Things to Consider When Renting a Truck
If you opt for a do-it-yourself move, you will probably need to rent a moving truck, van or trailer and then handle your own packing. Although you will be doing a lot more of the work, you will save a lot of money in the end.
Your first consideration when researching moving equipment is to figure out how many items you are going to move. By creating an inventory of the largest items (such as furniture and appliances) and estimating the number of boxes according to size (small, medium, and large), your truck rental provider can help you determine the truck size and other equipment that best suits your move. Try to dispose of unwanted things and move only the items that you really want in your new home.
What size truck?
The major truck rental companies like Budget Truck and Penske provide guides that help you determine which trucks will best meet your move. While nobody wants to pay for space that they're not going to use, you're better off choosing a larger truck. Extra cargo room is obviously better than lack of space. Making an extra trip for a local move is a hassle and can be more expensive. For a long distance move, it will be disastrous if everything doesn't fit in the truck.
Here are some general guidelines for converting truck size to cubic feet:
- 10-foot truck: 1 bedroom small apartment, approximately 350 cubic feet
- 15-foot truck: 2 bedroom house or apartment, approximately 750 cubic feet
- 20-foot truck: 3-4 bedroom house, approximately 1,250 cubic feet
- 25-foot truck: large 5-8 bedroom house, approximately 1,550 cubic feet
When to rent a truck
The majority of truck rental companies get very busy during the summer months. Whenever possible, try to book your rental truck as soon as you have a date for your move. The peak truck rental season begins towards the end of May and will run through the middle of September. Prices will be higher during the peak season, when there is a higher demand for rentals. Because the majority of people move at the beginning of the month (often corresponding to new leases), this is the most popular time for people to rent trucks. The end of each month is also busier than the middle of the month. If you're flexible with timing, you may be able to save some money on your truck rental. You will also find that the local self-storage facilities will be less busy during the middle of the month.
Local or one-way rental?
If you're moving within the same city, nearly all truck rental agencies will be able to accommodate your needs. However, if you're moving to another city or state, or even across the country, you will likely be taking a one way trip. Large truck rental agencies such as Budget Truck and Penske have locations around the country that can accommodate one-way moves.
Other packing supplies
Most national truck rental agencies can provide you with pads and dollies. Pads are relatively inexpensive and are used to protect furniture, appliances and any other items that can be damaged during a move. A dolly is essential for moving heavier items and can usually be rented for $7-$15 per day. We recommend that you purchase your moving boxes and packing supplies separately, because they tend to be more expensive to buy from truck rental agencies.
Should you purchase extra insurance?
Rental agencies will offer you additional truck rental insurance that can cost $20-$35 per day. Before accepting, check with your personal credit card company to find out if they have coverage that will protect you when renting a truck. Sometimes credit card companies exclude their insurance coverage on moving vans and trucks. If you choose your credit card insurance or select the rental truck insurance ask the following questions:
- What is the deductible on the coverage?
- Are you protected in case of collision if you're not at fault?
- Are you covered in other cities or states of your planned route?
- What happens if your items are stolen from the truck?
- In case of accident, are your items covered inside the truck?
As with all aspects of moving, plan your truck rental well ahead of moving day and ask lots of questions to make sure you have the right equipment at a cost that is reasonable to you.
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