How to Avoid Common Moving Truck Problems

Moving is not always easy and even in the best of scenarios, there is still a level of stress involved. While sorting through your life’s collection of goods can be overwhelming, it’s nothing compared to having to deal with the many possible problems that can arise while planning your move, and after all the time you spent de-cluttering, cleaning and packing, the last thing you want to deal with is a problem with your moving truck rental. Luckily, with some solid planning and the following few tips, you can avoid many of the most common pitfalls that affect so many movers.

The Early Bird Gets the Truck Rental

Depending on the moving truck rental agency you’re planning on using, a reservation may not only be a good idea, but it may be required. There’s nothing worse than having all of your items packed and ready to go only to discover that there are no truck rentals available. You can easily avoid this problem by making a reservation well in advance. By doing so, the truck will be ready and waiting for you when you need it.

There are Always Extra Fees

Very rarely does one wind up paying the exact amount they were quoted for their truck rental. This is because there are dozens of requirements and conditions when renting a van or truck and each one neglected could cost you extra.

For instance, if you return the rental with the gas needle on empty, you will have to pay a penalty. Likewise if you return the truck late or you use the on-board dolly or furniture pads. To avoid being shocked when you get your credit card bill, learn about the company’s fee schedule before you drive the truck off the lot.

The Renter is the Driver

In virtually all cases, the one who rents the moving truck should be the only who drives it. If the moving truck agency knows that you’re going to be sharing driving duties, additional insurance may be required for the other driver.

In addition, most rental agencies place age limitations on those they allow to drive or rent their trucks. Most do not allow drivers 18 years old or younger, but some may set their limit much higher, as in 25 years of age.

Not Enough Storage Space

It can be difficult choosing the right sized moving truck and this process is made even harder because every truck looks bigger than it actually is. But, if you happen to rent a truck that’s slightly smaller than you expected, you can either return it for a larger one or start cleaning the detritus from your life. Moving is the best time to go through your things and toss out, sell or donate all the things that are no longer an essential part of your everyday life and by doing so, you’ll be maximizing the usable storage space in the truck.

On a side note, packing your largest items first will give you the most usable space for your smaller boxes. If you pack all of your smaller boxes first, you may not be able to fit something large, like a sofa. But, if you load the sofa first, any small boxes that won’t fit might fit in your vehicle.

Renting a moving truck is not as painful as many make it out to be. In fact, those who have bad experiences tend to do so as a result of their own mismanagement and lack of preparedness. By understanding potential problems beforehand and preparing for them, you’ll be perfectly capable of avoiding them and enjoying your moving day experience.