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Should You Rent a Moving Truck?

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If you are considering renting a moving truck for your relocation, you may want to consider if it is the optimal option for you. More affordable than full-service movers and more convenient than loading up your car, renting a moving truck can be an effective method of transporting your belongings.

Are you on a tight budget?

The most common reason customers consider renting a truck rather than hiring full service movers is cost. If you are on a tight moving budget, renting a truck for a do-it-yourself move can be a lower-cost alternative--especially if you are moving locally. Moving truck rentals will usually charge based on the size truck you require, the miles traveled, and how many days you'll need it.

Do you have a lot of items to move?

You may be considering borrowing your friend's pickup and hauling your belongings to your new home in several trips. However, if you are moving a large amount of boxes and furniture, this method can be extremely time-consuming. While it may seem more affordable than renting a truck, if you must make multiple trips hauling heavy loads, you will be burning a significant amount of fuel. These costs add up--and the extra time and energy spent may not be worth the minimal amount you'll save.

Are you moving long distance?

If you aren't moving locally, making several trips to transport your possessions in a smaller personal vehicle will take a lot of time and gas. Renting a moving truck will allow you to consolidate your shipment and deliver it to your new home in one trip. Additionally, hiring full-service movers for a long-distance relocation can be costly--renting a moving truck is an optimal choice to balance convenience with affordability.

Are you comfortable maneuvering large vehicles?

Driving a cumbersome moving truck is not an easy task. If you aren't used to driving larger vehicles such as vans or pickup trucks, you may not feel comfortable maneuvering a rental truck. Always drive with care, obey traffic laws, take turns slowly and refrain from accelerating or breaking too quickly. You may also consider asking a willing relative or close friend with more experience handling larger vehicles drive the truck for you.

Are you able to load your belongings yourself?

If you are considering renting a moving truck rather than full-service movers, you will have to load your own boxes and furniture into the back of the vehicle. If you do not know the proper methods of loading the truck, you could sustain serious injury or damage your belongings. If you don't have the brawn or the know-how to handle the task yourself, be sure to enlist the aid of a few strong friends on moving day. If you find yourself without any available man power, you could also opt to hire moving labor--more affordable than full-service movers, these professionals will help you load, but leave the driving up to you.

Do you have to move your vehicle?

If you are moving long distance and you have a personal vehicle that will have to come with you, it could create a problem. If you are driving the moving truck to your new home, you will be unable to drive your vehicle. While you could hire auto transport to deliver the vehicle for you, this may not be a feasible option if you are on a tight budget. If you are moving alone, you could ask a willing friend or relative to drive your vehicle for you while you drive the moving truck (or vice versa).

Get truck rental quotes today

Have you decided that renting a moving truck is the best choice for your move? Get truck rental quotes today! Simply fill out this fast and easy quote form with a few details about your relocation to receive a FREE, no-obligation quote from a truck rental provider near you!

Nicole La Capria  Posted by Nicole La Capria on October 30, 2013

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