HireAHelper's Guide to Choosing a Moving Truck

Renting a Truck? Book Pros to Help

Just because you’re renting the truck doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself. Hiring local movers to help load and unload is more affordable than most people expect — and it can seriously cut down on stress. Plus, having pros pack your truck the right way lowers the risk of damaging your stuff (or your back).

Here’s why over 1 million people have chosen to book moving help through HireAHelper:

• Simple online booking. Instantly compare prices, read reviews, and reserve your crew — all without phone calls or hidden fees.
• Best price guarantee. Find a lower published price for the same move? We’ll match it.
• $1,000 Service Guarantee — with real support. If something doesn’t go to plan, our team is here to help 7 days a week.
• Last-minute friendly. Need help tomorrow? Chances are, we’ve got movers available.

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Overview of Our Moving Truck Rental Company Reviews

We’ve spent years researching the biggest moving truck rental brands so you don’t have to. Our reviews combine real-world testing, thousands of first-party customer experiences, and hands-on input from moving experts who know the ins and outs of every truck type.

Truck Rental Space Size Guide

Is a Moving Truck Right for Your Move?

You can move locally or long distance, but a long-distance move will, of course, cost you more in both time and money. Below, we break down where a rental truck shines — and where it doesn’t — for each type of move.

Local Moves

Local moves tend to be easier to accomplish with a rental truck if you’re willing to do the driving and have a place to park the vehicle.

But the fact is that with a local move, you usually can pick up and drop off at the same location. In addition, you don’t need to spend as much time driving, so it might not be as big a deal to drive one of those big trucks across town, especially if there are no highways.

Beware! Many people end up getting parking tickets because they don’t communicate their move to the city, especially in big cities with limited parking.

Long-Distance Moves

Long-distance moves are more complicated. First, you have to drive further, which inevitably means paying a larger bill. Second, you have to find a rental company that allows you to pick up the truck in one place and drop it off in another. This means that the company must have locations in your departure and arrival zones.

Versus Other Moving Options

Rental moving trucks were once the only way to make a move, especially one across the country. But nowadays, you have more options to consider, including:

• Doing it all yourself
• Moving containers
• Space on a freight truck

Still, for those who like to drive — even driving the hugest of those bad boys — moving trucks remain a viable, affordable option.

They have decent flexibility, dwarfed only by the moving container, and are usually the most affordable way to move, short of moving things in your own car with your own muscles.

Paired With Movers

You can hire professionals to load and unload the truck to make the experience considerably easier. Sometimes this option can cost as low as one or two hundred bucks. To figure out exactly how much your moving truck/mover combo would cost, you just have to study your options to determine the best fit for your move.

Most truck rental companies sell other moving supplies, such as boxes and packing tape. But you might be able to find these items cheaper at the local hardware store or even the dollar store, so keep that in mind. You can rent hand trucks and furniture pads from truck rental companies, too. Tows for your car are also available.

Are There Any Downsides with Moving Trucks?

There are often hidden fees. Some companies charge an environmental fee, for example.

You must budget for gas, which is not going to be included in an estimate.

The locations of the truck rental company matters. Why? If you get a great price but have to drive another vehicle far away to pick up the truck, you will be spending more on gas and losing time. Also, some companies allow you to drop off your truck at a different facility, which makes them ideal for a long-distance move. However, if you are moving from, say, New Jersey to Florida and have to pick up and drop off at the same New Jersey location ... that truck isn’t for you.

You have to be willing and able to drive it yourself. This is not for everyone. Know thyself and determine whether you can handle it. Some people love the opportunity, while others dread it. Regardless, you have to be insured and prepared for the worst case scenarios.