If you're about to move across the country, you may be feeling a bit nervous about the prospect of driving a moving truck that far. The truck is a lot larger than your car, and you'll be on unfamiliar roads. However, people drive moving trucks long-distance with little experience on a regular basis. Here are a few tips to help you do so successfully.
1. Rent an automatic truck.
Even if you know how to drive a stick shift, rent an automatic truck. Unlike a few decades ago when most moving trucks were standard, most are automatic now -- so you should have no trouble finding one. Without having to shift, you will be better able to focus on the roads and driving safely.
2. Size your truck properly.
You don't want to end up with a truck that's larger than needed. Not only will it be harder to drive and waste more gas, but your items will be more likely to shift inside. Call a moving truck company a week or two before your move. Give them an idea of what you'll be moving, and they'll recommend the right size truck for you.
3. Look for a flatter route.
Driving a moving truck up and down big hills can be a little intimidating. So before you depart, take a look at your route and plan on detouring around any really mountainous regions, if possible. Even if the flat route is a little longer, you'll feel safer.
4. Bring along a friend who is comfortable driving, too.
After 6 to 8 hours of driving a big truck, you'll be exhausted and unable to drive as safely as you should. Bring a friend along with you who is also comfortable driving the moving truck and take turns driving. You'll stay fresher for longer and be able to reach your destination sooner.
5. Know the route well.
You do not want to be looking down at your phone, trying to figure out a map while driving a big, unfamiliar truck. Before you set out in the morning, take a good look at the route so you're more familiar with where you need to turn. When you stop for lunch or a bathroom break, look at the route again to refresh your memory.
If driving a moving truck across the country sounds overly intimidating, consider hiring a full-service moving company to do this for you.
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