Most of us move homes at some point in our lives. Whether for college, a job, or to just try out someplace new, moving can be an exciting experience. However, the process is never easy. From packing boxes to dealing with the finances, there’s a lot think about.
Before setting off on your new journey, there are a few considerations you’ll need to make. One of the most important factors involves using a rental moving truck or not.
If you decide that’s the best option for your move, you’re then posed with the following question:
Should I drive my own rental moving truck or hire professionals?
As this can be a difficult question to answer, we’ve laid out the pros and cons of doing the drive on your own. Keep reading for more information.
Pro: You’re in control
When you’re in the moving process, you may want to handle everything yourself. But if you decide to hand off the driving tasks to professionals, you’ll no longer be in total control. While your belongings will be in good hands, you can’t do everything on your own terms.
When driving a moving truck by yourself, you can stop when you want, take the scenic route, and always stay in control. This may be the preferred option for many people. However, driving a rental moving truck depends on how comfortable you are driving the vehicle. If you can handle a large truck without being overly stressed, then it might be the right option for you.
Con: Hassles of driving the truck
Have you ever actually driven a rental moving truck? If you have, then you probably understand that it’s not a walk in the park. In fact, it can be very difficult and stressful for many people, especially if you’ve never done it before. Whether it’s turning around, backing up, parking, or even stopping, everything is far different than a standard vehicle.
If you plan on driving a moving truck yourself, be aware of these factors. While it may seem simple, it’s a lot more difficult than you think. To gain confidence, try to get some practice. If you have a friend with a large truck, ask them if you can take it for a spin before you move.
Pro: Huge savings
The absolute #1 benefit of driving a rental moving truck yourself involves significant money savings. In fact, this decision can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. However, renting a moving truck in the first place can still be expensive—even if you’re the one behind the wheel.
Most rental moving truck businesses will charge a flat-rate daily fee, but they may also charge per mile. The truck’s gas is another consideration to think about. Because the average moving truck is far from fuel-efficient, you’ll have to fork up a significant amount of money for gas. Insurance can also be added on, which is preferred for first-time truck drivers.
In the end, you’ll probably save a good chunk of change by driving a moving truck by yourself. As your budget may be tight, hauling the stuff on your own may be the right choice.
Con: It can be stressful
Even sitting in the driver’s seat of a moving truck can be intimidating. But once you’re on the road, things can get much more stressful. If you’re thinking about driving the rental moving truck by yourself, consider how stressful the process can be—especially for first-timers.
Before setting out on the road, understand that you won’t be able to use the rear-view mirror. This makes backing up a tad challenging. Turning and even staying in your lane is also difficult, so make sure you’re ready for these challenges.
While driving a rental moving truck by yourself can be tricky, it can save you a lot of money. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons before making this important decision.