Moving a household is an expensive endeavor. Whether you choose to hire a professional moving company like Jay’s Small Moves, or are ready to tackle the move yourself, you need to be prepared for the expense that you will incur. If you are concerned about the cost of hiring professional movers, then renting a moving truck and doing it yourself could be your best option. When preparing for your move, it is important to have a well thought out plan and to know how to get the best deal on a moving truck so you can save as much money as possible.
1. Estimate the Size
When you take on the task of moving yourself, the last thing that you want is to make multiple trips. If you aren’t sure what size you need, you can talk to the moving truck company to help you determine what size truck you need or you can check out Moving Insider. The number of rooms that you are moving will help determine the size truck you will need to rent.
2. Compare Prices
Most rental truck companies will charge not only a daily rate, but a certain amount per mile. The rates that they charge may fluctuate based on the day of the week and time of the year that you are looking to use the moving truck according to Costhelper, Inc. Most rental trucks are in high demand on the weekends, and business starts to pick up during the summer months. If you can be flexible and arrange to move in the middle of the week, you may be able to get a lower rate.
3. Make Sure You’re Insured
Even if you are just moving across town, you want to make sure that you are fully protected. While Visa and MasterCard will provide you car insurance if you charge the cost to rent a car, they won’t when you rent a moving truck. If you happen to get into an accident or your belongings get stolen from the rental truck, you are fully liable. Your own home or auto insurance policy may provide you with some coverage, you need to make sure that you don’t need to get supplemental coverage according to the Insurance Information Institute.
4. Check the Vehicle Before Signing
Before you sign the rental agreement, you want to make sure that you conduct a thorough walkthrough and carefully inspect the vehicle inside and out. You want to look for existing damage along the exterior, in the cab and bed of the truck, the tires, windshield glass, etc. Make sure you note any and all damage that you see so you won’t be held liable for it when you return the truck.
Choosing to move yourself can save you a ton of money, if you are able to get a great deal on the moving truck. With a little bit of knowledge and the right questions you can get the best deal and make moving day a stress-free event. If you’re ready to make your move, contact Jay’s Small Moves today.
