Moving across provinces from Montreal to Halifax.Suggestions on how to transport 1bdrm apt + car?

Question

Hi Everyone. I Will be making a move from Montreal to Halifax in the next few months. I have started looking into renting U-haul trucks etc... to move my items, but it seems that prices are anywhere between 900-1400$. Very expensive. Generally I would just pay to have it done and not deal with the headache, but the move is going to expensive altogether so am hoping to save money where I can. These prices seem steep.

The move will be one way as the drive is very long and we do not want to drive all the way back to drop off the rental truck (pretty obvious). We Will be moving the contents of a one bdrm apt (bed, nightstands, mirrors, lamps, clothing, kitchen table, etc...no appliances). We also have to transport my car-preferably by towing it behind whatever we are driving

I am wondering if anyone has done a one way move across country, provinces, states (or particularly from Montreal, Canada) that has some suggestions for me. Where are the best places to look? Ive had the idea of renting a mini van from companies like enterprise, budget, etc... removing the seats and using that to load everything-but would a van be able to tow a vehicle? also thought about driving my car and towing a rented trailer behind it, but am not sure that my 2010 Hyundai Elantra can support that kind of weight for a long haul drive.

Am open to see what suggestions any of you may have for me. It would be a huge help.

Thank you!!!

Answer 1

Drive the car from Montreal to Halifax with all your items that you would not want lost or damaged in transit. Things like your important paperwork, birth certificate, passport, Grandma's heirlooms, and family photos. Anything that can fit in the trunk or back seat, I would bring that with me in the car.



As for the apartment furniture and anything else, if your car can handle it, I'd consider getting a used trailer and a hitch to haul it with my car. You can do that with an SUV or even a Camry or other midsize vehicle. If not, then look at getting a shipping container. They have 40 foot units, but I think there are also 20 foot units that can be shipped by CN Rail. There is regular service from Montreal to the port in Halifax. Could not tell you how much, but should save you money to have the container at your home, pack it yourself, have it shipped to your new home, and unpack it yourself.

Answer 2

Montreal to Halifax is only a 13 hour drive. You can do it in a single day.



Yes, a UHaul truck and a vehicle trailer is about $1400. A moving company can probably move a single room for half that -- and you can just drive. Of course... you can just rent a budget or other truck or van and pay a friend to drive it to you, drop it off in Halifax and rent a cheap car to drive back (or bus or fly back). Say $200 for the rentals, $200 in gas, $50 for food, and $200 for two days of your friend's time. Say $650.



Or... sell your bedroom set, and buy a new one in Halifax.

Answer 3

This is another option, it is a container that you fill, they take it to your new location and drop it off. You then unpack it and when you are done they come and take the container away. I had a friend move from Toronto to Halifax this way and she loved the service.



http://www.pods.com/canada/

Answer 4

Last time I made a long-distance move in the early 90s we could fill up a crate with our stuff, drop it off at the nearest rail yard, and that it would be shipped by CN freight rail to the destination. I haven't seen this service advertised lately, but it could be an option to look into. I know CN still has frequent freight service between Montreal and Halifax.

Answer 5

Call the bigger moving companies and tell them you have less than half a load and see if they have space on a truck going to Halifax. Then you can drive the car.



Whoever does the tune-ups on your car could tell you how much you can pull.

Answer 6

Your car cannot haul it.



Here is a few suggestions:

1) Sell/give away as much as you can. You could put a mattress on top of a car and haul it.

2) rent the smallest enclosed truck they have and a tow dolly. Your car does not need to have all 4 wheels off the ground.