Moving Vans

Rental Tips

By Birgit Starmanns

Parting may be sweet sorrow, but actually packing up and moving is pure torture.

Depending on the distance, and the amount of stuff - furniture, books, kitchen appliances, clothing and personal items - that need to be moved, you have different options. While Web sites of companies who rent these vehicles provide information on moving rental van and truck sizes, and their prices, the choice is still up to you. Here are some questions for you to consider.

How far do you need to go?

If you are moving cross-country, you will need a truck that will accommodate all of your belongings, since there will only be one trip. Alternatively, if you are moving locally, while you can use the "all or nothing" strategy of a large truck, you have the option of renting a smaller truck or moving van at a lesser cost, and simply make multiple trips, for example moving one room at a time. Finally, you may just need to rent a moving van to pick up newly purchased furniture; the approximately $20 price of a moving van rental, offered for example by U-Haul, usually beats out the higher costs of most furniture and warehouse delivery services for anyone on a budget.

Do you need help?

If you are loading up one truck with all your belongings, many larger moving companies offer complete services, such as Mayflower. They pack up everything (make sure they don't pack up your garbage, that has been known to happen!), load it onto the truck, and unload it at your destination. Another option is using a local moving company that specializes in providing the moving van or truck, as well as loading and unloading services. In the latter case, the service includes loading and unloading, but not packing, so make sure that anything such as books and dishes that you want hauled in the truck, are ready and packed. In both cases, a company representative will come to your home, to provide you with an estimate. Finally, while many of us have used (and abused) friends when we move, remember that eventually, you will need to pay that tab, in the form of helping each and every friend you convince to help, the next time they move.

If you choose the do-it-yourself option, once you have decided on the size of your moving van or truck, there are a few other considerations.

What about packing supplies?

Unless you have opted for the all-inclusive package, you will need to pack. Packing means boxes, tape, covers, bags, and - most importantly - labels. Labels will give you a fighting chance that the right contents will end up in the right room, and less moving of your belongings from room to room, after the unloading. Most moving van rental companies offer a variety of supplies to help you organize your move.

How's my driving?

Driving a moving van or truck is not like driving a car. It's longer, wider, and the turn radius going around curves and corners is not what you may be used to, driving your own car. Don't rent anything that is larger than you can actually handle.

Is renting a moving van just like renting a car?

In many ways, the rules that apply when you rent a car are the same as when you rent renting a moving van or truck. In order to avoid extra charges, keep the moving van clean, ensure that there is no damage such as scratches or dents, and fill up the gas tank prior to returning the vehicle. Also, reserve ahead, to ensure that the size of moving van that you want is actually available, even as short-term as reserving the day prior to the actual rental. When it comes to insurance, again consider what you are used to driving. It may make more sense to take the insurance, versus the rates on your car insurance going up because you backed into a concrete wall because you were not used to the dimensions of the rental truck.

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