Renting Moving Trucks

Moving renting trucks and having friends help you is obviously much less expensive than hiring professional movers. However, there can be many hidden costs.

Here are some tips:

Renting Moving Trucks

Book your moving rental truck early. Many companies sell out more than a week before and can even sell out many weeks in advance during popular moving weekends  (like in the fall and spring when colleges start or end). Furthermore, if your plans change, there generally is not a cancellation fee if you provide some minimum amount of notice.

Shop around. You can get quotes from many different truck rental companies online. Do it. Since you're just borrowing their equipment (which is all roughly the same), the price competition is fierce.

Call to confirm the day before. "Reputable" companies sometimes overbook moving trucks. You don't want to be stuck there in the morning with a perfectly planned moving day, only to find out that your "reservation" is not available. Call to confirm. By the way, though, if this does happen to you, you may be able to take the company to small claims court.

Make sure you get a roadside service number before you drive away. Many of the trucks are not maintained particularly well (additionally, they're driven every day by people who don't know how to drive them). On more than one occasion, we've had the truck break down.

Pick up the truck early. Generally rental trucks are available as soon as the company opens in the morning and are due back by the time they close. If you pick up your truck late, you're just spending the same money for less time. Furthermore, if you get there early, you're more likely to get a better truck and less likely to find that your "reservation" is no longer available.

Get the insurance. If you haven't done it before, driving large rental moving trucks can be quite challenging. The sad reality is that most of us created a few new dings on our first try. Generally, we don't vote for extra costs, but this one might be worth it. At the same time, thoroughly check the state of the truck when you pick it up and note all existing damage (and fuel level). Make sure it is completely and accurately documented before you drive the truck away.

Stick to the parameters of the agreement. Forgetting to refill the gas tank or not returning the rental truck in time can be extremely costly. Pay attention to these details.

Borrowing Your Friends

Offer some non-cash "incentive." Provide free pizza and beer for those who help out. If it's a long move, maybe bagels in the morning. The best time to feed everyone is after the move is entirely complete or when all the stuff is in the truck at the new location (just before unloading). If you feed your helpers too early, the job won't get done.

Remind them of the time that you helped out. Nothing wrong with a little guilt every now and then. Of course, be prepared to have this used on you when they move.

Be "that guy" about safe moving procedures. It's REALLY no fun to watch a friend hurt themselves lifting your stuff. Regularly remind friends to lift with their legs and not to carry anything alone that is better handled by a team.

Take extra precautions to make the work area safe. Clean up toys, trash, or any hazardous objects. Prop the door open. Make sure folks know about any slippery areas. Work out attack plans for heavy objects. Don't park the rental truck on a slope, etc...  You can never be too cautious when friends are helping you out.

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