With the current state of the economy, people are cutting costs anywhere they can. Many of the same people who have used a full-service moving company in the past, are now opting for the do-it-yourself option of cheap moving truck rentals. Doing a little homework on the various companies and what they’re offering can make sure that your move doesn’t take a huge bite out of your wallet.
It’s important to note that the word “cheap” does not somehow mean lesser quality. Many of the top companies handling moving rentals have ultra-low rates. This is just the nature of the business. They all want you to rent from them, so pricing wars are common. The trick is to find out which of these companies works for you.
Cheap moving truck rentals are not difficult to find, but you want to make sure that you are renting from a reliable company that will ensure you a good moving experience. Try searching online for the companies you are interested in renting from. Oftentimes you can come across websites dedicated to moving rentals, where past customers rate their satisfaction with a particular company. Obviously every business is going to have the occasional unhappy customer, but if there seems to be a pattern of dissatisfaction, it may be something to take into consideration.
One way to keep costs low, if you are flexible, is to not move during rental companies’ peak months. Traditionally, this is between May and September. When more people are moving, the availability of moving rentals is limited, and thus more expensive. If at all possible, book far in advance and save yourself the stress of trying to scrounge around for a rental truck last minute.
When scouting out possible budget moving truck rentals, see if you can get what is called a binding estimate. Some companies will give you this, which is like a quote that they are not allowed to exceed. This way, you can avoid getting hit with a lot of extra charges at the back end, that you might not have been aware of. If possible, get quotes from multiple companies and compare the pros and cons of each.
If you are unable to get a binding estimate, be sure you check out the fine print on the contract. Find out if you are being charged on a per mile basis. Some companies that offer cheap moving truck rentals will charge you additional fees or higher per mile costs once you pass a certain number of miles. Make sure you know what you are getting into so there are no surprises.
Find out about fuel requirements. Many cheap moving truck rentals require you to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas, and if you do not, to make up the difference in your final bill. Also, find out if your truck has the ability to tow your car. It is extremely convenient if you do not happen to have another person handy to drive your car to the destination, and you also save on fuel costs.
Full-service moving companies are great if money isn’t an object, but they can cost up to five times as much as the do-it-yourself option. If you shop around and make sure you get the best deal for your situation, you can save quite a bit by using cheap moving truck rentals.
Tags: Cheap Moving Truck Rentals, Moving Rentals, Moving Truck Rentals
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