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Parting may be sweet sorrow, but actually packing up and moving is pure torture.

During my last move, a neighbor knocked on my door, to inform me that my friend's SUV was in front of a sign that proclaimed "No Parking." When I asked her if we were blocking her, she responded, with fire in her eyes, "No, but there's a SIGN." I shook my head. "What are you going to do, kick me out of the building?" Maybe parting is not sweet sorrow after all, but the torture barometer just went up.

During that move, and many before it, renting a moving van or truck was key in getting the job done. Depending on the distance, and the amount of stuff - furniture, books, kitchen appliances, clothing and personal items - that need to be moved, you have different options. While Web sites of companies who rent these vehicles provide information on moving rental van and truck sizes, and their prices, the choice is still up to you. Here are some questions for you to consider.

How far do you need to go?
If you are moving cross-country, you will need a truck that will accommodate all of your belongings, since there will only be one trip. Alternatively, if you are moving locally, while you can use the "all or nothing" strategy of a large truck, you have the option of renting a smaller truck or moving van at a lesser cost, and simply make multiple trips, for example moving one room at a time. Finally, you may just need to rent a moving van to pick up newly purchased furniture; the approximately $20 price of a moving van rental, offered for example by U-Haul, usually beats out the higher costs of most furniture and warehouse delivery services for anyone on a budget.

Do you need help?
If you are loading up one truck with all your belongings, many larger moving companies offer complete services, such as Mayflower. They pack up everything (make sure they don't pack up your garbage, that has been known to happen!), load it onto the truck, and unload it at your destination. Another option is using a local moving company that specializes in providing the moving van or truck, as well as loading and unloading services. In the latter case, the service includes loading and unloading, but not packing, so make sure that anything such as books and dishes that you want hauled in the truck, are ready and packed. In both cases, a company representative will come to your home, to provide you with an estimate. Finally, while many of us have used (and abused) friends when we move, remember that eventually, you will

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