Rentals.com

How to select and rent a moving truck or van

You've found a great place to rent and now you just have to move in but you can't or don't want to deal with the expense of movers. If you decide not to use movers, you'll probably need to rent a moving van or truck.

Before contacting any companies, you'll want to assess how much you will be moving in the truck and how long you'll need it. Generally companies estimate the size of the truck you'll need based on how many rooms you're moving. According to several rental companies a 24-foot truck will move 3-4 bedrooms; a 17 to 15-foot truck will move 2-3 bedrooms, a 14 to 10-foot truck for 1 bedroom. You should ask friends, family and coworkers for recommendations and about their experiences. You'll want to look for patterns involving reservation, maintenance and returning problems.

After you've identified the companies, you want to start contacting them to determine availability for your move and price. Prices can change and can be more expensive during busy times of the year this is particularly true of the summer months. Also, keep in mind that weekends can be a busy time and renting at the last moment can be difficult. You will want to ask companies about driver requirements, including age, as some companies will not rent to anyone under 25, or if special licenses are needed. Check your car insurance to see if coverage extends to rental vans. If not, check with the rental company and your insurance company about coverage.

Once you've found an available rental truck that meets your needs, make the reservation. Check with the company about any special instructions for operating the truck. This could include basic driving tips if you've never driven a large vehicle. Most companies have written instruction manuals available at the pick up locations or online. Be sure to ask if you have any questions regarding operating the truck. You may want to confirm your reservation as your move date approaches. Don't forget to refill the tank before returning it or you'll be charged a refueling fee and for the gas. Be sure to note what type of fuel is required. And it probably wouldn't hurt to check what side of the truck the gas nozzle is on before you get to the gas station.

Once you have your truck, you're ready to make your move.