When you’re moving to North Florida (even if you’re just moving across town, actually), you’ll find a lot of advice on how to choose the right moving truck for your needs.
Unfortunately, the advice you find on moving truck rental sites isn’t always accurate… and frankly, it’s kind-of confusing.
Even after you read through mountains of advice, you’ll still be asking yourself, “What size moving truck do I need?”
There’s no simple answer, and every move is different. That’s why it’s important to evaluate your needs carefully — before you rent the truck — so you can make sure you’re not choosing the wrong moving truck.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Moving Truck
Unless you’re hiring professional movers for your big day, you’ll have your choice between a variety of moving trucks, including:
- 10-foot to 12-foot moving trucks. These trucks are small, but they’re usually very economical. In most cases, they’ll get 10 to 12 miles per gallon – but they’re great for moving one-bedroom homes. Be prepared to make two (or more) trips if you’re renting a 10-foot to 12-foot moving truck.
- 14-foot to 17-foot moving trucks. These mid-sized trucks are ideal for making one trip on a one-bedroom-sized move. If you have a larger home (and more stuff), you should plan to make at least two trips with a 14-foot to 17-foot moving truck.
- 20-foot to 26-foot moving trucks. Trucks this size are ideal for long-distance moves because you can usually fit the household goods of a three- or four-bedroom home inside. They’re not extremely fuel-efficient, though, and they often run on diesel. Make sure you plan accordingly.
Things to Think About When You’re Renting a Moving Truck in North Florida
If you choose the wrong size, you’ll end up making more trips than you thought you would… and that means your move will take longer than expected.
Make sure you’re renting from a reputable company, too. In some cases, it’s cheaper (even when you account for gas) to return the truck to the location you got it from; in others, a one-way rental is more economical. Do the math before you make a decision, because there’s no point in throwing away your hard-earned money.
Other things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you inspect every inch of the moving truck before you sign the paperwork. You could be charged for dents, dings and other damage, so if you find any flaws, report them to the rental agent.
- In most cases, you have to return the moving truck with a full tank of gas. If you don’t, you’ll be charged a premium.
- Clean the moving truck before you return it so the company doesn’t charge you for power-washing it themselves.
- Make sure you know whether you’ll have to stop at weigh stations if you’re moving long-distance and your trip requires freeway travel.
Looking for North Florida Homes and Land for Sale?
There are plenty of homes and land for sale in North Florida, and we can help you find the perfect spot for your relocation. Call us at 386-243-0124 or get in touch with us online so we can build a custom search just for you. Whether you’re looking for equestrian properties, timberland or farmland for sale, we have you covered.
