Finding the right truck rental for your upcoming move

Packing for a move is a daunting task, but it is important to also remember to make careful arrangements for moving truck rental with a reliable company. Choosing the right company can be a lifesaver, but a poor choice or last-minute searching can be a nightmare. Planning ahead and researching several companies is vital. By doing so the mover assures that their experience will be a positive one.

The first step is to make a list of companies that are locally available. Do this a month or two before the move so that choices can be made and arrangements finalized well before moving day arrives. Planning ahead also ensures that the desired truck will be available when needed, and that the mover can rent at a price that works for them. Planning at the last minute reduces options and may result in a higher price or inconvenient timing.

It is very important, if moving a long distance, to inquire whether the vehicle can be returned at one’s destination. Otherwise the mover may be required to do much more driving than initially anticipated! Record the return policy for each company in a notebook with the initial list of available companies. Any that do not have a location near the destination should be eliminated at this point.

The next steps are to figure out what type of vehicle is needed, when, and for how long. Most companies recommend moving during the week, for several reasons. This ensures that banks, utilities, and government offices will be open if needed. There is also less traffic and moving companies are less busy so it is more likely that the needed moving truck will be available.

Rental prices can vary and payment method depends on how long the move will take and how far one is moving. The mover can pay a flat-rate for an entire day, or there may be an initial daily rate plus an additional fee for each mile. The latter may be a better choice for a person who is not moving far, while the flat-rate fee could be convenient for high-mileage moves. However, for short-distance moves it may also be more affordable to rent a smaller truck at a flat-rate and make several trips, if numerous trips are needed.

In order to determine the best deal for an individual move, it is helpful to make some sample calculations and estimates in the notebook used to track local moving companies. Ask about truck sizes and prices, and then estimate how many trips each truck size would most likely require. Use these estimates to calculate the cost for each truck size and number of trips. This can really help to save some money and perhaps driving time during the process.

Finally, choose the dates when you will need the vehicle. Always show up early to skip waiting in line, and make sure to return the truck on time to avoid additional fees. Remember that most companies require that the truck be cleaned out and refueled before being returned; otherwise, the final cost may increase. If you have a chance, practice driving the truck before it is loaded and ready to go. Most people are not accustomed to such large vehicles, and this can ensure a safe and comfortable ride as the mover travels to their new home!