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Pros And Cons of Renting a Moving Truck

Renting a Moving Truck

When planning a move a lot of decisions need to be made; most importantly, whether to hire a moving company or opt for a DIY by renting a moving truck. If you want to rent a moving truck, it is important to consider the pros and cons before you make your final decision. The following list will help you decide if renting a moving truck is right for you.

Pros Of Moving Truck Rental

  • Control – You have full control over your possessions at all times. However, if something is broken, you are completely responsible.
  • Time – When you rent a moving truck, you don’t have to worry about an hourly fee or rate since most truck rental prices are calculated by the day.

Cons Of Moving Truck Rental

  • Logistics – Weekends are expensive and the busiest time for rental companies, making it difficult to rent a truck when most friends will be available to help you.
  • High Gas Costs – When comparing the costs of renting a truck versus hiring a moving company, don’t forget to calculate how much money you will spend on gas for the truck. A professional moving company might be a better bargain with those costs figured in.
  • Liability – Auto insurance policies often don’t provide coverage for rental trucks, and the renter is liable for any damage caused to the truck, by the truck, or for any bodily injuries. Keep in mind that rental trucks can exceed $50,000 in value. Opt for the rental company’s offered insurance coverage.
  • Added charges – Have you seen the ads for moving trucks, showing a low rate between $19.99 and $49.99? On the surface, this sounds like an awesome deal! However, digging deeper will show that price might come with hidden charges and is often for less than 24 hours, and does not include a hefty per-mile charge that will be added upon return. Additionally, returning the truck with less fuel than it had when checked out will add a premium charge for refueling. Expect these charges to be billed directly to the credit card provided upon pickup.
  • Drivers – Every person who might conceivably drive the truck needs to be listed on the contract, even if it costs extra, especially for long-distance relocations.
  • Credit – Rental truck companies will expect a credit card with a sufficient available balance to rent the moving truck. In the absence of available credit, they might ask you to undergo a credit check and/or deposit cash before they allow the truck to be driven from their lot.
  • Lack of help – If your strongest buddies don’t show up, moving can be physically taxing! You’ve likely spent significant time packing already; expending the energy to move your belongings onto the truck, and removing them at the other end, requires significant strength and energy.

Before you make a reservation for a moving truck, compare moving prices from available moving companies to see the full picture, and make the right choice for your move!

Learn more about moving truck rental prices here.

About the author

Unpakt Team