Moving horse + all equipment cross country

[grandprixer]

Hi all!

I just moved from AR to MA, and getting all my horse stuff up here is proving to be an issue.

My gelding is being taken by a commercial hauler in 2 weeks. I have the option to put 2 tack trunks on the trailer with him for an extra $750. I would be only be able to fit my saddle, bridle, basic grooming stuff, and his blankets. Everything else - saddle pads, extra boots, wraps, miscellaneous items would have to be left behind or sold.

Another option is to rent a uhual and drive it up myself. I could take everything I needed, but it would cost me a day off work and the uhaul would be $1700.

Am I missing out on a third option? How can I get all my crap from Arkansas to Massachusetts without spending a grand in addition to shipping my horse?

[ParadoxFarm]

Big boxes shipped? Won’t be cheap, but seems it would be cheaper than what you’re considering right now. Might be worth looking into a few carriers.

[Knubbsy]

Depending on the train lines, you can ship crates/boxes on Amtrack. My cousin did this to move her stuff from PA to Colorado.

[grandprixer]

I checked, even with a third party like pirate ship it’s very very pricey. If it comes to it I’ll just donate everything small and repurchase it in MA, but that seems ridiculous if I can avoid it

[grandprixer]

Thanks! I’ll look into it!

[ParadoxFarm]

Maybe you can ship the blankets/grooming supplies/saddle in separate boxes and sell the tack trunks, since they are likely pretty heavy.

[grandprixer]

They’re definitely the heaviest, especially my wood one.

They hold so much stuff though - how would I transport everything inside them otherwise?

[ParadoxFarm]

I’m just thinking for the sake it saving money, sell the heavy tack boxes and ship the rest in cardboard boxes? Just an idea. Maybe the train idea will work.

[fourfillies]

Price it with UShip? I sent some furniture and was pleasantly surprised the cost. And independent haulers who were very diligent. And they won’t ding you in the weight.

[clanter]

check to see what a Pods shipment would cost

Moving & Storage Company, Moving Containers | PODS

I have never used this nor know one that has but it might be workable? they drop the empty container at your place, you load or have it loaded, seal the container then they will ship it to you,

[SCI]

Do you have the ability to pull a UHaul trailer? If you pick up and drop off at the same location it is usually much cheaper than the point to point rates. You could likely get this done over a weekend and not have to take time off work.

[grandprixer]

We would have to rent a truck. Everything is already in MA including me and my truck, so I have to fly back down, somehow arrange shipping, and then either drive or up myself or fly back

[grandprixer]

That was my first thought but I think they’re more for moving a whole house. It’s around $2k and way too much space.

[grandprixer]

If I put the tack trunks on the commercial hauler with my horse, they’re $250 each to ship regardless of the size or weight. But I’m limited to two items total.

So I can ship 70% of my stuff in the boxes for $500. But then idk what to do with the rest, since I’d be flying back up and it would be another $500 to ship the rest via UPS in cardboard boxes.

I guess I can fill the tack boxes as much as possible, donate as much as I can, and ship whatever would be more expensive to repurchase? But that seems like a ton of work

[endlessclimb]

Can you rent a humongous SUV?

[TheJenners]

I guess I’m confused how you missed bringing the stuff with you when you moved originally?

[pompeiii]

Can you pack what you can in the tack trunks and use vacuum saver bags (I’ve used them for wraps/blankets/coolers before)? Maybe fly with your saddle so you can fit more in your trunks?

[js]

I’d ditch things like older saddle pads, polo wraps etc., same for older grooming items, unless you can’t part with them. I not ship grooming products etc. just replace them. Pack as much as you can into your tack trunks and anything else that is dear to you box up and ship UPS or FedEx, it will still be cheaper then renting a UHaul. If you are flying to your new destination, you could pack some of the stuff into an extra suitcase (like a big duffle bag) and check it in, might cost in extra weight but also a consideration.

[grandprixer]

It’s a long story and not really relevant, but I lost my house and had to move in 3 days with no warning. My horse and all my horse stuff was at a barn that I trusted so I left him in AR while I went to find new housing and a new barn. I ended up in MA, and am now stable, so it’s time to move him.

All my other crap I had to get rid of - furniture, clothes, artwork, etc. I lost almost everything I owned so I’m a little attached to my horse stuff since it’s the only thing I haven’t had to give up yet.

[grandprixer]

Thanks that’s a great idea! I can definitely do a giant duffel since I wouldn’t be checking luggage otherwise