How do people move these days?
As you know, I'm moving to Texas in less than a month. And I need your help, guys.
Though I move every 4 months, I've always transported myself via automobile. Even both times I moved to New York, I just packed up the car and drove. (Well, I got my mom to drive. Same thing. Thanks mom)
But I'm flying to Texas, and all I've got is one carry on and two bags each under 50lbs. And you know, I really think I could pack up pretty much everything I need for fourth months in under 100lbs with a few exceptions.
1. My bike. I'd like to take it with me even though I'm told Texan drivers will honk at you even if you are clearly on the shoulder. How do people transport bikes these days? I'd be willing to pay extra baggage fees to fly it with me (Well, my company is willing to pay. Same thing. Thanks company) but I don't think you can do that. Plus, it's a pretty nice bike and I'd be way nervous about it unless I had it all taken apart and packed up in bubble wrap.
Is that the answer? Take it apart and pack it up in bubble wrap? Then in a cardboard box? Then ship it? Will that be expensive? Probably, especially because I'd be mailing from Canada, so international fees would apply. What are my other options? Should I just not bring it, and find a super cheap one on craigslist that I wouldn't have to worry about for 4 months?
2. My computer. Yes, I have a desk top. A big CPU and thin screen... how does one ship/pack those? And I'd be SUPER nervous because imagine if something happened to it? All that data! All the memories! Where's my external hard drive, I'm going to back her up just thinking about losing the data!
Also to think about: I got it in Sept, 2005 so at almost 3 years old she's starting to have some trouble. Getting noticeably but tolerably slower. These days I'm really only using Firefox, Microsoft Office, and iTunes anyway. So I'm thinking... TIME TO BUY A LAPTOP? Especially because all sorts of back to school sales are on right now. But I don't even know what to start thinking about... What brand? How high end? What size? Do I want a Mac even though I say I hate them because they've become to hipster standard issue? Just because something is hipster standard issue is that reason enough to hate them? I CAN'T DECIDE.
Internet, make my decisions for me. Should I bring my bike and my computer? If so, how?
26 comments:
bah, curse of the ginormous desktop. i hear you. but you HAVE to bring the computer! The bike...probably not toooo necessary. You can find other things to do in Texas, no? Didn't you join a local running group or something in NYC?
I'm almost positive you can bring your bike on the plane. I've seen people do it all the time. You might have to pay something extra, but it will be cheaper than getting a new bike in Texas (also if the company pays for it..woohoo!) Look on the airline's website about sporting equipment, or give them a call.
I'm a Mac user and I love love love it. I used to be all anti-mac until I got one and now I recommend it to everyone. If you're a gamer, its not the computer for you. But if you're a picture taker, music lover..etc then it's the perfect thing. I do all sorts of fun things with my pictures. There's a back to school deal on with apple.ca right now..if you buy one you get your standard education deal of $100 off but they'll give you a free iPod (8g nano or iPod touch..which ever you choose) with your purchase.
Ok. so now that I'm an Apple ad. You could also ship your computer. I'd probably ship it greyhound cause its cheaper.
/end longest post ever.
i'm with britt - go to the airline's website and find their policy on bikes, because people bring them with pretty frequently.
as for the computer: yup, definitely get a laptop. definitely. i have no CLUE how to transport a cpu, if not in a car, and omg the risk of it breaking/going lost/dying? it's giving me heart palpitations just thinking about it. go with a laptop!
I've been working with the nicest newest mac for the past three months and I quite like it.
But I'm not like the typical, hysterical PC-turned-mac user. It's not THAT much nicer than a cheaper PC, especially if you're only using internet/itunes.
I'd recommend picking up a cheap, few-years-old laptop if you need something lightweight and workable for just four months. If money is burning a hole in your bank account, go for something shiny and new - a mac - sure.
And if your company will pay for your bike to be shipped to your new place, go for it!
Buy a bike on CL and a Dell laptop. Put everything from your current computer on an external hard drive and then it will be easy to transfer it all over.
With the desktop I would just try to sell it on ebay for the parts and use whatever money you get and get a new laptop. :)
Other stuff I would try to ups to yourself, might cost some money but it'd be easy and convenient.
And I second Britt on checking the airline to see what their policy about bikes are. It prob can be considered oversize luggage.
Good luck!!
I'm not even going to lie. The mere thought of moving by plane gives me hives :)
i would say go with a laptop, it'll make your traveling life so much easier. and as for your bike, you could have it shipped? or maybe they have a way you can rent a bike in texas to use for a while? just an idea. god luck with the move!
I agree, buy a Dell laptop. I use one for work and it's been flawless, so I just ordered one for myself (Studio 17 in green!) and it's due to be delivered next week.
Personally, I would buy a bike. You can sell it again after 4 months!
And buy a Mac. I hope my laptop breaks so that I can convert from PC. I have a Dell, and its terrible. I've had so many problems with them. Also, their customer service is the worst.
I live in (Dallas) Texas and will say, yes the drivers will run you off the road with their ginormous SUV's so I only ride my bike int he neighborhood or trails. Buy a bike once you are here, there are so many who sell them after realizing that riding in the Texas summer heat can be a death wish. The computer? I say get a Macbook. I know what you say about the hipsters, but it's small, lightweight, efficient and intuitive. Ok, my two cents worth, good luck with the move.
You can bring your bike on the plane. You can rent (or buy) a case that it goes in, and airlines know how to ship them. Ask Lin - didn't she have to fly her bike to Vancouver for the tri recently?
Get a laptop and transfer your data before you leave! You can even get a cheap-o one just to last you while you are in Texas.
Libby- The bike wouldn't be to keep in shape- it's my preferred method of transportation these days. That said, I'll have a car for the first time ever. But biking places is still really fun!
Britt- And I'd get an ipod! I've never bought an ipod because I knew eventually I'd get a free one.
Purpun- Money is ALWAYS burning a hole in my bank account!
Jess- Dell? Mac? Dell? Mac? AHHH.
Lspoon- ME TOO! YIKES
Gillian- cases are a few hundred dollars, and if I rent one, I'd have to rent for 4 months!
PP- I hate buying cheapo stuff, is the problem. Like a $300 laptop that'll last me a year and will be frustrating? Or a $1000 laptop that'll be good for a few years? I can't not make investments.
Take the bike apart and pack it in bubble wrap, especially if your company is willing to pay the extra for you to bring it on the plane with you (or leave it whole and wrap it in bubble wrap?) and buy a laptop. Not a cheapo one, but not something super-expensive either... like a $700-800 one.
1) Buy a cheap bike. You can always sell it before you leave. Or visit one of the 8 Walmarts within a 20 mile radius and get a something cheap, but decent. You are going to be in Texas in the fall when the weather is between 75-100 degrees Fahrenheit and humid. And, the cities in Texas are not very bike-rider friendly.
2) A laptop would make a great investment. With direction Microsoft is going, I'd say buy a Mac.
3) While in Texas, you can visit me while I am in school. We have 6 labs devoted to Mechanical Engineering and many more labs that engineering students have access to.
If there is a moving company already going to Texas sometime soon, they would probably bring your stuff when they do for a small fee. That is assuming it is only a few items and they could squeeze it in with a larger load.
I'd say by the laptop and get everything that you need, including all your memories, etc. on the new laptop. Or you could have your computer shipped to wherever you'll be. And I would probably find a way to bring the bike on the plane too...Not sure how, but call the airline.
These are all really good questions. I've never thought about how hard it would be to move so far away.
Do not bring that stuff. Too big of a pain. It would cost as much to buy a new bike and computer as it would transporting your old stuff. With that being said, lots of places to get cheap stuff down here. You'll be fine.
Mike
dncworldwide.com
Unfortunately, San Antonio doesn't have very many bike lanes or other bike friendly areas. Also, it's going to be freaking hot until the end of October and I'd be worried of dying from heat stroke especially if you are not used to the Texas heat. My vote, don't bring the bike, and buy a cute and inexpensive (under $600) Dell laptop (Inspiron 1525). Desktops are much more fragile and could easily break during transport. Let me know if you have any San Antonio specific questions!
Do you have your own car? If so you can have your car shipped to Texas and put the bike and computer in the car. My friend just moved from California to New York and it was actually cheeper to ship then drive. Also you can take your bike on the plane, they have special boxes for them. And don't be afraid of a new laptop, especially a MAC, mine was the best investment ever. I think they're having a special where you can get a printer and coupon for discount on an iPod too. Good Luck!
I would say buy a laptop (if you can) and have the stuff you need from your desktop transferred over.
MAC MAC MAC
Mac is quality. Always look for quality. Macs are worth the extra money for their superior anti-virus stuff and their support and speed. Other laptops will be cheaper, but as you said, last for a couple years tops. Macs will never die. Remember to get applecare. If ANYTHING happens to your laptop, they will fix it. Plus you can hook your laptop up to your display for sweet double screen action.
you might want to bring the computer even if you buy a new one- for a short while, you may need to get back into the old computer to find a file, etc. I'm sure there are good ways to transport those things. Pony Express, perhaps?
I am not reading through all of the other 25 comments you got, so this may be a repeat, BUT...
My dad shipped my bike to me in college. They make special bike boxes (or you could perhaps get a discarded one a bike shop) that fit the frame with the front wheel popped off. They are, like, perfectly made to fit a bike.
I'd totally go to the bike shop for help... they should be able to pack it for shipping (or as an oversized carryon on the plane) in the same packaging that the bike arrives in from the manufacturer.
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