As an artist, you probably consider yourself a bit of a free spirit. That’s a great quality when it comes to being creative, but a little less helpful when it comes time to move.
If you have an art studio full of supplies and one-of-a-kind works, the Herculean task of organizing, packing, and transporting it all requires a solid game plan and organization. But don’t worry, we have you covered with plenty of artist-recommended packing tips that’ll help you move your studio with as few hiccups as possible.
101 Moving Advice for Your Art Supplies (and Everything Else)
While your art supplies likely take up a big chunk of what you have to pack (and what you’re most concerned about), there are some tried and true tips that make any kind of move easier:
Ascheduled moving checklist is the best tool to ensure everything gets done. Give this one a try
Creating a moving inventory prevents you from desperately going through boxes searching for something you need
A move is a great time to downsize. This will speed up the packing and moving process and make it cheaper to move
Hiring someone to do the loading and/or unloading for you, as well as having an idea of what you need to unload first (and therefore goes on the truck last) are both good ideas
What To Buy To Keep Your Paints From Spilling (and More)
Now is not the time to skimp on quality packing supplies. Sure, free boxes work when you’re moving into your first apartment. But for expensive and/or delicate art supplies, you’ll want to invest in heavy-duty materials.
Sturdy cardboard boxes: We recommend buying at least a few boxes specifically designed for moving. They’re reinforced and are much sturdier than regular boxes, meaning there’s less of a chance that they’ll tear and scatter your art supplies everywhere. You can find specialty moving boxes at home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as moving companies like ULINE and U-Haul.
Crates: For heavier items, use plastic crates or tote boxes instead of cardboard! Plastic crates also make for excellent storage post-move.
Packing peanuts: Filling space with packing peanuts means you won’t risk damaging your supplies with the constant vibration of your moving truck, especially on long-distance moves. Look for biodegradable options, which are plant-based and won’t add to landfills.
Newspaper: Reusing newspapers is an eco-friendly way to protect your art studio supplies from potential harm. However, be sure you DO NOT use newspaper to wrap canvases, as the ink will transfer!
Labels: Color-coded labels will make your unpacking process much easier and will save you from trying to locate specific items in a sea of boxes afterward.
Plastic wrap: Choose smaller rolls of wrap for smaller items and bigger rolls for items like furniture. Plastic wrap is also great for keeping drawers closed and ensuring any small items ( like shelves and hardware) don’t get separated.
Cardboard tubes: Ideal for packing loose artwork. Paintings or drawings without frames risk being creased or scratched while moving, but gently rolling them and storing them in cardboard tubes greatly reduces the likelihood of damage.
How To Pack All Kinds of Different Art Supplies
“Art” is a huge umbrella. You might be a traditional painter… or you might be into needlepoint or woodworking. But never fear, we reached out to several experts for tips on packing a huge variety of art supplies.
Brushes
What to watch out for: Even the cleanest brushes often have traces of paint and other materials left on them — and many of those materials are flammable. Either clean your brushes before packing them, or make sure you label any boxes that contain used brushes so you can unload them first.
How to pack: Start by bundling your brushes together and securing them with elastic bands at the top and bottom. Then, wrap them up tightly with a roll of plastic wrap. Make sure the wrapping is tight before you put them in a box.
Paints
What to watch out for: Most paint is flammable, so for one, it should be packed carefully and clearly labeled. And for two, movers often won’t put buckets of paint on their moving trucks, so you might need to come up with an alternative transportation plan. If you’re unsure whether or not your paints are flammable, check the manufacturer’s labels. Take extra care to keep your paints out of direct sunlight.
“Chemicals like acetone, butane, and aerosol sprays are commonly found in art studios…most moving companies won’t move [them] due to the potential danger involved…double-check with the one you hired before loading any chemicals onto the truck.”
How to pack: Paint is notorious for leaking, even when the jars and tubes are tightly closed. Cover all of your paints individually in plastic wrap before packing them. This avoids an accidental abstract painting when you open up your moving boxes.
Canvases and finished artwork
What to watch out for: Certain packing materials, like newspaper and packing peanuts, can stick to your canvases or worse, transfer ink. The result is unwanted smears or imprints on the artwork you painstakingly created.
How to pack: Always use plastic or bubble wrap to protect your canvases and finished work before using other packing materials. Once your canvases or artwork are wrapped, pack them safely into boxes with paper and packing peanuts to provide further protection.
Ceramics
What to watch out for: Ceramics are more susceptible to breaking than other art supplies! If they aren’t adequately protected, protruding pieces like spouts and handles could break off as they move around inside your packing boxes.
How to pack: Use newspaper and packing tape to fill the voids under handles and spouts. The goal is to wrap them so securely that you can’t see or feel any delicate protrusions on your ceramic pieces. Wrapping them this way will make each piece bulky, but the extra bulk is worth the protection. Pack your wrapped pieces snugly in boxes or crates to avoid excess movement while driving.
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Pastels, charcoal, pencils, markers
What to watch out for: Drawing utensils, especially charcoal and pastels, are delicate and need extra protection to avoid breakage while you move. The vibration from moving trucks and cars can easily cause pastels and charcoal to crumble, pencils to break, and markers to lose their caps.
How to pack: Bundle your pencils and markers and secure them with rubber bands. Once they’re bundled, cover them in plastic wrap. Place charcoal and pastels in small containers with lots of padding. Use paper towels, packing peanuts, or newspaper to cover the sides of the container before you pack them in boxes.
Cameras
What to watch out for: Cameras and camera equipment are pricey investments you want to protect. Watch out for cracked lenses and damaged internal components in your camera body when moving art supplies.
How to pack: If you have a hard shell case with dense foam for your camera, you’re all set! If not, line a small box with a few layers of bubble wrap to reduce vibrations, then wrap your camera body and lenses with soft fabric like an old t-shirt or blanket. Pack your camera and equipment in small boxes BEFORE placing them in larger moving boxes.
Lighting
What to watch out for: The last thing you want when you start unpacking is a box full of glass shards. Broken bulbs, as well as bent or creased shades, are the most important things to prevent when you move your art studio lighting.
“Give yourself plenty of wiggle room when estimating when a task should be finished — you never know what could come up, how tiring packing can be, or what you might have forgotten at the start. “
How to pack: Pack your lightbulbs separately from your other art supplies. Secure them in bubble wrap or place them in a box with packing peanuts. Gently wrap all lampshades in paper, then nest them in a box with packing peanuts. Make sure to label this box with “Nothing On Top” so your shades won’t get crushed by heavier items!
Chemicals
What to watch out for: Chemicals like acetone, butane, and aerosol sprays are commonly found in art studios, and they need special attention and care. In fact, most moving companies won’t move chemical substances due to the potential danger involved. Be sure to double-check with the movers you hired before loading any chemicals onto the truck.
How to pack: Make sure these items are wrapped in plastic, then placed into sealable bags before being put upright into a box. Clearly label the boxes and take them out of your vehicle before your other items. Also, pay attention to the temperature in your vehicle; allowing these chemicals to get too hot (or cold) while you’re traveling can be a hazard.
Easels
What to watch out for: Easels have many pointy pieces that can quickly damage other items you pack. To avoid unwanted damage, pay special attention to how and where you pack them.
How to pack: Take your easel apart and place any screws or extra parts in a plastic baggie. Wrap the pieces in bubble wrap and then tape everything together to hold them in place. Get a sturdy box and fill it with packing peanuts, then place the easel in the box and securely surround the pieces with packing peanuts.
Pottery wheels
What to watch out for: Keep an eye out for damage to the internal components of your pottery wheel. These wheels are sturdy, but they’ve got a lot of parts that could suffer damage from constant vibration during transport.
How to pack: First, wrap your entire wheel in plastic wrap. This helps to protect it by reducing vibration transfer and keeps everything snugly in place. Then use packing foam to line a box – ideally, one that just fits the foam and wheel. Finally, fill the empty spots around your wheel with packing peanuts before you close it up.
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Soldering irons
What to watch out for: Soldering irons are special tools, and you don’t want to harm them while you move between residences. Wrap it properly to prevent damage to the delicate parts of your soldering iron.
How to pack: Cover your soldering iron in plastic wrap or bubble wrap first, then use newspaper to create a nest that protects any protruding ends that could damage other items. Box it up with your other art studio supplies and make sure everything is securely in place.
“DO NOT use newspaper to wrap canvases, as the ink will transfer!”
Model figurines and collectibles (e.g., cars, planes, trains, boats)
What to watch out for: You spent a lot of time building out model figurines and one-of-a-kind collectibles, so you want to do everything you can to keep them intact while you move. Often these collectibles are full of delicate pieces that could break and paint that could transfer.
How to pack: Wrap each figurine in plastic to avoid scratches or paint transfer. Packing peanuts can stick to some paints, especially in the heat, and potentially cause damage when you remove items from your packing box. Instead, wrap your collectibles in pieces of cloth to avoid any unwanted damage.
Glass panes
What to watch out for: Glass breaks easily, of course. Sharp corners can pop through the outside of boxes if they’re not appropriately wrapped. Additionally, glass is heavy, so avoid overloading boxes or using ones that are too large to carry comfortably.
How to pack: Roll glass panes in newspaper that’s bent at a 90-degree angle to create bumpers for each corner. Tape these securely with packing tape. Then, using packing tape again, create an ‘X’ across one side of the pane. This helps to reduce the chance that your glass will crack in transit. Finally, pack your glass panes together in a box with plenty of packing peanuts and bubble wrap for cushioning.
String and yarn
What to watch out for: Knitters and crocheters know that yarn is super important — and occasionally, super expensive. Some styles of yarn are also quite flammable, like yarns made from acrylic and acrylic blends. Sounds crazy, but keep these yarns away from items like paint, chemicals, and other combustibles.
How to pack: After securing the ends of each skein to prevent tangles, neatly place them into a box. You can pack other things in this box that are breakable and use the yarn as cushioning. Just make sure that anything you pack with your yarn can’t leak.
There’s no doubt about it — packing your art supplies is quite the task. And without a plan, you might lose a few of your favorite tools and works of art in the process. The good news is that you can make the process a lot more organized and low-stress by following some artist-recommended tips.
Save Money on Your Move By Getting Rid of These 3 Things
Moving can be an expensive endeavor, so you’re probably looking for ways to save money.
Little things, like tracking down free cardboard boxes or using t-shirts instead of costly packing paper to protect your breakables can add up to a nice wad of extra cash in your pocket.
But to reallysave big on your move? To put it simply: have less stuff you need to haul.
Why Fewer Things Means a Lower-Cost Move
There are a few reasons why the amount of items and the size of what you’re taking with you during a move has a big impact on the money you save.
Less stuff takes less time to move, so if you’re hiring moving labor, it won’t take them as long to load and unload your belongings. And that lowers the final bill.
Less stuff weighs less overall, which means if you hire a full-service mover, your move will cost less since they charge by how much a load weighs, or if you rent or use your own truck, you’ll get way better gas mileage.
Less stuff takes up less space, so you can rent a smaller, less expensive truck. If you are going the portable storage container route, you’ll be able to rent a smaller one, or fewer of them. Either way, you’re spending less cash.
The 3 Things That Cost the Most To Transport
As a mover with decades of experience, I know there are three things that make the biggest difference in lightening your load to make your move cost a lot less. And getting rid of them come with the added benefit of giving yourself the opportunity to make your life in your new home feel like a fresh start.
1. Get Rid of as Much Food as Possible
Simple in theory but not necessarily easy in practice, clearing out your kitchen can save you oodles of time in addition to saving space and weight for your move.
Yes, it’s typically common sense to toss or use perishables beforehand, since they can spoil so easily. But, take stock of all your frozen foods too. Frozen stuff doesn’t do well being stuffed in a box and driven hundreds of miles any more than perishables don’t, even if you shove all that frozen stuff into coolers with ice packs (which will add a ton more weight, figuratively and maybe literally).
For nonperishable goods, there are dry goods, such as pasta, rice, cereal, and couscous, and canned foods, such as vegetables or sauces. All nonperishables often wind up costing more to ship or haul than to buy them in the first place. Even with the current bout of inflation, it might not be worth it to pack up and transport all that Chef Boyardee.
When it comes to food, you should really only bring what you’re eating immediately during the trip, or what absolutely can’t be replaced, such as very expensive spices, hard-to-get foodstuffs from other countries, or rare bottles of alcohol.
Do I really just toss it all? That seems wasteful!
There are ways to get rid of all that food without throwing it in the garbage. For instance, you can donate all your dried and canned food to your local food pantry through an organization like Move For Hunger— they’re a charity that literally exists for this exact problem.
“The national van lines have a waiver specifically for pressboard furniture, releasing the movers/company from liability for damage, because it’s pretty much guaranteed to get damaged.”
You can also throw a “raid my kitchen” party for your friends. Give people who help you pack and move first dibs on your unopened alfredo sauce and spices, then invite anyone else to come by and help themselves to what’s left. No salesmanship, no pressure. Just a bit of fun. And a lighter load.
I’ve packed hundreds of homes, and the kitchen is always one of the most time-consuming rooms to tackle. Free yourself from this cumbersome task and do away with the cost of moving it all.
2. Go Crazy and Get Rid of Your Furniture
If you’ve got a lot of really nice or sentimental furniture, like an antique dining table handed down from great-great-grandma, feel free to skip this section. If you’re lugging the kind of worn brown sofa I did for a dozen moves in my turbulent post-college years, then read on.
If it’s big, bulky, or made of pressboard, better leave it behind
If you still have that cheap, “good enough” furniture from your student days, a move is a good time to leave it behind and upgrade
Large, unwieldy items take up a lot of space, right? Most sofas, desks, dressers, entertainment center units and aging mattresses can mean a bigger rental truck or an additional portable container, which translates into a much higher cost for your move. Particularly if your larger items are getting up there in the years, consider the money-saving merits of donating or selling them.
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Other items you might want to abandon are pieces made of pressboard, which is basically glued-together wood pulp covered with a thin veneer of fake solid wood (think IKEA). Bookcases, desks, and pretty much anything else made of the stuff will crack and crumble in transit, often leaving you with a useless pile of wood scraps at your new home.
The national van lines have a waiver specifically for pressboard furniture, releasing the movers/company from liability for damage, because it’s pretty much guaranteed to get damaged.
So what do I sit on in my new home?
Giving away or tossing out your furniture does mean you probably need to buy new replacements, and that can certainly be expensive.
“When it comes to food, you should really only bring what you’re eating immediately during the trip, or what absolutely can’t be replaced, such as very expensive spices, hard-to-get foodstuffs from other countries, or rare bottles of alcohol.”
A great alternative is to hunt down secondhand stuff that is still in good shape. Offerup is a great app for finding (and listing) stuff free and cheap in your new neighborhood. Though used, it will feel new to you in your new home and make you really feel like you’ve begun a new chapter.
Even if, in the end, buying replacements ends up costing a bit more than what you save on a smaller rental truck (with better gas mileage), there’s something satisfying about snagging a cool new living room for your new place on the cheap.
3. Go Even Crazier and Get Rid of Your Car
This one is a tougher call than parting with your memory-filled sofa. It also might sound a bit crazy. But if you’re considering shipping your car to your new home, hold on and hear me out.
While the cost of shipping a car varies, shipping it over a long distance can run you well over a thousand bucks. If you believe keeping your car is worth the expense, you’ll get no argument from me.
But if you’re not driving your dream mobile, or if you really want to make a clean break, toss around the idea of selling your car (a bit under blue book value if that helps you unload it by move day). Then take that cash, add it to what you just saved yourself by not shipping that old clunker, and find something comparable or better on the other end.
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A Twist on an Old Piece of Advice
One final note involves the time-worn adage that says, “If you haven’t worn it or used it in a year, get rid of it.”
I don’t necessarily agree with this. I use stuff every day that I would be just as happy without, like old plates, the swivel office chair with the faint, unidentifiable stain on the seat, and yes, a few dozen t-shirts that are slowly disintegrating.
Instead of gauging the worth of something by the last time I used it, I go by a different saying: “True wealth is not accumulation. It is selection.”
When moving, be choosy. Be willing to let go of stuff. You’ll make it easier on yourself as well as your wallet.
And you may end up with a new life that looks and feels better than the one you left behind.
But before you ditch the idyllic temps and less-than-idyllic traffic of L.A. for the skyscrapers and snowstorms of NYC, there are some key details to think through:
How much does a cross-country move cost?
What exactly does a cross-country relocation entail?
What does it mean for your car?
As someone who grew up in L.A., I understand all of the amazing qualities of this sprawling city, but I also know why, after a while, you might want to try something new. After all, New York City is a big place, with 8 million people, 5 boroughs, and about 3,000 “best slice” spots. Here’s what I learned on my move.
From Coast to Coast: What You Need To Know When Moving from LA to NYC
As Frank Sinatra crooned, “If you can make it here, you’ll make it anywhere.” Of course, that implies it takes some fortitude to make it in NYC. (As a Los Angelino, you’ve already got that in spades.)
Here are a few key differences to consider between the two cities:
Transportation: Los Angeles is a driving-centric town; you must have your own vehicle in L.A. But the traffic is atrocious, and it takes so long to get anywhere that you really have to think hard before every RSVP. NYC is all about walking, but the subway is always there as a backup. Although the multicolored Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) map might seem daunting at first, you’ll quickly get to know your local route, and your knowledge from memorizing overnight switchovers and deciphering the conductor’s messages will only grow.
“The Vibe”:There might be some culture shock if you’re used to laid-back vibes. They say that New Yorkers are mean and rude and, well, some people are! But to be fair, you can find gruff people anywhere. Both cities offer diverse communities who will likely love to chat about their favorite brunch spots, fitness fads, and what they love or hate about their town.
Weather: Are you sure you want to give up the beach? OK, to be fair, you don’t exactly have to! NYC offers access to Coney Island, the Rockaways, and the Hamptons, providing a variety of beach escapes with different vibes. The big change is that you only get to enjoy NYC beaches for a few months out of the year. Then again, there’s something to be said for adding chic coats to your wardrobe.
What’s the cost of living in NYC vs. L.A.?
One thing that New Yorkers love to talk about is how much everything costs. So, let’s talk about money.
NYC has one of the nation’s highest median incomes: $87,745.
However, you should also consider that rising housing costs and the overall cost of living counteract some of those take-home benefits.One study shows that when today’s median household income is adjusted against county cost of living, New York County ranks very poorly: No. 3,105 in the U.S.
So, you can’t simply ask, “Is it cheaper to live in L.A. or NYC?” It’s important to really take into account your own lifestyle and the factors that might impact your take-home pay—everything from groceries to movie theater tickets. Both L.A. and NYC are unsurprisingly among the most expensive cities in the United States; L.A. ranks No. 7, Brooklyn comes in at No. 4, and Manhattan owns the dubious honor of No. 1.
A few things have changed about living in New York since 2020, several of which might inform a move to NYC.
One factor is that renters in NYC might need to pay broker fees again. These fees, which can range from one month’s rent to 15% of annual rent,were briefly prohibited in 2020. However, that is a “might”, because it’s possible to sort listings so that only no-fee apartments are displayed in your searches. In some cases, the amount itself may be negotiable, but this is something to discuss with a broker up-front.
“Consider that the 40-hour drive from LA to NYC takes about four days on average to complete—and that’s with an average vehicle, not a large moving truck.”
Another thing is that prices have steeply increased from the all-time lows of the pandemic. Not only are NYC prices rising, but it’s madebidding on apartments pretty fierce. Prospective renters might offer to pay over the asking rate, sign leases sight unseen, put down deposits in cash, and do other things that would’ve seemed crazy year ago. While competitive, you probably aren’t used to competition this fierce in LA.
How to ensure you get an apartment in NYC
What helps most is to know exactly what you’re looking for so that you know it when you see it, and that you’re ready to act.
Have all of your paperwork on hand so that you can apply for an apartment right away; typical documents include pay stubs (or similar proof of employment), records from the past year’s tax returns, and proof of the money that’s currently in your bank account (or other assets you hold).
The Mover’s Guide for How To Get From Here (L.A.) to There (NYC)
You’ve made your decision to pack up and head off to the opposite coast. Congrats! Now it’s time for the actual moving part. Although it’s impossible to provide one guide that will suit every situation, this at-a-glance overview offers useful and comprehensive tips for moving to NYC.
How to get your move out of L.A. started
It’s not really possible nowadays to simply decide you’re leaving today. Several experts recommend booking movers two months ahead of your trip, but this is a general rule. Given this is a long-distance move, you might want to start as far back as three months, especially if you’ll be moving during the busy summer season, which books up fast!
Pack now!
When a friend of mine moved to NYC recently, she started planning a few months out and felt pretty confident, but looking back, she says she could have benefitted from a little extra time to double-check everything, pack a little earlier and slower, and itemize and appraise some of her belongings. Case in point: a few of her boxes went missing. But she had difficulty holding her movers accountable — she wasn’t 100% certain about what specifically was lost because she’d marked them down broadly (i.e., “Kitchen”).
You need to look at NYC places well in advance
Unfortunately, housing inventory doesn’t show up online too far in advance of its availability in NYC. At best, you might see it listed a month early, but that might not feel like a lot of time to find somewhere to live, put in an application, and get everything in order while also planning your move.
“With moving containers, you pack all your stuff up and have it driven cross-country for you!”
Consider a temporary location, like an Airbnb
This is why some people find temporary places to stay at first or lease places without ever visiting them. If possible, schedule a weekend trip to NYC about a month ahead of your move and plan long days with back-to-back viewings until you find a place. For this to succeed, you might want to enlist a broker and develop a relationship so that they understand your needs.
Tips to make your NYC move-in day smoother
While moving days anywhere might have their little quirks depending on the city, here are some NYC-specific tips for the big day.
Check and double-check your apartment measurements
Many New York buildings are old (like remodeled tenements), and even new builds are often atypical in size and shape to make the most of limited square footage (Ever hear of “shoebox” apartments?). Measure:
Your doorways (they are not all standard)
Halls (especially corners)
Stairwells (plus, count the flights if it’s a walk-up)
Make sure you can actually get everything into your apartment before you put so much effort into moving your items to NYC!
For move-in, you might need to show your building proof that your movers are insured
This protects the building in the event that any damage occurs to stairwells, hallways, and the like so forth, during the move-in process. Professional moving companies are used to being asked about this, but it might cost a small fee to request a copy of their proof of insurance. (Tip: If the building doesn’t bring this up, don’t ask!)
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How to haul all your stuff to NYC
You have a few options for getting yourself (and all your belongings) to NYC:
Do-It-Yourself: Some people think the main advantage of DIY is saving money, but this may or may not be true depending on how you go about it. Consider that the 40-hour drive from LA to NYC takes about four days on average to complete — and that’s with an average vehicle, not a large moving truck. You’ll have to think about paying for gas across about 2,800 miles. And if you park at hotels and motels along the way, you’ll want to make sure your worldly belongings stay secure in your truck while you sleep.
All-In-One/Full-Service: Many people enjoy using moving services that do packing, move-out, transport, move-in, and unpacking (or some combination of those options). The obvious perk is convenience because it lets you focus on other aspects of the move. However, it’s important to find a company you trust, since they’re handling every element of your move.
Shipping Containers: A solution likePODS might be ideal for moving to NYC, because PODS gives you both storage and moving in one service, and you only have to load and unload one time. With moving containers, you pack all your stuff up and have it driven cross-country for you! Once your containers get to New York, you have the option to leave them in storage for as long as you need while you find a place to live and get yourself settled. Then, once you’re ready, you just book your container delivery and unload everything into your new place.
How much does it cost to move from L.A. to NYC?
First of all, give yourself time to price-shop! Do your research, compare prices, and don’t be afraid to bring other company quotes to places you prefer and ask them to match them.
Remember my friend whose items got “lost” when moving to NYC? She later learned that other complaints about that company losing belongings were buried on Google. With a little more time spent, she would have turned those up before losing her entire jewelry box while trying to save a few bucks.
DIY (Rent and Drive a Truck Yourself): $179–$219 (per day, truck rental) + $1,088 (total gas, assuming an average moving truck’s MPG and current national gas price average as of September 2022)
Full-Service: $4,290–$7,280
Shipping Containers: $3,368–$4,420
The main takeaway is that while the DIY and shipping container options look a lot cheaper than full-service, when all is said and done, the final numbers may not be so far off from each other. It all depends on which company you use, whether or not you choose to drive, how long you take to drive if you choose to, and little add-ons like getting insurance, permits, or adding moving labor.
Rather than concentrate entirely on the price tag, decide what really works best for your move — then pursue the best company and a fair price.
What’s the best time of year to move to NYC?
Generally, it’s cheaper to move during winter months and holiday weekends when fewer people are moving and demand is lower.
Demand is highest during a few peak dates in New York City: June 1 or 15 and September 1 or 15.
On and around those dates, it’s more difficult to find movers and rental trucks. But in NYC, there’s more to consider. For example, if you move into a high-rise building, you’ll often need to reserve special parking spots for move-in trucks (loading zones), and you might need to reserve the building’s freight elevators for furniture and big boxes.
Parking slots can fill up on prime move-in days, meaning that even if your lease is starting on June 1, if you can’t reserve parking and elevators, you might need to bring some of your things on another day in order to meet the building’s move-in policies and codes. If you’re moving into a more relaxed building, these might not be concerns.
Remember, consider available apartment inventory. If you choose a month when fewer people are moving out, there might be fewer vacancies for you to choose from.
“…if you move into a high-rise building, you’ll often need to reserve special parking spots for move-in trucks…and you might need to reserve the building’s freight elevators for furniture and big boxes.”
Do I need a car in NYC?
This is a question that always gets asked, and there are, unfortunately, only three real answers:
Sell it. Some people have cars in NYC, but the hassle of parking it is typically not worth the convenience of having it. Renting spaces can be anywhere from $200–$500 per month, while street parking requires moving your car to alternate sides of the road almost every day to avoid getting a ticket.
Drive it. If your belongings are being moved separately, you could take a nice, long road trip and see more of the U.S. Don’t forget to factor in today’s gas prices and your car’s mileage.
How much money should I save before moving to NYC?
It’s hard to give an exact number to save up before you make your move since that figure really depends on where you’re going and what your rent situation will be. But I can give you a list of factors that can help you come up with a number that makes sense.
You’ll need to have enough money to cover:
Moving costs (see above)
First month’s rent
Last month’s rent
Security deposit (which is typically equivalent to a month’s rent)
Tipping your movers: Make a good impression by tipping your doormen, movers, and anyone who helps you get settled. They will remember, and it will go a long way toward ensuring a more pleasant acclimation period.
Cabs/takeout/extras: When you move, you’ll be exhausted, and you’ll spend a few days ordering takeout and taking cars everywhere instead of walking. This is one of those rare times it really does help to throw money at the problem—pad your budget just enough.
All in all, you’re easily looking at ~$5,000+ estimate for moving from L.A. to NYC. That’s between a rental truck or moving service, first and last month’s rent, and other miscellaneous costs. (Even the most extreme DIY scenario will still net a couple grand in expenses.)
Of course, it’s always good to add some buffer in there to cover the extras that are sure to come up. Nothing makes you feel more like a New Yorker than a crazy curveball thrown at you at the moment you least expect it.
Hopefully, this advice helps you feel more confident about moving from L.A. to NYC. Now all you need to do is take the leap.
When promoting your business, it’s important to use every tool available to you. That includes video marketing.
In 2022, consumers spend an average of 19 hours per week watching videos online (according to one survey by Wyzowl.) In general, video content helps boost sales, supports marketing campaigns, and gains you followers on social media platforms. In fact, 87% of video marketers from that same survey reported that video gave them a positive return on whatever amount they invested into it.
What to consider before creating a marketing video
Those numbers probably sound exciting. But what should you know before you dive into trying to make a video for your moving business?
What’s your budget?
Creating video doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive, but it is important to have an idea of your budget ahead of time.
If you make a video (that isn’t just on your smartphone), the average cost of video production is around $1,000 to $5,000 per finished minute. That’s a pretty wide range, and your equipment, staff, and other factors will impact the final cost. Still, if you’re serious about getting some serious returns, this is a good benchmark to help start your planning.
Be sure that if you’re going to invest in video, you don’t skimp on important expenses. Quality is often much more important than quantity when it comes to video.
What results are you expecting?
Also consider why you’re creating a video and what results you expect from it. It’s important to set “SMART” goals, which stands for:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Timely
For example, if you want to get into video production in order to increase your social media following, a good SMART goal may be: “Grow TikTok followers by 10% over the next three months”. Get it?
And it’s not the end of the world if you don’t hit your goal, especially in the beginning while you’re still learning. The point is to have something to work toward!
Make a style and keep it
Keeping a consistent style is also important, especially when it comes to branding and engagement. You don’t have to do the exact same thing every time, but viewers should eventually grow to recognize your videos based on the general look and format.
There are many directions you can go stylistically. Will you be speaking directly to the camera? Will you be demonstrating an activity that needs a certain viewpoint? Will you include animation. Know the answers to these questions before you get started so you ensure you have the right props and equipment.
How To Make High-Quality Videos
In most cases, you want your videos to look high quality and professionally produced. This requires investing in the right equipment. Fortunately, there are quality options out there to fit a range of budgets.
Equipment required 101
Camera: There are many types of cameras on the market that are good for certain types of filming. The most popular options today are DSLR and mirrorless. They have interchangeable lenses and are small and portable. When shopping for cameras, important specs to compare include resolution, frame rate, image stabilization, autofocus, and more. You can expect to spend around $400 to $1,000 for a basic consumer version of DSLR camera, or $2,000 to $3,000 for a basic professional model. Higher-end models can be several thousand dollars.
Sound: How your video sounds is just as important as how it looks. It all starts with choosing the right microphone (you don’t want to rely on the one built into your camera). Again, you have many options for external microphones. For example, a top-mic, which sits on top of your camera, is a good place to start. When choosing a mic, be sure it has a shotgun or super-cardioid polar pattern, which picks up sound from the front while blocking out sounds from the side. It also needs a good shock mount to avoid any noise from handling the camera. You can also try a lavalier mic, which attaches to a person’s clothing, and can either be wired or wireless.
“Thumbnails (small preview images used to represent videos) are the first thing people notice when scanning through YouTube and other social media sites. If you don’t have a compelling thumbnail image for your video, you could lose out on clicks.”
Lighting: Lighting can make or break the quality of your video. The professionals use a three-point lighting technique, which involves a key light, fill light, and backlight set up at certain angles to control brightness and shadowing. As for what types of lights to use, you guessed it: There are many choices. Natural light is often the best (and cheapest) option. But if you’re filming indoors or at odd hours, you can use simple clamp lights. If you go this route, make sure all the bulbs have the same temperature and brightness.
You can also try a ring light if you plan to sit and speak directly into the camera. And if your budget is a bit larger, you can buy studio lights, which run a few hundred dollars each.
Editing technology: Finally, you’ll need software to edit your video and get it ready for the world to see. Some of the most popular, beginner-friendly video editing tools include After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro. These professional tools do require either a one-time licensing fee or monthly subscription, so if you’re not sure which program would be best for your team, you can try out some free options first:
Free online editing tools: Just because some video editing software is free doesn’t mean you can’t create professional-quality videos. They may not have the same level of features, but you can accomplish everything needed to put a great video together. Some good options for free editing tools include DaVinci Resolve, Lightworks, HitFilm, Adobe Express Video Editor, and Canva Video. Some of these tools offer both a free and paid version with more features.
Apps: If you’re working on shorter clips, like videos meant for social media, you could use a free video editing app. Some popular options include Apple’s iMovie, PowerDirector, and Promeo.
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Optimize your videos for mobile
Mobile video consumption doubles every year. As of 2020 4.18 billion people – which is over half of the global population – are mobile internet users, according to Hootsuite. Which is why it’s crucial to optimize your videos to be viewed on mobile devices.
Square videos tend to get more interaction, plus they take up more space in mobile news feeds. Be sure to make any text large enough to be seen on a smaller screen, as well, and ensure you include captions for those who are watching without sound. Also, keep it short, since mobile users have short attention spans.
Make effective thumbnails
Thumbnails (small preview images used to represent videos) are the first thing people notice when scanning through YouTube and other social media sites. If you don’t have a compelling thumbnail image for your video, you could lose out on clicks.
It can help to include title text to give more context to what viewers are about to see. Also, pay attention to the font style you choose, and make sure it’s consistent and matches your brand. As for the actual impact, bright, contrasting colors will catch the eyes of scrollers. Just be sure that the image you choose is relevant to the video and a good representation of what it’s about.
“You don’t have to do the exact same thing every time, but viewers should eventually grow to recognize your videos based on the general look and format.”
Optimize for Google (SEO)
Search engine optimization (SEO) means making sure your content is visible to search engines and will show up at the top of search result pages. It’s another way to expand the reach of your video content and ensure that it gets in front of the people who are looking for it.
Just like blog posts, the keywords you include in the video’s title and meta description are important. Do some keyword research to find out what terms people are searching for that relate to your video, then ensure those terms are used (naturally) in the metadata. Remember that even though you are optimizing for search bots, the text should still be engaging and interesting to actual humans. Be sure the rest of the page that hosts your video is optimized as well.
Ways To Promote Video Content
The more eyes you can get on your videos, there more opportunity they have to gain virality. So make sure all your videos have buttons for sharing on major social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, etc.). Even better, allow viewers to grab the embed code so they can repost, keeping in mind there are slightly different protocols depending on the platform.
Integrate other marketing strategies
Video marketing can work great on its own, but it often works best when incorporated into a larger marketing strategy.
For example, you can create an email marketing campaign that features your videos, which can help increase subscribers, open rates, and return viewers. Or tie a video into a giveaway on your social media accounts, which will not only increase views, but (hopefully) lead to more followers as well.
Even embedding videos into blog posts or landing pages can help you keep users on your site longer, increase engagement, and help your content rank better in search. One study by EyeWideDigital found that having a video on a landing page increased conversions by a whopping 80%.
Create engaging content with trending topics
Create something with value for your viewers, research trending topics in your industry and make something informative and helpful.
Tips for Planning Exceptional Video Content
Create a calendar: Just as you would make an editorial calendar for written content, it’s helpful to calendar out your video content, too. This can help you keep track of various projects and deadlines, as well as plan videos around important trends and campaigns. You can keep it simple and use Excel or Google Sheets to manage your video calendar, or look into a special tool for video planning.
Create storyboards: Another way to keep your video creation organized is by storyboarding. This essentially serves as an outline for your video, allowing you to plan out the scenes and see if there are any gaps – before you start spending money on production.
Create social media stories: You can repurpose the videos you make by turning clips into social media stories or reels and driving views back to the full piece.
Check out video trends: Not sure where to start? Do some research and see what’s trending in popular videos today.For instance, shoppable videos are growing in popularity, as are augmented/virtual reality videos and even silent videos.
Make informative tutorials and how-to guides: If you’re not ready to delve into virtual reality just yet, simple explainers are usually a hit. Consider whiteboarding a concept or showing how to do something with a short, fun animation. For moving companies, this may be a video for packing difficult items like fragile jewelry or art supplies.
Make top 10 lists: People also respond well to listicles and rankings. So consider experimenting with this format in video. Try creating a video around the top 10 do’s and don’ts when moving, 10 tips for packing, top 10 items to bring and not to bring… you get the idea.
Show the best ways to use your service: It can also be helpful if you use video to explain how your business works and how to get the most out of your service.
Explain how to do something:
Bring testimonials to life: Written testimonials are one thing, but seeing a real, live person talking about how your business has helped them can build a lot of trust with potential customers. Putting testimonials in video format can help boost conversions and trust in your brand. For business owners, think about clients who have expressed their satisfaction with your stellar service. A short, 30-minute interview can be repurposed into multiple video testimonial clips for different audiences. Even easier, ask them to voice-record their written review or testimonial and use it as audio in promotional videos.
Make video infographics: If you have interesting data to share, you can visualize it in an entertaining and easy-to-digest way by turning it into a video. A compelling infographic can also help you stand out from the sea of existing video content and gain traction on social platforms. Consider sharing helpful data about moving to and from your area,
Share industry expertise: Are you considered an expert in your industry? Do you have insights to share that can benefit customers or your peers? Show how knowledgeable you are and help viewers gain a better understanding of a certain topic by sharing that info in a video. This can be anything from how to time your move to save money to common scams and how to avoid them.
The Bottom Line
Today, video production is an important part of a business’s marketing strategy.
If you haven’t incorporated video into your marketing efforts, it’s time to start. It’s possible to create professional, entertaining videos on just about any budget. And you don’t need to be an expert in videography. As long as you invest in the right tools, your business can benefit from video marketing. Remember, quality is more important than quantity.
Penske Vs. U-Haul: Is Penske a Cheaper Alternative to U-Haul?
With the way U-Haul advertises its pricing—“as low as $19.95”—the ubiquitous rental truck brand might seem like your most affordable option at first glance, but how does it really stack up against other rental truck companies like Penske?
What happened? Hint: The answer to the question “is Penske more expensive than Uhaul” isn’t super obvious, but we’ve got some tips to figure out which is the better option for your move.
Penske Vs. U-Haul Price Comparison
Let’s just get down to brass tacks.
For the exact same local move using the smallest size truck, we came to the conclusion that Penske is generally more expensive than U-Haul for short-distance local moves.
However, when you crunch the numbers:
Penske is generally the more affordable choice for local moves over a certain number of miles, as well as
Situationally more affordable for long-distance/one-way moves (read on)
In my mid-market region of Tampa, we calculated the magic number where Penske becomes the better option to be 107.7 miles. Sounds specific? That’s because we did a little math based on both Penske’s and U-Haul’s current 2022 mileage fees (more on that later, too).
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Here Are My Penske and Uhaul Bills
I did two identical 8-mile moves with U-Haul and Penske, and I included the most basic insurance coverage you can buy.
Not including gas (which will definitely matter the more you drive), here was the bill:
U:Haul: $44.89
Penske: $61.17
“Penske trucks average 17% more fuel efficiency than U-Haul for their regular unleaded vehicles, and are up to 23% more efficient than U-Haul with their larger diesel trucks.”
Before we REALLY break down these numbers, here’s what our final bills were based on:
It was a local move (a total of 8 miles)
We rented the smallest rental trucks available (10-foot model for U-Haul, 16-foot for Penske)
We bought the cheapest basic insurance options
Note: Wondering why you see a 16-foot Penske up there?
In order to make an accurate comparison for a small move, we tried to rent the 12-ft. Penske box truck, as this is their smallest box truck size (they don’t have a 10-footer like U-Haul does). However, the Penske dealer nearest us only had the 16-ft truck available. However, they claimed it was the same price anyway as the 12-footer ($29.99 per day), so we’re laying out all of the following as if we had rented a 12-foot truck.
Penske Vs. Uhaul: The Basic Cost Difference in Fees (Local Move)
Penske 12-Ft. Box Truck (Smallest Size)
U-Haul 10-Ft. Box Truck (Smallest Size)
Starting Price
$29.99*
$19.95
Cubic Feet
450 ft3
402 ft3
Mileage Fee
.79 per mile
.99 per mile
Vehicle Licensing Recovery Fee
$2.50
$0.00
Environmental Fee
$4.00
$1.00
Most Basic Insurance
$20.00
$14.00
Total Starting Price (Before Driving)
$56.49
$34.95
*Starting prices vary regionally for Penske. The ones you see above are based on the Tampa Bay region pricing, a mid-market. We’ve seen as much as a $20.00 difference (starting at $49.95 for the 12-ft. truck) in places like Buffalo, New York.
Note that the difference in the total starting price—the barebones cost before you drive off the lot and start racking up miles—is $21.54. Yes, U-Haul was $21.54 cheaper than Penske… to start with.
U-Haul continues to have the price advantage up until a certain point, depending on the mileage cost difference. (That’s because U-Haul’s cost per mile was 20 cents more expensive.) But up to what point does this start to matter?
When does U-Haul’s more expensive mileage fee start to matter?
We calculated when the distance driven in a U-Haul starts to overtake the price savings, which is $0.20/mi. ($0.99/mi. – $0.79/mi.).
So $21.54 ➗ $.20/mi. = 107.7 miles.
I get it, math is hard. But what this means is that once we hit 107.7 miles driven for our move, Penske started to have a competitive advantage price-wise with respect to the MILEAGE RATE (the added fee per mile driven).
But note that this doesn’t even account for any miles per gallon savings. Uh, so what does that mean?
Penske trucks are generally more fuel efficient
Guess what? Penske trucks by and large are more fuel efficient than U-Haul trucks!
This means, for example, if you’re renting the 12-ft. or 16-ft. regular-unleaded Penske trucks—which once again are more fuel efficient than U-Haul’s—you might save over 25% on gas (way more about this later).
You can imagine how much of a difference it would make if the gas mileage jumps up even just $.20/mi. for U-Haul. In this hypothetical case, it would dividethe number of miles you’d need to drive in order to start saving from Penske in half.
“Besides its size, truck availability in your area will heavily affect the price of your Penske truck.”
Don’t forget to factor in doing local round-trips
All this being said, our personal rental journey was a very small move. Eight miles total is teeny-tiny! But keep in mind it’s usually not too difficult to rack up more miles than that.
For example, say you’re moving 15 miles away, but need to make three round trips to get everything. Those three roundtrips can add up to at least 90 miles, and that doesn’t even include your little detour to Chick-fil-A for lunch.
Penske Vs. U-Haul Truck Rental Costs
How much are Penske rentals? Well, for starters, average Penske truck rental prices typically go between $30-40.
As of this writing, Penske and U-Haul advertise the following sizes, from smallest to largest.
U-Haul truck options – Uhaul.com
Penske vs. U-Haul Truck Prices
Penske*
U-Haul
Cargo Van – ~$39.95
Pickup Truck – $19.95
12’ Box Truck – ~$29.95
Cargo Van – $19.95
16’ Box Truck – ~$29.95
10’ Box Truck – $19.95
22’ Box Truck – (Price not advertised)
15’ Box Truck – $29.95
26’ Box Truck – ~$299.99
17’ Box Truck – $39.95
20’ Box Truck – $39.95
26’ Box Truck – $39.95
*All starting prices are based on monitoring one mid-market region.
Penske truck options – Pensketruckrental.com
U-Haul offers roughly 2-3 more options than Penske does depend on your location—a pick-up truck and a ~17-ft. box truck. The sizes are different, so an exact comparison is kinda tricky. But we can say that Penske trucks generally have between 1-2 extra feet of truck compared to every U-Haul option, except for the larger 17-ft. U-Haul truck.
Remember, starting prices for rental trucks vary regionally for Penske. Meanwhile, local U-Haul truck costs are typically consistent everywhere.
Yes, we tried, but we couldn’t get a clearer picture of all the Penske truck rental prices for our area… and Penske keeps it vague on purpose.
Penske Truck Prices Vary Daily
Why do Penske prices vary?
Besides its size, truck availability in your area will heavily affect the price of your Penske truck. Most importantly, this means it’s gonna be more expensive in the summertime when everyone is moving. (We’ll break down the logic of this pricing policy in the long-distance section down below.)
When we asked Penske how much the day rate was for their 22-ft. truck, they told us they had none available that day, but they reportedly could be “Sometimes $59.00, sometimes $69.00, sometimes $100.00.”
Well, how much is the biggest Penske truck?
Largest Penske truck – Move.org
Upon further digging, the day rate quote for the 26-footer in Buffalo, New York was $299.99! In Columbus, Ohio, it was also $299.99!
“…Penske trucks generally have between 1-2 extra feet of truck compared to every U-Haul option, except for the larger 17-ft. U-Haul truck.”
It seems $299.99 tends to be the standard pricing across the board for the massive truck size, at least during the busy season. But remember, as people stop moving so much, these larger trucks won’t need to be schlepped around city to city to accommodate the high demand, driving down their price.
Can you rent a Penske truck for more than one day?
If you’re doing an in-town move and dropping off the truck at the same location, you can rent a Penske truck for as many days as the truck is available.
The same per-day rate would apply for each day. The same goes for U-Haul. You can rent your truck for as long as you need, as long as it hasn’t been reserved by someone else.
Note: Make sure you drop off your Penske at the same location if you’re doing a local move. Just as with U-Haul, you may be charged a convenience fee or more (this can vary by location, as there is no universal rule).
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Penske’s Trailer Rental Options
Penske offers just two trailers, and they’re both for towing vehicles, not stuff.
In terms of functionality, they both get the job done in their own way. Also, there is a notable difference between Penske and U-Haul’s trailers: no hitch installation is necessary with Penske! But unlike U-Haul, there are no utility trailers, cargo trailers, or motorcycle trailers for rent from Penske.
Here’s how the two Penske trailer options compare.
Penske Tow Dolly
Penske tow dolly – adamsrs.com
A tow dolly operates by having the front wheels of the vehicle strapped onto the hitched dolly, while the back wheels of the vehicle are pulled along the road.
A tow dolly cannot be safely reversed, so you’re committed to forward motion only
A tow dolly cannot safely or easily tow four-wheel or rear-wheel drive cars
Note: If you’re using a tow dolly and your vehicle is rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, the drive shaft must be disconnected—otherwise your transmission may be badly damaged!
For a full “tow-dolly” instructional, watch the video below.
Penske Car Carrier
Penske car carrier – digitalcorvettes.com
A car carrier carries all four of the vehicle’s tires on its bed.
A car carrier can be reversed
A car carrier safely tows any vehicle within its size/weight restrictions
Since Penske doesn’t allow the towing of non-Penske trailers, carriers, or dollies, and because their hitches are specifically engineered for their own proprietary equipment, you have to rent a Penske truck if you rent a Penske tow dolly or car carrier. This would also mean that “4 down towing” (that is, four wheels down) isn’t an option with Penske because they don’t have the equipment for it (that said, 4 down towing isn’t as safe, anyway).
If you’re looking to rent a trailer for your OWN vehicle to tow, your better bet is U-Haul. With U-Haul, however, you still need to make sure you have the proper hitch on your vehicle, so if you don’t have one, you’ll need to include hitch installation in your budget, which can be pricey!
Penske Vs. U-Haul Mileage and Gas Fees
In general, for U-Haul, the added price per mile for in-town fees (i.e., local moves) seems to be region-specific, while Penske’s is always the same.
U-Haul
We’ve seen U-Haul’s mileage fees as low as $0.79 (e.g., Buffalo, New York), and as high as $1.19 (e.g., Portland, Oregon). U-Haul’s mileage fees tend to be more expensive than Penske’s mileage fees.
Penske
However, with Penske, at least for now, the mileage fee remains consistent across the country: $0.79 per mile
For shorter moves, U-Haul’s higher mileage fee doesn’t make much of a difference, cost-wise. But once you get up into the 80+ mile range, you can see it really adds up.
Penske Local Move Mileage Fees (the Tacked-on Cost Per Mile)
Check out this chart for our own mid-market move in Tampa Bay:
Miles Driven
Penske Mileage Fee
U-Haul Mileage Fee
8
$6.32
$7.92
20
$15.80
$19.8
40
$31.60
$39.60
80
$63.20
$79.20
160
$126.40
$158.40
200
$158.00
$198.00
This chart is based on Penske’s $0.79 mileage fee and U-Haul’s $0.99 mileage fee for the mid-market Tampa Bay region, as of 8/7/2022.
That’s a savings of$40 by using U-Haul!
Now let’s see what it looks like if we do the same thing with the higher Portland, Oregon prices (Penske: $0.79, U-Haul: $1.19):
Miles Driven
Penske Mileage Fee
U-Haul Mileage Fee
8
$6.32
$9.52
20
$15.80
$23.80
40
$31.60
$47.60
80
$63.20
$95.20
160
$126.40
$190.40
200
$158.00
$238.00
When mileage fees contribute more to your bill, you’d save a whopping $80 by choosing Penske!
With a price differential this big, this is where you begin to see substantial savings from Penske on a longer mileage move with same-location drop-off. Not to mention the added miles per gallon (MPG) gas savings.
How do Penske’s gas fees work?
Gas fees simply refer to any costs associated with how much gas needs to be in the tank when you return the truck.
Penske estimates how many miles you will go and charges you for estimated gas usage ahead of time.
For example: For same-location drop-offs (i.e., local moves), the $0.79 per mile fee is tallied up after you return the vehicle. For us, they included 50 miles already baked into our rental quote. From there, however many miles you go under or over this number will be credited or debited from your final bill.
So if the quote seems more than expected, this could be because they automatically estimated a 50 miles minimum. There is, however, no actual minimum mileage fee! Keep this in mind if you collect local move quotes from other truck companies, such as U-Haul or Budget.
“…you have to rent a Penske truck if you rent a Penske tow dolly or car carrier…(i)f you’re looking to rent a trailer for your OWN vehicle to tow, your better bet is U-Haul.”
Do I have to fill my Penske truck with extra gas?
Regardless of how much you use, you are expected to return your truck with the gas tank filled to where it was when you picked it up.
But a word to the wise: All of these trucks have pretty enormous gas tanks, so don’t overfill! This could cost you. Bring the gas gauge up to full, and stop there. It might be best to fill based on the miles you drove. Just take a look at the gauge! Otherwise, it could cost you another $20 or more to top it off. This is actually what happened to us! We drove 8 miles and spent $17 in gas topping it off (oops!).
Penske trucks are actually well-known for their fuel efficiency. Compared to U-Haul, Penske gas mileage stacks up quite well.
Penske trucks average 17% more fuel efficiency than U-Haul for their regular unleaded vehicles, and are up to 23% more efficient than U-Haul with their larger diesel trucks.
This is another factor that works in the consumer’s favor for medium to long same-location moves (meaning you pick up and drop off the truck at the same location). The downside is that the two largest Penske trucks are diesel, and diesel gas prices are on the rise. So, a clear picture of actual savings becomes difficult, since U-Haul has no diesel trucks—here, it’s apples to oranges.
It’s important to check your local gas prices before moving day, as the more miles you rack up, the more dough you might save… or lose! If you want to know an exact cost difference, weigh the price of diesel against the vehicle’s MPG (mileage per gallon) to get a true comparison.
U-Haul (Unleaded) Vs. Penske (Sometimes Diesel)
U-Haul has no diesel trucks, while only Penske’s two largest trucks use diesel (as of this writing). This theoretically could matter for your final truck cost.
For example, let’s say you travel 40 miles for your move in a 20-ft. U-Haul truck (which gets 10 miles to the gallon). You would need four gallons of regular unleaded gas, totaling $15.56 in unleaded fuel.
Now, let’s say you drive the same 40 mi. in Penske’s 22-ft diesel truck, which gets 13 mpg. This is 40 ÷ 13 = 3.08 gallons needed.
3.08/gal. x $4.99 per gallon = $15.36 in diesel fuel.
So even at the current, absurdly high rate of diesel fuel, you still miraculously save about $0.05 per gallon because of Penske’s decent MPG. This means absolutely nothing to a short- to medium-distance move. But if diesel ever goes back down (or up!), it could still make a difference there.
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One-way Drive: U-Haul Vs. Penske Long-Distance Moving
We’ve talked a lot about local moving with Penske vs U-Haul. Now let’s dive into long-distance moving for a bit.
Long-Distance Move Mileage Fees (i.e., the Tacked-on Cost Per Mile)
If you’re driving a rental truck “one-way” (meaning you’re leaving it somewhere different than you picked it up), rental truck companies almost always charge a different mileage fee for that.
Here are Penske and U-Haul’s long-distance mileage fees:
Penske: None!
U-Haul: $0.40/mile for anything beyond the expected mileage that U-Haul declares is necessary
What this actually means is this: You get a quote, and that quote includes an estimated number of days you get the truck that’s based on what you told them you are gonna use the truck for. Within that time frame, you can drive as many miles as you want!
As long as you bring it back to the designated location on time, the price stays the same. Indeed, if you are on your way from Florida to California, you may want to take the scenic route and treat it like a road trip, if you’ve got the time.
“When we asked (Penske) how much the day-rate was for their 22-ft. truck, they told us they had none available that day, but they could be ‘Sometimes $59.00, sometimes $69.00, sometimes $100.00.'”
Watch out though! For every day you go beyond the agreed-upon contract, an additional $100.00/day will be charged, so make sure in advance of your move that you can stick to the estimated number of days. With U-Haul, you’ll be charged $0.40/mile for anything beyond the expected mileage that U-Haul declares is necessary for your move.
But wait, what’s the standard cost of a long-distance Penske move?
Sure, you get unlimited miles, but what’s your total quote actually based on? We called Penske to get some information on long-distance moves, since there is virtually no pricing information on their website.
Well, the bad news is that there is no standard pricing for Penske long-distance moves; it’s based on unique factors every single time.
Besides the distance between places, Penske explained to me how big of a factor TRUCK AVAILABILITY is during your quoting.
Why does Penske’s truck availability impact a long-distance quote so much?
Penske passes along the cost of truck fleet transportation to its customers.
For instance, at the time of this writing, a trip from Tampa to L.A. in 2022 would cost over $3,000, because there are too many Penske trucks in Los Angeles right now, and they need to get moved to other areas of the country (it would cost Penske more money if they were to drive those trucks back across the country where they’re needed).
On the other hand, a trip from Tampa to Chicago would only cost about $600 (with a AAA discount) right now, because they need more trucks in Chicago.
Ultimately, due to supply and demand, there simply is no fixed rate that you can count on for long-distance moves. It’s all happenstance. In short, you just have to call and get a quote.
Huge Protip: Penske’s AAA discount can save you up to $200 on long-distance moves, so it’s worth it to become a AAA member if you aren’t one already because currently, this discount alone will more than cover the cost of your annual membership (which currently ranges from $59.99 to $119.99).
The Big U-Haul Vs. Penske Long-distance Cost Takeaway
You ultimately need to tally up these four main factors when deciding on taking a U-Haul or a Penske truck for a long drive:
Current avg. gas prices (it will change along your route)
MPG for your truck size of choice (Penske is almost always better than U-Haul here)
The type of fuel required (unleaded or diesel)
The estimated number of miles you’re going to drive
Only if you know that stuff will you actually know the expected costs between a long-distance Penske and U-Haul trip.
Other Major Cost Factors
There are other variables besides truck size, local vs. long distance, and gas that will impact your final Penske bill.
Penske Insurance Vs. U-Haul Insurance Breakdown
U-Haul offers two insurance packages, whereas Penske offers four levels of insurance. (We broke down U-Haul’s insurance here; see the chart below for a quick-and-dirty version.)
Do I HAVE to buy rental truck insurance?
No. Both Penske and U-Haul have an opt-out (of insurance) waiver option, which would still leave you with the aforementioned “basic insurance price,” but might also leave you feeling like you’re taking a risk.
Luckily, both companies have a few different insurance packages if you’re worried about cost. Keep in mind that depending on your specific move, some situations may actually require insurance.
“Penske advertises that if your truck were to suddenly break down on the side of the road, they’d come and rescue you for free.”
For example, if you’re an established moving company in need of an extra truck for the day, there’s a chance your business insurance doesn’t include rentals and therefore you won’t have a choice to opt-out. And in general, an individual’s auto insurance plan likely doesn’t cover moving truck rentals.
What are the different Penske and Uhaul insurance options?
The pricing below was quoted to us based on our single-day in-town move in Tampa Bay with the smallest-size box truck available.
Here are U-Haul’s insurance policies:
U-Haul Policy
Included in Coverage
Price
Safemove®
Up to $80,000, with some exclusions; covers medical/life for you and your passengers, damage to truck and belongings
$14.00
Safemove®
Plus
Above Safemove® benefits plus exclusion- free damage to truck and $1,000,000 in supplemental liability coverage
$28.00
Compare these to Penske:
Penske Policy
Included in Coverage
Price
Basic
Penske equipment damage
$20.00
Standard
Penske equipment damage, third party and injury claims (up to $1,000,000)
$44.18
Value
Penske equipment damage, third party and injury claims, cargo damage
$49.76
Plus
Penske equipment damage, third party and injury claims, cargo damage, personal accident injury (PAI)
How do insurance coverage for tow dollies and car carriers work?
Penske’s Basic $20.00 plan covers “Penske equipment damage” which covers, well, Penske equipment—the towing equipment and the truck.
But, if you’re towing a car and you get the “Plus” insurance, you still aren’t fully insured because… guess what? Now you have a car trailing behind, which is neither “Penske equipment” nor traditional “cargo.”
“…there is no standard pricing for Penske long-distance moves; it’s based on unique factors every single time.”
In addition to their four listed policies, Penske also offers TWI (towing insurance). This is to insure your car for towing, and it covers any collisions resulting in damage to the towed vehicle. We were verbally told this policy would cost about $120.00 or more for a long-distance move (from one city to another). If you’re doing a local move with a same-location drop-off, TWI is just $7.50 per day.
Does “Penske Roadside Insurance” cost money?
The short answer is no. Penske advertises that if your truck were to suddenly break down on the side of the road, they’d come and rescue you for free.
But if it turns out there was damage to the truck (such as an accident), then you will probably be on the hook for damages if you didn’t opt for insurance—possibly even if it wasn’t your fault. Still, if a tire blows out or the engine overheats—things that are largely out of your control—Penske has a network of emergency roadside assistance companies and 22,000 qualified service vendors to get you back up and running.
Penske Cleaning, Damage and Other Turn-in Fees
Good news! Penske doesn’t have any standard hidden mileage or turn-in fees.
They make it pretty clear with their vehicle return checklist what you should and shouldn’t do. Out of common courtesy, we know you wouldn’t leave your fast food wrappers lying about anyway, but it’s important to know there are potential fees that may be incurred for vehicle uncleanliness. Overall, as long as the vehicle is returned clean, on time, filled with gas, and without damage, you are in the clear.
Penske Vs. U-Haul: Supplies and Equipment
Penske’s business model seems to involve fewer official brick-and-mortar stores and more authorized dealers compared to U-Haul. You may have seen a few Penskes at Home Depot for instance, as Home Depot is one of Penske’s rental partners.
“…U-Haul doesn’t offer any military, business, student, or partnership discounts.”
This means if you rent your truck via Home Depot, it is there that you will probably want to rent any moving equipment such as dollies and purchase any materials such as boxes, tape, blankets, markers, etc. If you rent your truck from a different dealer (as we did), it’s up to them what they carry in terms of rentals and materials for purchase. To be sure, it will certainly vary from location to location (our location was an auto mechanic shop and carried no moving supplies), so you’ll have to check your local dealership yourself.
You can always purchase materials from the Penske website here.
U-Haul Vs. Penske Moving Labor
U-Haul, it would seem, simply refers you to moving companies using the U-Haul website. Penske, on the other hand, is partnered with a single company that connects people to people who supply the laborers in your area.
In all transparency …
Are movers actually worth it?
If you’re on the fence about getting some help moving, here are some reasons to consider hiring movers:
Primarily, they really know how to pack a truck. They are essentially Tetris Masters. One efficiently packed and properly loaded truck can hold up to three improperly packed trucks. This saves trips, which in turn saves money. And try as you might, most homeowners typically don’t know how to load as efficiently as movers
They can make a move easy (well, easier). A good moving crew is Johnny-on-the-spot, in and out and wasting no time
They’re insured (if you hire qualified movers). When you think about it, you yourself aren’t insured to move your things. It’s a bit of a silly thought, but it’s true (although homeowners insurance may potentially cover damage as long as it happens on the insured property, not in transit). On the other hand, most of your items are actually covered when you hire movers in case of damage or loss
In short, movers take the stress off you and save you time and money, and who wouldn’t want that?
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Penske Vs. U-Haul: Other Things You Should Know
Believe it or not, there are still other useful things to know!
Can I pay for a Penske truck with cash?
You can pay for Penske in cash at final billing, but you’ll need a credit card to secure the reservation beforehand. You’ll pay cash at the time of pick-up, but no matter what, you need a card (the same goes for U-Haul). Also, Penske doesn’t accept cash payments over $5,000.
Deposits
Even though we were given a quote on the phone for $70, we had to put down a chunky deposit to rent a Penske truck.
In our personal experience, they put a hold on our card for $242.40. This included a deposit of $150, plus Penske’s estimate of what our costs would ultimately be. For some reason, this amounted to $92.40, which is not what our quote was originally.
However, they credited us $181.23 when we returned the truck. So the final bill came to just $61.17, which is about what we expected to pay. At the end of the day, it all squared up, but why the initial deposit was so much is not exactly clear. U-Haul requires a deposit of just $100, which, unlike Penske, includes your estimate.
Are there Penske discounts? Can you haggle with Penske?
Haggling is not for everybody, but if that’s your thing, you’re welcome to give it a try. A lot of us (myself included) just want transparency and consistency with no funny business.
Get a discount when you use both HireAHelper and Penske (click image).
Below is a thorough list of ways to save more money with Penske discounts. Something to keep in mind is that U-Haul doesn’t offer any military, business, student, or partnership discounts.
AAA discount will save you close to $200 on some long-distance moves (we saved 12% on our local move thanks to our AAA membership)
Are the wheel wells different in Penske trucks vs. Uhaul trucks?
Wheel well inside of a U-Haul truck
While U-Haul has wheel wells, Penske has none.
Okay, but what are wheel wells anyway, and why should you care? Wheel wells are simply where the wheels come up inside the back of the truck. Wheel wells aren’t by any means a deal breaker, but they can be a mild nuisance. They really only cause difficulty if you’ve packed the truck up to the wheel wells only to find that your next item happens to (unluckily) be a couple mattresses, a dresser, or something bulky that doesn’t quite fit in between or on top of them, creating an unlevel packing surface. It’s a bit of a first-world problem for movers.
Are Penske trucks nicer than Uhaul trucks?
In my opinion, Penske trucks are a notch above U-Haul trucks. But I mean, a truck is a truck, so does it really matter? They both have cold A/C and AM/FM radio with aux input, and both companies keep their trucks clean and regularly maintained for the road. That’s about all most people ask for.
The Final Bill: My Total Rental Cost (Including Mileage Fees and Everything)
For two identical 8-mile moves with U-Haul and Penske, we ended up spending $44.89 on our U-Haul truck and $61.17 with our Penske truck, not including gas.This also includes the most basic insurance coverage you can get.
Note: During the time we researched this, U-Haul appeared to lower their local mileage fee from $1.19 to $0.99 for a period of time, which would have doubled the original savings for moves over 53.85 mi. with a Penske truck! Subtle shifts just like this are huge, so be sure to verify mileage fees before you choose one company over the other.
In addition to mileage fees, these ended up being the biggest factors regarding the price of a Penske rental truck move:
Fuel efficiency: U-Haul trucks get 10 mi. to the gallon, whereas Penske’s trucks get 13 mi. to the gallon. This means you’re saving on gas by opting for Penske, which can add up for a long-distance move
Insurance: Penske’s insurance options tend to be more expensive than U-Haul’s
Availability: When it comes to the bigger truck sizes, you may run into availability issues, which will bump up the price for Penske trucks
Bottom Line: Penske Vs. U-Haul
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to U-Haul, you’ll find Penske’s mileage rate and fuel efficiency competitive for in-town moves once you hit a certain mile count, and the savings only get better the more miles you rack up. However, if you’re moving something like 12 miles away and you’re making just one trip, U-Haul is probably the way to go.
How To Make Moving NOT One of Life’s Biggest Stressors
But, as thrilling as your future may be, moving is obviously stressful. It demands a lot of time and effort, and it’s common to feel anxious at the prospect of an unfamiliar location, culture, or workplace. There’s also the financial stress of hiring movers, putting up security deposits, and traveling to your new destination. It’s infamously one of life’s biggest stressors.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Moving stress absolutely can and should be minimized. Read on to learn how to make your own move as stress-free as possible.
Target the stressors that happen on moving day right now
One of the biggest reasons people get stressed out about moving is because they feel overwhelmed. By putting a plan in place and doing some prep work well before you start the moving process, you can nip that problem in the bud.
Start with your utilities. The last thing you want is to move into your new home and realize the water hasn’t been turned on yet. About a month in advance, call up your local utility and other service providers (e.g., electricity, gas, water, trash, cable, internet, etc.) and let them know you want to transfer your services. If your current provider isn’t available where you’re moving, let them know the date you need service terminated. Then set up a new account to have service turned on a few days before your move-in date.
Hire movers early. We recommend booking no later than two weeks in advance. If you wait until just before your move date, the higher-rated and/or cheaper companies will almost certainly be booked.
Clean stuff as you pack them, so you’re unpacking items that have already been dusted and wiped down.
Pack a special suitcase with a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, and anything else you might need to have on hand before all your belongings are unpacked. (Bonus: If you need to head into the office during or shortly after the move, make sure you set aside work clothes on hangers so they won’t be wrinkled.)
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Yes, it’s time—get seriously organized about your move
Feeling like your day is out of control or worrying that your belongings are missing is definitely stressful. Keeping your move as organized as possible will minimize that stress.
Create an inventory of everything that’s being packed and moved. Label your boxes clearly, by room, so your movers know exactly where to unload them. Then write down everything that’s in each box. Print a few copies of your inventory in case one gets lost. When your movers begin unpacking, you can reference your list and ensure everything is accounted for.
Make a moving day checklist with a realistic timeline. With this checklist, you can input to-do entries from six weeks before, counting down to the big day.
Have the names and phone numbers/emails of all your points of contact for move day saved, in case you need to reach someone on the fly.
Build in some buffer times leading up to move day
Everyone hopes that moving day goes smoothly. Of course, there’s always a chance that mishaps derail your schedule. Packing might take longer than expected, or maybe your movers forget something at your old place.
Whatever may or may not happen, try not to schedule everything down to the wire.
It can help to tackle packing in small chunks—in between your other life responsibilities—instead of trying to get everything done in a matter of days. For example, start small; go one room at a time, beginning with your least-used rooms. You might also negotiate with the buyer/seller to give you more time in your current home.
Consider booking an extra day with your rental vehicle. You never know what obstacles you’ll face while packing the truck or what extra stops you’ll make along the way.
If you need to take some time off of work to accomplish your move, try to schedule an extra day after your move to decompress, if you have the vacation time available. You’ll likely be arranging furniture, unpacking boxes, and organizing closets for days or weeks after the official move-in date.
Outsource your responsibilities as much as possible
Many people plan on a total DIY move, taking on too many responsibilities for their timeline. This is where reasonable outsourcing comes in.
“…[T]he best time to move is during the off-season, either October-November or March-April. This is when you’re most likely to experience the mildest weather conditions.”
Even if you’re a bit strapped for cash, there are solutions to get the help you need for a stress-free move. Here are some tips to consider for outsourcing your moving tasks:
Hire professionals when possible. Having movers and cleaners come in to give a hand can make a big difference. Some people even hire professional organizers and packers. If you have smaller jobs that need to get done, consider using TaskRabbit or Porch.
Mine your support system for help. If you don’t have a ton of extra cash, ask family and friends to help out. Maybe you have a parent who can babysit while you focus on directing the movers, or a buddy with a truck who can help you save money on transporting larger items.
Delegate tasks as much as possible. If you have a spouse, children or teenagers, heck, even nieces or nephews, go ahead and put them to work. Cleaning, packing, and other smaller tasks are not nearly as difficult when it’s a group project.
Choose the right day and time for moving day
When you move is just as important as how. Attempting to move during times of high traffic or bad weather will only add to the stress of the situation.
According to HireAHelper data, the best time to move is during the off-season, either October-November or March-April. This is when you’re most likely to experience the mildest weather conditions.
It’s always a good idea to check the forecast and try to plan accordingly. If it is raining or snowing, you’ll have to consider appropriate footwear and rain gear, as well as whatever protection you need to keep your furniture and boxes dry, such as a tarp, large umbrellas, or big garbage bags.
Most people try to move on the weekends when they’re most likely to have time off of work (and family/friends are more likely to be available to help), so it can pay to wait until mid-week. Booking your move for a Tuesday or Wednesday will help ensure you can get a reservation with your chosen moving company, and at a lower rate.
Schedule your move for the morning. Your movers are less likely to run into traffic or other issues that can cause delays. Plus, you’ll get into your new space sooner, so you can start unpacking and getting settled in.
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Don’t forget to food prep snacks and drinks for the day of the move
Let’s be honest, no one wants to deal with you when you’re “hangry”. But the hustle and bustle of moving might mean you skip meals or have to resort to fast food.
Be sure to prep some easy, maybe healthy meals like sandwiches or salads, along with some disposable cutlery. Have portable snacks handy, too, such as nuts, string cheese, jerky and other foods that will help you feel full and focused. And don’t forget to carry plenty of water with you to avoid getting dehydrated.
There’s no guarantee any move will be entirely stress-free. But if you prepare well ahead of time, pace yourself, and have a game plan, a lot of the usual anxiety-causing culprits won’t seem so bad. And remember, outsourcing help for your move is a surefire way to take some of the tasks off your to-do list.
5 Ways To (Possibly) Get Customers To Tip You More
Sometimes, my customers would ask me directly what a standard tip would be. Call me crazy, but I would give them two different amounts: one a little below what I thought was average for that job, and another that was higher. I’d tell them that would be the normal range for a tip corresponding to the job we were doing for them.
ThenI’d challenge my crew to make the customer want to give them that higher amount.
Customers might have a general idea of what they’ll tip their movers, but for some of them, it doesn’t take much to make them want to give more (or less). The following are a few ways (aside from generally being great movers, naturally) to give yourself and your crew a shot at a happier customer.
1. Show up early, but just a little!
Customers universally stress about two things on move day:
Being all ready and having the movers not show.
Having the movers show and not being ready.
(Some customers stress about both, simultaneously.)
Calling each customer the day before their move is a no-brainer, and so is showing up on time. You can do one better though, by showing up five or ten minutes early — but let them know over the phone you’d be happy to wait a few minutes until they are ready for you to get rolling, if they’d like.
If they aren’t quite ready, they’ll appreciate the gesture. If they are ready, they’ll say so. Either way, the show will be off to a positive start.
Protip: While It may seem harmless to tell the customer you are ready whenever they are, this sometimes leaves you sitting in your truck for half an hour while the customer slowly finishes breakfast. Try phrasing it along the lines of, “We’re happy to wait five or ten minutes.” This gives them a bit of breathing room without opening up the door to your schedule being destroyed for the day.
2. After you arrive, go over your game plan with the customer
Once you’ve done your walk-through, let your customer know exactly what’s coming. This is huge!
Make sure to tell them things like:
Which rooms you’ll be tackling first
What you’ll be taking apart
Where you’ll be staging stuff
If you might have to remove any doors or stairwell light fixtures to keep the risk of damage to a minimum
What the timeframe goals everyone should be trying to hit are
Also worth mentioning is if one mover is going to be mostly on the truck doing the loading; communicate that to the customer so they don’t start wondering why their move is short a worker who’s just hanging out outside all morning.
Protip: You also need to let them know what you need from them.
This could mean keeping their kids and pets from getting stepped on, making sure hallways and staircases are clear, and generally being available in case any issues arise (not that they should expect any problems). Also, if it applies, let them know you’ll be taking thirty minutes for lunch and ask them if there is a specific timeframe that might be convenient for you to do so; they may need and appreciate the chance to run a quick errand.
The point here is to give them a sense that you know what you are doing beyond just hauling everything out the door.
On moving day, customers can be as busy as their movers.
You might overhear them canceling utilities, cleaning the bathtub, wrapping things up with the landlord, and all while working remotely. Make things a bit easier for them by suggesting ahead of time that, if necessary, they designate a room that the movers know to leave alone.
Alternatively, ask them if they could use some kitchen counter space to keep any paperwork, notebooks, pen and paper, phone chargers and any other miscellaneous things they’d like to keep handy. Anything in that designated space can be recognized as stuff the movers should ignore and not put on the truck.
4. Keep your own stuff out of their house
Don’t do this.
I know it makes sense to leave your Gatorade in an easy-to-grab place as you haul stuff in or out of the house. When things heat up, you may be tempted to shed that sweatshirt before you finish packing the kitchen. Or if it’s raining, maybe you just want to keep a towel handy, to keep your hands dry.
We work best when we’re safe, but let’s not confuse that with overly comfortable. Leaving drinks, shirts and towels lying around the customer’s home might not make a welcome impression, especially if the whole crew is doing it. Who knows? They may not care. But in either case, they likely won’t say. Try and keep all of your items on the truck.
If the customer offers you and your crew drinks, gratefully accept and then either leave them where the customer put them out for you, or bring them out to the truck.
Protip:Tape, shrink wrap and hand trucks are a different story — sort of. If you need them, keep them handy. But as soon as you’re finished with them, get them out. If there’s equipment all over the place, it’s a subconscious stressor for the customer at minimum.
5. Look every bit the pro you are
Very early in my career, I got a tongue-lashing from the owner of the moving company I was working for.
My crime? Wearing jeans on the job.
He said I looked like some random guy they just picked up off the street who he gave a t-shirt to wear. And quite frankly, he was right.
You may have made a great impression over the phone. You may have looked sharp when you went to their house to give them an estimate. But when the entire crew shows up on move day, how you look matters. And if this is your crew, investing in uniforms is a big step toward becoming a “real” business. Hey, I know you don’t need a tongue-lashing from me, so I won’t bother with the style details; you know what to do.
Protip: I should also mention that how you talk matters too. Err on the side of politeness first — use “Mr.” and “Ms.” or “sir” and “ma’am” first, and only change if they ask you to call them otherwise.
At the end of the day, just do the job safely and correctly
Impressing your customer with these extra touches might help make them feel generous when everything is on or off the truck, but at the end of the day, how well you do your job remains the biggest factor in scoring a nice tip from your customer. (After all, being super polite won’t negate the fact that half their stuff is damaged.)
Keep in mind there will always be customers who will tip you by buying lunch instead of simply giving you cash. There will also be those who won’t offer you a thing. It’s not the greatest feeling; I’ve been there more times than I care to remember. But that’s part of the job, unfortunately.
But for those customers who are inclined to tip you, and just haven’t decided how much, every little thing you can do to impress and instill confidence will help your crew feel well compensated for their 5-star move.
It’s moving day, and the movers you hired are on the way… you hope?
If you’re ready to go, in between all the scrambling, you’re likely peeking out the window every ten seconds hoping to see your crew’s truck cresting over the horizon.
But ready to go or not, you’re at the mercy of your movers’ arrival time window. (All movers or move shipments typically arrive within a block of time that’s known as your “arrival window.”)
Yet what if your arrival window comes and goes and fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, forty-five minutes pass, and your movers still haven’t shown up?
First, call your movers directly!
If you hired your local movers directly…
You have their number, right? You should call them and check if your crew is on the way, or if they are simply tied up. (If they aren’t answering, keep reading.)
If you hired your movers through HireAHelper…
You still have the option of calling them directly, which if you’ve already been in contact with them leading up to moving day, will seem natural. (And even if you hadn’t been, go for it!)
However, if they aren’t answering or you don’t have their number, just call HireAHelper (1-800-995-5003). They will attempt to contact your movers for however long it takes to get you an updated ETA. And if your movers don’t show up or anything else is wrong, they’ll automatically go through the process of fixing it for you (more on that later).
If you hired your movers through a managed moving service…
If you hired a crew through a full-service moving service like MovingStaffers, MovingPlace, or if you’re using a vintage van line company, there typically is a ton of communication leading up to moving day. Even still, if something isn’t going right, these companies generally have a traditional customer service line that you should use right about now.
Pretty simple, right? Except this is where things can get… interesting.
If your movers STILL don’t arrive within an arrival window…
In my experience as a professional crew leader, there are generally three outcomes that happen if you can’t get ahold of your local moving crew.
Your crew is on their way! If they’re nice, they’ll apologize for being late. They may also offer any of a range of excuses – traffic, truck problems, someone late to work – but, as long as they’re on the way, that’s better than the next outcome.
Your crew “misscheduled” you! They’ll tell you (if they’re honest) that they forgot to put you on their schedule or they misplaced your request. Since their crews are all out on other jobs now, there’s nothing they can do except suggest you call someone else (or refer you back to HireAHelper to automatically begin the process of finding replacements). This is almost as inconvenient as the next outcome.
Your crew ghosted you! They never answer. No-show.Or maybe they do, but they say they don’t know who you are, never heard of you, and you must have called some other moving company. No idea what you’re talking about, sorry! Good luck — “click.”
Now it’s your move (pun intended).
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What to do if your movers are simply running late…
You may or may not believe the movers’ reasons as to why they’re late, but if they say they are on the way, ask them for a specific ETA. And if they don’t have one, make the person on the other end of the line explain in clear terms what they do know is going to happen and when.
As a former mover and operations manager, I can attest that unforeseen things do happen sometimes. We’re all imperfect human beings, and what we should want as a result is for everyone to know what’s going on.
If a crew really is on the way, whoever you’re speaking to won’t want to lose you, and by extension, lose a job for their workers. Plus, if they have a public-facing profile somewhere, they definitely don’t want a bad review, let alone a “no-show” permanently stamped onto their HireAHelper profile page!
What if I’m coordinating between two or more services?
If you are trying to coordinate your move between your movers and a service such as a moving container company, you need to call the other company’s customer service number ASAP.
Protip: A mover may negotiate a discount with you if things get out of hand, schedule-wise. (Trust me, the nicer you are, the more likely this is.) If you hired your movers through HireAHelper, they may automatically refund you a portion of your bill for the inconvenience, though typically this is a case-by-case scenario.
What to do if your movers are not going to show up…
If you find yourself in a worst-case scenario, it will be tough to put both of your functioning neurons together to come up with a plan. But last-minute mover possibilities do exist.
Call a mover marketplace ASAP!
An interconnected network of local movers is your most time-efficient next step.
Companies like HireAHelper maintain a living list of vetted professional movers, and they know all of their schedules.
Even if you didn’t book your movers through HireAHelper, call them (800-995-5003). They have a process in place for cancellations, mover replacements, and no-shows, and they may be able to find you last-minute movers. (This process is free with or without an order, but there may be different costs and/or policies associated with your new movers, so you may have to weigh the value.)
Otherwise, your best bet is to find a mover the same way you probably did the first time: Google “movers near me” and call every number you can find. Good luck.
It may not be of any use right now, but there are a few key things to make sure of in order to avoid a difficult moving day scenario in the future.
Look up your moving company online ahead of moving day. Especially make sure to look up where their office is physically located, and ideally, find out what their previous customers have said about them through their online reviews.
Create a rapport. In your pre-move interactions, be interested in your movers, both as professionals and as people. Nothing goes further than genuine investment and appreciation of their process, and it definitely will keep your moving day closer to the top of their minds.
Be willing to ask very specific questions. What type of equipment would they be supplying? Is there something you have that you’re worried they might not be able to move? Tell them about it. Make sure you understand the limits of their coverage against damage. The answers you get will tell you a lot, not just about their service but also about them as a company.
After you’ve booked your move, call to confirm a day or two ahead of time. Many, if not all, movers will actually do this themselves; but if something slips through the cracks, that call isn’t going to come, and neither will your movers. Making the call yourself is a good way to double-check everyone is on the same page.
Don’t book movers who aren’t vetted. You can actually look up a mover’s business license if they are driving a vehicle. But simply getting movers who want to uphold their reputation on a network of professional movers like those listed on HireAHelper is a great way to lower the chance of something going wrong.
Rental Trucks and Weigh Stations: Do You Need To Pull Over in a U-Haul?
If you’re planning on moving yourself across state lines with a rental truck, you may be wondering if have to get your U-Haul (or Budget or Penske) weighed when you drive past a weigh station. Weigh stations exist to make sure trucks aren’ttoo heavy for the road surfaces and bridges they are rolling over, and well, that is a case-by-case situation.
Here’s everything you need to know when you’re driving by a weight station.
Do I have to pull into a weigh station with a rental truck?
The answer is: it depends on how much your truck weighs and where you currently are (more below). This may feel like something complex or unusual, but it’s really not.
If you aren’t sure if you need to stop at that weigh station up ahead, go ahead and pull in. If your truck needs to be weighed, they’ll weigh it (for free). And if your truck doesn’t need to be weighed, they’ll just wave you on through. Piece of cake! It usually doesn’t take that long.
“…those weigh station folks know at a glance if a truck needs to stop. If you blow by a weigh station in a big enough truck…you can be chased down and fined, even if your truck is not overweight.”
And trust me, it’s more embarrassing to miss a weigh station than it is to get quickly waved through one.
How are you supposed to know how much your rental truck weighs?
Ideally, before you hit the road, there is one thing you’ll want to know: the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of your truck.
The GVW equals the maximum allowable weight of the truck plus the weight of all your stuff in the back. The GVW should be written somewhere on the side of your truck.
Note that there also exists a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which refers to the maximum weight a truck or trailer can safely carry. (In other words, it’s the GVW minus the weight of the truck.) While most weigh stations are concerned with your truck’s GVW, there are some that enforce their rules around a vehicle’s GVWR.
If this all sounds confusing, just pull in.
How much does my specific Uhaul/Penske/Budget truck weigh?
You’ll typically find the GVW written on the side of your truck, but here are the average numbers for trucks from some popular rental companies. (Your specific truck, depending on make, model, and year, might weigh a little less or a little more than the figure indicated, but it shouldn’t be more than the printed GVW in any way that really matters.)
U-Haul
Truck size (feet) – GVW (weight while empty/max. load allowable in lbs.)
10’ – 8600 lbs. (5,790/2,810)
15’ – 14,500 lbs. (8,115/6,385)
17’ – 14,500 lbs. (8,340/6,160)
20’ – 14,500 lbs. (8,800/5,700)
26’ – 25,999 lbs. (12,990/13,009)
Penske
Truck size (feet) – GVW (weight while empty/max. load allowable in lbs.)
12’ box – 9,900 lbs. (6,800/3,100)
16’ box – 12,500 lbs. (8,200/4,300)
22’ – 26,000 lbs. (14,000/11,999)
26’ – 26,000 lbs. (16,000/10,000)
Budget
Truck size (feet) – (weight while empty/max. load allowable in lbs.)
12’ – 10,050 lbs. (6,440/3,610)
16’ – 12,500 lbs. (8,040/4,460)
26’ – 26,000 lbs. (16,000/10,000)
(You can expect similar estimates for companies like Ryder, Enterprise, and others.)
What are the chances I really need to pull over?
There’s a moderate chance you’ll have to pull over, if only because some states require it.
Some states just make it easy and require any truck over 16,000 lbs. to stop. And several states require all trucks with as little as a GVW over 10,000 pounds to be weighed.
All that said, the smallest U-Haul and Penske trucks barely avoid crossing that specific threshold, even with a maxed-out load limit. Meanwhile, the smallest Budget is just a hair over this limit with a maxed-out load.
Realistically, for states that don’t flat-out enforce it, mandatory stopping in a weigh station doesn’t start coming into play until you get to at least a mid-sized truck with a decent-sized load. (But never just assume!)
Is my stuff really that dangerously heavy on the road?
Your belongings almost certainly won’t make your truck too heavy for the highway, but the truck itself can only safely handle so much stuff. (Trust me, your movers will understand this.) Still, unless you have more books than a library or more dumbbells than Gold’s Gym, you likely won’t have to worry about overloading your U-Haul.
You may, however, see signs showing weight limits for local roads and bridges, so it is a great idea to know at least approximately how much your truck and all your stuff weigh before disaster strikes.
(Protip: Speaking of disasters, keep in mind how tall your truck is too, for the bridges and overpasses you may encounter on those local roads. Personally, I like to put it on a Post-it note by the steering wheel.)
A truck’s size is a reliable indicator of its GVW, and those weigh station folks know at a glance if a truck needs to stop. If you blow by a weigh station in a big enough truck and someone notices, you can be chased down and fined, even if your truck is not overweight.
See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.
Which states force you to pull over and get weighed?
Some states don’t recognize rental moving trucks as commercial vehicles, and thus don’t have weighing requirements for U-Hauls. But again, some do.
Check the rules and laws below for the states you’ll be rolling through. (Scroll or swipe right.) Remember, there’s no need to sweat it! If you aren’t sure, just pull in!
“Because some commercial companies use rental trucks, we ask that you stop at the weigh stations. They will ask what you are carrying and send you on your way,” via AZ DOT
Arkansas
Yes
“If the truck is one ton or larger it must pull through a station in Arkansas. 99% of the time it will be given a green light bypass and will not be required to stop,” via Arkansas Highway Patrol
Only commercial vehicles (“motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property”) over 16,000 lbs. empty weight or over a 26,000 lbs. GVW are required to stop.
Connecticut
No
N/A
Delaware
Yes
“(Only) if you have a hauling permit to travel through DE (are you) not required to stop at weigh stations.”
“All trucks traveling along state-maintained highways are expected to stop at every Weigh Station and Agricultural Inspection Station along the way to their destination.”
Georgia
Yes
“If the vehicle or combination is 10,001 lbs. GVWR or actual gross weight or over, you must pull into all open weight and inspection stations. Signs, lighted arrows, or enforcement personnel will guide you.”
Hawaii
Yes
“All vehicles over 10,000 lbs. are required to report to the weigh station when the station is opened and upon signal,” via Hawaii Motor Carrier Safety
Idaho
No
“If the U-Haul is operating commercially then the answer is yes. If (it’s for) personal use, weigh stations are not required,” via ITP
Illinois
Maybe
“All vehicles weighing 16,000 pounds or more gross weight must stop at any official weighing station,” viawww.ilsos.gov
Indiana
Yes
N/A
Iowa
Yes*
All trucks over 10,000 lbs. GVW
Kansas
Yes
“Kansas law and the weigh station sign instruct all trucks to stop. They are several commercial entities that rent trucks to operate under the law. It is easiest to go through and be waved on than to be chased down and brought back,” via Kansas Transportation Division
Kentucky
Yes*
N/A
Louisiana
No
“(Not) if it’s a personal item move/personal rental.,” via Louisiana State Police
“Even if you are not in commerce, you still must stop at any open weigh station if your vehicle’s GVW or GVWR exceeds 10,000 pounds,” via Maine DOT
Maryland
Yes
“Maryland does require U-Haul trucks (and other rental trucks) to stop at weigh stations when they are open. All Maryland signs at weigh stations simply read, ‘All Vehicles Over 5 Tons Must Stop.’ No type of vehicle specified as long as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Actual Weight, or Combination Weight exceeds 10,000 pounds, you must stop at the weigh stations in Maryland when they are open,” via MdDOT
“A driver or owner of a truck or truck tractor, a truck or truck tractor with other vehicles in combination, or any special mobile equipment who fails to stop at or bypasses any scales or weighing station is responsible for a civil infraction,” via MSP
Minnesota
Yes
”If the rental truck is rated at 10,001 lbs. or greater”
Mississippi
No
N/A
Missouri
Maybe
“All commercial vehicles, except those licensed for 18,000 pounds or less, are required to stop at an official weigh station. Others may be required to stop if directed by a peace officer or commercial vehicle officer/inspector,” via Missouri Dept. of Transportation
Montana
Yes
All trucks must stop at weigh stations
Nebraska
Yes*
Trucks over 10,000 lbs. GVW must stop
Nevada
No
“The state of Nevada does not have ports of entry or official weigh stations.”
New Hampshire
No
Trucks “…not being used in commerce = Do not stop,” via NH State Police
New Jersey
Yes
“If your rental vehicle has a weight of 10,001 lbs. or more in New Jersey, then it must stop at a weigh station,” via NJDOT
New Mexico
No
Only vehicles engaged in commerce are required to stop
New York
No
“(Trucks) not hauling commercial goods (do not need to stop),” via traffictickets.com/newyork
North Carolina
Yes
“Any person operating a vehicle or combination of vehicles having a GVWR of 10,0001 pounds or more…must enter a permanent weigh station or temporary inspection or weigh site as directed by duly erected signs or an electronic transponder for the purpose of being electronically screened for compliance, or weighed, or inspected,” via NCDPS/§ 20-118
North Dakota
Yes
“All vehicles over 10,000 lbs. GVW,” via nd.gov
Ohio
No
Only commercial vehicles are required to stop
Oklahoma
Usually
“At Ports of Entry which are located inbound on I-35 from Kansas and Texas and on I-40 inbound from Arkansas and Texas, trucks are screened for weight, licensing and other requirements on the mainline and trucks must follow directions on the message boards. You may or may not be directed to pull in. At interior weigh stations trucks must stop when the weigh station is open. Those stations are on U.S. 271 north and southbound south of Hugo, U.S.69 southbound south of Durant, I-35 southbound near Davis, I-40 east and westbound at El Reno, I-35 northbound near Tonkawa and at Boise City in the panhandle,” via OCC TR Enforcement
Oregon
No
No stop is required “when a homeowner is moving personal property.”
Pennsylvania
Yes
All trucks must stop
Rhode Island
No
N/A
South Carolina
No, BUT
Department officials can order any truck that appears overweight to be weighed on the nearest scale
South Dakota
Yes
Any truck over 8,000 lbs. GVW
Tennessee
Yes
“Rental trucks are required to stop at weigh stations,” via Tenn. Dept. of Safety & Homeland Security
Texas
No
“Not unless they are involved in a commercial enterprise such as moving property for other people for hire,” via Texas Dept. of Public Safety
Utah
Yes*
N/A
Vermont
Yes
“They require all trucks to stop at the details. If they don’t need you to stop they will wave you on,” VIA Vermont DMV
Virginia
Yes
“Operators of trucks which have a registered gross weight in excess of 7,500 pounds are required by law to drive their vehicles onto scales for weight inspection as directed by either a police officer or regulatory highway signs,” via Virginia Code
You may be asked to pull over and be weighed by an enforcement officer
Wisconsin
Yes
Any truck over four tons must stop. Transportation rule 312.03(2) states, “…the Department chooses not to require operators of trucks having a gross weight of 8,000 pounds or less to stop at open weigh stations unless directed to do so by a traffic officer.”
Wyoming
No
“You aren’t required to stop if you’re driving a U-Haul (or other rental truck) with your own property,” via WyDOT
Stay on the Safe Side
The info above represents the information we were given directly by various state officials or information we researched ourselves. It should be understood, however, that laws can change. And so does technology; many states are developing or have already implemented the use of portable scales, allowing state officials to weigh any vehicle anywhere.
They may weigh your truck. They may just wave you through. Either way, you’ll be on your way, with thoughts only of what lies ahead as you roll on toward your new home.
Just please, remember how tall your truck is!
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How to pack: Start by bundling your brushes together and securing them with elastic bands at the top and bottom. Then, wrap them up tightly with a roll of plastic wrap. Make sure the wrapping is tight before you put them in a box.
What to watch out for: You spent a lot of time building out model figurines and one-of-a-kind collectibles, so you want to do everything you can to keep them intact while you move. Often these collectibles are full of delicate pieces that could break and paint that could transfer.
For nonperishable goods, there are dry goods, such as pasta, rice, cereal, and couscous, and canned foods, such as vegetables or sauces. All nonperishables often wind up costing more to ship or haul than to buy them in the first place. Even with the current bout of inflation, it might not be worth it to pack up and transport all that Chef Boyardee.
A great alternative is to hunt down secondhand stuff that is still in good shape. 
What’s the cost of living in NYC vs. L.A.?
Generally, 
Sound: 
When does U-Haul’s more expensive mileage fee start to matter?
Ultimately, due to supply and demand, there simply is no fixed rate that you can count on for long-distance moves. It’s all happenstance. In short, you just have to call and get a quote.
Penske’s business model seems to involve fewer official brick-and-mortar stores and more authorized dealers compared to U-Haul. You may have seen a few Penskes at Home Depot for instance, as 
You may or may not believe the movers’ reasons as to why they’re late, but if they say they are on the way, 
