Moving is certainly expensive. Just by how much depends on many things, including how much belongings you are bringing with you in your move and how far you are moving away from your present home. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider looking for ways to cut on some unnecessary expenses.
When renting a moving truck from say U-Haul, take note that the quoted cost of the rental includes only the amount you will pay for the use of the type of truck you are renting, the duration of the rental and the distance to be travelled. It does not include yet any supplemental insurance coverage, fuel costs, moving accessories, toll charges or other related fees.
Especially if you have to move during summer, the earlier you make your reservation, the better your chances are at getting the right size of truck for your actual needs. Waiting until the last minute to reserve can force you to rent a truck that may be larger than your needs since those are usually the only ones still available by then. Not only will this cost you more money in terms of the higher rental cost, it can also lead to some of your more fragile belongings being damaged from the jostling around the extra room left over in the truck.
Whether you’re moving just across town or across state line, be sure to return the truck rental on time in order to avoid having to pay late fees and penalties. Before you drive off with the rented truck, check the gas gauge since the gas tank has to be filled to the same level or higher upon return. If you don’t, you’ll be made to pay a costly penalty, usually by up to four times more than it would have cost you to fill the tank before returning it.
Aside from checking the gas gauge, inspect the truck before accepting it for possible damage. In case the damage isn’t serious, make sure that it is nonetheless properly documented so wouldn’t be blamed and billed for it later. If on return the truck is in the same condition and the fuel tank is filled to at least the same capacity as when you drove it off the lot, then you shouldn’t have to worry about any additional costs.
On the other hand, if on inspection you do find some serious damage on the truck, ask for a replacement. Renting a truck that’s too damaged or hasn’t been properly maintained can result in costly delays and breakdowns while on your way to your destination. In any event, when using a rented truck, you should make it a point to get the rental agency’s emergency number in case it malfunctions, or you got involved in an accident, while in route to your new home.
