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by Rehan Rohillah

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So it's time to move and you find yourself looking for a van. What is involved? Where do you start? What is the right size for you? These are just a few questions that I believe I can help you answer. Having spent countless hours of my youth at a local car rental shop has taught me a thing or two. My best friend at the time used to work at one. I remember him telling me on countless occasions on how the industry worked. So without further ado, let's get to the task at hand:

Size your move

This is obviously imperative. If you are moving small items then a Cargo Van would be your best bet. Here in North America, Cargo Van's are usually found in the Big Three variety (Ford, Chrysler, and GM). They can easily be spotted by their window-less, and seat less, back compartments. They only feature a front windshield with one driver and one passenger window. This is obviously for safety purposes as you don't want any lose cargo shattering the back windows. Should you be moving a few rooms of furniture, then you are in Cube Van territory. Cube Vans are mini trucks, so to speak, and get their names from their Cube like storage compartments. These compartments are crafted by durable fiber glass and are fourteen feet in length (Cube Vans are also called "14 Footers" due to this). Additionally, most Cube vans come equipped with moving "dollys" and ramps which extend out from the bottom of the truck bed. Both are quite useful and come in handy when moving heavy objects.

When do you require it?

This is another important question. It is always a good idea to book your moving vehicle ahead of time. This is especially true when booking during a time when most people move. Prices vary depending on weekdays, weekends and "busy months". If you are moving on a weekend in the spring or summer, be prepared. You will pay more than someone who is moving in the winter. As a rule of thumb, calculate how many trips you will be making in the van for your move. Ask yourself, "Can I do this move in one day or will have to do it in two?" By solving this, you can determine the length of time you will need the van for so that you can book accordingly. All this ties into our next topic; pricing.

How much will it cost?

As we are all geographically located in various places around the world, I cannot generalise a price for you. However, I can tell you this; the auto/truck rental industry is one that runs on contracts. Each rental is a contract. Just as in any job, the local rental agent's performance is based on how many contracts he or she can secure. This is your bargaining chip. Get out your local phone directory and start calling your local rental agencies for quotes. I am fully aware that bookings can be done over the internet, good old fashioned bargaining however, cannot. Be sure to let your local agent know that you have contacted a few other places and let him or her know what you were quoted. Do not hesitate to ask them if they can do any better than the quotes that you obtained.

The pricing is usually broken down as follows: Daily rental fee + additional cents or dollars per kilometer/mile and with all rentals, return it with a full tank of gas.

How do I care for the Van while renting it?

If you are used to driving a smaller passenger vehicle, then be prepared. Always exercise the utmost caution when driving a moving van. They are built for hauling cargo and not for speeding. A few tips to keep in mind while operating a moving van:

Drive defensively. Moving vans and cube trucks do not make use of rear view mirrors, rear passenger windows and rear windshields so blind spots are bigger.

Make slow and wide turns. Making wide turns at a slow speed will prevent the risk of tipping the van.

Secure your cargo. Be sure to give your cargo as little space as possible to move around in. This prevents your cargo from sliding from one end to the other and thus scratching the inside of the van. It also prevents your own cargo from damaging.

Be judgmental of your vehicle's size. Be cautious when reversing in these vehicles as you will be relegated to using your side view mirrors. If at all possible, have a friend or family member stand behind the van and guide you through your side view mirrors. If you have rented a Cube van, be sure to watch out for small bridges and low slung drive through roofs.

Once your task is done, you simply return the vehicle to the shop and after a quick inspection by the car jockey; it's all said and done. I have helped countless friends and family move and I have found these tips to be the most effective with successful results. An additional bonus to the tips mentioned above; most of them apply to renting a car as well!

Learn more about this author, Rehan Rohillah.

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