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Be careful of when renting a moving truck

If you’re self moving you will probably be renting a moving truck. There are many moving truck rental places and you probably have seen adds like "rent me for $19.95" on the side of some of these trucks. Sounds like a great deal $19.95 but that’s not the only charge you will be incurring. Most of these moving truck rental places will charge you a base price like $19.95 and then charge you an additional fees for things such as each mile you drive, gas and insurance and any moving supplies you may want to use.

Very important Things to be careful of when renting a moving truck:

1) Always and I mean always double check the moving truck for existing damage. No matter how small damage may appear on the rental truck or trailer, make sure to have it noted on the contract agreement that it was there before. Even if the employee working at the rental place say "don't worry about that damage" Get it Written on Paper Work.  Most of these rental places should have a form where you can circle on a diagram where there is existing damage.

You should be checking for scratches, dents, dings, cracks and other damage. Also check the interior of the rental truck and note interior damage such as rips in seats, stains or anything else.

2) Should you get Insurance? Everybody has a different opinion on this but moving trucks (depending on size) can be very difficult to drive and maneuver, so if it gives you some peace of mind it many be worth the extra money to get the insurance from the rental place. Some credit card companies such as America express offer vehicle rental insurance to cardholders for an additional fee of $25 per rental.

3) Mileage. Since you will probably be paying for every mile you drive, it’s very important that you make note of the mileage on the vehicle before you sign the papers and start driving.

4) Note how much gas the vehicle has. Most of this rental places will want you to either fill up the gas yourself or bring the moving truck back with the same amount they gave you the vehicle with. Anything lower then what they gave you will result in you being charged whatever price they feel the gas is worth. So its wise to ask before hand what they charge for gas. Its recommended to note the nearest gas station next to the rental location and check the cost of gas before you get to the rental center.

5) Start it up. Most of these moving trucks take a lot of abuse and if you are going to be riding inside one for most of your moving day its wise to make sure it runs properly. Check things like head and break lights, wipers, wiper fluid, air condition and heat, windows that roll down and last but not least a working radio.

6) Buy moving boxes and moving supplies before hand. Yes, most of these rental truck companies do sell moving supplies and cardboard boxes but at a much higher price. So before you get there, you should make sure to have all the moving supplies you need for you move including extra packing tape, moving boxes and bubble wrap.

7) Figure out size truck you need. Rental truck companies charge different prices for different size trucks. So if you got all your things already packed into moving boxes call up your local rental company and ask what size trucks they have available.

Below is a general truck size to use for your home

26' moving truck: 4+ bedrooms

24' moving truck: 3-4 bedrooms

17' moving truck: 2-3 bedrooms

14' moving truck: 1-2 bedrooms

10' moving truck: Apartment

Cargo moving van: Small loads or items

Don't forget to get the persons name and phone number working at the rental location should you have any problems with the vehicle. Also, find out things such as what happens if you return the vehicle after normal business hours.

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