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Tips for Renting a Moving Truck - Mini U Storage Blog

January 10, 2023

Tips for Renting a Moving Truck for the First Time

Whether you decide to do it yourself or you hire a moving company, moving can be a challenge. Since you’re already busy trying to coordinate everything into a seamless move, why not keep up your momentum by considering your moving truck options?

It’s easy for tasks to add up quickly while you’re running around on move-in day. The tape here, another box for the bathroom, you need to purchase straps to help you carry that huge China cabinet–and now the tape dispenser just broke. So many steps are involved in the whole moving process, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take on the challenge and successfully move with ease.

The most effective way to get ahead is to plan ahead. Here are some straightforward steps to take to plan your moving rental: what to expect in costs and how you can organize ahead of time to get things done right.


Rent Your Truck

Your first move should be to compare the prices of your local moving truck. Once you’ve decided which company is most suitable for your needs, you’re ready to rent a moving truck. Renting a truck is more likely to involve more costs, and you need to plan how big or how small of a truck you will need to lease. You don’t want to pay for a truck big enough to fit the items of a large house if you’re relocating to a tiny apartment.

There are going to be additional costs that your initial pricing won’t uncover. And that’s every moving company, so you might be a bit irked by the fees, but they are the standard within the industry. Your budget should also take into consideration the cost of fuel, the cost of insurance, how long the truck is rented, and of course, the size of the truck.


Pack Your Truck

Packing your truck should be strategic. Depending on how much you need to move, planning out how you pack the truck is critical. This is not only to save money but also to evenly distribute your belongings in the event of an accident on the road. You don’t want your belongings shifting and sliding around in the back of the truck, as that is a disaster waiting to happen.

You may think that you can forego moving equipment, but you will be making everything more difficult on yourself. Ropes and dollies go a long way in maneuvering your things and tying them down once they’re in the truck. And using old sheets or blankets in place of moving pads can save you some money while you use these items while packing. The better equipped you are, the easier it will be to load and unload.


Drive Your Truck

You don’t need a special license to drive a rented moving truck. These trucks are designed to be easily drivable, but it’s a smart idea to familiarize yourself with the vehicle and test-drive it to ensure it’s not too much truck to handle.

You need to account for the time it takes to travel in a bulky moving truck. Remember that it’s probably a lot larger than the vehicle you drive now. With it packed to the gills with your belongings, the vehicle will drive a lot slower. You will also need to adjust your driving style, like making wide turns and patiently waiting for the faster traffic to pass you. Your goal is to get to your destination safely, quickly, and with as few hiccups as possible.


Inspect Your Truck

You’ve made the move. Everything is now out of the truck and waiting to be unpacked in your new home, but you have to return your rental first. But before you do, you will need to clean out the truck and inspect it for any damage that it might have incurred. However, if things run smoothly, that won’t be an issue. If you’re worried about being charged for nicks and scratches you didn’t cause, you can take pictures of the truck before you drive off the lot. You can then show them to employees during the return. Some establishments place “marks” on the vehicle to indicate previous blemishes on the truck, but snapping pictures on your phone is a quick and reliable method.

Don’t forget to fill it up before you return your truck. For refilling gas tanks, truck companies charge a fee. However, the price of gas at the pump is often much higher than the rate charged by the company. Filling the tank up yourself will save you more money.

Did you know that Mini U Storage has moving trucks at our storage facility as an added amenity? As a facility that is passionate about everything that is self-storage, we took things a step further to provide you with extra convenience during those transitions in life. Tenants who decide to rent a new storage unit are eligible for one free rental for some time during their move-in.

Not only do we have a ton of storage sizes in lots of sizes that come equipped with different specifications, but we also have truck rentals onsite. This will assist you in that big move or that dreaded renovation. Contact us today and discover just how much easier it is to get the extra space you need.