Self-moving means handling all aspects of packing and coordinating the move yourself. This can be overwhelming due to the number of tasks involved. Here’s a list of considerations and helpful tips for self-moving:

Moving Truck
– Size: Choose a truck that suits your needs.
– Driving: Be prepared to drive the rental truck. Familiarize yourself with its controls. Trucks are bigger and heavier than cars, requiring slower and more careful driving. They have longer braking distances and larger blind spots. Some trucks may lack power steering, power brakes, and automatic transmission.

Towing a Vehicle
– Inform the rental company if you plan to tow a vehicle. Provide details like the make and model so they can match you with a suitable truck.

Dollies and Pads
– Use dollies and pads to protect your appliances and furniture from friction and bumps. Straps are necessary to secure your load. Avoid using bungee cords. Hand trucks may be needed for heavy items.

Fuel
– Refuel the truck before returning it to avoid extra charges from the rental company, which are usually higher than doing it yourself.

Packing Supplies
– Gradually accumulate packing supplies such as boxes, tape, and bags to manage costs. These are available at rental facilities and packaging stores.

Reservations and Deposits
– Once you finalize your moving date, reserve the rental truck to ensure availability. Most rental companies require a deposit.

Rental Insurance Protection
– Check with your insurance agent if your belongings are covered during the move. If not, ask the rental company about their protection options. Review the paperwork when picking up the truck to see if rental protection is included.

Additional Tips
– When picking up the truck, have the dealer explain its features and ask questions if anything is unclear.
– Keep all receipts and paperwork related to your move, such as rental, gas, food, and lodging expenses. These may be necessary, especially if your move is work-related.