Downsizing & Tools

[slepe67]

Hey everyone. Havent posted in a LONG time. Could use some advice.

I live in Montana and am moving to Florida soon. I have downsized a LOT of things I won't need, but am struggling when it comes to my garage & tools.

My project vehicles, trailers & dirbikes are gone. I have a '32 5 window & '42 Model U Harley that will be going with me.

While I dont have a MASSIVE tool collection, I do have a lot of tools that took me 20+ years to acquire.

My questions are:
1. At what point is it more cost wffective to sell and buy again?

2. Is it going to be worth renting a 25 ft U-Haul for $2500+/- to move? Granted, the bike and car will justify the expense alone.

Things like Flamm Locker, blasting cabinet, 60 gal air compressor, 20 yr old air tools etc.

I have a 60" US General Tool Cabinet, a 3-box vertical Craftsman cabinet, and a bench made from two Husky 26" rolling cabinets. They are all full of tools.

Most of my tools are old Craftsman or Harbor Freight equivalent, none of it is high end.

Hope this made sense. Having a hard time putting thoughts into words.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Skyman]

If you have the cargo capacity, and space to put everything when you arrive, I'd probably move all of it. If either of those are not the case, I'd keep the tools and punt the massive items (compressor, benches, and possibly cabinets). Those can be replaced after you're settled in at the new place.

 

[Bucko]

If you have had the tools for many years you likely paid alot less than what they sell for now when you buy new and people don't want to pay squat for used tools. Also the likelihood you will end up just doing without rather than buy new tools I would find a way to take anything you might need. Heck, I would ditch the bulky furniture like couches and buy them new before giving up my tools and the wife gets to buy a new couch.

 

[rust in the eye]

How much do you actually use? If like many guys I know your air tools are collecting dust which makes moving that 60gl compressor a fool's errand.
Depending on space available( you mention "downsizing") at the new digs and moving costs the rest is up to you. Sounds like nothing particularly valuable or hard to replace so I'd be getting rid of the unused hand tools and boxes. Selling off a bunch of stuff you don't use could finance buying something that you will use(or want badly) at the new place.
Take what won't cost you additional to move. Spending $2500 to move a thousand dollars worth of tools? Ehh

 

[Davefr]

Make a spreadsheet of all your items. In column 1 give it a grade of 1 thru 3 in how much you like/value/use it. 3 = really like it, 1 = expendable. Now in column 2 give it another grade for size/weight. 3 = small/compact, 1 = heavy, bulky, hard to move. Add both columns and the 6's are candidates for "keepers" and the 2's are "leave behinds". Prioritize the highest scores until your trailer is full. Now decide if the leave behind list is worth a second load/trip or dispose locally.

 

[slepe67]

Great advice, thanks!

The wife has already moved due to her new job. About 90% of our furniture is already gone, the remainder will be sold.

With today's electric tools (impact guns, etc), I have noticed that my air tools have essentially become paper weights.
I could make due with a much small compressor.

Getting rid of the 60 gal compressor is going to sting a bit. It was one of those things I always wanted. I bought it and rarely use it. Same goes for the blasting cabinet. Lesson learned.

As far as "tools" go....
In 2003, my garage was broken into. They made off with my 5-drawer tool box, full of dirt bike tools, and my brand new dirt bike. For years, I'd go to my new toolbox to grab a tool that was previously stolen.

Even though they arent high quality, I think holding on to them is the smartest option for now.

I'll definately open each drawer and ask myself "am I ever going to need this hub socket for a truck I dont own anymore?" LOL

I have a milk crate of about 15 Chinese c-clamps I bought in 2010, most of which are in new condition.

I think a good, hard look at my collection will reveal things I likely wont ever use again, as well as the old "why the heck do I even own this"?

Anywho, enough rambling. Thanks again for the advice. Just needed a sounding board, I guess!

 

[slepe67]

Make a spreadsheet of all your items. In column 1 give it a grade of 1 thru 3 in how much you like/value/use it. 3 = really like it, 1 = expendable. Now in column 2 give it another grade for size/weight. 3 = small/compact, 1 = heavy, bulky, hard to move. Add both columns and the 6's are candidates for "keepers" and the 2's are "leave behinds". Prioritize the highest scores until your trailer is full. Now decide if the leave behind list is worth a second load/trip or dispose locally.

Brilliant!

 

[seber]

When I retired and moved from Colorado to Texas I sold all the stationary power tools. Huge mistake. I've been trying to replace them for ten years. Some things just aren't available in East Texas. Some are very expensive. If you think you will need it, move it. Reaquiring is a major pain in the ***. Even getting a new bench vise was a miserable journey. I still haven't been able to find a six inch post vise.

 

[Citation]

How much does it cost to put stuff on a pallet and ship it as freight?

 

[oldmachinenut]

Garcky posted a while back about buying a used box truck in usable shape to move. That seems like a good solution and you can use it as temporary storage while you get situated. That would be a plus rather than a mover dumping it all at once.

 

[JimH74]

Also something to think about if you rent a truck.....compare the load capacities of different rental trucks such as Penske, U-Haul, Budget etc. Some are easier to load, or some have lift gates. When I moved my tools, I'm pretty sure I was overloaded on a U-Haul. I thought the ramp, and lower bed height, would make my tools easier to load. I would have been better to rent a Penske with lift for not much more. The Penske had a lot higher load capacity.

 

[Tynee]

I agree with everything above, except I would add that you don't want to let anything go that has sentimental value, just because you're feeling pressured to do so by the impending move. I find it's best to wait until you aren't in a stressful situation like your wife living across the country and trying to get ready for a relocation by yourself to make emotionally weighted decisions.

 

[seber]

You might want to research Pods.

 

[AreBeeBee]

Humidity (= rust) will be a problem in Florida to a much greater degree than in Montana. Make a plan to deal with this.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Buy a good 20' shipping container, load and ship, sell or keep when you get there. I think it's the cheapest way to move heavy stuff and if you have the room set up the container.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

My friend recently bought a 53' semitrailer and got it delivered from Cali to Idaho for a little over 2k. Doubt it depreciated the trailer any.

 

[Tools4Me]

I do semi-regular downsizing and fine-tuning of my tools, and these are the techniques I use to decide what to keep and what to get rid of. Firstly, tools that are easy and/or cheap to replace (if needed again in the future) are easier to get rid of. If you have too many 1/2" drive impact socket sets, or too many hammers for instance, getting rid of a few is not a big deal because a replacement can be purchased quite cheaply almost anywhere if you later regret it. If a tool is more rare or took a while to find, I am less likely to get rid of it even if I don't use it much. The more a tool is worth monetarily, the more likely I am to get rid of it as well. If a tool takes multiple people to move, it is also more likely to be sold off. I like being able to move almost everything I own all by myself if necessary.

When it comes to transporting tools, think in terms of tool density and overall volume. Think of how many hand tools you can store in the same volume of space a 60 gallon compressor takes up. It would take a lot longer to replace all those individual hand tools than it would take to replace the 60 gallon compressor, so the compressor would be the first on the chopping block if it were me. It sounds like you don't really use it much anyways. A large compressor is also usually a multi-person job to transport. Hand tools can be put in small boxes and transported all by yourself in the trunk of your car or in the back of a smaller sized rental van. You might find that your best option is a smaller moving van that saves you money by getting better gas mileage for the long trip.

In regards to smaller tools, there isn't much benefit to going through them all and getting rid of a socket here and a wrench there, because that won't reduce your overall tool volume much. It's only really helpful if overall weight is something you need to reduce. If volume is your main issue, one decision to get rid of a larger item will gain you more than all your hand tool and socket sorting.

For bulkier things like your blasting cabinet, you will have to decide if it is worth it to transport on your own, but there might be a middle ground option as well. Many people modify their blasting cabinets quite a bit to make them work better. If you have made time consuming mods, you could take those mods off and take them with you and just sell off the stock blasting cabinet shell. That way, when you buy another cabinet in Florida, you will have most of the important mods already built and ready to install again, which would save you a lot of time when it comes to making your new blasting cabinet work well. You could do the same thing with your air compressor. If you built water removal, air filtration, and pressure regulating manifolds in your shop, remove and keep just those manifold setups, but sell off the actual compressor. Buy a smaller compressor in Florida and you will already have the time consuming part of setting up your new air system done for you. Simply buy some pipe and connect it all back together.

Tools themselves are also more important than tool storage. If you need to reduce overall volume further and you have a couple tool chests, take the tools out of the tool chest you like the least and put them into the drawers of the other tool chests until each drawer is almost completely full to the top. Then sell off one of the tool chests and buy another one used when you get to Florida if you still need it.

Lastly, if you have a bit of time before the move, try this technique. Pick out all the things you don't think you will need again and set them to the side of your shop. Let them sit there for a week or more before actually getting rid of them. That gives you some time to let your mind realize you might still have a use for a couple of the items and you can take them back before they're gone for good. If you don't end up missing anything, it also makes it easier to let that stuff go.

Good luck.

 

[slepe67]

When I retired and moved from Colorado to Texas I sold all the stationary power tools. Huge mistake. I've been trying to replace them for ten years. Some things just aren't available in East Texas. Some are very expensive. If you think you will need it, move it. Reaquiring is a major pain in the ***. Even getting a new bench vise was a miserable journey. I still haven't been able to find a six inch post vise.

that's been my biggest concern

How much does it cost to put stuff on a pallet and ship it as freight?

I know the U-Haul Pods my wife looked at were $2500 each. Could barely fit a couch and not much else. not many other options in my area for pods.

Garcky posted a while back about buying a used box truck in usable shape to move. That seems like a good solution and you can use it as temporary storage while you get situated. That would be a plus rather than a mover dumping it all at once.

Not a bad idea!

Also something to think about if you rent a truck.....compare the load capacities of different rental trucks such as Penske, U-Haul, Budget etc. Some are easier to load, or some have lift gates. When I moved my tools, I'm pretty sure I was overloaded on a U-Haul. I thought the ramp, and lower bed height, would make my tools easier to load. I would have been better to rent a Penske with lift for not much more. The Penske had a lot higher load capacity.

I dont think I woukd overload one. I havr a lot, but not that much. LOL

I agree with everything above, except I would add that you don't want to let anything go that has sentimental value, just because you're feeling pressured to do so by the impending move. I find it's best to wait until you aren't in a stressful situation like your wife living across the country and trying to get ready for a relocation by yourself to make emotionally weighted decisions.

Im trying to keep emotion out of it. I plan on getting rid of the "why do I even own these" tools and go from there.

I have a lot of work to do. LOL

You might want to research Pods.

I did a few weeks ago. I replied to a similar comment above. Definately not out of the question, but theyre a bit small for my needs.

Humidity (= rust) will be a problem in Florida to a much greater degree than in Montana. Make a plan to deal with this.

I lived in FL for 10 yrs (2003-2014). Planning on (and kinda dreading) that ready.

Buy a good 20' shipping container, load and ship, sell or keep when you get there. I think it's the cheapest way to move heavy stuff and if you have the room set up the container.

Theyre about $2500 each here. Then, I'd need to ship it...

My friend recently bought a 53' semitrailer and got it delivered from Cali to Idaho for a little over 2k. Doubt it depreciated the trailer any.

That would solve a LOT of problems. My cousin is a long haul driver, too. (I have trust issues! LOL)

 

[CGarage]

Get rid of the tool boxes locally….they are hard to move without damaging them. Get plastic containers from Walmart and unload the tool drawers into the plastic containers to maximize storage space in the Uhaul. Also check with Penske to see what they would charge you for a rental truck. Often times a better deal.

 

[Citation]

I wasn't suggesting pods. I was suggesting a pallet. Maybe build your own crate on the pallet.

 

[gmcgeo]

Hey everyone. Havent posted in a LONG time. Could use some advice.

I live in Montana and am moving to Florida soon. I have downsized a LOT of things I won't need, but am struggling when it comes to my garage & tools.

My project vehicles, trailers & dirbikes are gone. I have a '32 5 window & '42 Model U Harley that will be going with me.

While I dont have a MASSIVE tool collection, I do have a lot of tools that took me 20+ years to acquire.

My questions are:
1. At what point is it more cost wffective to sell and buy again?

2. Is it going to be worth renting a 25 ft U-Haul for $2500+/- to move? Granted, the bike and car will justify the expense alone.

Things like Flamm Locker, blasting cabinet, 60 gal air compressor, 20 yr old air tools etc.

I have a 60" US General Tool Cabinet, a 3-box vertical Craftsman cabinet, and a bench made from two Husky 26" rolling cabinets. They are all full of tools.

Most of my tools are old Craftsman or Harbor Freight equivalent, none of it is high end.

Hope this made sense. Having a hard time putting thoughts into words.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I moved from AZ to PA. I was struggling to make the same decision.

To replace all my items would cost 10s of thousands. My wife and i talked about it.

We ended up deciding to sell the house hold items, "couch, tables, chairs, beds, dresser's washer and dryer, fridge " and buy new or used ones when we get to pa.

I am so happy i did, we ended up finding everything at a local Amish yard sale for the house for dirt cheap, and all real wood items.

And i filled my new garage with my tools i brought.

I rented a Uhaul just for the garage items and filled it to the max.

Then my wife drove the Duramax with the flatbed trailer i had for the rest of the stuff, including my jeep.

 

[RTM]

These PODS are much bigger than the UHaul ones I’ve seen.

Moving & Storage Company, Moving Containers | PODS

PODS is much more than a traditional moving company. We offer portable moving and storage containers for local and long-distance moves and storage needs.

www.pods.com

 

[gmcgeo]

PODS only provides online quotes for local relocations. You have call the company to receive your free quote for long distance moves. However, we received an approximate estimate of $2,850 to rent a 16-foot container for one month and have it transported from Charleston, South Carolina, to Dallas, Texas.


U-Haul’s online calculator, it would cost approximately $914 to rent a 26-foot truck for a move from Charleston, South Carolina, to Dallas, Texas. Renting a 6×12-foot trailer for the same move would cost about $238. Both rental estimates include five days of use and up to 1,305 miles. For reference, the distance from Charleston to Dallas is approximately 1,080 miles.

Using U-Haul’s online estimating tool, pricing for U-Box container rental for the Charleston-to-Dallas relocation would start at $1,674. That price is based on the rental of four containers—the number U-Haul recommends for the contents of a three-bedroom home.

 

[CGarage]

Try Penske, folks.

 

[Roert42]

I have a family member that moved his entire machine shop from eastern Pa to central Arkansas. He bought a 53’ trailer used, filled it with all his equipment, and paid someone to drive it down to his new shop.

 

[VolvoRyan]

If it fits, plop it in the UHaul and take it. Add a trailer to the rig. Selling tools will get you pennies on the dollar.

Truck rental tip: Mileage and gas are the big expenses with them. Daily costs are relatively small. Rent the truck for a few extra days on the front end, and pack that sucker tight. Perhaps get a bigger truck to take more things.

-Ryan

 

[JimH74]

I moved from AZ to PA. I was struggling to make the same decision.

To replace all my items would cost 10s of thousands. My wife and i talked about it.

We ended up deciding to sell the house hold items, "couch, tables, chairs, beds, dresser's washer and dryer, fridge " and buy new or used ones when we get to pa.

I am so happy i did, we ended up finding everything at a local Amish yard sale for the house for dirt cheap, and all real wood items.

And i filled my new garage with my tools i brought.

I rented a Uhaul just for the garage items and filled it to the max.

Then my wife drove the Duramax with the flatbed trailer i had for the rest of the stuff, including my jeep.

I really agree with this post and wish someone had given me this advice before our move from Illinois to Texas. I'm so glad I brought all my tools, absolutely no regrets. Looking back, I'm sure my wife would have preferred to update all the home furniture, bringing only items with sentimental value.

 

[slepe67]

I really agree with this post and wish someone had given me this advice before our move from Illinois to Texas. I'm so glad I brought all my tools, absolutely no regrets. Looking back, I'm sure my wife would have preferred to update all the home furniture, bringing only items with sentimental value.

Im leaning this way also.

I think I'll start out by drawing chalk-line on my garage floor of the inner dimensions of a moving van & lay out all my junk inside and see if I'll even be close.

I'll let you all know how things shake out this Summer.

Thanks again for everyone's input!