By Patrick Galvan, Storage.com
Storage.com is your number one ally when moving to a new home. We’re here to provide you with useful moving tips and hacks, or additional storage whenever necessary.
Did you know that oftentimes when you reserve a self storage unit, you may have a free moving truck rental available to you, courtesy of the storage facility? It’s true! This does not apply to every self storage facility, but some storage operators do rent out moving trucks to their clientele for the purpose of transporting items to and from storage. Some will even offer you a free period of truck use with a new storage unit rental as a benefit of using their facility.
If you’re planning to move soon and need to use self storage due to a gap in leases, or you haven’t found your new home yet, take advantage of one of the many moving truck deals provided by self storage facilities. Even if you’re not moving, but you need to put a large amount of items in storage, such as during a home renovation, after inheriting a significant amount of belongings, or when closing a business location and storing supplies, a moving truck can make the process much easier for getting your possessions into storage.
What You Need to Provide
Before they’ll let you rent their truck, the storage operator will need a few things from you. First of all, you’ll need to provide a valid driver’s license. It’s worth noting that most storage facilities also require the tenant to be at least 21 years of age, and the same applies to drivers using their trucks. Proof of insurance is typically also provided in case anything happens to the truck while it’s in your care. For security purposes, you’ll probably also need to provide a valid credit card.
Plan Ahead
Remember: since they are not a full-fledged moving service, the storage facility will probably have very few trucks available. If you’re moving over the weekend during the busy season, all of their trucks may already be in use. Plan to reserve one in advance so it’ll be available the day of your move. Also, some facilities have a time limit on using the free truck rental offer, such as within 14 days of renting your unit. So, make sure you plan your moving timeline and logistics with truck availability in mind.
Window of Opportunity
Different facilities offer different prices and rates for their services. This includes renting a moving truck. Many storage operators will rent the truck to you for free; however, you might be required to pay a small fee for the number of hours the truck is used once you pick it up. Others may offer you an hour or a few hours for free, but you will have to pay for additional hours of truck use. If your facility is renting you the truck for a set amount of time and you return it late, you might be charged an overtime fee.
Gas and Mileage
Even if you secure a free truck rental, it’s generally required that you refill the truck’s gas tank before returning it to the facility. Some facilities may also charge you per mile you drove the truck, regardless of the free truck rental deal.
When you reserve your truck, ask if your facility offers any courtesy hours or miles, and make sure you understand all the details of the truck rental before you get in the driver’s seat.
A moving truck is a great convenience to have during the busy times of changing homes and completing renovations. Be sure to ask your storage operator if their moving trucks come preloaded with packing supplies and equipment such as blankets, handcarts, and loading ramps for even greater convenience. Save yourself a bundle and find a local storage operator with a truck available for you!
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