There are many things to plan and tick off a moving to-do list, and one of the most important is how you’re going to get all your possessions from A to B. As soon as you have a moving date, or perhaps even if you’re just moving items from your home into storage, a moving truck is going to be at the forefront of your mind.
If you have never hired a moving truck before, this can be a very daunting prospect. Where to even begin to make sure that you hire the right moving truck? How to make sure you can comfortably and safely transport all your items in a timely fashion?
Here is a guide to assist you when renting a moving truck, including some key points to think about.
Key Things to Consider When Renting a Moving Truck
If you’re making the decision to hire your own moving truck, here are some key areas you need to consider.
- The Size of The Truck
This is one of the most important features, as you need to make sure you have enough space to transport all your items in one go. You don’t want to hire a truck only to realize that you can’t fit everything in on a moving day. However, it can be tricky to know the size of the truck you need if it’s your first time renting or if you know nothing about truck capacities!
Especially if you haven’t packed up all your items yet, it can be difficult to judge how much space you actually need.
It’s a great idea to do your research based on the property size you have rather than the item amount. A lot of information online or with truck companies will base sizes on a one-bedroom apartment or a three-bedroom house, for example.
Additionally, you also need to think about extra space to move around and extra space to pack boxes without them being cramped or unsafely stacked comfortably.
It may also help to start packing as soon as you can to be able to gain a rough estimate of the number of boxes and items.
- The Parking Facilities at Your Intended Location
When choosing your truck’s size, you also need to think about how (and where) you’re going to park it to unload. Local storage units will have ample unloading parking, but if you’re moving into a new home that doesn’t have a driveway, make sure to plan ahead to understand where you can park the size of truck you have hired without it being an obstruction or risking damage.
- How to Move Items On and Off the Truck
Depending on the items you have, you may also need to think about how you’re going to lift items on and off the truck. Some trucks will have a tail lift, or a ramp, to better transport heavier boxes or furniture. So it’s important to know whether you need extras such as this when renting your truck.
- The Date of Rental
Renting a moving truck is not usually something you can do last minute, and especially not if you want the best deal. Think about the most convenient date for your rental, but also compare your options. For example, during the less-busy moving seasons, or on weekdays instead of weekends, rental dates may be a lot cheaper than peak busy times.
- Price Comparisons
Renting a moving truck may come in at many different price options depending on the company, truck size, and date. It’s important to consider all your options to find the best deal for you when renting a moving truck. Some truck companies may charge a high price for last-minute hire, while others may not. Giving yourself enough time to compare all prices and options will help the moving process overall.
Professional Movers vs Renting Your Own Truck
When faced with a large move, or transportation of items, the big question is whether you should hire a professional team already equipped with a truck or hire your own and do it yourself. The truth is, there are pros and cons to both, and it all depends on the number of items you have to move, your budget, and your own circumstances.
Renting professional movers: pros
- Professional movers are equipped with the knowledge, strength, and expertise to know exactly how your items need to be transported
- Professional movers will already have a truck, or range of trucks, ready for your goods and will know which size and truck is the right option for your needs
- Some movers will also provide packaging material included in the price
- Movers can also help you to pack and unpack
- You can leave them to it and don’t have to worry about transporting the goods yourself; you can arrive at your new property or at the storage unit and meet your items there without the hassle
- If moving a considerable distance, you can leave the long drive legwork to your professional movers
Hiring professional movers: cons
- It can be extremely expensive. There’s no doubt that moving home is an expensive business, but it can become even more so if you’re paying for the labor of professional movers. In comparison to renting your own moving truck and doing it yourself, removal companies can be costly
- You have less control. While professional movers should know what they’re doing, you are leaving it all in their hands and trusting them with your possessions. If you prefer to do everything yourself, this can be tricky
- The potential for damage. There’s always potential for damage during a removal process, even with professional companies. While movers should always know how to transport items and stack them efficiently safely, it’s still possible they could mark, damage, or drop key items, and it can be an extra process to ascertain how items got damage and claim for compensation where required
The main thing to remember when renting a moving truck is preparation and research as long as you know exactly what needs to fit into your truck and how you can make an informed decision that works for you.