The Pros and Cons of Getting Rental Trucks for Moving

Getting rental trucks for moving could be the right solution for those who would like to organize a DIY move. But if you’re not entirely sure whether it’s the best option for you, take a look at our list of pros and cons before making a reservation and see if renting a vehicle will solve your relocation troubles.

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July 7, 2016 Posted in Moving Tips

Pro: Getting Rental Trucks for Moving Can Save You Some Money

If you decide to rent a truck, make sure to note the cost of it in your moving across-country checklist. One of the crucial advantages of renting such a vehicle is that it is usually cost-effective. However, be careful because people often overlook the hidden costs.

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How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Moving Truck

The cost of renting a truck is affected by various factors. When creating the bill, a rental company will consider the size of the vehicle you want to hire, the duration of your relocation, and the distance between your starting and final location.

On average, this service will cost you anywhere between $20 and $100 per day, or in the range of $60 to $2,800 for the entire trip.

Keep in mind that additional expenses will most probably not be included. Therefore, when you start hammering out a moving budget, you should put aside some means for any potential extra costs.

Trico Long Distance Movers
To relocate your possessions to a new location, using a truck could save you some money.

Pro: You Can Choose a Truck of the Right Size

A majority of companies offer trucks of various sizes, from smaller ten-foot rentals to larger 26-foot vehicles suitable for shipping belongings worth of four-bedroom. However, be careful when choosing, and pick one that has about ten percent more room than you think you’ll need for all your cargo.

How to Choose the Best-Sized Rental Truck

When determining the size of the vehicle, consider a few factors – the size of your home, the number of bedrooms you plan to relocate, and the size and the amount of the cargo you plan to pack and ship. Think about finding the best way to organize your move, and use as much space inside of the truck as possible.

Trico Long Distance Movers
Make a reservation for a vehicle with the most suitable size.

Pro: It Is Suitable Both for Local and Long-Distance Relocations

Yes, trucks are convenient for relocating your belongings, whether you are planning a local or cross-country moving. By using this advantage, you will save a lot of time apart from saving money.

The Benefit of National Coverage

Some of the large truck companies maintain pickup and dropoff locations in major cities across the US. Therefore, make sure that the company you choose has a place nearby so you can return the vehicle once you’ve used it for the move. It is especially convenient if you are relocating to another state.

Trico Long Distance Movers
Rentals are suitable for locations both near and far.

Pro: You Are in Charge

With renting, you will be in charge of the dynamic of the relocation. You will have the freedom to decide how stuff will be packed, and you won’t have to worry about transport.

You will also be more relaxed since you won’t have to worry about being late or feel pressured. You can even change the time of the move because you are in control of the timetable.

The Convenience of a Flexible Schedule

When renting, you can choose when and for how long you are going to use it. If you want to be budget-friendly, you can organize an effective packing schedule to move and to pack quickly for a move as possible

making a list
You are entirely in charge of the schedule.

The Option of Auto Transport – a Double-Edged Sword

You can transport your four-wheeler in addition to your belongings by using a truck rental. This kind of auto transport might not be easy, but you will not have to pay for anything beyond the rental trailer and necessary equipment. However, this task will require a very advanced level of driving skills consider getting a reliable auto transport quote on time especially if you are relocating in winter.

Find out How to Transport Your Vehicle

Almost every rental is equipped with a ball socket suitable for towing a vehicle trailer. But, turning, switching lanes, and braking can be a challenge, and even dangerous for inexperienced drivers.

Trico Long Distance Movers
With the option of towing a vehicle trailer, a rented truck gives you the opportunity of transporting your auto.

Con: (Lack of) Available Moving Accessories

Those who have decided to pull off a DIY move should be aware of the lurking, sometimes hidden costs of such a project. These expenses include accessories necessary for arranging a comfortable, safe, and stress-free move.

The Benefits of Using Equipment

Tools like a dolly will help you finish the move without losing a lot of time and energy. Bear in mind if you plan to move a piano you might need some more sophisticated equipment to rent. On the other hand, packing blankets and other packing materials will ensure the safe transport of your valuable belongings and most importantly of your fragile items. However, the cost of renting a truck doesn’t include equipment. So, if you want to rent the equipment and move efficiently, you’ll have to pay for it separately.

Trico Long Distance Movers
When you pick up a rented vehicle, the chances are there won't be any specialized equipment such as dollies and blankets.

Con: Rightful Concerns About Driving a Large Vehicle

Fear and moving stress is a common feeling regarding relocation. However, if you decide to go for a DIY move, you may also face the fear of driving a large vehicle.

Keep in mind that it is quite challenging to drive it, especially if you haven’t done it before. Make sure to know if the car you are renting has an automatic or manual transmission, and get familiar with all the necessary rules.

Trico Long Distance Movers
If you are concerned about driving a large vehicle, you should consider hiring professionals who provide relocation services.

Con: Additional Costs Are Possible

When renting, people usually forget about additional costs. You should keep in mind that it is a larger vehicle that will consume more gas than your average car. Also, if you need equipment like dollies, packing paper, or bubble wrap, for example, their cost will be added to your rental fee.

When going on long-distance moving, you have to be well-prepared for any situation, even for truck damage. If you rent a truck, and some accident occurs, the repair cost will be deducted from your deposit.

One of the things to do before your move is to check the age of the driver. This could also increase your costs. So, if you or a driver you hire are 18-25 years old, you will have to pay $25-$30 per day.

However, if you want to share a driver’s seat, an additional driver fee is $14-$30 per day. Besides, make sure to keep track of the miles crossed because some companies will charge more if you go over an allotted mileage.

Last but not least, if you decide to cancel your reservation for some reason, but don’t do it at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled pickup, a cancelation fee will be $50.

costs
Even if you rent a vehicle, your costs don't end there. You will also have additional charges, including fuel and equipment.

Con: You Might Feel Pressured to Return the Vehicle

Even though you have a chance to arrange your timetable the way most suitable for you when you rent, you choose the date and time when you have to return the vehicle. Therefore, you may feel pressured to complete the move before the time comes to return the machine.

It can be quite stressful when you have a time limit because you are aware of all the things that could pop up unexpectedly on your moving-to-do list. If you exceed your time, you’ll have to pay $20-$80.

The Bottom Line

Even though renting a large vehicle has a lot of advantages, if you are not entirely confident in your driving skills or don’t want to bother with the logistics, you should think about hiring professionals long- distance movers to do the job for you. Contact a few movers, see what they offer in their long-distance moving services. Do they provide packing services? Or if you plan to ship a car do they have auto transport? When choosing a relocation company ask for quotes, and then go for the most reliable company. Happy relocation to your new home!

Hannah Michaelson

Hannah is a freelance relocation writer from NYC that has become an expert on packing and unpacking.

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