Renting a Truck

Rental Truck Costs

Renting a truck constitutes a majority of self-moving expenses. Determine what size truck to rent before asking for quotes. There are several rental options available, and different companies provide different moving services. Depending on whether you are moving long distance (“one-way”) or locally will affect the way your rental is priced.

Rental truck fees

Some companies charge for truck rentals by day with mileage included. Some charge a flat fee plus a mileage charge. Read your rental contract to understand any mileage limitations or daily fees. You will need to pay for additional equipment, including ramps, dollies, or packing supplies. You will be responsible for the cost of gas, so be sure to include an estimate in your moving budget. Choose a rental company that offers the best package that fits your needs, and reserve your rental truck at least a week in advance.

Rental truck insurance

When you pick up your rented moving truck, the company will ask for a valid driver’s license, a credit card, and proof of insurance. Your personal auto policy may already include coverage for a rental truck, and you may have additional insurance through your credit card company if you use the card to pay for the rental. If you are not covered by either of these options, the rental company can provide driver’s insurance for the truck. Also, you can ask the company about purchasing additional insurance to cover damage to your belongings.

What Size Truck Should You Rent?

When renting a truck or trailer for a self-move, don't be confused when you have to decide what size to go with. Most truck rental companies can recommend a size based on how many rooms you are moving. It’s always best to over-estimate what size you will need. Extra trips will add more cost to the moving process than renting a truck one size bigger.

• Studio or small 1 bedroom - 10 feet
• 1-2 bedrooms - 14 feet
• 2-3 bedrooms - 17 feet
• 3-4 bedrooms - 24 feet
• 4+ bedrooms - 27 feet

Loading a Rental Truck

Load rental trucks and trailers properly to ensure the safety of your belongings during the moving process. Plan ahead so you have an idea of what you should load first. Most moving companies like Lamarich Inc, will provide trucks with a loading ramp, if your rental truck does not come with one, ask the company if they can provide one. Also request a few dollies of different sizes to accommodate all of your appliances, furniture, and boxes.

When loading a rental truck, always load large, heavy items on bottom and smaller, light items on top. Affix all belongings to the tie down rings on the truck. You can also secure items by loading them in between larger items. Lay out a protective floor covering to protect items placed on the floor of the truck. After loading, cover your belongings with a blanket of plastic sheet to keep them free of dirt and dust.

To load your moving truck properly:

1. Place items such as refrigerators, armoires, and washing machines against the front wall of the truck
2. Turn furniture, like sofas and mattresses, on their side and anchor between other heavy items.
3. Place flat and long objects, such as mirrors or mattresses, against the side walls.
4. Once you load the heavy, large items, fill empty space with large boxes.
5. Use small boxes to fill in open spots at the front of the trailer.
6. Finish loading the leftover boxes on the floor at the empty end of the truck.
7. Fill in empty spaces in the truck with bagged pillows, blankets, or other soft, flexible items.

Stay safe when loading your rental truck

• Do not rush, safety is key.
• Take more trips, rather than overloading a dolly and risking injury or damage.
• Squat and lift with your legs, minimizing strain on your back.
• The truck should provide more than enough room for your belongings. You are better off having leftover space, rather than not having enough.
• Double check that everything is secure before driving off.
• And again, larger heavy items on bottom, smaller light items on top!

Loading Large Items in a Rental Truck

For most DIY movers, loading large items on a moving truck is the biggest challenge. Don’t risk injury when loading your truck by taking the time to carefully load and unload large items.

Lifting heavy items

The largest appliances and furniture need to be loaded first. Take your time with these items, especially if they require more than one person to move. When lifting heavy items, squat and lift with your legs to avoid added stress on your back. Keep the object close to your body and do not twist at any point during the lift. Take frequent rests and listen to you body.

Using a dolly

A large item that you cannot lift alone, such as refrigerator, requires a dolly, which can be rented. Do not overload a dolly, because this can increase the chance of injury to yourself or damage to your possessions. Also, secure the appliance to the dolly using straps.

Rent a ramp for rolling large furniture and appliances into the truck. Always go backwards up the ramp with a loaded dolly. It’s also a good idea to have someone follow it up the ramp, to make sure it stays secure. This will make your job much easier and safer.

When loading large appliances, position them as upright as possible to protect any moveable parts inside. To move a refrigerator, attach the dolly to the suction line side so that it faces down when tilted.