How would you like to save cash on your moving truck expenses? This guide will show you how to save money on a moving truck using a few smart tips and tricks.

One-way vs round trip
If you want to know how to save money on a moving truck, the first thing to realize is that one-way rentals cost more than round-trip rentals. Because it takes more time and effort for a rental company to coordinate returning your truck to its original location, you’ll pay more for one-way service.

If you feel like a one-way rental is your only option, you may be able to save money by opting for the round-trip rental agreement and having a trusted friend or family member return the truck. Keep in mind that this scenario isn’t always cost-effective. You’ll need to compare the full cost of a one-way rental with the costs (fuel, meals, and lodging) of returning a round-trip truck to its origin.

Saving money with your moving date
Another way to get a great rental deal is by choosing a moving date in the off-season. Peak season for moves is during the summer time at the beginning or end of a month. Since there’s more demand for trucks around these times, rental agencies can charge more. One of the best ways to save money on a moving truck is by scheduling your move in the off-season or during the middle of the month on a weekday.

Size matters
You can save a lot of money just by choosing the right size moving truck. It might be tempting to opt for a small truck because the price is lower on paper. Consider, however, what will happen if you can’t fit all of your possessions in the truck: you’ll be forced to make extra trips.

When you’re paying a charge for each mile you drive the moving truck, extra trips are costly. Save yourself some money and time by choosing the right size truck.  If you can’t figure out what size you need, use the guidelines provided by the rental company or consult one of their representatives for advice.

Moving truck insurance
Another one of the easiest ways to save money on a moving truck is by being familiar with your rental insurance options. Rental truck agencies usually sell renters’ insurance to cover damage to the truck or damage to your things. You may or may not need this coverage. Before you accept extra charges for the rental company’s insurance, check with your credit card issuer, your homeowners’ or renters’ insurer, and/or your automobile policy insurer. Many cards, like some American Express products, for instance, give you automatic rental vehicle insurance when you pay with the card. If you use one of these cards, you might save upwards of $30 a day. When you inquire about coverage specifics, be sure to specify that you are interested in details about insuring a moving truck and its contents, not a car.

Fill it up
One of the most common ways that do-it-yourself movers waste money is by returning a moving truck with an empty tank. If you return the truck empty, the moving company will fill it back up for you — usually at a rate per gallon that’s much higher than what you’d pay at the pump yourself. Save money on your moving truck by refilling it yourself.

When you’re thinking about fuel, another thing to consider is that you’ll pay higher fuel costs if your load is heavier. If you choose to tow a car or trailer with the moving truck, the extra weight from these rigs causes the truck to work harder, eating up extra fuel. You can calculate whether it’s worth the cost to tow these items by consulting your rental truck company; they have accurate information on how the extra weight effects fuel economy. If towing a trailer is going to cost you a lot of extra money, it might be worth it to rent a larger moving truck to accommodate these extra items.

While it is true that moving can certainly be expensive, you can shave a lot of cash off your moving budget by following a few simple tips. The potential savings could really add up!