Just Imagine An Easier Move: Ferry ? Barge? Plane? A Combination?
Well in truth, no move is easy: it's rarely fun and it’s almost always, stressful.
Decisions about what to do with Grandmamas old rocking chair….take it? leave it ?
What’s the right answer ?
It’s been in the family for 2 generations, but actually looks like its been well used by five generations.
New home, new city, new job, new friends - so much much to consider and time is running short… what to do?
Well, while we can’t decide what it might that you should take, or leave or to store, we can sympathize.
And importantly, we can help with any transportations needs if they involve sea travel.
Ferries from Bellingham travel each week up the Inside Passage stopping at the Islands of Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau, Haines and Skagway.
The Alaska ferries operate year-round and take both foot passengers and vehicles measuring up to seventy (70’) long and 12-1/2 feet high.
The ferry doors are 13’ high but the ships take into consideration the tides, so always call 1-800-686-0446 if unsure your vehicle will fit.
If you don’t like sea travel, no problem because you can also transport you vehicle/s by barge.
Barges typically carry cars, trucks, trailers, RVs and even boats, between Alaska & the Lower 48.
The barges from Seattle stop to pick up and drop off vehicles in every port along the Inside Passage - Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau, Haines, & Skagway. And they make this journey 2x a week, every week, year-round.
In addition to serving the islands along the Inside Passage, barges from Seattle to Anchorage and Fairbanks also travel every week, year-round.
The beauty of barging is that barges are typically on schedule, and their sailing dates are rarely cancelled.
This is reassuring if relocating during the winter months !
And the bonus is that as long as there is a 360° view from the drivers seat, & the vehicle being transported has no more that 1/4 tank of gas, they can be loaded with all your treasures. Yep - even Grandmamas old rocking chair !
A big question is always about weapons. As long as the chambers are empty & the guns are locked, they can be transported in your vehicle travelling to Alaska on a barge.
So let's talk a little more about barges.
They make any winter move to or from Alaska easier because they remove both the stress of a long, sometimes difficult drive and, they eliminate the often considerable wear & tear on any vehicle driving the AlCan in nasty weather.
In choosing to barge a vehicle to Alaska and to fly instead of driving, any worries about needing to have a current passport for getting through Canadian customs are removed.
Any worries about having had a skirmish with the law in ones' youth, or having a DUI charge left over from University, is eliminated.
If barging to Alaska you just need to hop on a plane, get settled in your new home, & wait for the call saying the barge with your vehicle has arrived. Easy Peasy.
So whether PCSing, moving to a new job, retiring, or simply unable or unwilling to pass through Canada, barging might not make the move exactly easy, but it will certainly make it considerably easier.