r/moving • • Jul 17 '26

Advice Needed I have 45minutes to pack from arrival time

15 Upvotes

Hello, this is my first post here, and I have a pretty important question that requires some background info:

I filed a restraining order against my husband, but he still lives in our shared apartment. Since he has no transportation and no job currently, it was easier for me to leave when I was scared to death of him. I am at the point where I need to get some of my belongings back, and how much I can get largely hinges on the abilities of a moving company.

I have talked with law enforcement about the possibility of this happening, and they basically said I would have a good 30, maybe 45 minutes that they're willing to be on standby on the premises to keep him away from me to not break the restraining order, but not much more than that. My bulkiest and heaviest items are my boss, which I've collected for most of my adult life, but there are electronics like gaming systems and a TV I'd like to take, too. Also clothing, but much of that can be replaced.

First of all, is this even a thing? I know some companies can pack your place up for you, but I'm not packing up my place, per se, even though I own like 90%of the stuff in the apartment.

I would need a company that's willing to work very flexibly with both me and law enforcement, given the severe time constraints, and I really have no idea of the state of the apartment, seeing as it's been left to the devices of a seriously unhappy human.

Comments would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

*ETA: I was officially able to hire a company! šŸŽ‰ I was able to hire an officer to basically "keep the peace", got an official time slot set up, and got some movers hired for the same time! I didn't even know they were able to schedule with led than 48 hours notice. They were VERY understanding about my situation, and basically said that they've dealt with all walks in life and as long as they had warning, they were cool with it. I'm actually excited for the first time in months and not filed with dread!!


r/moving • • Apr 26 '26

Discussion Broker vs Non-Broker, what's the difference?

9 Upvotes

hi, i hope i'm posting in the right place mods feel free to remove if this isnt the right place.

TLDR; i'm getting ready to move in few months and when i'm reading about moving companies i'm getting confliciting information about moving companies that are brokers vs not brokers. i'd like to understand from people who work as professional movers what's the difference? is one better than the other?

so i’m moving my 1 bedroom apartment in like 3 months and i thought i was being a responsible adult by starting early but literally every search is a nightmare. i keep seeing people talk about brokers vs not brokers and i literally cannot tell the difference when i’m on these websites. they all look the same!! theres lots of info on this sub, and from googling and asking ChatGPT about moving companies but some stuff says brokers are normal companies but other stuff says they are nothing but thieves looking to take advantage and steal all my stuff and take all my money. i dont have a lot of stuff or money and would really like to keep as much of it as possible.

i have a million questions im hoping you can help me figure this out...

  • how am i supposed to know if i’m talking to a broker or not broker when they both say "nationwide moving services" in big bold letters?
  • is there a name for the not broker people or all they all just types of brokers?
  • all these places ive talked to want lots of money right now (they call it a deposit?? is that right??) but then i read on a thread that if they ask for a big amount of money, they’re probably a broker just taking their cut before they even find a truck?
  • im seeing people on here say they paid the deposit and after their stuff was picked up they demanded a ton more money and said the amount they gave was just an estimate.... ike, i have a normal amount of stuff?? it’s a 1 bed not a warehouse!! is this normal?? is there anything i can do to avoid this??? like i dsaid i dont have a lot of stuff and really dont want to lose it or my money

what am i not understanding? am i stupid adn this is something most people know? help me out chat!


r/moving • • 12h ago

Hiring Movers How many quotes did you get before booking a mover?

1 Upvotes

Curious how people decide. Did you get 2 quotes? 5? Just go with the first one that felt right?

And did the cheapest one end up being the best deal?


r/moving • • 23h ago

Help! Move Went Wrong Company didn’t confirm pickup time

4 Upvotes

I hired a moving company and paid the security deposit through Zelle rather than by credit card. My scheduled pickup is in less than 36 hours, and the company has stopped responding to my calls and messages. What should I do in this situation, and what options do I have to recover my deposit? I already booked my flights and can't cancel


r/moving • • 1d ago

International Move Looking for companies from NYC to London

3 Upvotes

Hi all - doing my first international move from NYC to London and I asked for a few quotes already, but would like to know if there are any other recommendations.

I am only shipping one bedroom. Will probably be only 20 boxes, if that. I do have a large 47x59in mirror that I am debating just selling instead of spending a lot of money to protect it and risk it breaking on the move.

TL;DR - What's a good company for an international move for less than 20 boxes?


r/moving • • 1d ago

DIY, Pods & Truck Rental From Tucson to Eugene, OR

4 Upvotes

As the title states, my partner and I are moving from Tucson to Eugene. We’re planning on moving in March, but we’re having a hard time planning out the best way to do it. So far thinking that I drive my car with some items, and he drives his, but his pulls a small, u-haul trailer to fit things like the bedframe, mattress, tv, etc. The big things we’d prefer not to replace. Would that be cost effective? How have some of you moved? It’s a little over 1,300 miles so two trips aren’t ideal.

Also, what is the best timeline to do things? Set up a job first? a home first? how soon should these things be set up?

sorry for all the questions, I (21F) have only moved within state and nothing exceeding a 2hr drive, and my partner has never moved.


r/moving • • 1d ago

Where Should I Move? Big city living to Minnesota/Iowa area, best options?

3 Upvotes

Hi! I'm from Phoenix, AZ, and I'm looking for a big change in the next few years.

I'm tired of the heat, busy city, and would love to be closer to family. I visit yearly for a few weeks (Yes, I am aware visiting and living here is a big difference) and I yearn for the state as soon as I leave.

I'm looking for smaller towns, Albert Lea or smaller. Iowa is also a contender, Lake Mills, Northwood, or Scarville. I know a good number of people in the general area, old family friends and family spread out.

My only concern would be the job market. My dream is to work at an antique store, but I doubt many make enough to have numerous employees. Other than that, I'm into hospitality and serving and I'm real popular with older folks.

Wouldn't move right away, need to save some money, but the houses I've peeked at around Northwood are significantly cheaper than anything I could get in the city.

*Not planning on having children so schools aren't a problem.


r/moving • • 1d ago

Hiring Movers what happens if a mover ignores you binding estimate at delivery?

1 Upvotes

Threads about delivery day price changes always end with "should have gotten a binding estimate." What actually happens if you have one and they try to charge more anyway. Legal recourse, or is the document just paper.


r/moving • • 1d ago

DIY, Pods & Truck Rental Truck rental help

0 Upvotes

I’m coming to this group looking for some suggestions. I live in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and currently the majority of my property that I need to retrieve is located in Lackawanna County about 80 to 90 miles away. I need a vehicle, a regular cargo van would do, to drive up there and pick it up and bring it back in the same day.

The Challenger face, is that U-Haulā€˜s mileage charge might make it a bit Expensive, and my only actual no-ndebit credit card is a basic secured card with $100 limit

Does anyone have any alternatives that they could suggest for how I could get a vehicle for the same day round-trip like the one I’ve described?


r/moving • • 1d ago

Packing & Supplies Accidentally Packed Lighters

2 Upvotes

Hey all! So to preface, I am moving due to my partner getting a new job, and this new job comes with a moving package that sent us movers to our house. The movers packed up a jar that had lighters inside of it without my knowledge & I cannot find the box it’s in for the life of me. I know lighters are not legally allowed to be moved but is this a safety issue? Are the lighters going to be fine or will there be a disaster?


r/moving • • 1d ago

International Move what is the best country to quickly leave the usa?

0 Upvotes

i have a good chunk of money i’ve received from an accident. the state of the us is so bad and i feel it’s necessary to leave based on my personal circumstances. i’m looking for a quick, simple as possible move to a country where i can at least get around only knowing the english language. if anyone has experience with a move like this, info would be greatly appreciated. i seek to prioritize a better government, better healthcare and lgbt safety.


r/moving • • 1d ago

Packing & Supplies What do you do with a small book collection?

5 Upvotes

My spouse and I have accumulated a bunch of books over the years, both from when we first got together and throughout our relationship. We’re thinking about moving sometime in the next year, and I’ve started mentally preparing for the absolute nightmare that is packing up our house. šŸ˜‚

One thing I’m stuck on is our book collection. It’s not nearly big enough to qualify as a library, but somehow it’s still enough books to be a giant pain in the rear to pack and move. We want to keep them, but I’m curious how other people handle moving books. Any must-have supplies, packing tricks, or ways to make the process less miserable?

I’d also love any other moving tips! We’re a growing family with a toddler, so life is already chaotic enough. I’m trying to project-manage this whole moving process now vs wait until the last minute and go crazy.

Give me all your wisdom, especially the tips you wish you’d known before your last move!


r/moving • • 2d ago

Packing & Supplies Totes vs boxes vs otherwise?

6 Upvotes

Hello! Curious if folks suggest using boxes, black/yellow totes or other things to pack up an apartment?

Moving company I am using is providing some garment boxes, and picture boxes and box my TV for free, but I am struggling to determine what/how I should pack everything otherwise.

Most of it will be going in storage for a bit of time (3-ish months)


r/moving • • 2d ago

Costs, Money, & Insurance If mover's only liable @ $0.60/lb, what holds them accountable for item damage?

1 Upvotes

First time moving, sorry if this is a dumb question, couldn't find a reassuring answer from my research. I'm moving locally (<1 hour away) and only having them take the big things (couches, floor length mirror, mini fridge, dining table). I was reading the contract and it seems they're only responsible up to $0.60/lb. Besides the fact that $0.60*weight of each item I'm moving is much less than I paid, I'm really concerned with some items that can't be replaced (even if I got the full value paid) because they are no longer made, etc.

Besides reputation loss (which I understand can cause a hit, but less impactful for a big company), what is stopping a mover from being pretty much careless? Like if they're moving my couch, and they do the basic furniture blanket wrap that's stated in the contract, what happens if it slips off and the couch rubs against something that causes irreversible damage or staining? Or placing heavier items on top of the couch in the moving truck, and the frame/cushions being stained/deformed? Or another example - when moving my glass table top (wrapped in the extended protection), just plopping it in the truck instead of carefully placing it? I'd like to think common sense stops them, but you never know who you're going to get. And if there's limited financial accountability for causing those damages, then what's the incentive to be careful?

Maybe I'm overthinker who reads too deeply into the legal words, but I just don't want to be SOL. I'd move a lot of the stuff myself to ensure its protected, but I'm currently injured from a car accident, so I have to outsource for help. Even if I get full-liability insurance, again I'm concerned about items that can't be replaced even more than the full payout, so it doesn't fully solve my full issue.

Does anyone have any other suggestions or recommendations for protecting my stuff, or words that will leave me with more peace of mind?

Thank you!


r/moving • • 2d ago

International Move Toronto, Canada to Manchester UK

2 Upvotes

Hi, has anyone done a similar move recently and found a shipping company that didnt cost an arm and a leg?

I won't be moving for a bit, but want to looking in to what the best way to take my stuff would be.

I can downsize into suitcases if need be, but i do have some items I would love to take with me if I could. It is hard to estimate volume right now because I still have a bunch of items that cannot go/make no sense to take.


r/moving • • 3d ago

Where Should I Move? Queer couple trying to start over

6 Upvotes

Hello, I live in NJ and the rent here is outrageous. We been staying with a relative and unfortunately they passed away, and the inheritor wants to sell. it’s time for us to get our place. The opportunity we had here does not exist elsewhere in the state. I need a few things that I am struggling to find.

  1. A city with progressive base, or at least a queer community
  2. Massive retail job spaces (we both work in retail management)
  3. Walkable or Public transaction options

That’s pretty much it. I am open to anywhere else, really just trying to get away. My family sucks, hasn’t lifted a finger to help me and I see an opportunity to get a fresh start. I have a cash reserve of roughly 48k, but I am trying to lean on that as little as possible. My credit is pretty poor and I am working on paying off some debts while still working. I’d prefer to work with a private landlord if possible. I am not sure how to find one. Thank you all I really appreciate your time.


r/moving • • 3d ago

Hiring Movers Logistics for 8hr drive with Movers

3 Upvotes

Hi, I'm hiring movers for the first time to move our 2 bedroom apartment to another city 8hrs away. We're hiring them just to load, drive, and unload, we'll be doing all the packing and unpacking. I'm just wondering a couple of things:

  1. Do movers typically load, drive, and unload in the same day when the drive is 8hrs?

  2. What happens if the movers somehow get there before us?

  3. Is there a way to track the truck during the drive?

  4. Where do movers stay after unloading? I can't imagine they drive back home the same day (Just a curiosity question)

Thank you in advance and sorry if these questions seem silly.


r/moving • • 3d ago

Where Should I Move? what state would be best to relocate to from someone in the midwest?

1 Upvotes

long story short i need to get away from my family.
my sisters personality disorder is ruining my inner family ( to say the least )
long story short i’ve tried with them.
this subreddit isn’t about the ā€˜why’ it’s about where should i go??
Living near by my family doesn’t cut it anymore.

I don’t need family solutions.
so tell me where would be the best place to move and why?


r/moving • • 3d ago

Car & Vehicle Shipping Driving vs Car Shipping

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15 Upvotes

Moving to Seattle from Chicago this mid-November. Torn between driving with a friend for 3-4 days or just shipping my car. It’s a basic AWD SUV. Concerned with weather/snow if we drive, no experience driving this route or driving with chains on if needed. It will also be the first time shipping my car if ever going that way, so no idea how that goes either. Would appreciate your input. Thanks!


r/moving • • 3d ago

Where Should I Move? Where’s next šŸ¤·ā€ā™‚ļø

3 Upvotes

I’m a 22 year old dude that just got out of a long term relationship and I’m looking to move on. I moved to Salt Lake City about 2 years ago and honestly I feel the same day over and over being here. I’m much more of an adventurous traveling spirit so I want to see what’s next. Any suggestions on where I should go next? I don’t have the most money but have strong work ethic and want to be close to a city. My first thoughts are Dallas, Denver, or Seattle. Any yays or nays??


r/moving • • 4d ago

DIY, Pods & Truck Rental Help - Pods doesn't deliver on Sundays

9 Upvotes

I'm moving out of state and planning to use Pods to ship my stuff. However, my apartment move-in day is on a Sunday (I wanted Saturday but my apartment office isn't open Saturdays) and I've just learned that Pods doesn't do deliveries on Sunday. I'm really stressing about what to do...I have some options although none are very favorable.

  • Stay in a hotel Sunday night and schedule the delivery for Monday...would be very inconvenient though, as I'm working on Monday.
  • Ask landlord if pods can drop off the container on Saturday and leave it in an empty parking space until Sunday
  • Arrive on Saturday, leave my stuff at a pods storage center and rent a uhaul to drive it to my apartment, and stay in a hotel Saturday night

Help and suggestions would be very appreciated.


r/moving • • 4d ago

Packing & Supplies Packing a floor mirror?

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7 Upvotes

Any guidance/tips on packing this mirror? Renting a U-Haul and driving about 800 miles


r/moving • • 4d ago

DIY, Pods & Truck Rental Should I use a dolly or trailer to tow my car behind a box truck?

4 Upvotes

I’m moving halfway across the country and need to get both my furniture and my car down to the new place. I have a friend joining me on the trip to split the driving, and I expect to break the drive down into three, maybe four days, staying at hotels or friends’ overnight.

I have towed trailers behind pickups a couple times, though don’t have much backing up experience (ik that’s not possible with a dolly).

I was considering getting a dolly to tow my car behind my rented 12’-16’ box truck, but some folks online say that’s for shorter distance moves and is too hard on the car for long drives.

Is it better to just rent a full sized trailer? I’m concerned a trailer would be harder to drive for that long but I’m happy to do it if it’s better for the car. In theory, I could drive the truck and my friend drives my car down, but I don’t relish the idea of putting way more miles on my car.

I’d also take advice about driving these trucks/trailers or about moving in general.


r/moving • • 3d ago

International Move Shipping suitcase to Florida, USA from Sydney, AUS

0 Upvotes

hi!

I am looking for the cheapest option to send a 25kg suitcase or box to Florida from Sydney, Aus. I have two bags for my flight, but I've bought too much since living in Sydney for three years and would like to ship a suitcase. Let me know if you have ever shipped anything from aus to usa. Thanks!


r/moving • • 4d ago

Where Should I Move? Charleston or Phoenix?

1 Upvotes

I am a 30 year old single female doctor that currently lives in a small city in the Midwest. I need a change. I’m currently deciding between Charleston and Phoenix. I really can’t decide between the two places and have job offers in both. I’d like to find a good quality man wherever I move too. Help me decide! ā¤ļø