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Things to Know Before Reserving A Rental Moving Truck

Moving requires planning and having the right supplies to avoid mishaps and delays. One of the most critical aspects of planning is reserving a rental moving truck. People use rental moving trucks to load their packages and belongings, making it a swifter transition without multiple trips.

Reserving a rental truck helps the planning process be efficient, and there are different elements to consider and know before booking your rental truck to make the process easier. Continue reading to learn more.

What you need for large scale relocations

The size of relocation is a significant indicator of the moving truck to reserve and how long you’ll need to rent the vehicle. If you are relocating a business office, taking time to plan can help you avoid unnecessary downtime for your business operation. In these cases, you can set a few tasks to stay ahead of the game.

Large-scale relocations often need the following in the planning phase:  

  • Once a location is established, set a moving date

  • Set a budget for necessary costs

  • Search for a reliable moving company to help

  • Take an inventory of your belongings

  • Find vendors and moving supplies

  • Solidify a moving plan

What kind of equipment is needed for a large-scale relocation:

  • A moving truck large enough to carry the load

  • Two-wheel dollies

  • Hoisting straps

  • Four-wheel dollies

  • Crates and bins

  • Appliance dolly

  • Ramps

  • Tools

Depending on the size of a company or your relocation needs, a large-scale relocation can take months of planning and preparing to be completed well. You’ll need to notify your staff and other necessary parties of your relocation and set small goals that lead up to moving day. When you reserve a moving truck for your relocation, mention the scale of your move and the workforce you need.

What you need for long-haul relocations

If you’re traveling a long distance and need a long-haul relocation, there’s plenty to consider and plan. Unlike short-distance relocations, moving hundreds or thousands of miles away requires comprehensive planning and ensuring you have the right equipment.

When renting a moving truck for a long-distance move, you’ll have to set a moving date and find a location to return your vehicle wherever you are moving. This is a simple aspect of a relocation, but the details are essential. Having the right truck size, calculating fuel costs, and the mileage you use are costs to consider for your long-haul relocation.

In the months and weeks before moving, make sure you set time aside to complete tasks related to moving. This typically includes gathering boxes and equipment, taking inventory, packing, and ensuring all necessary details are in place for moving day. Driving long distances can be tiring, so be sure to plan for rest periods and try to build a schedule.

How to choose the right size rental

Looking at different truck sizes to evaluate what you need for your move can be puzzling. You’ll want to take inventory, pack, gather your supplies, and estimate the number of packages and belongings you’ll be relocating. It’s best to over-estimate rather than underestimate, or you’ll likely reserve the wrong truck and must leave some cargo behind.

When choosing the right size truck rental, consider the following elements:

  • Number of rooms you’ll pack up

  • Large items you need to relocate

  • Number of passengers in the truck

  • Towing capacity

  • Driving ability for large trucks

Ensuring you have the right size vehicle based on how many rooms or offices you have to pack up can help you avoid having too much space or capacity for loading. Some trucks are sometimes compatible with trailers that can latch on and give you the extra space you need. For any relocation, it is also essential to plan for driving ability, meaning to prepare for who can drive and be in charge of transporting the truck from point A to point B.

Trailers – can you rent them and do you need one?

Trailers are a helpful add-on when they fit the situation. An important note is that trailer options are different at every place and vendor location. Some offer dollies and car carries, while others provide utility or car/motorcycle rental trailers. Depending on the weight restrictions, these trailers aren’t always compatible.

However, trailers can be a way to get added space and security for heavy, odd-shaped items you can take on the road. Trailers are rental add-on items and should be requested ahead of time.

Additionally, towing can change how you drive due to the weight of the cargo, making turns, and other aspects to be cautious of when moving with a trailer. If you have the correct size driving truck, you won’t need to add a trailer to your vehicle for extra space. These rentals can also vary in price, and there are limited options for one-way rentals.

Pickup truck rentals for small relocations

If you have a small relocation coming up, reserving a pickup truck rental can help you accomplish your move. Pickup trucks have ample flatbed space, and you can attach straps to secure your packages safely while transporting. This method is suitable for moving a small room, getting a head start on some furniture transportation, and even moving a small office space.

What to note about standard 8’ pickup trucks and weight capacity:

  • Inside bed dimensions: 8’x 5’1” x 1”10-1/2”

  • Deck height from the ground up is 34”

  • Maximum load: 6,800 lbs.

  • Towing capacity: up to 6,000 lbs.

Whether a pickup truck is a right choice depends on the number of boxes, packages, and the weight of your items. Generally, these trucks are heavy-duty and suitable for equipment and work needs of construction, landscaping, and other industries.

City moving

If you’re moving from one city to another, planning a one-way moving truck rental is best. Depending on the mileage and distance traveled, this can help reduce costs and is a convenient way to save time.

While moving into a city, review the parking, street rules, and the best way to handle the unloading once you arrive. At times, snug city streets can limit your entry and exit points depending on the size of your truck and street parking. Planning city moves with these considerations in mind is important to avoid delays.

You may also need additional equipment to move your belongings in and out of a building or home. Make a note of any elevators, stairs, and other factors that can influence the delivery and unpacking of your items.

Reserve more than just a box truck for relocatio

A box truck is simply a chassis cab with an enclosed cubic-ship cargo area that is attached. Box trucks are essential because they are versatile and make it easy to haul or move cargo. Therefore many businesses buy or rent cargo vans and trucks. When you reserve a box truck to relocate, consider booking more items and avoid missing out on necessary equipment.

Items to reserve in addition to a box truck:

  • Equipment rentals

  • Moving assistance

  • Rental insurance

Depending on how far you are going and the amount of your load, reserving services ahead of time can help guarantee the equipment or staffing will be available to help you and make your move more efficient.

Moving supplies

Packing and moving require more than just a rental moving truck, as you’ll need the equipment and tools to do the heavy lifting and save yourself and your team from injuries. Loading and unloading a truck can require heavy lifting and is strenuous work.

In addition to a moving truck, you may need these moving supplies:

  • Sturdy boxes and plastic wrap

  • Dollies

  • Furniture pads

  • Moving blankets

Rental companies often have these items and services available for purchase or rental. Inquiring about them before a move can help guarantee the items are available when you need them on moving day.

Hiring help to get your moving project on the road

Whether a short or long trip, moving can be stressful. Hiring professional movers for small to large-scale moves can help reduce stress and labor and eliminate injuries. Especially when moving a business, you’ll want to avoid unnecessary stress and injuries on your employees. Professional movers are well-trained in using equipment and working efficiently to complete a moving project.

Planning a cross country move with a rental truck

Planning a cross-country relocation can seem frightening and time-consuming. However, this isn’t always the case. You’ll want to note the best tips and tricks for cross-country relocating and how to plan using a rental truck. Continue reading to learn more about the best way to handle long-distance relocations.

Do I want to travel by plane or drive?

Most people travel cross-country by plane, as this can reduce moving time significantly. However, this requires moving your items separately and planning for their delivery. If you choose to travel by plane, preparing your items to be shipped to your new home will be a part of the process. Most relocation companies offer the equipment and crating to pack and handle the delivery.

If you choose to drive, you’ll need to rent a moving truck ahead of time and load your packages before you go. This can take more time, but with the help of long-distance movers, you should be good to go in no time. Just remember to reserve the right truck size and equipment, so you’ll have it available on moving day.

One-way truck rental checklist

One-way truck rentals are the best option for long-distance moving. If you’re driving on your own, you’ll reserve a truck at a pickup spot and indicate the drop-off location near your new home or office.

One-way truck rental checklist:

  • Choose the right truck size

  • Ensure you reserve the equipment needed

  • Reserve a date and time for pickup

  • Reserve a time for drop-off near your new home

  • Consider hiring professional help

Different tasks make up a complete and successful move, especially for long-distance relocations. Work with your truck rental company to reduce the number of vendors needed to complete a relocation. You can find a one-stop shop and save time.

When should I start packing my items?

Your packing timelines can vary depending on how many rooms or spaces you have to pack up. Ideally, you’ll have a new spot to move to and choose a moving day. You can start packing items you don’t need accessible until you relocate, and as the moving day approaches, start packing items, you use regularly.

Ideally, most people start packing up to move at least six weeks before moving day. This can help reduce stress and unwanted last-minute costs. Packing based on priority can help you ensure you have the right amount of packing supplies and gives you time to declutter and get organized.

How to schedule a cross country move in a rental truck

If you’re moving across the country, there’s plenty to consider. When you’re scheduling a move in a rental truck, you may not be able to pack everything up in one day and hit the road.

Schedule your move with this in mind:

  • Map your route ahead of time

  • Set a number of hours to drive daily

  • Make reservations for overnight rest stops

  • Have snacks, water, and food available

One-way moving is convenient for cross-country relocations because you can leave your truck near you instead of the original location. It’s best to plan and schedule according to the time needed to load the truck, drive to the new state, unload the truck, and drop it off at the reserved location.

Packing and clean up tips

Packing and disposing of unwanted items and garbage takes time during a move. Having the right boxes, tools, and packing materials is essential. If you leased a home or office, consider cleaning services to leave the space in perfect condition.

Some tips for packing and cleaning up include:

  • Get the correct number of boxes and packing supplies

  • Ensure your items are packed safely and appropriately

  • Break down furniture items if possible

  • Consider decluttering and donating unwanted items

  • Seek professional garbage disposal and sustainable solutions

  • Consider cleaning services to help you leave your space clean

Once you have everything packed up and ready to go, there may be garbage to dispose of. Ensure you know your communities guidelines for bulk disposal to avoid fines. Professional movers can also help in transporting donated items or removal.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

Organization and a schedule can help you feel at ease when you plan for a move. However, preparation doesn’t eliminate the chance of mistakes or mishaps. In some cases, moving insurance can help you hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Regardless of the situation, moving is a change that takes time and effort. Be sure to seek the professional help you may need to accomplish your move and avoid unwanted stress.

Summary

Moving can be both an exciting and stressful time. Without proper planning, tools, equipment, and the necessary help, you can experience delays and mishaps. However, planning, especially for a cross-country move, can help you avoid challenges. Create a checklist, plan efficiently, make time to pack up, and hire a professional to move with a rental truck. With the best planning and scheduling, you’ll complete your cross-country relocation in no time. Get started by reserving your moving truck rental (here).