Why Understanding Moving Truck Local Options Matters
For in-town moves, moving truck local rentals are widely available from major companies, often advertised with low daily base rates. However, the final cost involves more than the initial price. You’ll also encounter per-mile charges, fuel costs, and fees for essential add-ons like dollies and furniture pads. Renters typically need to be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license and a credit card.
Planning a local move in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois means deciding between a DIY rental and hiring professional movers. It’s not just about cost—you must consider the physical work, navigating Chicago’s tight streets, and the time it takes away from other moving tasks. Both options have their place, and understanding what’s involved is key.
As Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers with nearly 30 years of experience in the moving industry, I’ve seen countless Chicago-area residents weigh the moving truck local rental option against professional services. Understanding what’s involved in each choice helps you make the right decision for your specific move in the Chicagoland area and throughout Illinois.
Moving truck local terms to remember:
- full service local moving companies
- local packing and loading services for moving
- cost for full service movers
Your Complete Guide to Renting a Moving Truck Local
When you’re planning a local move within Chicago, Melrose Park, or anywhere across Illinois, one of your first big decisions is transportation. A moving truck local rental gives you independence, but it also comes with responsibilities. Let’s walk through what you need to know to make this option work smoothly.
Choosing the Right Size Truck for Your Local Move
Getting the truck size right is the most important step. Too small, and you’re making multiple trips through Chicago traffic. Too large, and you’re paying for unused space while navigating a massive vehicle.
Here’s a quick guide to common sizes:
- Pickup trucks: Best for a single large item or a few boxes.
- Cargo vans: Ideal for studio or small one-bedroom apartments. They protect items from the weather and are relatively fuel-efficient.
- 10-foot truck: A great choice for a standard one-bedroom apartment.
- 15-foot truck: Fits the contents of a larger one-bedroom or a two-bedroom home, balancing capacity and maneuverability.
- 20-foot truck: The go-to for a two- or three-bedroom home, often including a ramp and an overhead “Mom’s Attic” for fragile items.
- 26-foot truck: Needed for larger homes of three to four bedrooms, minimizing trips but requiring more confidence to drive.
When in doubt, it’s usually wise to choose the slightly larger size. If you’re moving from a smaller space or just have a few items, our guide on Small Home Movers offers additional insights.
Understanding the Costs and Requirements
The advertised low base rate for a moving truck local rental is just the starting point. Be prepared for additional costs:
- Per-Mile Fees: Most local rentals charge for every mile driven.
- Fuel Charges: You are responsible for refueling the truck, and these vehicles are not fuel-efficient.
- Insurance: Optional coverage is highly recommended to protect you from liability for damage to the truck or your cargo.
- Extra Fees: Expect charges for additional days or one-way drop-offs.
For a clearer picture of all your potential moving expenses, visit our page on Moving Estimate to help plan your budget properly.
To rent, you must meet several requirements. In Illinois, you generally need to be at least 18 years old, though some locations require renters to be 21 or 25. You will need a valid driver’s license—a standard Class D license is sufficient. For more information on Illinois licensing, you can visit the Illinois Secretary of State website. Most companies also require a major credit card for the deposit. While walk-ins are possible, making a reservation is always recommended.
Essential Add-Ons and Supplies
Renting the truck is just step one. To move safely and efficiently, you’ll need the right equipment.
Consider renting or buying these essential items:
- Dollies and Hand Trucks: An appliance dolly for large items and a utility dolly for boxes will save your back.
- Furniture Pads/Moving Blankets: Protect your furniture from scratches and dents during transit.
- Boxes, Tape, and Packing Materials: Use sturdy boxes, strong packing tape, and packing paper or bubble wrap for fragile items.
- Wardrobe Boxes: These tall boxes with a hanging bar make moving clothes easy and keep them wrinkle-free.
Proper packing makes a huge difference. For more detailed guidance, explore our Packing Services Chicago page.
Best Practices for Your Moving Truck Local Experience
Smart loading and careful driving are critical for a successful DIY move.
Loading the Truck:
- Load heaviest items first at the front of the truck, near the cab.
- Distribute weight evenly from side to side to ensure stability.
- Pack tightly from floor to ceiling, using straps to secure everything and prevent shifting.
- Protect fragile items with pads and place them in secure spots.
Driving the Truck:
- Familiarize yourself with the vehicle and its blind spots before you start driving.
- Drive slower and allow for much more braking distance.
- Make wide turns to avoid hitting curbs, signs, or other vehicles.
- Watch for low clearance! Know your truck’s height and be vigilant about low bridges, a common hazard in the Chicago area.
- Plan your parking in advance, as a large truck won’t fit in a standard spot.
For more comprehensive moving advice, check out our general Moving Tips.
How to Find a Moving Truck Local to Chicago and Illinois
Finding a moving truck local to your neighborhood in Chicago, Melrose Park, or elsewhere in Illinois is straightforward.
Start with an online search for “moving truck rental” in your specific city, like Evanston or Skokie. Major rental companies have websites where you can enter your zip code, select dates, and see available trucks. These platforms also show you a network of neighborhood dealers—such as auto shops or storage facilities—that offer rentals, often providing a convenient pickup spot right in your community. When you find a location, check its hours and read recent customer reviews.
For detailed information about truck rental options specifically within the city, our Chicago Moving Truck Rental Guide is an excellent resource. To understand the full landscape of services across the state, browse our Moving Companies in Illinois Guide.
DIY Rental vs. Full-Service Local Movers
Should you rent a moving truck local and do it yourself, or hire a full-service moving company? The right choice depends on your budget, physical ability, and how much you value your time.
DIY Truck Rental
The main appeal is cost control and flexibility. You set the schedule and pace. However, you are responsible for all the physical labor—packing, loading, driving, and unloading. This is exhausting, time-consuming, and carries a risk of injury. Driving a large, unfamiliar truck through Chicago can be stressful, and hidden costs like fuel, insurance, and supplies can add up.
Full-Service Local Movers
Companies like Bernard Movers offer convenience and expertise. Our professional team handles all the heavy lifting, packing, loading, and transport, which dramatically reduces your stress and physical effort. We bring all the necessary equipment, and our experience ensures your move is done efficiently and safely. While the upfront cost is higher, many find the value of a stress-free move to be well worth the investment.
If you value convenience, safety, and having energy left to enjoy your new home, a full-service mover is often the smarter choice. Learn more about what we offer with Full Service Moving to see if it’s the right fit for your move.
Is a DIY Truck Rental Right for Your Chicago Move?
Renting a moving truck local for your Chicago move gives you control, but it also means taking on all the work—the heavy lifting, the stressful driving, and the risk of damaged goods. It requires careful planning, from choosing the right truck size for your Winnetka home to navigating low-clearance bridges in the city.
A DIY move can quickly become an exhausting test of endurance. This is where professional expertise transforms the experience. Imagine a moving day where a trained team handles everything, from packing your fragile items to navigating the truck through tight Des Plaines streets. Instead of nursing a sore back, you can focus on settling into your new home.
At Bernard Movers, we’ve spent nearly three decades perfecting the local move throughout Chicago, Melrose Park, and all across Illinois. We bring the expertise, equipment, and care needed for a seamless transition. A moving truck local rental has its place, but for a truly stress-free experience, let our professionals handle the logistics while you focus on your new beginning. We’re even offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia or Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025.
