Moving home or office can be very stressful.
From packing to unpacking, it’s a lot of work. It can feel overwhelming when you factor in moving truck hire costs.
The cost of renting a moving truck varies by company and depends on various factors.
This blog post will discuss why moving trucks are worth it and outline the costs of hiring one.
Are Moving Trucks Worth It?
Moving trucks are worth it because they save time and money compared to hiring movers or renting a van. With a moving truck, you can access larger vehicles that can transport more items with fewer trips than if you used a smaller vehicle like a van.
Additionally, having your own truck lets you control when the move happens. You don’t have to rely on someone else’s availability or schedule. You also get peace of mind knowing that your items are safe and secure while transporting them in your own truck instead of relying on someone else’s vehicle.
What Costs Are Involved?
When it comes to moving, you have a lot to consider. There are the costs associated with packing supplies, the fees for movers, and even the cost of hiring a truck for your move.
But before you make your decision on whether or not to rent a moving truck, it’s important to understand all of the costs involved. Let’s break down the costs associated with moving truck hire so you can make an informed decision.
Fuel Costs
The fuel costs associated with moving truck hire depend on how much fuel is used during your move. If you’re driving a long distance, then it’s likely that you’ll need more fuel than if you’re making a local move.
The fuel cost will vary depending on your location and current market prices.
Insurance Costs
Insurance is an important consideration when renting a moving truck as well. Depending on what type of coverage is needed for protection against damage, different levels of insurance may come at varying costs.
Before signing any contracts, ensure you understand what type of coverage is offered and at what price point.
Mileage Fees
Mileage fees may also apply when renting a moving truck, particularly for local moves as opposed to long-distance moves, which typically include unlimited mileage in their quotes.
It’s important to check with the rental company about any mileage fees applicable for your move so that you can factor them into your budget accordingly.
Supplies
Supplies such as boxes and furniture pads are necessary for safely transporting your belongings when renting a moving truck; however, these supplies usually aren’t included in the quote and must be purchased separately.
Make sure to factor this into your budget when considering whether or not to rent a truck for your move.
Taxes
Like most services, taxes must be paid when renting a moving truck, but they may not always be included in the quote, so it’s important to check and make sure before signing any contracts or paying any deposits. This way, you can budget accurately for all potential expenses of hiring a moving truck.
Towing Equipment
Lastly, additional equipment such as car trailers or tow dollies may be required depending on what type of items you plan on transporting in addition to household goods. These will incur additional charges from the rental company. Keep this in mind when budgeting for your move!
Other Factors That Could Affect the Price of Renting a Moving Truck
Size of the Moving Truck
The size of the moving truck you will need depends on how large your household is and how many items need to be moved. Smaller trucks, like 10-footers, are more affordable than larger ones, like 24-footers; they’re also less spacious and aren’t suitable for much more than studio apartments or dorm rooms. On the other hand, larger trucks are more expensive but will fit most homes.
Costs Vary From Company To Company
Different companies charge different prices depending on their fleet size and location. That said, most companies offer competitive rates. Prices can also vary significantly depending on where you live—so make sure you shop around before settling on one company.
The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Moving Truck
Now that you know all the costs of renting a moving truck, let’s dive into the pros and cons and see if it’s worth it for your next move.
Pros:
- One of the biggest advantages of hiring a moving truck is that you have control over what time you move and how quickly or slowly you move things.
- You can pack up your belongings exactly as you want without worrying about someone else coming in and rearranging them.
- Additionally, if there are items that you don’t want to be moved, you can leave them behind since it will be just you and your family loading and unloading the truck.
- Another plus is that it may be cheaper than other methods of moving, such as using professional movers or renting a storage unit.
- The convenience factor is also key when hiring a moving truck. You don’t have to worry about coordinating with someone else for pick-up and delivery times or figuring out who will be responsible for what part of the move.
Cons:
On the other hand, some potential drawbacks are associated with hiring a moving truck that should be considered before deciding.
- For one thing, unless you have access to an experienced driver who knows how to manoeuvre large vehicles, safely driving such a large vehicle can feel intimidating—especially if you’re not used to driving long distances or dealing with traffic on busy highways.
- Additionally, depending on where you live (and where you’re moving), filling up the tank on such an enormous vehicle can get expensive quickly, not only because trucks tend to guzzle gas but also because diesel fuel may cost more than regular gasoline in some areas.
- Lastly, although most companies provide insurance coverage for their trucks in case something happens during transit, many do not cover personal belongings inside the vehicle, meaning that if something gets broken or damaged during transit, it could cost more money out-of-pocket than originally anticipated.
Making the Most Out of Your Moving Truck Rental
Pack Smartly
When packing your stuff for moving day, pack heavier items towards the bottom of the box or the truck bed floor, while lighter items should be stacked on top or towards the back of the vehicle.
You should also use cushions such as blankets or pillows to protect fragile items like dishes or electronics from shifting around during transit.
Lastly, label each box clearly so they can be quickly unpacked at their destination.
Load Strategically
Start by placing large items first, such as couches and mattresses, before working through smaller boxes filled with lighter objects like clothing or kitchenware until everything is safely positioned inside the vehicle.
Finally, secure any loose objects with straps or ropes, so they don’t move around during transport; this helps keep everyone safe too!
Final Thoughts
When considering whether or not to rent a moving truck for your next move, there are several things to consider, including cost, convenience and safety.
Understanding the various costs of renting a moving truck can help ensure you don’t get caught off guard by unexpected expenses.
Southern Cross Truck Rentals offers competitive rates on all types of rental trucks, so contact us today for more information! Good luck with your move!
About Southern Cross Truck Rentals
Are you moving house in Sydney? We’re the removal truck hire guys you need – complete with trolleys, blankets and ropes available for hire too.
Are you moving suburbs or moving interstate? Looking for a moving truck hire for DIY removals? Southern Cross Truck Rental is your one-stop shop.
Whether you need a small removal van, a ute to move small items, or a larger truck that will fit the whole house in one go, we’ve got a range of vehicles to suit. Popular moving trucks in our fleet include:
- Moving and delivery vans
- Pantech trucks
- Tautliner trucks
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Trucks Specifically for Moving?
Generally speaking, the cost of hiring a moving truck varies depending on the size and type of truck you need and other factors such as the distance travelled and the duration of hire. Prices will also vary depending on which company you choose to rent from.
What Do I Need to Hire a Truck?
Most companies require a standard car licence, proof of age and ID before letting you hire a truck. In some cases, it may be necessary for you also to possess a valid truck licence to operate certain types of vehicles legally.
What Type of Trucks Can I Hire?
Depending on the company you choose, you can typically find everything from standard cars to mine-equipped vehicles in their commercial fleet. Some companies even offer convenient locations with van hire services available.
Are There Any Long-Term Rental Options for Rental Trucks?
Yes, many companies offer long-term rental options so customers can take advantage of lower rates over an extended period. It is often beneficial when hiring multiple vehicles at once or where regular access to specific types of transportation is required.
