Generally speaking, we have three options to consider when it’s time to move. They are, in no particular order: hire a moving company, rent a moving truck and move yourself, or use what has been an increasingly popular option, moving capsules. All of this requires a bit of effort on your part, even if you hire a moving company to move your belongings, since you still need to pack boxes and have things ready for when the mover arrives.

However, when it comes time to move, there are some very big differences between these three options. We’re not going to go into too much detail about hiring a mover, but know this: The freedom of having someone else move for you comes at a cost. Hiring a moving company is not cheap. Also, search the web and you will discover many terrible experiences with some of these companies. If you are going to use a moving company, check their reliability before doing anything.

However, comparing the other two options, renting moving trucks or renting moving capsules, the differences are many.

Moving Truck Rental:

1. Big trucks are hard to drive! If you are not comfortable driving large trucks, renting a moving truck will not be a fun experience. Smaller trucks are much easier to drive, but they also limit the amount of stuff you can pack and move. Even small moving trucks can be intimidating, and most are pretty hard to see.
2. Gas! Gasoline prices sure have subsidized…for now. Still, most of these rental moving trucks get very little mileage. Depending on the size, you’re looking at 8 to 12 miles per gallon. If you drive long distances, those costs will really add up! And don’t forget to refill your tank. You’d think this wouldn’t be a problem. Basically all you need to do is put back what you used. Not so! Although you may know exactly how many miles you drove and how much you need to put back, if you don’t fill the tank exactly as it was, you’ll be surprised at the fines and penalties the moving truck rental company is imposing. will charge you
3. Poorly maintained equipment. This is good and bad. Good, because you probably don’t have to worry about getting it dirty or scratching the interior or exterior. Bad, because now you only have to worry about reaching your destination. There is nothing worse than spending hours, days, even weeks packing up a moving truck, only to break down somewhere and have to do it all over again with a new truck!
4. high loading platforms – Unlike moving and storage units, or even a self-storage unit, almost all moving trucks require you to lift, drag, or push household items to a higher surface. Sure they provide ramps to go up but as we all know these can be tricky especially when it rains!
5. Additional (hidden) fees – Time limits, mileage restrictions, gas fees…if you’re renting a moving truck, read the fine print because you’ll discover numerous additional fees and unexpected surprises that can really add to the cost of a moving truck.
6. Time is of the essence! You know the saying, “Time is money.” Well, it couldn’t be more true in this case. If you miss your delivery time, please be prepared to pay for it.
7. Pick up and drop off required! – All other issues aside, it’s important to understand that no one is delivering this moving truck to your doorstep. You have to go pick it up and drop it off. Even in cities, where there may be half a dozen discount moving truck rental options, chances are you’ll have to drive your own vehicle many miles to find it. And picking it up can be the easy part. With stiff penalties for late returns, you must then drive back to this location for the return. Do not be late!

Moving trucks have their place in the world of moving. The main reason to rent one is usually the cost. Compared to all the options, this is usually the least expensive…or was. Although mobile pod companies continue to expand, they are not available everywhere. You can usually find a truck rental place in even the smallest towns. However, when you consider everything we’ve mentioned above, you might be surprised to learn that on-the-go storage pods are, in many cases, more affordable. Because you know what, time is money!

So what are some of the benefits of mobile and storage pods you may ask? There are many, including:

• Easier to load and unload – Mobile and storage pods sit just a couple of inches off the ground, making loading and unloading a breeze. There’s no need to risk your life climbing a ramp or straining your back trying to lift that 42″ plasma TV.
• Less rush! – Most mobile container companies offer much more flexibility when it comes to leaving your portable storage units and the amount of time you have to pack them up. In fact, some can give you up to a MONTH to pack your belongings, at no additional cost to you!
• Flexible storage options – Have you ever found yourself trying to fill a storage unit or moving truck, just because you paid for it and want to get your money’s worth? Once again, mobile pods offer a huge money saving benefit. Most mobile pod companies will only charge you for what you use! Reserved two pods but only used one? You get a refund. Plain and simple.
• Time is money! – When all is said and done, your time is worth a lot. Moving pods offer a great alternative to moving truck rentals as they will save you a lot of time and eventually even some money.

So whether you’re moving one way, round-trip, across town, or across the country, be sure to compare the various moving options before moving forward.