Moving Truck Rental: What’s the Cost?

Rent a Truck or Hire Professional Movers?

It’s exciting to move to a new location. A new home offers a fresh start for everyone. Regardless of the destination, a moving truck is a necessary item on your to-do list. A big question remains: should you hire movers or rent a truck yourself? There are many factors to weigh as you plan out a move. Explore this comprehensive guide to moving costs associated with a moving truck rental contract.

1. Size Matters

The cost of your moving truck rental will largely depend on the vehicle’s size. They can range from a basic pickup to a 28-foot truck. Typically, the large truck will cost more than the smaller version.

For example, $20 per day may be the basic charge for a 14-foot vehicle. In contrast, a 24-foot vehicle requires $40 per day. These charges will differ based on the contract’s length and destination.

Ideally, you want a slightly larger vehicle for the amount of items you want to carry. A two-bedroom home can fit into a 14-foot moving vehicle, but your situation can vary. Some homes have more items than others.

2. Long-Distance Fees

Be aware of the fine print as you seek out the cheapest moving truck rental. When it comes to long-distance moves, there are a lot of variations among the rental facilities. You might come across an incredibly low-mileage charge, such as $0.40 per mile, during your research. This cost might sell you on the service, but look further into the other charges.

Long-distance moves require the vehicle to be dropped off at a different facility than the pickup location. The rental company might place a premium on the overall rental charge while discounting the mileage. You must do the math with your route and budget to see if these charges are worth it. Use our Site Tool to find an affordable mover near you, and get a free quote in seconds!

3. Skip the Summer

You’ll pay significantly more for a moving truck rental in the summer when compared to the winter. It’s possible to pay 50 percent or even more in the summer months. Try to schedule your move for any other season. Winter is the least expensive, but the savings may not arise if there’s bad weather on the horizon.

The reason why the summer is so expensive is demand. More families are moving because of the lack of school commitments. The weather is agreeable too. Consider the fall or early spring for the least expensive move with a rental vehicle or moving company.

4. Equipment Fees

Renting a moving truck usually comes without any supplies. The rental fee is merely to gain access to an empty truck. Be sure to consider the additional equipment that must be rented. A dolly, for example, can cost between $5 and $10 each day. If your trip is a long-distance move, buying your own dolly might be less expensive in the end.

Adding a hitch onto the truck must be completed by the rental company. Don’t try to add one yourself. An official hitch installation might cost around $150. This cost may seem high, but it might be worth it to move your vehicle between residences without adding a lot of wear and tear to the engine.

5. Add in Insurance

Many people pass on the insurance offered by the rental company, but rethink this action. If you have auto insurance for your personal vehicles, it won’t often cover rental trucks. It’s always a better idea to use the rental company’s coverage.

Simply read over the policy’s fine print. The cheapest moving truck rental may have deductibles that are extremely high in price. Weigh the possibilities of an accident and how to pay for the coverage. Although accidents are rare, they can happen. You want to be able to cover your financial responsibility within a reasonable price range.

6. The Fastest Route Wins

You may want to swing past an attraction on the way to your destination, but postpone the sightseeing until another trip. The chosen route will determine part of the rental’s cost. Selecting the straightest path between points A and B will give you the lowest cost.

Taking the moving truck up and over windy paths or off on a different trajectory will add days and mileage to the rental. You’ll ultimately pay more without a straightforward pathway. Making a driving plan well before the trip will save money.

7. Be Aware of Drop-Off Facilities

The idea of using the cheapest moving truck rental and dropping it off at the nearest facility afterward is convenient, but be aware of any inconveniences. The rental company may or may not have a drop-off facility near your final destination.

To avoid any hassles, research all of the facilities near your destination first. A lot that’s about five to 10 miles away from your new home may be sufficient for your needs. If you must drive several hours to the facility, however, the rental may not be as convenient as you first imagined.

8. Go Over Contractual Mileage

A moving truck company might have a great deal on mileage costs, such as $0.75 per mile. You’re ready to sign the contract. However, take a look at any fees associated with overage costs.

Some companies add a premium onto the mileage cost if you run over a certain amount of miles. In fact, these costs can add up very quickly. Driving even an extra 10 miles at $0.89 per mile as the overage rate, and you’ll spend nearly another $10 for the rental. The contractual mileage is important so be aware of these details.

9. Regional Differences for Mileage

There are also differences in cost when you compare a moving truck rental to a specific region. Dense, urban areas tend to be more expensive. Rent a truck in Southern California, and your driving costs might be closer to $1 per mile. Head out to a rural state, however, and your costs may be around $0.69 per mile.

Consider this difference when you seek out a facility to rent out of initially. Driving a bit further for a rural facility might save you some money.

10. Remember to Fill Up

Your moving truck rental can be extremely expensive if you fail to gas up after your trip. As you complete your trip, head over to the gas station. Fill the tank up to the level it was upon renting it. Most vehicles have a full tank when you pick them up.

It’s understandable to be busy during a move. Leaving the tank close to empty and dropping it off may be the easy route. However, you’ll be charged a premium for the gas being pumped at the rental facility. Each gallon might be a dollar more than what you’d find at the gas station. To save money, simply gas up the vehicle yourself.

11. Cleaning Fees

The cheapest moving truck rental won’t feel like such if your cleaning deposit isn’t returned. As you empty out the vehicle at your destination, be aware of any dingy areas in the back. Most vehicles don’t respond well to pressure washers or hoses. Simply wipe down the back area if there’s any dirty areas.

Damages to the vehicle will be charged back to you. In contrast, hiring movers allows you to forgo any concerns over the vehicle’s care. The movers are in control of their truck. Think about these details before renting or hiring the professionals.

Plan out your move with a lot of research on your side. By choosing the best solution for your needs, the transition can be smooth and seamless. Start packing now because moving day will be here before you know it.