Pittsburgh Interstate Moving With A Rental Truck: Safety Tips For DIY Movers

If you get pulled over in a U-Haul truck, did the cop just bust a move? Hopefully you won't have to find out. But, driving a truck is... well, it's not the same as driving your Toyota Prius - so make sure you know what you're doing.

Of course, this being the internet age, you can even learn how to drive a moving truck, from the comfort of your home. Click that highlighted bit to learn from the pros at Movers.com.

DIY Moving: Why So Many People Are U-Haling

Unless you have a way of transporting all your stuff to your new place without renting a truck, then renting a truck is your most affordable moving option. So it's no wonder it's also the most popular - with 37.5% of people choosing to rent a truck, rather than hire professional movers.

You can sense it, can't you - the BUT? Because, of course, there is one: But, this is also one of the more stressful moving options - because, well, you have to do everything. From packing up all your stuff and loading it on the truck to actually driving the thing through narrow and busy streets... Feeling the heat already?

Driving a Moving Truck: What You Need to Know

To safely get yourself, your family, and your stuff from point A to point B, you must embark on this journey as informed and as ready as possible. To do that, follow these essential steps:

1. Inspect your vehicle: This should go without saying, but just in case planning your move drove you mad and you forgot basic safe driving protocols - let me remind you to make sure your truck is in tip-top shape. Check headlights and signals, align the mirrors, inspect the air in tires, etc. Also, take photos of any damage and the gas gauge so the rental company doesn't charge you more than they should.
2. Load your stuff strategically: When loading your stuff on the truck, imagine you're playing a life-size game of Tetris. However, if you notice boxes disappearing once you complete a horizontal line, you might wanna call the X-Files or Fringe division. But, that aside, make sure your load is balanced and everything is secured with straps.
3. Don't leave anything to chance: Or, well, don't leave the things that are within your control to chance. So get yourself a GPS app and book hotel accommodation in advance.
4. Drive safely (duh!): Once you hit the road, remember: you're driving a truck. Which means you're gonna have to take it slow, keep your distance, and take wider turns than you normally would. And of course, don't get cocky and try to overtake vehicles. It's better to get there late than to never get there.
5. Get insurance: While staying vigilant will go a long way, accidents happen. It's best to make sure you have some type of coverage that will protect you from liability. Most rental companies offer different insurance policies, so definitely look into that.

... Oh what, you're having second thoughts about the whole DIY thing? If yes, keep reading; if no, click here to proceed to the truck driving guide for more tips.

Hiring Professional Movers: What You Should (Not) Do

The DIY game is not for everyone - no shame in that. And, besides, it's hard to beat the convenience of full-service moving - it's just the most stress-free way to relocate.

Finding good movers though... that can get tricky. A lot to consider here: level of service, rates, reviews, reliability, etc. In the old days, you'd have to pick up a phone (SFX: muffled millennial screaming in the distance) and call companies, and then go door to door, or call friends and family to ask people about these companies. In other words: literal hell.

Now, however, you can get seven estimates for free without having to talk to a single human being - online, in person, or over the phone. Movers.com, the guys who wrote the truck driving guide, offer moving estimates from local companies. All you have to do is fill out a short form.

Get your free quotes at https://www.movers.com/moving-companies/pa-pennsylvania/pittsburgh/cheap-movers.html