Four Things you Need to Rent a Moving Truck

Denise Caron-Quinn


As you prepare for your move, you have many things to coordinate. When will you pack? Which day will you move? How long will you allow yourself to make the trip? To help things go smoothly on moving day, you want to be as prepared as possible. In this post, we’ll share what you will need on moving day in order to rent your moving truck.

  1. A reservation. In all cases, you will need to make a reservation for your moving truck rental in advance. If you simply walk into your local moving center and expect to drive away in a truck, you may be faced with a very stressful moving day dilemma. It’s best to make your reservation far in advance, as soon as you know which date you will need it. This will help ensure that the moving center is able to satisfy your reservation.
  2. A valid driver’s license. While driver’s license requirements vary from state to state, you will absolutely need to posses a valid driver’s license in order to rent a moving truck. Some rental companies may even require a Commercial Driver’s License, though this is not as common. Call ahead or check online to make sure you have the correct license to operate your rental truck.
  3. Driving experience. Many companies have age restrictions above and beyond those established by your state in order to get a driver’s license. For example, U-Haul requires you be at least 18 years old to rent a truck (although one only needs to be 16 to rent trailer). If anyone who is under 18 will be operating your truck, you should check with the rental company beforehand to see what the minimum age is.
  4. Moving day coverage. Heaven forbid something goes wrong on moving day; it is something no one wishes for. Unfortunately, accidents are just as likely to happen on moving day as they are any other day of the year. When you are on the road with every single worldly possession you own, it feels good to have peace of mind, and know you are protected. Most regular insurance policies do not cover your moving truck rental and cargo, so you may want to consider purchasing additional damage coverage through the rental company.

By knowing what to expect on moving day, you will avoid surprises that can cause unnecessary stress. Planning ahead will help you manage your tasks, and ensure your big day goes smoothly.

This post comes from the editors at Movinginsider.com; your resource for everything related to moving, storage and organization.