Moving large items

[UncleEbenezer]

Looking to move a couple of substantial items, including a dinner table, over a distance a little short of 250 miles. No challenging considerations like fragility.

A van, or perhaps a big estate car, could do it, but I don't have any such thing. I'm wondering if there's an economical way to do the job. What would I be likely to face from:

1. Royal Mail
2. A courier company such as UPS or DHL
3. A big removals company such as Pickfords

compared to hiring a man-with-van?

Any other solutions?

[didds]

Hire your own van and drive yourself?

Or even buy, then sell one?

[bungeejumper]

First choice, ask around for quotes from small contractors. There's always somebody in need of some folding money.

Second choice, be the man and hire the cheap van. (Or bribe a friend with the promise of beer if you don't have a licence.) I've done it several times. It's actually a fun day out.

Can be had from around £50-£60 a day, fully insured, plus diesel. But it won't say Hertz on the van; these will be five year old vehicles, a bit tired but hardly rent-a-wrecks. Plenty of choice.

BJ

[Gerry557]

At what cost point does buying a new table become an option or is this a family heirloom.

The methods you mention are likely to lead to damage. Cheapest is being able to borrow a van/estate.

You could ask if anyone is travelling in the direction. Builder/plumber that might detour slightly. Also chat to removals to see if there is an option to do something on the side.

[bungeejumper]

I haven't used Shiply, but it's a piggybacking system and Trustpilot gives it 4.8 stars. There are some quotes for typical items at https://www.shiply.com, which seem to run out at between £60 and £100 for large items. Worth looking at as a baseline, perhaps?

BJ

[skyshield]

For moving large items like a dinner table over 250 miles, Royal Mail or couriers like UPS and DHL might not be your best bet since they usually handle smaller parcels. A big removals company offers comprehensive services but could be overkill for just a couple of items, possibly making it a pricier option.

I read on https://threemovers.com/how-much-money-do-i-need-to-move-to-usa/ that hiring a man-with-a-van tends to be more economical and flexible for this kind of job. They can usually accommodate larger items and offer a more personalized service, likely giving you better value for money.

[Bminusrob]

I used Shiply about 4 years ago to take an uptight piano from out old house to my son's house about 60 miles away. They were very reasonably priced (£110) to move £2000 worth of piano. Two large eastern Europeans turned up with a van and very carefully moved the piano into their van, and apparently were equally careful at the other end.

[Lootman]

Two large eastern Europeans turned up with a van and very carefully moved the piano into their van, and apparently were equally careful at the other end.

Male or female?

[Mike4]

I haven't used Shiply, but it's a piggybacking system and Trustpilot gives it 4.8 stars. There are some quotes for typical items at https://www.shiply.com, which seem to run out at between £60 and £100 for large items. Worth looking at as a baseline, perhaps?

BJ

I bought a "Metamorphic library chair" (yes, really!) the other day on ebay from south London. It was sold as "collection only" and I used Shiply to get it and drop it off at my hovel in Wiltshire.

It all went swimmingly although the process itself doesn't inspire endless confidence. Shiply are 'only' a marriage service, putting you in touch with a number of transport firms for a commission whilst making in clear they take no responsibility for what happens.

[DrFfybes]

Two large eastern Europeans turned up with a van and very carefully moved the piano into their van, and apparently were equally careful at the other end.

Male or female?

Female, obviously.

All vans are female.

[bungeejumper]

I used Shiply about 4 years ago to take an uptight piano from out old house to my son's house about 60 miles away.

Our piano was better described as easy-going, rather than uptight, but hey, we just wheeled it outside to the van and let the good times roll. Okay, maybe it did rock a little bit as well.

BJ

[bungeejumper]

....Meanwhile, my uptight piano was personally collected by Stevie Wonder. As they closed the doors of the van and drove away, I could hear him inside, playin' outta sight.

BJ

[servodude]

....Meanwhile, my uptight piano was personally collected by Stevie Wonder. As they closed the doors of the van and drove away, I could hear him inside, playin' outta sight.

BJ

did the van have signage on the side explaining about why you should not walk under ladders or put new shoes on a table?

[Dicky99]

I used Shiply about 4 years ago to take an uptight piano from out old house to my son's house about 60 miles away. They were very reasonably priced (£110) to move £2000 worth of piano. Two large eastern Europeans turned up with a van and very carefully moved the piano into their van, and apparently were equally careful at the other end.

2 people's wages plus 120 miles worth of fuel for £110. I bet there wasn't much left for the taxman

[chas49]

Moderator Message:
This thread from last year has been resurrected for no good reason and the discussion is off-topic on this board. Unless you have an on-topic post to make, please consider this locked (chas49)