Moving, Packing, Storage Information

Truck Rental

Loading and transporting your own belongings to the storage facility will take much detailed planning and organization in order for the move to go smoothly and be problem-free. You will need a truck and some strong helpers. Anyone who has moved themselves into storage will advise you to add extra to your original estimate of how much it will cost to allow for various unexpected charges.

Tips:

• Reserve early for a possible cheaper rate.
• Booking a weekend is more expensive than mid-week.
• Obtain the right packing supplies to prevent damage to your belongings.
• Assemble a team of friends to help.
• Check out the truck beforehand to make sure you are familiar and comfortable with unfamiliar gauges and controls.
• Drive safely.

Advantages:

• You can move on your own time.
• You are in control.
• You save money.

Disadvantages:

• You will have to hire labor if you can't get enough people to help out.
• You will have to drive a large truck.
• You must pay for pads, dollies, gas and tolls.
• You must pay for any extra mileage or extra time.
• You must pack all belongings properly yourself.
• You are responsible if any goods are damaged in transit.
• You may need to hire professional packers to prevent damage if your items are valuable.
• You may want to take out insurance which is more expensive than standard insurance offered by the truck rental company.
• Beware of the small print on the contract. Free offers may include impossible conditions to meet which have high cost penalties.
• You may have to pay if the storage company assists you with the unloading.

• Make an inventory list of what needs to need moved.
• Find out which type and size best suits your needs.
• Get a number of estimates.
• Make sure you are comfortable in driving a truck.
• Check to see if you need a special driving permit.
• Know how to operate the lift.
• Locate the most convenient drop off location near the storage unit.
• Know what type of gas is required and if a full tank is required upon return.
• Find out if extra mileage is covered.
• Check to see if roadside assistance is provided by the truck rental company.
• Read all the fine print on the contract very carefully.

Insurance:

• Find out if your auto insurance protects you while driving the truck. You may need to take out extra insurance to cover you and the truck.
• You will need to insure the items being moved into storage if your homeowners policy does not cover this.

• 10 ft truck: 1 bedroom small apartment - approximately 350 cubic feet
• 15 ft truck: 2 bedroom house or apartment- approximately 750 cubic feet
• 20 ft truck: 3-4 bedroom house- approximately 1250 cubic feet
• 25 ft truck: large 5-8 bedroom house - approximately 1550 cubic feet