We've moved so many times I've lost count .
Lately two were 2005, then 2015.
Been married 50 yrs with 21 of them in NW Indiana. Horders we are. Ugg!
Used American or United Van lines or one the national mover companies , Chicago to Raleigh NC distance fully loaded semi. Can't recall but about 6 or $7 000 in 2005.
Their estimate is only ball park ,ie. Always way low,and once weight is determined you can bet your life it's going up substantially. They will weigh empty without fuel too. 350 gal fuel added when they take gross load wt 2450 + lbs. Also , once your stuff is on the truck , guess what . You'll pay what they say new price is, ransom / extortion money, they got you and they know it . They even tried to over charge one of my old bosses wt when they weighed gross with ice build up on the trailer. IT'S A RACKET! Be sure to exactly inventory , photos, condition, insure your stuff, if you have a claim using their insurance , good luck! Check with your own agent and if they find out the company you work for is paying , mucho more denaro! My boss went ape shi?. I was lucky not fired on the spot, but had written contract ageement from him/employer.
If it sounds like a nightmare I haven't even started .
Ancient history , whatever . Still smarts a bit .
Oh yea, if they box up your belongings, hope you get everything back. Choir boys movers are not. They will box even your trash and charge you for shipping . Expect some damage, you'll not be disappointed that way .
Last move ~ 750 miles. On our own this time. I decided to save $ like with pods or something . Again massive amounts of "stuff"...
I didn't like reviews I saw regarding pods. Decided to use ABF. They drop 24 ' trailer with ramp and bulkhead ., you load, call for pick up within 3 days , they come get it and move it to your address where you have 3 free days to empty for their pick up. They charge for amount of space you use in front of where YOU position the bulk head. I hired neighborhood guys to help loading , we boxed up starting weeks before shipping date. Not sure in final tally how much if any we saved, but , a lot less damage to our stuff. And only me to blame . BTW just now getting garage here cleared of move boxes two yrs ago . It took us two ABF 24' trailers, I rented biggest Pensiki I could & drove it down here , loaded every inch, a pu truck loaded for bear, two SUVs, 6 cats, two dogs, our daughter. There's much more , but oops much said already .
It's tough, your help and support might just make it less stressful .
Good luck and good night