Save Big- Rent A Truck And Move Yourself

Renting a truck and moving yourself can make sense for many people.  The amount and type of household goods, distance of the move and costs are all factors in that decision process.  Here are some guidelines for additional help.

Setting a Move Date
Once you have decided to move it is important to plan your move.  The amount of notice you will need to reserve a rental truck will vary depending on the time year and the time of the month you plan to move.  Rental trucks companies tend to rent more trucks on weekends rather than during the week.  The end of the month is always a busy time.  Not to mention that summer months tend to be more demanding than winter months.  Pricing can also be affected by the volume of trucks in need.   For example, it would be less expensive to move mid-month during the middle of the week in October.

What Truck Size Do You Need?
Most rental agencies provide a size-guide.  Remember, it's always better to error on the side of caution and rent a larger truck, then running the risk of not having enough space, especially if you are moving a long distance.  Even if you are moving a short distance, too small of a truck could result in making multiple trips.  Trying to switch truck sizes at the last minute will only cause delays. 

How Much Will It Cost?
The cost to rent a truck varies greatly.  There are many factors that affect the cost, such as:  distance being moved, time of year in which you are moving, size of truck, fuel expense, one way fees, insurance coverage, towing an additional auto and packing materials.  It is important to compare costs between rental truck companies.  Make sure each of the contracts provide the same services, so the fees can be properly compared.

Are You Moving Any Additional Vehicles?
Be sure to compare the cost between driving your auto and towing it behind the truck.  This will help you decide what is more cost efficient and convenient.  A tow lift or trailer is an additional cost beyond the rental truck. Or, you could decide to ship your car with a car carrier which would also be an additional expense.

What Type of Coverage Do You Have?
Make sure you are fully covered.  Most rental agencies will offer you additional coverage at a per day rate.    Most credit card companies offer additional coverage too.  In either case, make sure you are clear on what is covered.  What is the coverage for the rental truck or trailer? If you're towing your vehicle, does the coverage extend to any potential damage to your car? Will it protect you for collision? What is the deductible? Does the coverage extend to other states and countries? Does the coverage include property damage if your belongings are affected by an accident? What about theft?

What Packing Materials Do You Need?
Most rental agencies sell boxes, tape, packing papers and markers.   They can rent pads and dollies.  Dollies can essentially make your move easier.  Padding is useful to protect your furniture from scratches and dirt, as well as protecting your residence from damage resulting from lifting and moving the furniture.  It can help the walls and woodwork from being damaged.

How Do I Pack My Boxes?

• Keep the following supplies handy for packing: boxes, bubble wrap, newspaper, tissue, tape, scissors, marking pen and a tape measure.
• Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and valuables.
• Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes if possible. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from. 
• Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box. 
• Label each box and indicate the following: (a) Which room it should go in (b) Whether it is fragile (c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
• Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
• Pack books tightly on end in small boxes.
• Disassemble items such as tables.  Wrap and label all pieces for easy reassembling. Put all hardware in bags and mark the bags accordingly, then place all hardware into one box that is clearly marked.

How Should You Load the Truck?
The heaviest and largest items should be loaded first.  The lightest boxes should be top loaded on to the heavier boxes. The most fragile and odd shaped items should be loaded last.  It is best to disassemble any items before loading them on to the truck.  Be sure to fill in all open cavities so items do not shift.

When You Return the Rental Truck
Make sure the truck is clean, that all debris is removed and the fuel tank is full.   Be sure to return all dollies and pads you rented from the agency.