The first important step is to shop for truck rental deals two months before your moving date. Some of the truck rental companies you should consider in your search include Ryder, U-Haul, Budget, Enterprise, and Penske. Compare the quotes of all prospective truck rental companies to find the one with the best deal.
Whether you plan to drive the truck by yourself or a friend will accompany you, you need to confirm the available seats. You should book a truck rental after ensuring it has the right number of seats and seat belts required for your move.
Many company sites have guides that help you choose the right truck size. Truck sizes are categorized based on the number of rooms in your house. For example, a 10-ft truck will suffice for a one-bedroom house, while you will need a 26ft truck for a three bedroom house. Make sure your estimate is 10-15% more space than what you think you need. If you are unsure about the truck size, talk to a company representative about the various sizes offered.
You need to determine how old or new a truck is. Models with old engines consume more fuel. Therefore, even if the rental price is low, it will cost you more fuel. Newer trucks will give you less trouble because they are in better condition. They also have a lower service period and are more comfortable and safer.
When you hire a truck rental, you will be responsible for ensuring it has enough gas for the move. The amount of gas you will spend on your move will vary depending on how far you travel.
Many truck rental companies charge extra for any additional day or additional mile not factored in the rental price. Before renting a truck, make sure you review the company’s policy on late returns.
Incidences and emergencies arise when you least expect; therefore, inquire whether the truck rental company provides roadside assistance during these occasions. Also, determine whether your auto insurance policy covers truck rentals. Lastly, understand the coverage you can purchase from the truck rental company. Some of the coverage you should consider purchasing include damage waivers and cargo coverage.
After taking quotes from different truck rental companies and reviewing their terms and conditions, you should choose a company that best suits your needs. Also, make sure you choose a truck rental company that fits your budget.
One factor to consider when booking a truck rental is the pick-up and drop-off locations. Ensure you book a company that accepts you to rent a truck in one place and return it in another. For a one-way trip, it is better that your pick-up location is near your current residence and the drop-off location is near your new one.
If you are planning a long-distance move, you should determine whether you will have to stop at weigh stations while on the move. Confirm your state's transportation requirements from the Department of Transportation office in the state you plan to travel through. In many jurisdictions, non-commercial vehicles are not required to stop at weigh stations. However, in some states, trucks weighing a certain amount should stop at weigh stations.
If you are unsure how to begin loading your stuff into the truck, here are some guidelines: First, load the heaviest items into the truck first. These should be packed in the front of the truck to maximize space and prevent the truck from dragging.
Wrap fragile items like mirrors and paintings and put them between cushions or mattresses. Choose boxes of the same size and strength to make it easy to stack them on top of each other. The heaviest boxes should be at the bottom and the lighter ones on top.
Disassemble furniture before loading it into the truck. You should place mattresses and headboards vertically to save space. If there are items that do not fit anywhere else, place them in the front cab of the truck.
Don't forget to pack moving day essentials in an easy-to-access spot at the back of the truck. This will enable you to grab what you need during the day easily.
If you need movers to help you with loading and offloading your items, you will need to verify all details. You need to agree on their job description and terms of payment.
The documents you will require on the day of leaving will depend on whether it is a local or interstate move. As a rule of thumb, make sure you have your driver’s license, social security card, passport, and medical records of your children. You also need copies of your homeowner’s insurance policy to show proof of residency.
If you are relocating to an unfamiliar place, you will need to purchase a travel guide. It will help you determine the routes with high traffic and the shortest routes to your destination.
Anything can happen on long-distance moves; therefore, you should stock up on prescription medications. This is especially important if a member of your family has a condition and there are no pharmaceutical shops on the way. Also, make sure you have a first aid kit in the truck.
Moving is a stressful experience due to the amount of planning and expenses involved. To make the move to your new home easy, make sure you choose the right truck rental company and follow all the steps above. Contact us at Sarasota Sunshine Movers for an enjoyable and stress-free moving experience.
Of all truck rental companies in the U.S., only Penske has free unlimited miles. All the other companies charge if your miles exceed a certain amount.
You can use an enterprise truck to move. While many truck rentals have three or four truck sizes to choose from, enterprise Truck rental has 14 different sizes, making it ideal for any move. To book, visit the enterprise truck rental site and key in details about your location and moving date to get a quote.
Penske rates are slightly higher than U-Haul, but they are cheaper in some locations. Penske is an affordable choice if you are traveling long distances. However, U-Haul has low local prices and the widest availability.
One of the cheapest ways to move your stuff long distance is to consider trunk rental services like Penske and U-Haul. Other options include renting a moving container and shipping your things.
