What's the cheapest way to move all your stuff to the other end of the country?

Question

I am moving house from London to Scotland and need to figure out the cheapest way to move all my stuff. I don't have masses of things, just clothes, bedding, books, small electrical items etc. Probably about 5-6 suitcases worth. I've thought about taking a few trips on the train, but that seems a bit silly. Might ask a friend to drive, but don't know if I can find a friend willing to drive all that way and back! Just wondered if anyone has had any expereince using companies that send your stuff for you, or hiring a man and a van etc. Or indeed, any other ideas??? Thanks very much!

Answer 1

God you have my sympathy!
I've moved five times in six years and it's been hell. Can't/don't want to think of the cost involved!

Firstly it is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination! Having the stuff go AWOL in transit happens all too often as well and means MORE money paid out.

Best option is to ask a friend to drive it up and pay them £50 - £100 plus petrol. Make a fun trip out of it, drive up together and have them stay over. (They're there to help you load-up and un-load, both are company for each other. A lot to be said about it).

If you break it down into piles like UPS/Royal Mail/DHL it's not going to save you much. If you go onto their websites you can get route and cost estimates.

Man with a van - hhhhmmm in my experience he is just that. YOU load and unload while he polishes his nails and has a smoke. That's a very long trip to consider too - he wants to get back for the kick-off and tea with the missus. But it's worth looking into.

Courier services?

http://www.interparcel.com/courier-quote1.php?ref=uk
http://www.ecourier.co.uk/?

Removals:

http://www.splut.com/010/015-12.htm
http://www.easyremovalsuk.co.uk/
http://www.transglobalexpress.co.uk/
http://www.reallymoving.com

Here give them a call they specialise in your sort of location criteria. And I seem to recall that they have a decent rep!

http://www.kellysearch.com

Ratings:

Pickfords - absolutely superb! Used in Africa, the States and the UK. The DOWNSIDE the costs. They are expensive but never loose or break anything, they also pack you and un-pack.
(My moving quote from them for a Birmingham to Crete is almost £10 000. But we're talking serious furniture and library.)

Answer 2

This is not the norm, but it is the BEST/CHEAPEST way to move cross-country as your question states (I've done this twice). All you need to do is buy a bigger vehicle! I moved from RI to FL by buying a late model Explorer and stuffing all my belongings in it and driving it down. Once I unpacked I sold it and actually made $500 on the sale, making my move virtually free! My last move which I just finished was a bit more complicated since I moved my things, car, and motorcycle! I just bought a 2003 Ford F-250 and a utility trailer to pull behind it, put my stuff in the truck bed with my motorcycle, my electronics in the car which went on the trailer and off I went, made it safe and sound (then sold the truck and trailer). You may consider shipping the car, and just moving your stuff in an SUV, but I know that if you haggle, and have some cash saved up, buying a large vehicle and selling it after your move is the cheapest way to go. You DO have to have a lot of common sense and be able to discern honest ppl from scammers selling a lemon, and also be able to tell if a car is a good deal (or know a mechanic or someone who is very knowledgeable). Let me know if you have any questions on certain areas of this technique, but I've found it to work great and it also lets you move entirely on your own terms and even make a buck once in a while.

Answer 3

I guess you do not drive because if you did you could hire a car/small van from one of the national companies and drive it yourself and you can drop it off at the nearest depot to where you are going.

Otherwise ask a friend to help and stop over half way

Delivery companies are expensive. A man with a van may be a bit expensive too as he has to drive there and all the way back.

Couriering all the stuff would be pretty expensive too.

Answer 4

if all your things are just somewhat small then actually its probably best to just fit what you can into your car and drive it there then if you have a friend or family member that is staying in London, have them ship you your other small things in a secure box to you in the mail. you can have them all shipped at once or have them ship things to you in spurts such as when your going to need the items. now a days it cost too much money to ship everything across country at once. if your able to buy new when you get there, that would be the easiest and cheapest way but considering its your personal items then you take that up front with you. good luck on your moving and be safe!

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Hi, Here in the U.S. we have companies where a person can rent a truck. I don't know if they exist in your area, they are called,
U-Haul and Ryder-Penske. I also want to tell you, I envy you. I have always wanted to visit London and Scotland. I have ancestors from most of western Europe and hope someday to go there. I would suggest hiring a van and a man.

Answer 7

try to find someone who is moving in the other direction and share the hire of a van i.e. you or they hire it, fill it drive down, and the other drives up.
or some removals firms do a 'part load' where they have a van that is nearly full but they take your stuff as well for a fee.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

If I were you I'd just rent a suitable sized car and enjoy the scenery.

Answer 10

I would say pack it in boxes and try using UPS or that type of service