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Moving Van Rentals Tips
Compare the Measurements of Your Furniture With Van Rental
When you are looking into renting a moving van, make sure you rent a van that is tall enough to fit your large pieces of furniture. Some moving vans have a low profile and will not fit some of your larger pieces even if the pieces are put on their side. You will want to compare the measurements of the size of your largest piece of furniture with the size of rental vans available for rental to ensure all your furniture fits with out any hassle.
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U-Pack Moving Tip: Inspecting Your Moving Truck
Just as you'd check before renting a car for a holiday, moving trucks need to be handled with the same approach. More specifically, they need inspection. Once your moving truck, trailer, or portable storage unit arrives for loading, be sure to give it a once-over with a moving company representative on-hand.
Take note of any scratches both inside and outside of the vehicle. Unlike car rentals, it's likely moving vehicles have sustained quite a bit of damage during moves, but your responsibility is to make note of the larger dings and dents. Note any rust and/or lock damage as well. Be sure that the moving company representative is aware that these damages have been made before you started your move!
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Packing the Moving Van
When you are packing the moving van, make sure to put all the larger items and furniture into the moving van first. It is easier to find room for boxes and smaller items then it is to find room for a couch.
Make sure that there is padding between the items in the moving van. Place blankets, pillow, and rugs in between large items on the moving van to help keep all the items tightly in place.
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U-Pack Moving Tip: Small Moves Made Simple
Sometimes you don't need a huge truck to get your moving job done. In such cases, a moving van or moving trailer is a great option. Here are just a few of the advantages:
Less gas usage. This is particularly helpful if you're making a long haul or several small trips.
Less space, which allows your possessions to fit snugly. This reduces the risk of items falling and breaking.
Vans are easier to drive -- especially if you're making a city move.
You can keep your eye on your items in the back of the van more easily than if they were in a trailer.
Daily rates for moving vans tend to be less expensive than trucks.
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Renting Your Moving Van Hourly Or For Half Day
If you are renting a moving van, ask about their hourly and half-day pricing. Since you cannot fit that much into a moving van, try renting the moving van for a few hours each day rather then keeping your rental van overnight, when you are not using it. Many companies will give you the hourly or half-day option and you can rent the moving van only when you need it and then return it for the day.
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U-Pack Moving Tip: Driving a Van or Trailer
Moving vans and trailer rentals are great options for local moves or smaller long-distance moves. However, you'll need to keep in mind that driving them in traffic is quite different than driving in your car! They take up more space, so make sure your rearview and side mirrors are all functioning.
When braking, leave plenty of space. Stay alert on the road and anticipate about a three-second space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Always use turn signals, even in remote areas and parking lots. Give yourself plenty of space when backing into driveways or positioning the moving van on the street. Remember to leave room for adequate door opening during loading and unloading as well.
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Check the Pressure of Your Tires
Make sure the van tires are inflated to the proper pressure. Even though it is a cargo van, it does not have the same suspension and support as a truck. This makes the tire pressure extremely important when carrying a loaded moving van.
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Moving Van Blind Spot
Be aware of the large blind spot on the drivers side of the cargo moving van. Moving cargo vans do not usually come with windows on that side of the van, and this gives the driver a blind spot to contend with. You want to do everything possible to avoid an accident with your rented moving van carrying all your possessions.
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Rent a Moving Van With a Roof Rack
Check with the moving van rental agency to see if they offer moving vans with roof racks. Having a roof rack on the moving van will give you a little extra room to store some large items, such as bed frames and mattresses, that might otherwise take up all the room inside the moving van.
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Compare Moving Van With a Box Truck
If you are looking into a renting a moving van and do not think that all your furniture and items will fit in the rental van, consider renting a small box truck. Box trucks are very similar to moving vans but offer a little bit more room and fit furniture easier then moving rental vans. Renting a box truck can also save you money in some cases. Weigh all your options and ask about a discount when you rent a moving van and box truck for the same project.
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Allow Extra Braking Room
Remember while you are driving your moving rental van, it is different from driving your regular automobile, especially when the van is packed with furniture and boxes. You have to allow for extra braking room when driving the moving van. Anticipate stops and allow a 3 second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you.
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Your Moving Rental Van is a Commerical Vehicle
Even though a rental van maybe the same size as a personal van, it is still considered a commercial vehicle. You must pay attention to the signs that do not allow commercial vehicles on certain roads and parking in specified locations. You must abide to the rules and restrictions on driving a commericial vehicle. Check with your moving company for a commercial vehicle driving guide and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of operating this vehicle on and off the road.
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Tips For Getting A Discounted Moving Van Rental
If you are looking to save money during your move or get a discounted moving van rental, try some of the following tips:
*Check the newspaper's For Hire section of the classifieds to locate a "man with a van" who can help move a few items with you. Many of these operations charge by the hour and will help with the lifting. Expect to do your share of the heavy labor unless you are unable, in which case you should inform the driver so he can arrange for assistance.
*If you are hiring a professional, it's a good idea to insure your belongings. Replacement of damaged belongings is bothersome, but possible with proper coverage.
*You should always be present when the moving truck is loaded. If you can't attend, make sure you arrange to have a representative there.
*You can also arrange for a professional loader to help only with the loading and/or unloading of your belongings in the event you are driving a rental truck yourself.
*Make sure you inspect all of your belongings closely and read the paperwork closely before you sign anything.
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Packing the Moving Van
Ask the moving rentals company if they offer daily rentals of moving pads to help you cover furniture that will be moved in and out of the moving van and new location.
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Compare the Measurements of Your Furniture With Van Rental
Find out the gross vehicle weight from the company that rents the moving vans. You do not want to over pack the moving van and put to much pressure on the truck.
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Rent a Moving Van With a Roof Rack
Before you leave the moving van rental agency, make sure you have all the appropriate paperwork including the rental agreement with the correct license plate number and accurate mileage on the odometer. Having the correct information before you leave the rental agency will help avoid being overcharged by having the wrong mileage, and they can accurately measure how far you have traveled.
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Don't Forget To Use The Sides
The sides of the moving van are great tools for keeping framed artwork and flat items straight and protected to the inside of the van wall. Make sure you bring bungee cords to keep the items in place and resist shifting. There will not be any loopholes to tie rope to, so bungee cords will be the best solution for keeping your items organized inside the van.
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Strapping to Top of Moving Van
When strapping items to the top of the moving van, make sure everything in the front is tied down tight. You want to prevent air from getting under the items on the front of the roof and flipping them up. If air gets under the items the bungee and ropes will begin to loosen un-tie putting your possessions on the roof at risk of falling.
