National companies like U-haul and Penske offer truck rentals for local and one-way moves. The problem is that these companies charge you according to the mileage that you will be putting on the truck. So, if you’re moving from Detroit to California, you could end up paying close to $3000 just for the truck. There is also the fact that you have to pay for gas, which with the current prices, could really add up. Trucks cost much more than a typical car to fill up, and depending on exactly where you’re going, you could have to fill up quite a few times before even reaching your destination.

Another thing to consider about renting a moving truck is the fact that you have to actually drive the big, cumbersome thing yourself. Many of them have mechanical problems or are simply too bulky and difficult to drive. Some are stick shifts, and if you can only drive an automatic, you’ll be out of luck. Of course, you can’t forget the biggest hassle when it comes to renting a U-haul or similar truck: the fact that you have to physically move everything yourself. Of course you could always hire someone to do the actual lifting, but if your goal is to save as much money possible, who wants to pay someone large amounts of money to move their possessions?

A really great and substantially cheaper option to move is to have your things shipped, but not by UPS, Fed-Ex or the U.S. Postal service. There are companies such as U-pack that will bring a trailer from the back of a semi truck to your place of choice, you fill it up with your things, and then the company will drive your things to your new destination. Although the trailer is huge, you are only charged for the amount of space that you actually use. If you don’t have much and aren’t taking any furniture, an 8’ or 9’ cubicle that can fit numerous items in it is an alternative to the trailer. Pods.com is another great site to go to so you can find out more information about these handy gadgets. There’s also the option of taking your belongings to their warehouse to fill up, and you save even more.

One really great thing about having your items shipped, as opposed to renting a truck or hiring a moving company, is the fact that having them shipped is about 10 times cheaper than the average moving company’s prices, and about half the cost of renting a U-haul. Sure, you still have to handle your own items, but if you’re saving such a great deal of money, it probably won’t matter much. You could always enlist the help of a relative or friend if you have a lot of large items to move.

Another advantage of using a company that ships your belongings is the fact that if you don’t know exactly where you’re going to be living and need time to find a place, the cubicles or “pods” can be used as storage units as well. At your request, the company will ship your cubicle to your new town or city, and can store it at their facility for an additional monthly charge. This is very convenient for many people because it eliminates the need to handle your things again until you’ve found your new home. So, if you’re moving yet are on a budget, check out the latest new concept in moving and you will be amazed at how trouble-free and low cost moving can actually be.