If you’re getting ready to move and want to do it in DIY fashion, hiring a moving truck company is a great way to go. Moving truck companies rent out their moving trucks for customers to load with their items, drive to their new destination, unpack, and then return the truck to the company’s lot. Whether you are moving residentially, cross country, long-distance, interstate, or any other kind of moving, hiring the best moving truck company to fit your needs can help to make the process easy and stress-free.
No matter what the reason is for your move, it is important to find a moving truck company that will fit both your needs and your budget. There will be many different factors to sort through when researching moving truck companies, so it will be beneficial to take your time while choosing the right company for you. Finding the best moving truck company shouldn’t be stressful. Following the tips below can help you narrow down your moving truck company options and feel confident in whatever your final decision may be.
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While it may seem like all moving truck companies are created equally and offer the same services of renting you a moving truck, they are actually quite different from each other in the additional services that they provide. To start, it is important to figure out what type of move you are going to be making. For a long-distance move, any move over 100 miles, you will need to hire a nationally recognized moving truck chain. For anything under 100 miles, you will have the option between national and local moving truck companies. National companies have a massive network that make finding a truck easy, but their large corporate structure can often make finding a solution difficult. Local moving truck companies, on the other hand, are more personable but do not have the same inventory as national chains, so finding a truck can sometimes be difficult.
Moving truck companies also differentiate in the way they charge for mileage. Some companies provide unlimited miles while others charge a fee, typically 40 cents, per each mile driven. Some moving truck companies will have the additional option of adding movers to help you pack up the truck while others do not have a mover add-on. It is important to know exactly what you want out of your move and to know how much of it you want to do yourself before signing a contract with a moving truck company. Make sure to ask a lot of questions and tailor your experience to your specific needs.
Don’t bring items with you on your move that you don’t want any more. Donating, selling, and throwing out unwanted items means less to move which also means a smaller moving truck. The smaller the truck, the cheaper the move.
Waiting until the last minute to hire a moving truck is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Not only are you not guaranteed that there will be a truck available, you are also inviting the moving truck company to raise their prices. Plan early and save money.
If you can avoid moving during the summer months or on holidays, you can avoid paying higher prices for a moving truck company’s busy season. Flexibility on the dates of your move can ultimately save you a lot of money.
Make sure that you are locking yourself into a contract with a moving truck company and not just getting an estimate from them. You do not want to end up paying hidden fees at the end of your move because you did not take the time to read the fine print.
Don’t just settle for the first moving truck company that you come across. Do your research, read reviews, ask for discounts, and find the best moving truck company to fit your needs.
Truck Size |
Best For |
Max Load (lbs) |
Interior Space (cu. ft) |
Miles per Gallon |
Cargo Van |
Small studio apartment or dorm room |
3,500 |
404 |
12 |
12 foot |
Small one-bedroom apartment |
3,100 |
450 |
12 |
16 foot |
Standard one-bedroom apartment |
4,300 |
800 |
12 |
22 foot |
One- to two-bedroom home |
4,300 |
1,200 |
13 |
26 foot |
Three- to five-bedroom home |
10,000 |
1,700 |
13 |