When you think of U-Haul, you probably think of large moving trucks. However, not every move has to be a big one. For those smaller projects and moves, you might want to rent a pickup truck which can be a great solution. Whether you are looking to move a couch, haul away some tree clippings, or tow a vehicle: here are four reasons to rent a U-Haul pickup truck.
Moving Personal Items
Have you ever purchased a new couch, then had to wait around to borrow your friend’s pickup truck to transport it home? I have a small SUV and every time I buy something large, I have to find someone who has a pickup. It can be a bit frustrating waiting or contemplating even buying it because it is a hassle. Once I learned that I could rent a pickup truck from U-Haul, that process and decision became much easier. U-Haul locations with pickup trucks are typically quite close to anyone and they are available every day of the week. So, I can get it done on the weekend when I’m running my errands.
Towing Capability
Another great use for a pickup truck rental is that you can tow a trailer for added capacity if you need. All U-Haul pickup trucks have a hitch installed. You can tow your motorcycle with a motorcycle trailer, tow your car with an auto transport trailer or car tow dolly, or if you need to, you can tow your boat or other off-road toys you may have.
Renting a pickup truck is an easy way to move those items that are just too big to fit in your car. Here are some ways you can use a pickup truck:
- Small apartment moves
- New furniture/appliance purchases like couch, dresser, fridge, bed frame or mattress
- Towing: Motorcycle trailer, boats or auto transport
Home Improvement Projects
Are you a DIY landscaper? Do you enjoy yard work and making your backyard look pristine? How do you handle all the debris and clippings when you are done? If you’re like me, you probably use your trash or local bulk pickup. This can work, but there is a better way.
When I do my yard, it typically is every couple months and I have a lot of trees, lawn, bushes, etc., and have quite a bit of clipping that fills my trash a couple of times over and has in the past taken a couple weeks to get rid of. This pile is a breeding place for bugs and other critters that are not wanted. So, now I make sure to rent a pickup truck or trailer to carry everything in one fell swoop. The cost of the pickup truck rental is minimal compared to the comfort of not having this pile lying around and the bugs hanging around too.
If you’re trying your hand at DIY home improvement, a pickup truck is a great tool to use. There are usually heavy objects and tools involved in home improvement, so don’t stress about fitting them in your car. Pickup trucks are ideal for:
- Gardening: plants, trees, soil, dirt, tools
- Patio and backyard projects: laying brick or tile, building a swing set or fire pit, transporting patio table or chairs
- Landscaping: transporting a lawn mower and equipment, carrying away debris and clippings or tree removal
- Home improvement projects: new door or window installation, counters, sink replacement
When renting a pickup from U-Haul, you can select added miles and extended days. This needs to be done at the time of your rental reservation and can be done online. Just select “extended days/miles special rates” link above the continue button when you are looking at rates. This can be helpful for those days when you spend all day planting a beautiful garden in your backyard, everything is in place and you notice there aren’t enough plants on one side of the yard. Luckily, you set your rental for an extra day and added miles when you reserved your truck.
Special Events and Occasions
Whether you’re hosting a party or helping to set up for a friend’s wedding, you may have some heavy cargo. Organizing an event is stressful enough as it is, especially when you don’t have a vehicle to move items around. Renting a pickup could be extremely beneficial for:
Weddings or Parties
There are many details involved in setting up for a wedding or party. The last thing you need is to be squeezing tables or chairs into your small car. If you rent a pickup for the day, you can move:
- Flowers or plants
- Centerpieces
- Tables
- Chairs
- Food/Catering supplies
Tailgating
True tailgaters come prepared on game day. There are several things you’ll want to bring to entertain your family and friends, so fit them in a pickup truck with ease. Here are a few things you can load in your rented pickup:
- Portable grill
- Grilling equipment (grill basket, spatula, grill brush)
- Propane tank
- Lawn chairs
- Tables
Holiday Needs
Between shopping, cooking and decorating, the holidays are a busy time of year. There’s very little time to worry about how you’re going to haul your bigger purchases. Make your holidays smoother, and use a pickup to transport:
- Christmas tree
- Lawn decorations
- Groceries (for larger gatherings)
- Larger gifts (television, couch, snowboard)
A pickup truck rental can be made by the day, week, or even month to fit your project’s time period. With U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 self-service, your truck rental can be reserved, picked up, and dropped off on your time. There’s no need to wait around for a truck or speak to a representative. All you need is a smartphone and an internet connection to get started!
Do you prefer to use a pickup for your move? What other uses have you used for a pickup truck? Share with us in the comments below!
UPDATED: November 1, 2017, to incorporate U-Haul Truck Share 24/7
