The Next thing you should consider is rental truck. Most companies will accept reservations weeks in advance. Wait too long, you might not get a truck in the size you need, or on the day you need it. Call several companies to compare rates and mileage fees. Free mileage is great but the rental rate will be greater than a truck where you pay for mileage. Calculate the amount of mileage to determine if it will be cheaper to pay the mileage, or pay the higher truck rental rate. There are companies that will pay you, or give you a discount on the rental rate if you are going to an area that needs trucks. Ask them if they do this, it could save you a bundle.
When choosing the proper size of the truck consider:
* 10 foot truck for an apartment
* 14 foot truck 1-2 bedrooms
* 17 foot truck 2-3 bedrooms
* 24 foot truck 3-4 bedrooms
* 26 foot truck 4+ bedrooms
Notice there is overlap in these estimates. Consider.
1. The size of your rooms
2. The size of your furniture and
3. The amount of ?stuff? you have
If your house & furniture are large and you have a lot of stuff, books, pictures, knick-knacks, a TV in every room etc. you are going to need a larger truck than recommended. Remember, if you are moving a short distance away, you can always unload & go back for another load, but if you are moving out of driving distance, you will probably not be able to get back once you have packed the truck. It would be better to have a little room left over (and that rarely happens) than to have to leave some of your possessions behind.
Once you have reserved your truck, check with your friends and family for availability. You are going to need help! Consider calling a local labor company. You can hire a couple of people for 4-8 hours, depending on amount of stuff you have. Your community may have a large immigrant population. Some cities have labor centers where you can hire these people to work for you for the day. They are very often hard workers and cheaper than a labor company.
IF YOU ARE MOVING OUT OF THE AREA
Call a local labor company in your new town. Try youth groups, local sports teams & church organizations. Many will help for a donation to their cause.
Good Luck! See you in The Stress LESS Move, Part 3: Getting Ready to Pack.
