After 30 years in NJ, we're moving back to Texas.

I'm looking for recommendations on moving companies - considering uhaul, pods, pack-rat but also want to look at other options.

Any recomendations?

How much stuff do you have?

We used U-Pack when we moved from Montana to Texas. They dropped the trailer off a week or so ahead of time, we loaded it, and they picked it up. It showed up about 3 days after we made it to Texas (expected), and we just brought necessities and air mattresses in our cars. We had 3 days I think to unload.

It worked well for us, because it was a great affordable option for a young family. If we had the funds to do it then, we would have hired a full service moving company. Lol

We did cross country moves 6 times. CA to AR back to CA then to TX then back to CA then to VA then back to CA. 5 times employer paid and arranged the move.

Last time we did U-pack and we hired local movers to load and unload. I think it was cost effective.

I've done long distance moves with Zippy Shell, PODS, and the good ole fashioned way of driving the UHaul moving truck yourself.

With driving the UHaul, you can control the most variables but your move has to be on a tight schedule bc there's obviously no option for storage.

PODS impressed me with customer service and convenience. It's a well oiled machine. It is also the only option (that I'm aware of) that offers climate-controlled storage, if that matters for your stuff. It is also the most expensive. The one time I used it was bc my work paid for the move. Also heads up you have to book like 6 weeks or more in advanced.

I do not recommend Zippy Shell. The container is this weird cage thing and some of my stuff located at the edges got damaged. I got the sense they're not very careful with your container.

Can't speak to Zippy Shell, but your Uhaul and PODS takes I agree with.

Just an FYI, most shipping companies insurance against damaged stuff is based upon a dollar amount per pound. I've heard a lot of stories about moving companies finding a knack to break the most expensive, lightest weight things you own. Big green egg might be worth a $1000, but they cracked the ceramic liner and the weight says they're only going to reimburse you $150. Might want to look into your own policy or some riders for specific items.

We are moving from a 4 bed 2 bath house with 2 car garage and 12x20 shed to a 2 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage so we are downsizing at the same time.

Already did one run down in a uhaul to bring stuff to put into storage till I can rent a hanger (building a RV6 airplane).

Looking at UPak as an option. Stuff will only be in storage for maybe a month if that.

Thanks!

I moved across country about 20 years ago, and mostly had a U-Haul. A former co-worker also let me store some items at their ranch for about 3 weeks while I traveled the Northeast.

Book ASAP, especially if you're wanting help packing a vehicle or anything. All sorts of labor issues in the industry currently.