Generally speaking, we have three options to consider when it comes time to move. They are, in no particular order: hire a moving company, rent a moving truck and move yourself, or use what has been an increasingly popular option, moving pods. All of this requires a bit of effort on your part, even if you hire a moving company to move your belongings, as you still need to pack boxes and have things ready for when the mover arrives.
However, when it comes time to move, there are some very big differences between these three options. We won’t go into too much detail about hiring a mover, but know this: the freedom to have someone else move for you comes at a cost. Hiring a moving company is not cheap. Also, search the web and you will discover many terrible experiences with some of these companies. If you are going to use a moving company, check their reliability before you do anything.
However, comparing the other two options, renting moving trucks or renting moving pods, the differences are many.
Moving truck rental:
- Big trucks are hard to drive! If you are not comfortable driving large trucks, renting a moving truck will not be a fun experience. Smaller trucks are much easier to drive, but they also limit the amount of stuff you can pack and move. Even small moving trucks can be intimidating and almost all of them are quite difficult to see.
- Gas! Sure gas prices have subsidized…for now. Still, most of these rental moving trucks get very little mileage. Depending on the size, you’re looking at 8-12 miles per gallon. If you drive long distances, those costs will really add up! And don’t forget to recharge your tank. One would think that this would not be a problem. Basically all you need to do is put back what you used. Not so! Although you may know exactly how many miles you drove and how much you need to put back on, if you don’t fill up exactly as it was, you may be surprised at the fines and penalties the moving truck rental company is levying. will charge you
- Poorly maintained equipment. This is good and bad. Good, because you probably don’t have to worry about getting it dirty or scratching the inside or outside. Bad, because now you only have to worry about getting to your destination. There’s nothing worse than spending hours, days, even weeks packing up a moving truck, only to have it break down somewhere and have to do it all over again with a new truck!
- High loading platforms – Unlike moving and storage units, or even a self-storage unit, almost all moving trucks require you to lift, drag, or push household items to a higher surface. Sure they provide ramps to get up but as we all know these can be tricky especially when it rains!
- Additional fees (hidden) – Time limits, mileage restrictions, gas fees…if you’re renting a moving truck, read the fine print because you’ll discover numerous additional fees and unexpected surprises that can really add to the cost of a moving truck.
- Time is of the essence! You know the saying, “Time is money.” Well, it couldn’t be truer in this case. If you miss your delivery time, be prepared to pay for it.
- Pick up and drop off required! – All other issues aside, it’s important to understand that no one is delivering this moving truck to your doorstep. You have to go pick it up and drop it off. Even in cities, where there may be half a dozen discount moving truck rental options, you’ll likely have to drive your own vehicle many miles to find one. And picking it up can be the easy part. With severe penalties for late returns, you must then drive back to this location for drop off. Do not be late!
Moving trucks have their place in the world of moving. The main reason for renting one is usually the cost. Compared to all the options, this one tends to be the least expensive…or it was. Although mobile pod companies continue to expand, they are not available everywhere. You can usually find a truck rental place even in the smallest towns. However, when you consider everything we’ve mentioned above, you might be surprised to learn that on-the-go storage pods are, in many cases, more affordable. Because you know what, time is money!
So what are some of the benefits of mobile and storage pods you may ask? There are many, including:
- Easier to load and unload – The mobile and storage pods sit just a couple of inches off the ground, making loading and unloading a breeze. No need to risk your life climbing a ramp or straining your back trying to lift that 42″ plasma TV.
- Less rush! – most mobile container companies offer much more flexibility when it comes to dropping off your portable storage units and the amount of time you have to pack them up. In fact, some may give you up to a MONTH to pack your belongings, at no additional cost to you!
- Flexible storage options – Have you ever found yourself trying to fill a storage unit or moving truck, just because you paid for it and want your money’s worth? Once again, mobile pods offer a huge money-saving benefit. Most mobile pod companies will only charge you for what you use! Reserved two pods but only used one? You get a refund. Plain and simple.
- Time is money! – When all is said and done, your time is worth a lot. Moving pods offer a very good alternative to moving truck rental as they will save you a lot of time and in the end even some money.
So whether you’re moving one way, back and forth, across town or across the country, be sure to compare the various moving options before moving forward.