Residential moves are notorious for being expensive so it’s no secret that everybody’s trying to bring down their moving costs as far as they will go. And when your turn to move house comes around the corner, understanding your relocation options well and picking up the most cost-saving method of transporting your household belongings to your new home is your top priority – a critical task that will often turn out to be more challenging than you think.
After the careful comparative analysis of whether you should be renting a moving truck (do-it-yourself moving) or trusting a professional moving company, the short distance, your army of reliable friends and your humble moving experience may tip the scales in favor of a self-move. And if that is the case, then your very first concern will be to find good ways to lower the moving truck rental cost.
The thing is that moving truck rental costs can easily get out of control unless you’ve done your homework in advance and know exactly where and when to pay extra attention.
Ready to save good money when renting a moving truck for your local move? Read the following 7 moving truck rental tips.
1. Choose an affordable moving truck rental company
This is a pretty obvious cost-saving technique but don’t just wave it off since it may prove the most beneficial for you. To find affordable truck rental services, you will need to first compare various truck rental quotes.
This one is easy – visit the websites of the truck rental agencies available in your area and fill out the quote calculators usually found on their home pages. You will be asked to select your pick-up date, pick-up and return locations, and of course – the right size of truck you will need.
2. Choose the right size of moving truck
It’s very important that you select the proper size of moving truck for your needs. If you happen to choose a moving truck with insufficient storage space, you may be forced to do multiples trips, leave some household good behind or even rent another moving vehicle. On the other hand, should you go with a truck with too much available room, not only will you be paying for storage space you won’t really need, but you’ll also risk damaging some of your more delicate items along the way.
If you’re not sure what to do, speak directly with the truck rental agencies for assistance.
SEE ALSO: What costly self-moving mistakes to avoid?
3. Compare the moving truck rental quotes
Different companies offer different moving truck rental rates so the wisest thing you can do is to get several quotes from reputable truck rental agencies in your area and compare them.
In addition to the final cost, pay attention to the specific number of miles you are offered – if your move distance exceeds that number, the added charges will hurt your self-moving budget. To keep your truck rental costs in check, choose the quote that gives you the most mileage or in the best case scenario – the unlimited miles deal.
Beware of extremely low bids that seem too good to be true.
GOOD TO KNOW: How to get friends to help me move
4. Book your rental truck in advance
When you’re looking for the best moving truck rental deals, as you should, good timing is crucial. Don’t wait too long to reserve the moving truck you need or you may be forced to accept an offer that is not to your liking.
Once you know exactly what you need for your self-move, there isn’t much sense in postponing the actual booking process. They say that the early bird catches the worm, and that is especially true when you’re trying to keep the truck rental costs as low as possible.
READ ALSO: How to drive a moving truck
5. Inspect the moving truck before renting it
If you make the mistake of renting a moving truck that is in bad shape, then that oversight will probably cost you money. Even if the truck rental agency seems trustworthy enough, it’s your duty to inspect the vehicle carefully before agreeing to rent it.
First of all, make sure the truck is clean both on the inside and outside. If you notice any exterior damage on the body, that damage should be well documented before you use the vehicle. The worst part is that if you are given a moving truck that has not been properly maintained, it might break down while it’s in your possession, and that unfortunately occurrence will cost you money and time.
Ask the agency for written proof that the vehicle is in perfect condition before you rent it.
MUST READ: How to load a moving truck
6. Keep an eye out for moving truck rental deals
A proven trick to save money when trying to rent a moving truck is to look closer for possible promotions, deals, coupons, and packages from the top moving truck rental companies – and of course, take advantage of them whenever possible. Keep an eye out for seasonal discounts, reduced rates, unlimited or free mileage, or any other cost-saving offers that will be more than welcome.
If you can’t seem to find any attractive deals, contact the rental agencies, explain to them that your budget is limited and see if they will come up with any good offers. It won’t hurt to ask, so just do it.
READ ALSO: How to unload a moving truck
7. It’s the little things that could hit you the hardest
Finally, it’s good to keep in mind that it’s the little things that will help you save loads of money in the end. What little things, you may ask?
Truck rental companies have lists of fines and penalties that each renter should be familiar with before the contract is signed from both parties. Make sure you have read and understood those chargeable items before you place your signature at the bottom. To avoid being overcharged, you should
- return the moving truck on time to save yourself from being charged a late return fee;
- return the moving vehicle with the amount of gas it had when you rented it. Failure to do so will most likely earn you a penalty;
- return the moving truck clean or else you risk being overcharged for the inconvenience.
SEE ALSO: How to find cheap movers near me?
I love that you mentioned how rental agencies will be able to give you a good deal even if they don’t have promos at the moment when you tell them that you have a limited budget. This gave me hope that I can rent one even if my budget can be quite low. I just spent a lot when I bought the new house that I will be moving in soon, so the leftover money in my savings account might not be enough. Thanks for the information!