When moving, you will have to deal with a lot of costs, so it is understandable that you want to keep an eye on your wallet. You can ask for help from your friends, acquaintances or family during a move. However, you also have to think about how you are going to transport all your belongings. For example, have you thought about a moving van? Read on for tips, because you will most likely need a moving truck.
Moving van rental costs
If you have searched online for prices for renting a van you may have noticed that prices vary widely. The cheapest we could find was around €25 and the most expensive €150 per day. So moving cheaply is quite possible, but you have to do some research before your move starts. Renting a moving van is not the only thing you can count as moving costs.
Factors that influence the price
Why do the prices online differ so much? This has to do with several factors. Of course, it depends first of all on what kind of moving van you want to rent. There are so many types of vans that the companies have in their fleet.
Think of different types of vans, a van or a large moving van for example. A larger van is of course a bit more expensive, but keep in mind that you will also have to drive back and forth less often. The size is also important, because you don't want to rent a van that is too big if you don't have many things.
The insurances that are active are also an important factor. For example, if you take out third-party insurance when renting the bus, this will be cheaper than if you take out comprehensive insurance. Your own risk also plays a major role in this. The lower the own risk, the more you pay when renting the bus. Also note that some young people, up to 25 years old, often have to pay a surcharge because of their age.
Rent a cheap moving van
As explained earlier, the costs for renting a moving van vary. Often, it is the case that they are cheaper on weekdays. However, when calculating the total costs, you must take into account the fuel and insurance costs. Of course, you are also responsible for picking up and returning the moving van in a neat condition.
To save money on moving van rentals, the best thing you can do is request quotes at moving companies or car rental companies. The vans at a moving company often include the necessary materials such as moving blankets and tension straps. You also often have the option to rent hand trucks and dogs. These small items can make your move a lot easier.
Rent a moving van with unlimited mileage
It is wise to rent a moving van with unlimited mileage. Especially when moving, it can often happen that you drive back and forth between the loading and unloading address several times. By renting with unlimited mileage, you are not limited in the number of kilometers you make.
Small rent a moving van
Renting a small moving van is wise if the driver only has a B driving license. Even with little experience driving a moving van, you can easily handle a small moving van with a normal B driving license.
Moving blankets & tension straps
Moving blankets are very important during a move. By using moving blankets you can protect your belongings against possible damage. Think of scratches or smudges that can occur during the transport of the belongings. Lashing straps are also very important during a move. Without lashing straps you cannot secure your belongings and unnecessary damage can occur.
Hand trucks & doggies
A hand truck is useful when you want to move heavier objects. This could be a refrigerator or washing machine, for example. A doggy is also easy to move things, because your dFan does not put unnecessary strain on your back.
Don't forget the deposit
Renting a moving van also means that you have to pay a deposit. You do not necessarily have to leave cash behind, but this can also be reserved on your credit card. The amount of your deposit also depends on the type of moving van that you rent. Think not only about the dimensions of the van, but also about the deductible. But anyway, if everything goes well and you return the van neat and undamaged, you will also get your deposit back.
Returning the moving van
You can rent a moving van per 24 hours or per calendar day. This depends entirely on the company where you rent your moving van. Sometimes you can decide this yourself. Look carefully at the opening hours of the branches. This can be useful for when you can return the moving van. Can you still return the van before closing time? Then it is best to rent per calendar day.
At some locations you can even return the moving van until midnight. Be careful with this, because this is more complicated than you think. It is even strongly discouraged from a legal point of view. The reason for this is because you remain responsible for the van until the rental company opens again.
Avoid unnecessary discussions
In the meantime, damage can occur that you have nothing to do with. This can not only lead to discussions with the rental company, but can also lead to very unpleasant situations. The bus is also checked for damage the next day without you being present. It is best to be present during these types of checks.
When returning outside closing time, also pay attention to where you park. Sometimes this is just on the public road and if you forget to pay, the fine is simply for your own account. If you choose to rent for 24 hours, then you will pick it up again the next day at the same time. Did you pick up the bus this morning at 11:00? Then you have to return the bus tomorrow morning at 11:00.
Own risk
When renting a car, it is always wise to check the insurances carefully. Renting a moving van is of course also included. Often it is the case that you are not used to driving a moving van. That is why it is still quite common for damage to occur in moving vans. In these cases, you naturally want to be well insured.
Third party liability insurance
The problems you will encounter after damage depend on the type of damage you have caused, the type of insurance and the amount of the deductible. All car rentals are required to have third-party liability insurance. This means that if you cause damage to others, you are insured as standard. In this way, the company covers itself when accidents occur and does not have to pay for the damage to other vehicles themselves. Do you damage the bus itself? Then this is not covered by the third-party liability insurance. If you damage the rented bus yourself, this is only covered if you have taken out additional comprehensive insurance.
High deductible
Unfortunately, it is still too common that you cannot take out this insurance with many companies. They also often apply a high deductible. This is an amount that you have to pay yourself up to the amount of your damage. It does not matter what kind of damage you cause. Small things like a flat tire or broken window fall under your deductible, but also the bigger accidents. You can lower the deductible, but then renting the car becomes a lot more expensive. We really recommend this, because imagine that something does happen and it is not your fault, then you do not have to pay much yourself.
People often say that they already have insurance, but of course the car is not yours, so your own insurance is of no use to you. Your insurance is linked to your own car. You should also not think that your liability insurance is enough, because all insurances are arranged in such a way that damage with (rented) motor vehicles is excluded.
Practical tips
Are you younger than 21? Then you cannot rent a moving van. Are you 21 or older? Then you must have had your driver's license for at least 1 year. It is also the case that only the renter of the moving van is allowed to drive it. Are you not the only one who is going to drive the van? Then you can pay extra and add a co-driver.
Rent a moving van with a tail lift
It is also important to rent a moving van with doors on the side of the box or a loading ramp. Especially if you know how many moving boxes need to move it is useful to rent a car with a tail lift. You can adjust the height of this by means of the control panel. Very handy during a move!
