FollowWhen moving, most of you would think that simply gathering all your items that will be moved, such as furniture, clothing, electronics, etc., will be the most complicated part of the process. While this is a complex segment, the part that will be equally as difficult will be deciding how everything will be moved to the new location.
As you begin to thread through the moving process, things can really become hairy when finances are brought into the picture. Because a move entails expenses that are created before and after the move is made, it becomes increasingly important to find a method of making the actual move itself as cost-effectively as possible. Thus, finding a budget moving truck is a critically important aspect of making a move within a reasonable budget.
What to Know Before Renting a Moving Truck
There are several important questions you need to consider before you begin searching for the right budget moving truck:
- How much money can be spent on the moving truck?
- Will this be a local or one-way move?
- What size truck will be needed?
- When will the move take place?
What’s in Your Budget?
This is the first thing to figure out and you can summarize it best by sitting down and making a list of all expenses that you will involve in the move. Once total moving expenditures are clear, then you can single out the budget moving truck expense and move forward with researching several moving truck companies. Luckily, there are many cheap truck rental options out there.
Local or One-Way Move
If you’re moving within the same area, you’ll be making a local move and therefore renting a budget moving truck from and returning it to the same location. In case you’re moving a significant distance away, you might find a one-way truck rental more convenient as you can rent the truck from one location and return it to another. If you can’t access this option, be sure to check to see if there’s more than one location to return the truck to as there could be a beneficial rate difference in the rental.
Truck Size
Take the complete inventory of everything in the home so that you can make a proper estimation of the truck size. A general estimation of truck size is 1 – 2 room would require a 12′ truck and 5 – 7 rooms would use a 26′ truck. What’s most important is renting the proper size to complete the move in as little time and in as few trips as possible.
Choosing the Date of the Move
The date of your move makes a large difference in the rate charged. For instance, rates will be higher during the following circumstances:
1) moving during the end of the month;
2) summer moves between Memorial and Labor Day; and
3) moving on weekends.
Caution About Renting a Moving Truck
Truck moving companies are like any other business: they set their rates according to what will result in the best profits for their company. Therefore, potential customers have to think along the same line of doing what will work best for them.
When thinking like this, the first thought to enter the mind should be “can I make this move myself?” There’s a convenience to hiring a moving company to handle the move leaving some, most or the entire move in their hands. But for those of us who are on a strict budget, this option could be incredibly expensive. Also, renting a moving truck along with a couple of moving men and purchasing the company’s moving supplies can also turn into a costly experience.
On the other hand, however, you can cut expenses considerably if you rent the truck and are fortunate to have friends or relatives to help with the actual move. This option allows more control over what you spend when it comes to supplies and paying those who are helping.
Steps to Renting a Budget Moving Truck
Whether you’re hiring help or doing the move yourself, there are certain guidelines that you need to follow:
1. Plan Your Move as Early and as Carefully as Possible
The worst thing a person can do is move without devoting a sufficient amount of time to properly plan the move. There’s room for error even when you plan well a move, but disaster is likely to strike if you haphazardly plan most or all aspects of the move.
2. Research the Rental Truck
Once you set the initial details, start checking immediately on pricing and rates for renting a budget moving truck. Timing is critical as above all, you want to be able to be flexible when arranging a moving date as rates change depending on the dates of moves. Also, you want to have options for the type of trucks that are available. Keep in mind that truck rental rates usually include a set daily rate along with mileage and gas fees.
3. Check If the Truck Rental Company Provide or Sell Insurance
Never budge an inch without finding out about insurance coverage. If the truck rental company sells or provides insurance, determine whether this coverage is enough. Perhaps with the insurance offered by the rental company along with what’s provided under your own insurance would be sufficient coverage. In any case, make a determination that you feel secure with before finalizing the deal.
4. When Picking Up Your Truck, Check Its Condition
This is important to do before leaving the lot because there may be damages or problems that aren’t noticeably visible. No one wants to pay for something that already existed or that contributed to further problems while on the road.
5. Check the BBB
It’s always wise advice to check with the Better Business Bureau for information regarding any type of business. Reviews found on Yelp.com from actual customers who have used the companies’ services are also helpful when deciding on a budget moving truck.
A Final Note
When it comes to moving, we are the only ones who know what’s best for us. The first step is always to plan the move wisely and strategically by gathering and consolidating all the facts and figures that you will include in the move. Once you set all the details, then feel free to move confidently ahead with finalizing the actual move!
Image source: depositphotos.com
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