Schedule Your Move So You Save On A Moving Truck Rental
When moving, you'll be faced with several costs, one of which is renting a moving truck. Unless you have very few things or are hiring a moving company (which is usually more expensive than renting a truck), there's no way to avoid renting a truck. There are ways, however, to reduce how much a moving truck costs you. Here are three ways you can save money on a moving truck rental by simply considering when you're moving.
Avoid Moving in the Summer
If you're moving for school or a job, you may not be able to decide what time of year you move. If you do have the luxury of picking when you move, though, avoid moving during summer.
Renting a moving truck during the summer months may cost you more than at any other time of year. Citing a study from the U.S. Census Bureau, SmartSoft says 30 percent of people moved during the summer. This made June, July and August the busiest time of the year for moving -- and it stands to reason that moving trucks would be in greatest demand during these months. Because moving trucks are most needed in the summer, prices for them will tend to increase.
If you must move in the coming months, try to move during spring. The U.S. Census Bureau's study found that 23 percent of people moved during spring, which is much more than the 7 percent who moved in winter. Nevertheless, 23 percent is less than 30 percent, and you'll likely find moving truck rental prices are lower in the spring than summer. Truck rental rates are affected by customer demand, and they're usually higher in peak season. You may be able to save even more by waiting until next winter, but most people can't delay a move that long.
Avoid Moving at the End and Beginning of a Month
According to the National Multifamily Housing Council, 35 percent of U.S. residents rent the place they live in. Because over a third of U.S. residents are renters, and not homeowners, lease schedules have a large impact on moving truck rentals.
Most residential leases end on the last day of the month, so most renters end up moving at the end of the month. Those who rent a moving truck often need the truck for the final few days of a month, as they must pack it and drive it, and for the first few days of the next month, when they need to unload it at their new place. This trend increases the demand for moving trucks at the end and beginning of the month -- which can further increase the rental prices.
By renting a moving truck in the middle of the month, when fewer people are moving, you may be able to further lower the price of your rental. If you're selling your home and buying a new one, try to arrange the closing dates so that you aren't moving on the 30th, 31st or 1st. If you rent, ask your current landlord to let you out a few days early, and check whether your new landlord will let you move in a few days before the 1st. Even changing your move date by just a few days might save you money.
Avoid Moving on the Weekends
Many people prefer to move on the weekends, when they aren't working. This also increases the demand, and often price, for moving trucks on Saturday and Sunday.
If you're able to move during the week, you might find that truck rental rates are lower during the week than on the weekend. Even if you need to miss a day of work, you might make up your lost wages in savings.
As you plan your move, think carefully about when you'll be moving. If you can avoid the summer, end and beginning of the month and weekend, you could stand to save a lot of money on a moving truck rental.
For more information, visit websites like http://www.elitetruckrental.com.
