8 Things To Look For When Renting a Moving Truck

Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Jenny Zhang. Jenny is a contributor for SpareFoot.com.

While it may seem intimidating, renting a moving truck can be a breeze if you know what you’re doing. We put together a comprehensive guide on eight things to look for when renting for the big day. Follow along for a seamless and hassle-free experience on moving day!

1. Size

Sizing can be confusing, and it can be easy to overestimate or underestimate the space you need. Luckily, most truck rental companies will help you determine what size you need based on the items you’re moving or the number of rooms your belongings fit into.

2. Timing

People are more likely to move during the summer than other times of the year, so moving trucks may be more difficult to book between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The end of the month is especially hectic, so don’t wait until the last minute. Reserve your truck at least a couple of weeks in advance to be safe.

3. Price

To get the best deal on a moving truck, you need to know your truck size, how far you’re going, and when you’re moving. 

Most rental truck companies charge a daily rate, in addition to an amount per mile. These rates also may vary based on the day of the week or the time of the year. If you’re flexible with the moving date, we recommend renting a truck midweek (as opposed to over the weekend). The demand for trucks is guaranteed to be lower during the week, so you may get a lower price of your rental.

Finally, remember that gas isn’t included. In addition to paying out-of-pocket, you may also have to pay a penalty for returning the truck with less gas than when you picked up. Always give your tank a top off.

4. Insurance

While your home and auto insurance policies may provide some coverage, we recommend checking with your insurance company first to make sure you don’t need additional coverage. There may also be exclusions in coverage based on the size of the vehicle. Most truck rental companies sell insurance, which includes a variety of options: 

• Damage waivers: protect you from damage to or theft of the moving truck
• Supplemental liability insurance: protects you from property damage and bodily injury claims
• Personal and cargo policies: protect your things while they’re inside the rental truck
• Auto tow protection: covers damage to or theft of your personal vehicle if you’re towing it on a trailer

5. Moving supplies and equipment

In addition to a moving truck, you may also need moving supplies and equipment. Some of the most common additional rentals include hand trucks (two-wheel carts that make it easier to move heavy furniture), furniture pads, mattress covers, moving blankets, etc.

6. Packing, Unpacking, and Cleaning

Your goal should be to pack the truck as tightly as possible without squeezing the items together. Always load the heaviest items and appliances into the truck first. Pack the heaviest items at the front to prevent the truck from dragging in the back. 

When choosing boxes, we recommend getting similar sizes and durabilities so you can stack them on top of each other. Place the heaviest and largest boxes on the bottom, medium-weight boxes in the middle, and lighter items on top. 

Did you rent a truck that’s larger than necessary? Minimize moving and jostling by packing the boxes low and even, so that they cover the entire length of the truck. 

Finally, most rental companies charge a cleaning fee if you leave a mess, so make sure the truck is in good, clean condition before returning it. 

7. Driving

If you’re the one driving the truck, make sure you’re comfortable with the size of the vehicle. Practice maneuvering the vehicle in an empty parking lot, so you can be prepared when you’re out on the road. It’s also smart to plan out the routes you’ll be driving, avoiding low bridge overhangs or detours. Keep in mind that some roads prohibit trucks as well.

8. Final logistics on moving day

On moving day, bring your driver’s license and credit card to the rental office. Check the truck (and take pictures) for any pre-existing damage. Finally, make sure the loading ramp works (slides out easily)  before you pull away. 

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