDABLE place to live. *spaz*

I think you should figure out what your moving "objective" is..

do you want to get there fast?

do you want a more interesting trip? (visit national parks, go to places of some sort of historical significance, see some nice scenery...)

least expensive?

part of your trip planning will probably end up dealing with your truck.. how much shitte will you have in it and what kind of terrain do you think you'll be able to handle...

my suggestion for part of your trip is to take I86 out of jamestown, ny. It parallels I90 (just that its south, instead of north). it'll be slower, but the drive is more interesting and you'll probably save yourself a good $5-10 in tolls.

I-90, Ripley to Mass Pike = $12.15 in tolls, according to NY Thruway

Er, not in a truck it isn't. 22.20 for a 2 axle, 6 wheel truck, 37.95 if you tow a car behind.

That was going to be my advice: Watch out for gas and tolls. The costs are MUCH higher than for a car. Those trucks get like 6-8 MPG. Compare total moving costs to hiring a moving company. Often the cost is a wash, and you don't have to carry shit.

Fast is a definite plus. I don't think my dad realized just how long of a trip it was when he signed on to do it. Not that he's trying to back out, but I think he'd appreciate a shorter trip.

This is what Mapquest gave me. Glancing at it, it looks like I could cut out a few hours if I went directly through Vermont and New Hampshire. Is there not a way to do that? (I'll probably check with AAA if no one knows offhand).

Invest five bucks in an atlas.� There's always a detour somewhere.� The new Rand McNally's even show scheduled construction zones.

As far as cutting across VT, it can be done, but only on state roads.� They have lower speed limits, windier routes, and tend to be dotted with houses... all of which are bad for people in trucks.� Unless you're crazy, like me. :-)� Either way, it adds a lot of time to an already long drive.� Unless you're planning on stopping overnight somewhere... *challenge*

I think we are all agreed NOT to take I-90 the length of NY.

I-86 (NY-17) across NY is also not an option.� That will take you FOREVER.� It's not a straight shot.

I-71 to I-76 through Akron to I-80.� Can't avoid Akron.

I-80 across Pennsylvania where you can make a choice.� Either:

I-81 to Binghamton to I-88 to I-90.

I-81 to I-84 to the end, which joins up with I-90 well east of Springfield. Don't forget to get off I-84 at I-691 to I-91 north, and then back to I-84 east again.

Don't take back roads in Vermont/NH, that wil take forever.� Stick with the Mass Pike.� Get off at I-495 heading north all the way to I-95 north and you're set.

I'm a road atlas junkie.� Have been since birth.

Also an atlas junkie.� Maybe not since birth, but since I could read. :-)

I maintain that avoiding Akron is very important.� Granted, it's been a while since my last drive through the city, but that's because on my second drive through, my car almost overheated while we were waiting in the one lane of traffic due to construction.� Even at three lanes, the traffic is worth avoiding.� If you have to go through Akron, avoid rush hour.� I-71 to I-271 to I-80 may have some toll portions, but it's worth it to avoid the headache of Akron traffic.

Why I-81 to I-691 to I-91 to I-84?� General rule: if you're passing through a city, stay on on the same highway... if you're changing roads, take the loop around.� Besides, Meriden, CT, is a pit.

And are you suggesting Mass Pike to I-95?� I suppose I-95 is a loop around Boston, but the traffic... *shudder*� I wouldn't do that in a car, unless I was stopping in the city.� What are your thoughts on this (starting in Wilkes-Barre, PA)?</br>I-81 to I-84 to I-90 to I-290 (Worcester, MA) to I-495 to I-95.

Curious, since that's the route I took when we went to Maine last year.

Hmm... well, Akron shouldn't be a problem. My dad's from that area (the Falls to be specific) so he knows the back ways around that.

I should go get an atlas this weekend, if nothing else so that the directions being suggested make sesne ;-)

Also an atlas junkie.� Maybe not since birth, but since I could read. :-)

I've been told by my parents and grandparents that I was reading road maps BEFORE I could read.� And mentioning things like how all east-west US highways and interstates are even numbered and all north-souths are odd numbered.� And telling them how to get from Point A to Point B between any major cities in the continental US.

I maintain that avoiding Akron is very important.�

I haven't driven through Akron since 1991, so that might have changed.

Why I-81 (I assume you meant I-84)�to I-691 to I-91 to I-84?

I-84 past the I-691 exit is BAD.� Narrow road, through the suburbs of Hartford, lots of twists and sharp curves.� And only two lanes.� I-691 is 65 MPH straightaway in the middle of nowhere.� I-91 is also an easy drive as doesn't go through as many suburbs.� And the CT-15 exit off that road is a nice shortcut to I-84 east.

And are you suggesting Mass Pike to I-95?

I was actually suggesting Mass Pike to I-495, but now that you mention it, the I-290/I-190 spur to I-495 is a better choice.� I know I took that road to go to a Beatles convention in Danvers, MA, which is only a couple of miles from the NH border.

Just to reinforce what other people have said, you almost definitely don't want to cut across VT/NH. I know people at school in VT who live in ME and even they end up going south, through MA, and then north to get home.

If you still think you want to do it, though, I might be able to help you figure out a route, so let me know. :)

I86 isn't complete.� My atlas shows it changing into Rte 17 at Elmira.� It is a nice drive, but it'll be slow between Elmira and Binghamton.� The last time I took it (two or three years ago), there were detours along the completed portions as well.

If memory serves, it was complete as of last year's FRFF. I love the drive personally. It might take a little bit longer, but it's infinitely prettier.

The highway is all there, but it's not I-86 the whole way yet, IIRC. As Bruce mentions, the stretch between Elmira and Binghamton is not yet up to Interstate standards, and thus is not yet signed as such. the whole length of I-86 through NY, for that reason, is still also signed NY-17 until the project is complete.

I haven't taken 17 any further than Elmira yet myself, but there are actually 3 at-grade intersections on that highway in Elmira. they'll have to built around before that stretch becomes I-86 as well.

No argument on the prettier part, though. I grew up about 6 miles from what is now I-86's exit 31, in Angelica, NY. Lovely rural setting.

-- Pauley

The interstate system was created to make it possible to drive across the country without seeing anything. :-)

I agree... I-86/Rte. 17 is a beautiful drive and it's dotted with fantastic stopping points (especially if you're taking it at night... you get a great view of "Horseheads Int'l Airport").� It's a much nicer drive than the Thruway... but I still wouldn't list it as best route, unless you have the time to really enjoy it.

Lisbon Street is the street where the other flagship is and also Mr Paperback, this is for Talcotts benefit as he is going to try to get around in Maine without a car� I told him it prolly wouldn�t work, but I�m being supportive and will have fun watching him try. *grin* The star is where our new apartment MIGHT be. Sounds good! Talcott talked to the land lady this afternoon and I�m going over tomorrow with Haylee so she can meet her. *nervous* I hope haylee will behave. The land lady seemed interested in quiet and Talcott and I are interested in quiet too. Wish us luck!

Wish us luck!

Dink dink! (Obscure "Spaceballs" reference)

Quiet? "You Can Be As Loud As The Hell You Want"

You have a lot of advantages... most important being that you don't have a car to move. That alone will cut some length from your truck. U-Haul is a decent way to go, if you have enough people to help you load and unload. All the trucks are automatics, even the 26 footers (which I don't think you'll need. Teri and I moved in a 17 footer, and we have a lot of stuff.) Rates are reasonable, but get the insurance.

Route... Mapquest will probably suggest: I71N-I271-I90E-I290-I495-I95N. It's a lot of toll roads, but a nice enough drive. My suggestion is a bit different: I71N-I80E-I81N-I84E-I90E-I290-I495-I95N. The downside to my route is that Pennsylvania is HUGE this way. I'd have suggested I76 through Akron, then I80 at Youngstown, but the traffic pattern through Akron sucks. :-)

When you load the truck, put the big furniture as close to the cab as possible. Turn the couch upright to make the best use of space.� If the truck has a "Mom's Attic," (all U-Hauls over 14 feet)�pack it full, but keep it lightweight (you don't want things to go 'bump' overhead when you're driving).� Make sure that the things you want to unload first are at the back of the truck (if the couch fits into this category, forget it. The door will keep you from turning it on end). Buy rope and tie your load in place often... every six feet or so. It may be overkill, but it makes sure nothing moves... and rope is cheap. Something about clothesline guage is best. And check with the rental agency about weigh station etiquette. Some trucks have to stop, others don't. When I was shopping for a truck for the Chicago move, I saw a sign at Budget that said, "Any truck over 10 feet in length is REQUIRED to stop at weigh stations, due to provisions of the Patriot Act." Fun, isn't it? Let me know if I can help out further. I might even be able to get some time off from work. :-)

So we moved out to Minneapolis last summer, and we used Ryder trucks, and here's why: They gave us the same price as U-haul (it might have been cheaper), and unlimited mileage. That was really useful when we had to pack two homes up that were an hour apart. This way you can drive the truck around all you want, and not get charged anything extra.

Well, since I'm moving 600+ miles, unlimited mileage would be a plus :-) I doubt they do that for long distance moving though. Still, I'll definitly check them out.

Psssh.� I did it from Michigan to Minnesota.� That's a long move.� Check out their website.

I think U-Haul gives 150 miles/day.� If you take that 600+ miles in one day, that gives you all sorts of time to unload. :-)

Yeah, when we moved cross country, we had a good week to find a place, move in, and drop off the truck at our leisure. :)

I would suggest packing a foot-locker type container with some essentials so you can put everything else in boxes. Then, you have that footlocker, so even if you arrive late at night, you will still have the things you need to start living right away. Are you moving in an empty place? If so, I would suggest:

Frying pan and sauce pan
a spatula and big stirring spoon
two plates (or paper plates), two cups and two sets of cutlery
toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags
all-purpose cleaner and dish detergent
an alarm clock/radio
pillow, blankets to sleep on and under (or sleeping bag)
towels and a few changes of clothes

I'm sure I left something out, but you get the picture.

I do a needs kit anytime I have a planned move.
Don't forget to put soap and toothbrush/toothpaste. What is very handy to have is a toothbrush that has the toothpaste inside it. If the trip is going to have an overnight stop, those are the best, that way you don't have to dig through suitcases to find it, then try and figure out how to get it all back in.
the alarm clock/radio is another must have. Try to bring one that relies on batteries or that you wind up. I've come to the sad realization that sometimes the power goes out, and in a new place where you aren't positive that it isn't easily susceptible to power outages it's a job saver.
Also it doesn't hurt to pick up one of those prepaid cellphones from 7-11, in case of emergencies.
Other than that, good luck!

Ok, everyone who hasn't done a move like this, take a moment to guess how much a U-Haul (10 footer) from Ohio to Maine is...






.....
no, go ahead and guess... everyone I've asked around here has guessed low....





Depending on who's asking, (my dad, and lacy, and I all got different answers somehow) it's between $900 and $1000.
That's a tad bit more than I was expecting.
All the other brands seem to be in a similar range too.

One thing we could do, is rent a mini-van, but we'd have to leave the seats in, and that'd limit my ability to bring the chairs and some of the boxes even.

Still, for the $700 difference in price, I could buy all new stuff when I got to Maine. Hell, I could probably buy a truck that would get me most of the way to Maine before falling apart.

So, does anyone know a car/van rental place that might have seatless vans? Or any other ideas?

*paces around a bit*

Oh, and if I haven't already said it, thanks everyone for your help.

yikes! that's mucho dinero. If you have access to a car with a hitch, there's always just packing a trailer really well, covering it with�tarps,�and hoping for good weather. good luck!

No car at all really.
I could borrow one, maybe, but then there'd be the return trip problem.
Although, I am thinking of getting a rental I could hitch the trailer to. But I can't seem to get pricing without knowing the make/model of said vehicle

Ask about that before you do it.� Rental contracts may prohibit towing, and rental hitches can leave marks that might cost you if the car rental agency is anal about it.

I was thinking about that too.
My current plan is to get the best van I can...

That doesn't surprise me, actually.� I mean, it's high... but the rental companies like to keep the small trucks for local moves.

U-Haul does Panel Vans too.� So do Enterprise and Ace, so most car rental places should have them.� It's like a 15 passenger van with no seats or windows.� I think Enterprise has unlimited mileage, but you'll want to check that out for yourself.

Enterprise won't do one-way though.

Uhaul won't do it either for the vans.

And Ace has no locations in Ohio or Maine...

*watches his own brain juices melt out through his ears*

Isn't Dad helping?� Could he drive the van back?

That's the plan now.
(mostly worked out)
I feel bad asking him to drive back alone, but he'd rather do that then try and cram everything into a minivan.

So, things are starting to work out
*relief*

hey. if you're moving to maine, do we still get to do the whole poutine restaurant thing?

;)

Sure, it'll just be in Maine.

See, another reason Josh and Sara will need to move out there too :-)

*snort* ;-)

*gag* wont that keep people from coming TO maine?

Sure, once they're all there eating tasty poutine, there won't be anymore people left to come to Maine :-)

I'm sorry but everytime we talk about this all I can think of is poontang.

Like I said, by the time you add the cost, tolls and gasoline (now at $2+ per gallon), you come out with a figure close to, or in some cases exceeding what movers cost.

If you can fit in a van that would be your best bet, but the one way thing is a problem. Partly all this depends on how attached you are to your stuff. If you have shit furniture that means nothing to you, you might well be better off leaving it and hitting the resale shops when you get there. If you've started to acquire nicer stuff, then moving it becomes more important.

Two thoughts: If you rent a minvan (or even a full sized van) round trip, you could take the seats out. It would cost you some time and gas and a plane/train/bus ticket to return it, but that still might be your best bet considering the cost of a truck. To me a drive like that in a minivan would be nothing, but YMMV.

My other thought is this. The 2005 chrysler minivans have those nifty fold into the floor seats in all the rear seating positions. If you got one of those you could fold them all down and have a flat load floor. You should call companies that rent Chrysler products and see if they have ''04s or '05s now.

Also failing that, you should try and get a Ford Freestar, as those at least have fold flat REAR seats. Better than nothing, which is what you'd get with a GM van.

Hmmm. I have a move coming up and I'm considering the van option. No furniture to speak of, but too many boxes to fit in a car. Thanks for the great idea.

we got the apt! *does the yay for me dance*

*does the yay for Zilpha dance*

its yay for you too, geek boy.

Yes, but you did the work of finding the place in the paper, and doing all the legwork and all that. All I did was make a call :-)

well given my phobic responses to the phone, if not for you we'd be living in my brothers cello case.

Hmm... that sounds more sturdy than the boxes at least ;-)

*yay*

(_/_) ... (_|_) ... (_\_)

Hooray!!!!

Yay! Congratulations!

sanks for all the support!

we'll be having a apt warming party in late june. until then we'll be eating of paper plates and be bakeing bread to keep warm. kidding. kinda.

How about a second apartment warming party at falcon ridge, for those who can't quite make it to Maine?

Or Minnesota, for those who can't make it to either?

great idea! Count me in���

heh, but maine is so central and accesable!

seriously though, that sounds like a great idea! apartment warming party at the Ridge. there will be beer. but you can't have mine so you should prolly bring your own..... or is frff booze-a-hol free? I can't remember.

Alcohol is allowed at Falcon Ridge.� Although I'd love to ban it from the denizens of Camp Hell and the like.

camp hell? sounds like a supper vacation spot.

hi! good to see ya.

talcott and I have moved in to the best apartment ever. I had 4 days off from work right in a row so i spent time on two of thoes days at the humane society petting kitties. and sidney is still there. sid first showed up in april when I spent some days off helping out there. and he's STILL there. wtf? full grown long haired blonde with large blue eyes, indoor cat good with other cats, dogs and children... so why doesn't anyone pick him? because he had an accident before he was found and they had to take off most of his tail. everytime I hold him he wraps his arms around my neck and purrrrrs deeply. licks and nuzzles me. cats don't belong in cages for months... he's started to have little obsessive kitty behaviors because of the confinement. I told the Vet there that I couldn't take him now but if it got to the point where they had to think about killing him that talcott and I'd take him.... *sadness*

but talcott and I are well. he's still looking for a job, but he loves it here. awesome.

pics of new place to follow soon enough...

Congrats on the new place, i wish you much luck and all good things like that.

Yea Talcott and Zilpha!!!

ofcourse... I was also so stressed that I couldn't keep my blood sugar below 450 and it tended to stay at over 600... then my kidneys started bleeding because of the effort it took to try to expunge excess glucose via urine. and I was ordered to "calm the fuck down" by my doc and everyone else was pretty much like, "wow"

the emergancy room tec was in awe of my stamina.

I think I'm going to stop going to the shelter. I get to attached to the animals and then I feel so sad and selfish and like I've lost a pet when they get adopted and leave. I mean I know they're suposed to get families and leave thats like the idea, but I didn't bargin for getting so that I loved them like my own pets from spending time with them.

Yep! We're here!
Today is my first day online in almost a week too. Weird.
I don't have long, had an adventure trying to find a place to print a resume, but turns out I can pay for internet/computer at my new favorite Cafe, so it's all good.
(Well, other than the job-finding)

Maine is nice.
Lewiston is great.
We live in walking distance of most of downtown, which is always good :-D
Lewiston is like taking a couple Bowling Greens, with campus replaced by more main street, and plopping them down together, surrounded by trees instead of corn, and with a bit more of a real-city feel. It's exactly what I wanted in a town :-D

Oh, and the apartment is big enough we can even have a whole room set aside for a studio!

And there's a full-blown cathederal a block away.

And Zilpha is no longer 800 miles away, which is the best part! :-D

Woohoo, congrats and all that fun stuff :)