moving quote

[MerlinMc]

I split my time between WA and TX. The main base in recent years has been in WA, but we are in the process of switching the main base back to TX.

Moving company has given an itemized quote. I have a large sent of elk antlers and a large cape buffalo in a Euro skull mount. Movers have quoted almost $2,600 to crate these two items. This seems high to me.

Any others out there who have recently moved large trophies? If so, did you encounter similar challenges?

Thanks.

 

[epags]

Just some thoughts:
1. Moving rates jump in May (start of Summer)
2. They jump even higher if moving to Texas because of the possibility of having the truck empty going back. Everybody is moving to Texas. Daughter and spouse are moving there and have checked the prices.
3. Build your own crates. I have moved a curved glass cabinet four times across the US and found I did a safer/better crate than some of the movers.
4. Yes, $2,600 does sound high, however the price of lumber has more than doubled.
Have a safe and successful move.

 

[archangel485]

Dang! What did it cost you to get them mounted in the first place? Sounds extremely high to me but my mover experience is very limited (I had movers help me one time, it was 300 miles and they didn't touch my mounts).

 

[MerlinMc]

I had the cape buffalo Euro (skull) mounted in RSA. It cost me less to have it crated and shipped from RSA to WA back in 2018.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

Does it have to be crated due to weight?

Could you maybe use heavy duty boxes, wrap them in bubble wrap, and fill with foam peanuts. Would keep them from shifting.

 

[The Oregonian]

Let the movers take other stuff and see if you can get them there yourself. If you have a pickup you could buy a camper top with the money you save. I paid something like half of your quote when I moved a couple of years ago, and I think it was for 3 mounts.

I vowed not to pay that much to transport them again, especially when you see how quickly and easily they build the crates.

 

[MerlinMc]

Let the movers take other stuff and see if you can get them there yourself. If you have a pickup you could buy a camper top with the money you save. I paid something like half of your quote when I moved a couple of years ago, and I think it was for 3 mounts.

I vowed not to pay that much to transport them again, especially when you see how quickly and easily they build the crates.

I have a pick up but no camper top.

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

I have a pick up but no camper top.

good chance you could buy a used topper for less than 2K and rattle can to match... then you have the topper when you need it

 

[Recon$$]

Rent a uhual and do it yourself, that is robbery. I moved a ton of taxidermy a few years back. I know you said skull mounts but I took 4 x 8 pieces of plywood and screwed all my mounts into multiple sections then screwed the plywood into the support beams. Whole trailer was deer heads and Africa. Just stayed at reputable hotels where I didn't have to worry to much about the trailer.

 

[gearguywb]

When I moved (several times), I get an enclosed trailer. Mount the heads to a piece of plywood, then screw them to the wall of the trailer. They will ride well and no need for crating, etc.

 

[Tommytrees]

I may be moving this year and have antler mounts and full mount bear etc. Don't laugh but maybe if you Google building travel crate for taxidermy? Just thinking. Tommy

 

[hunter67wa]

As said if you have the time rent a uhaul and screw them to plywood. I have done this three times

 

[joseph singleton]

good chance you could buy a used topper for less than 2K and rattle can to match... then you have the topper when you need it

I'll paint it TO MATCH FOR 550.00 3 coats of clear for awesome 5-10 yr hold out....haven't see anyone wax them to enjoy added yrs of life to the job..

 

[HunterMann]

Your lucky, my friend moved from Delaware to Florida a couple of years ago.
All the moving companies they had quote refused to move any trophies, firearms, and ammo.
They ended renting a truck and doing it.
I highly recommend Enterprise for rentals. They have good equipment and pretty reasonable rates.