About 13% of the American population moves every year. The figure may be more as rental prices increase.
Planning a big move isn’t easy and it’s often expensive. If you’re moving a few miles away or to another state, it’s sure to be a stressful experience.
One of the things you have to figure out is the transportation used to move your belongings. You could go with a big moving van.
Another option that many people overlook is renting a pickup truck. It’s possible to rent a truck and get all of your belongings safely to your next home.
Would you like to learn more about renting a truck and preparing for a move? Read this article to learn 10 tips to get the perfect truck rental for your move.
1. Know the Advantages of a Pickup Truck Rental
Can you fit everything you need into a pickup truck?
Pickup trucks are ideal for small moves. You can fit a bed set, couch, and several boxes in the pickup truck easily.
If you have a larger move, get a small trailer for extra space. This also protects your belongings from the elements.
The other advantage of renting a pickup truck is parking. If you’re moving to an urban area, you know that parking will be an issue. A pickup truck is much easier to park than a moving van.
2. Figure Out the Size of the Truck and Trailer Needed
What size pickup truck do you need? Will you need a trailer?
A studio apartment or dorm room is perfect for a small pickup truck. A one-bedroom may be able to fit into a full-size pickup truck.
Anything beyond that requires a trailer. You’ll need to assess how much stuff you’re bringing with you and the size of the truck and trailer.
3. Local vs. Out of State Moves
How far do you plan to travel for your move? If it’s a local move, then a pickup truck rental will be just fine.
If you’re moving out of state, you have to think about how you’ll protect your belongings in the pickup truck. For instance, moving from California to Alabama means that you’ll have to stop overnight along the way.
You might be better off getting a moving company to ensure your belongings make it safely to your new home. View here for more information about working with moving companies on a long-haul move.
4. Who’s Packing, Driving, and Unloading?
It takes a lot of work to pack, drive, and unload the rental truck. Get some help from friends or hire local school kids to do some of the work.
You’ll want to have this planned out well in advance to save time and stress.
5. Understand the Total Cost of Renting
If you do a quick search online, you’ll see that the initial price of a truck rental is one thing. Once you check out, the price is a lot higher.
There are additional costs like moving supplies, protection gear for the truck, and a per-mile rate. There may be more charges for fuel.
Check the terms and conditions of the rental company. That’s where you’ll find a lot of this information.
6. Loading the Pickup Truck
Pickup trucks are sturdy, but loading them the wrong way could impact the truck’s handling. Make sure all boxes are sealed and taped well.
Load the heavy items first, close to the cab. Then put the lighter items at the end of the truck.
7. Get Insurance
Truck rental companies will offer insurance for renting a pickup truck. You may not need to purchase it if your insurance policy covers you for rental trucks.
Verify your coverage with your insurance provider before you sign up for another policy.
Another possibility is your credit card company. If you use a credit card to pay for the rental, you may have coverage. Check with your credit card company to find out.
8. Inspect the Vehicle and Take Pictures
It’s important to document the condition of the truck when you pick it up. Note scratches and dings on the inside and outside of the truck rental.
There are rental companies that charge renters for the slightest thing. Taking pictures and documenting the condition of the truck protects you from unnecessary charges.
9. Practice Driving the Truck
Pickup trucks are much easier to maneuver than moving vans. You still might need to adjust if you’re used to driving a small car like a Toyota Prius.
Take the pickup truck to an empty parking lot to get acclimated to the truck. Learn where the windshield wipers, hazard lights, and radio settings are.
Try to back into a parking spot and parallel park. You don’t want to try for the first time on the road.
10. Return the Truck
There may be discrepancies between locations, even though you’re working with the same company. Call to clarify the rental policies before you return the rental truck.
Most companies require that you return the truck with a full tank of gas. You may have to return the rental truck with a full tank of gas.
Again, take pictures of the rental truck. This is for your protection, especially if you return the truck after hours.
Make sure you have someone follow you to the rental place so you have a ride to your new home.
Renting a Pickup Truck Makes Moving Easy
What does it take to have a seamless move? Know how to handle a truck rental. There are hidden costs and policies that aren’t always known until after you sign up for the rental.
This guide for renting a pickup truck showed you how to make sure you know what you’re getting into. Follow the tips in this guide, and you’ll have a low-stress move.
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