Renting a moving truck should make your move easier, not harder. But for many people, it ends up being more stressful than it needs to be. Why? Because a few common mistakes can throw the whole process off track. From choosing the wrong truck size to skipping important steps in planning, these missteps can cost you time, money, and a lot of energy.
Let’s walk through the top five moving truck rental mistakes so you can avoid them and have a smoother moving experience.
1. Choosing the Wrong Truck Size
This is hands down the most common mistake. People often underestimate how much space they need. Choosing a truck that is too small for your move can lead to several problems: multiple trips, damaged furniture from over-packing, or even a complete inability to fit all your belongings.
How to avoid it:
Use a moving truck size chart to match your home size and furniture quantity to the right vehicle. For example, a studio or 1-bedroom apartment typically fits in a 10 to 12-foot truck. A 2-bedroom apartment often needs a 15 to 17-foot truck, while a 3 to 4-bedroom home usually requires a 20 to 26-foot truck. If you are between sizes, always round up. A little extra room is much better than running out of space.
2. Not Reserving the Truck Early
Waiting too long to reserve your rental truck can leave you with limited options or no trucks at all—especially during peak moving seasons like summer or end-of-month weekends. You may also end up paying more due to high demand.
How to avoid it:
Reserve your moving truck at least two to four weeks in advance. If you’re moving during a busy time or in a large metro area, the earlier the better. Planning ahead gives you better access to your ideal truck size and pick-up location.
3. Ignoring Driving and Parking Logistics
Driving a moving truck is not like driving your everyday car or SUV. Many renters are surprised by how difficult it can be to maneuver and park a larger vehicle, especially in tight spaces or busy neighborhoods. Some trucks also require you to be 25 years or older to rent, or may have size restrictions for certain roads or tunnels.
How to avoid it:
Before booking, make sure you are comfortable driving the size of the truck you are renting. Check your route in advance to avoid low clearances or restricted roads. Practice driving and backing up the truck in a large empty parking lot if you have never driven one before. Also, measure parking spaces ahead of time at your current and future homes to ensure the truck will fit.
4. Underestimating How Long the Move Will Take
People often assume they can move everything in just a few hours, especially if they have a small apartment. But loading and unloading can take much longer than expected. You need time to secure items, deal with unexpected delays, and navigate traffic. If you return the truck late, you may face extra charges.
How to avoid it:
Rent the truck for longer than you think you will need. A full-day rental is usually safer than a half-day. Pad your schedule to account for rest breaks, loading time, and unexpected challenges like elevator delays or poor weather. It is better to return a truck early than to be stressed about a time limit.
5. Skipping the Insurance Coverage
Moving trucks are often bigger, heavier, and harder to handle than most drivers are used to. That increases the risk of minor accidents, like scraping a post or backing into a wall. Some people skip the insurance to save money, only to regret it later when they are stuck paying for damage out of pocket.
How to avoid it:
Seriously consider adding rental insurance coverage. Even if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rentals, it might not extend to large moving trucks. Damage coverage from the rental company is usually affordable and can save you from major costs if anything goes wrong.
Bonus Tip: Overlooking Equipment Needs
While not in the top five, one additional mistake is forgetting to rent moving equipment along with your truck. Items like furniture pads, dollies, or loading ramps can make the job faster and safer. Without them, you are more likely to damage furniture or injure yourself during the move.
What to do instead:
Check with your truck rental provider to add moving supplies to your reservation. Even a basic package with a dolly and a few pads can go a long way in protecting your items and your back.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common moving truck rental mistakes can make a huge difference in how smoothly your move goes. From picking the right truck size to allowing yourself enough time and coverage, small decisions upfront can prevent big headaches on moving day.
If you are still unsure of what size truck you need, try our Moving Truck Size Estimator here on MovingTruckSize.com. It guides you through room count and furniture to provide a personalized recommendation.
Moving does not have to be a guessing game. Plan smart, pack smart, and drive safe.