8 Tips for Renting a Moving Truck or Trailer

Moving can be stressful, we all know that. If you are just moving a few items to a storage unit near you, moving across the city or moving across the country, it is very important to be prepared and plan ahead . One of the major decisions that you need to make when you are moving is if you are going to hire a moving company or rent a moving truck to move yourself. There are different considerations and requirements for hiring a moving company vs. renting a moving truck. When you are renting a moving van, truck, or trailer it is important to remember to perform certain “checks” before you take the truck off of the lot. If you plan ahead, you can save money on gas, mileage, weight and time when you are renting.

Tips for Renting a Moving Truck

1. Get a quote for your rental as soon as you know when you are moving. The rates could actually change depending on what days you rent. The end of May to the beginning of September is the busiest time for moving. Rental moving trucks are in very high demand during this time of the year. It is also busy the last weekend of the month due to apartment leases ending at the end of the month.
2. When booking with a rental truck company put the reservation on a major credit card and print out the quote to use as a reference when you are picking up your vehicle.
3. When you are at the facility renting the vehicle, it is critical to read the contract and understand all of the additional costs that you could be charged for including gas or additional weight.
4. Make sure that you get the correct size of the moving truck that you need for your belongings. If you only have a few items, then you will only need a van and not a large moving truck. The key is to plan ahead and know what you need to move. Having the correct moving truck size will also force you to be creative and concise in how you pack the truck.
5. If you rented a moving truck or van online verify with the website (and your reservation), where you will be picking up your vehicle. It could change from the facility that you are originally renting from based on truck availability. Make sure you also know if you are returning the vehicle to the same place that you rented it.
6. When you rent a moving truck, van or trailer, have your driver’s license and the credit card that you booked the rental with you.
7. Ask the rental facility about the additional insurance coverage. Credit cards do not cover moving truck rentals. Most auto insurance policies do not cover renting a moving van, but verify that before you actually rent. It is important to have certain coverage for your moving truck. Verify insurance with the rental truck company when you are picking up your vehicle.
8. Before you take the vehicle off of the lot, inspect it inside and out. Check the brake and exterior lights. Look underneath the vehicle and test the brakes. Before you rent a trailer, make sure that your car or truck is able to attach a trailer. Make sure that all chains are correctly attached before you leave the lot.

There are many moving rental truck companies in the Baltimore, Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. area. After you book your rental truck, the next step is to stock up sturdy moving boxes and packing supplies. Good Luck with your move!