Regarding shipping your stuff, look at different shipping options than UHaul (they are the most expensive). There are a few companies that will drop off a box in your driveway that you fill, and they ship to the new location, or they can hold it in their warehouse until you need it (U Ship It, I think, and ABF does shipping, you "rent" part of a truck and then they fill it with other crap, 8-00 Pack Rat is another similar company). I used both for moves and saved money. Buy cardboard boxes at home depot / lowes. Get the insurance for sure.