Your budget is often the primary factor in deciding how you’re going to move. Although it’s the most labor intensive and time-consuming way to move, a moving truck rental can save you bucks. For a 1000-mile move, figure on spending anywhere from $500 to $1700 for the truck rental alone. Then add in your fuel, tolls, insurance, and lodging costs. On the other hand, hiring a moving company for your interstate move will save you headaches, time, and hard work. A full-service long-distance move can cost between $2000 and $7500 depending on the weight of your possessions and services you select. There’s a lot to think about and neither option is cheap. Be sure you have the complete picture before you decide. Hopefully this list of pros and cons will help:
Some truck rental companies charge mileage and only offer round-trip rentals while others offer unlimited mileage and no fees for one-way rentals. Insurance coverage prices can vary between companies, as can moving accessories options and prices. It’s worthwhile to make a list of all the services you’ll need for your interstate move. Will you need insurance, furniture pads, a hand truck, packing supplies, or a car carrier? Then comparison shop to get quotes from at least three moving truck rental companies. Booking as far in advance as possible will get you the best prices. Also, rates are cheaper when you rent between Sunday and Thursday, so if you can schedule your move during the week, you’ll likely save money.
Budget has over 2800 branches throughout the US and offers moving trucks and accessories for any kind of DIY interstate move. Whether you need to relocate a studio apartment or move an eight-room house, Budget has trucks and moving accessories for every need. Also, Budget branches stock a variety of packing materials and boxes. If you need ramps, hand trucks, furniture pads, a car carrier, or a tow dolly, you can order these accessories when you reserve your truck. Conveniently, Budget also rents pick-up trucks but note that Budget does not rent trailers. Budget can help you with self-storage and moving labor. Discounts are offered to students, seniors, and military personnel. Budget doesn’t guarantee their online reservations. Call, or better yet, visit your closest branch to get specific information about your scheduled rental. Budget offers trucks in three sizes:
Ryder offers vehicles designed for specialty commercial rental. If you need a refrigerated temperature-controlled truck or a stake bed truck, Ryder has a good selection. However, they only rent two sizes of moving trucks. They don’t rent or sell the typical moving accessories you’ll find at other truck rental companies, and only some of their branches rent furniture pads and hand trucks. Ryder has over 500 locations in the US and Canada but only offers round-trip rentals. Your truck must be returned to the original rental location. Unlike other truck rentals that charge by 24-hour periods, Ryder rentals are based on a daily charge. If you pick up your truck at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and return it at 8 a.m. the next day, you’re charged for two days. Ryder’s moving trucks include:
Penske has a variety of moving trucks for interstate DIY moves and offers free unlimited miles on one-way rentals. They also have more than 2000 pick-up and drop-off locations. Penske guarantees your reservation if you book 48 hours or more ahead of your pick-up time. Be sure to ask about their specials and discounts. All Penske trucks have automatic transmissions, power steering, air conditioning, cargo tie rails, and interior cargo lights. In addition to renting trucks, Penske sells moving boxes and packing supplies. They rent towing dollies, hand trucks, and furniture pads. Also, they offer a moving labor service and self-storage. However, Penske does not rent trailers or allow you to tow your own trailer with its trucks. Be sure to check their various insurance options for coverage during your move. Penske offers the following vehicles:
Enterprise assesses a one-time drop charge for its larger vehicles which they add to their truck rental rate. With over 350 branches, only a few rental locations allow a truck to be rented in one location and returned to another. Be sure to check the mileage and distance policies. Given the round-trip policy at most of Enterprise branches, the option may not be the best choice for an interstate move. You must reserve their larger box trucks over the phone. Although you can rent hand trucks and furniture pads at Enterprise, they don’t rent car carriers or sell moving boxes. The best choices for an interstate move are their cabover and box trucks:
Since 1945, U-Haul has maintained its reputation as one of the most popular companies in the rental truck industry. With more than 20,000 locations, U-Haul provides you with the greatest flexibility for pick-up and drop-off of one-way rentals. U-Haul has just about anything you might need for your DIY interstate move. Trucks, trailers, towing equipment, boxes, packing supplies, hand trucks, furniture pads, moving labor, storage, and even U-Box containers are available from most U-Haul branches. Rates can vary based on demand and availability. The sooner you can book your truck, the better your chances are of getting a great rate. From cargo vans to 26’ trucks, U-Haul has some of the best van and truck size selections:
If you’re contemplating going this route, be sure to follow these DIY moving tips:
While the cost of a DIY interstate move might sound appealing, be sure to thoroughly research this option before booking your rental truck. You could be surprised at the expense of renting a truck, once figuring in tax, insurance, and other fees. Compare the overall cost of renting a truck with the cost of hiring full-service movers. You might be surprised at the relative affordability of hiring a moving company. To start your comparison, request free quotes now using Ian’s Interstate Movers!
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