If you are moving to another area, even if it is just across town, it is likely that you will need to rent a moving truck or hire a professional moving company to move your belongings for you. It is a fact that most people own more things than they can move themselves, unless they plan on taking numerous trips to their new location from their old one. Even then, it might not make financial sense to perform the move yourself given that gas prices are at an all-time high. Two or three trips might be worth it, but taking more than that really eats into your budget.

For long-distance moves, a moving truck is a must. If you find yourself in this situation, you might be concerned that hiring a moving truck is well out of your budget. However, you can probably afford to hire one if you know some tips for getting the best price.

First of all, if you can, plan your move for any time other than the summer. Truck rental companies charge more for summer moves simply because this is the most popular time for people to move. The companies take advantage of the increased demand by jacking up their costs. Just by putting off your move until the colder months, you can save a bundle.

Next, be sure to compare several movers before choosing a company to trust with your belongings. Be aware that companies offering extremely low prices compared to other companies could be trying to scam you. These scams will undoubtedly end up costing you more than going with a slightly more expensive company in the first place. However, once you have several quotes, you can begin negotiating with the reputable companies to give you a better price. In addition, some companies will give you a better rate if you use them for other aspects of your move such as packing, loading, and unloading your belongings. Sometimes, combining services can save you some cash.

One of the best tips for saving money when hiring a moving truck is to reserve your truck as early in advance as you can. Just like with airlines, moving truck companies charge more for less notice. If you know you are moving six months before the actual moving day arrives, book your truck six months in advance and you will get the best price available.