How to Get a Discount Budget Moving Truck Rental
Moving can be a pain, and paying a lot of money for a moving truck rental adds to the stress and strain of any move. Fortunately, there are many ways to get the cheapest possible rental truck for your move. Like rental car companies, moving truck companies don't want their fleet to be sitting in the parking lot--they want each truck rented as often and for as long as possible, and will often provide discount rentals as an incentive during off-peak times.
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Instructions
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Sign up for email notifications from all the major moving truck rental companies in your area. These emails will often give details of special offers on truck rentals.
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Select your moving date, and make it an off-peak time when demand for moving trucks is at its lowest--prices will therefore be lower. Peak moving times include the first of every month and weekends (particularly Memorial Day weekend). If you can move midweek and mid-month, you will likely get the cheapest rates on moving trucks.
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Check the availability and rates of every moving truck company for the moving date you have selected. Get quotes for the smallest moving truck that can accommodate all your possessions.
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Call the other companies and ask if they can beat the quote of the rental company that you first identified as the cheapest. Often the other companies will adjust their prices downward.
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Decline any unnecessary extras on the truck rental, such as dolly rental, furniture pad rental, moving boxes, storage and moving assistance.
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Consider whether a one-way rental may be cheaper than renting a truck that has to be returned to the same location. Typically, the one-way rentals charge more as a base rate, but do not charge for mileage. In-town rentals typically add a charge for every mile driven in the truck, which can end up being more expensive than a one-way rental.
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Return your moving truck on time to avoid late fees and penalties.
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Tips & Warnings
Cheap moving trucks may be found by going through independent operators rather than the big companies. If you go this route, make sure that the van and its driver are fully insured.
No matter what your budget, insurance is a must. Most personal insurance policies, and those offered on rental vehicles by various credit cards, do not extend to moving trucks. It's a good idea to purchase full insurance coverage for the truck and for liability in the case of an accident.
Moving trucks drive differently than cars. Take extra care to avoid damage to the truck, especially when towing.
Use good lifting technique when moving your possessions in and out of the truck. Ask for help with heavy items, and lift from the knees rather than the back.
References
- Photo Credit moving house (blue version) image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
