How to Rent a Moving Truck

Need to rent a U-Haul?

Renting a moving truck is an excellent way to avoid the sometimes extravagant costs of moving companies or the dangers of loading your bedroom on the top of your car’s roof.  Here are the basic things you should know about renting a moving truck:

Truck Considerations

Once you consider the pros and cons and decide to rent a moving truck, you’ll have to find a rental service.  When picking a service, here’s what to consider:

• Rates: The cost of your truck will depend on the size you need and the distance you intend to travel. The cost of gas, which is not included in the rental price, is another expense you’ll need to account for.
• Distance: does the rental service charge extra for distance, or do you simply have to pay for gas?
• Features: You’ll be driving it, so do you need a radio?  A CD player?  Also, how big will you need your truck to be?  Most rental companies have websites that can assist you in determining which size truck will work for you.  Finally, does the truck come with tools like dollies or furniture pads?

Making a Reservation

You should reserve your moving truck at least two weeks prior to your move to ensure availability.

You’ll need to have some basic information on hand when you make your reservation.  Be prepared with your destination, moving date(s) and the type of cargo you’ll be transporting (furniture, boxes, etc.).

You may need to put down an initial deposit, though not all rental companies require this.

If you’d like help finding a moving truck rental company, you can use MovingGuru’s free moving quotes page.

Moving Day

1. Bring documentation – When going to pick up your rental truck, make sure you have your driver’s license and a major credit card.
2. Inspect the truck – Before driving away, inspect the truck with an employee, and be sure any scratches or dents are noted on your contract. Have your contract and any relevant documents in the truck with you at all times.
3. Drive safely – Moving trucks are unfamiliar for most drivers.  Before getting behind the wheel, you should know how to drive a moving truck and what to watch out for.

If a moving truck doesn’t sound like your sort of thing, learn more about other types of moves.