Hey DJTT! Ok so I am moving in like 2 weeks from Atlanta up too the windy city of Chicago. I already have my apt, new job, and living situation straight. Im even booked for a couple gigs already out there!(actually supposed to be headlining one) So here’s my issue, I have too get my gear up too Chicago!
So basically, does anyone have any experience shipping DJ gear? Anybody ever done something like this before? Know any company that will do this for very or somewhat cheapish? Personal experience would def be appreciated. The only thing that I’m really concerned about are my turntables and the turntable case. Everything else I could ship in a box, but the dimensions and the weight for the case, im just not sure about.
So if you guys could help me out, it would be much appreciated! I’ll leave a description of my gear below.
2 Stanton TT’s with the TT case (biggest item)
1 Audio 10 interface
2 5’ KRK Rokit Speakers
1 Traktor Kontrol S2
1 Native Instruments Maschine
XLR cords, RCA, ect ect
Try FedEx, Sometimes they’re better on heavy awkward kind of stuff. It’s still going to be expensive though. You could also try a freight company, I would almost guarantee they would be cheaper, but they may not deliver to your new apartment.
Pretty much the majority of my stuff (5’ Rokits, Audio 10, and cords) could all fit into a box loaded with padding and foam to be safe. That box I would ship too my apartment. The remainder of the equipment I could carry onto the plane in my backpack. S2 and Maschine, along with both of my laptops can fit in my Namba bag.
The only thing I would need to figure out is how to ship my TT’s inside the coffin.
I’m going to try and see what FedEx says after the holidays! Any other suggestions would be appreciated. I kinda don’t need too spend over $100 for some shipping. I would hate too have to do that.
Welcome to chicago. How are you getting to Chicago yourself? Flying? It could be an option to fill a bunch of stuff in a car and drive. Or something. Its only supposedly an 11 hour drive. Not too bad really. Get a Uhaul put a bunch of crap in it and drive. You can save on a plan ticket and shipping stuff, and probably bring more stuff. Thats what I did.
I think what other people meant was: How are you getting everything else you own (not just dj stuff) up there? I doubt that you would leave everything besides dj stuff behind…
How are you getting beds, chairs, cutlery, tables, bowls, plates, clothes, toothpaste etc up there?
All my stuff is already up there. Its a LONG story haha. I used to live up there until July, when i moved back too ATL. One of my friends did me a really good favor and put all of my stuff into storage for me. So now when i get back into town, all I have to do is unpack all my stuff from storage up too my apartment. All I have too ship back is my gear and my clothes.
I’ve had good luck with Delta and Southwest cargo. You dropoff and pickup at the airport. I used to ship 50 pound boxes of flyers with them, and they made it in one piece, so a flight case should be fine.
How much did that cost you? And no, im not bringing my car, im leaving it down here. Chicago insurance and gas is way too freakin expensive. I’d be spending a guaranteed 2 grand just for 6 months. Plus i live like less than 2 miles away from my school, so its not really needed. And also, all the salt that they put on the roads too melt the ice can really screw up a car and damage its resale value. It gets all up under the engine and by the tires and just rusts everything.
FedEx offers a hold service where you can ship to the closest Fedex store in Chicago and pick up from there. They do this to for ground service as well.
Post office is gonna be pricey but you can also check UPS ground too.
but yeah those flight cases can be a KILLER on shipping!!!
Look into Amtrak or Greyhound, they will ship cargo station-to-station for dirt cheap. Certainly not as easy as door-to-door but you should be able to save quite a bit.
How are you moving things like your furniture/clothing/misc. other shit.