Renting your own moving truck is a great way to save money on moving services and move at your own pace. It's also an ideal way to reduce the amount of time traveling between locations while you are on the road. If you've only driven smaller cars, then it may be intimidating to get behind the wheel of a larger moving truck. By the time you've driven the truck just a few times, it's a lot easier to get used to these truck operations and learn how to control different parts of it. Before stepping behind the wheel, it's a good idea to learn a few tips to operate the truck and learn how to control all of the different elements.

Driveway Practice

Driving in a straight line may seem like a simple task, but it can get complicated when you're reversing and getting used to the size of the truck. If you have a longer driveway, it's a good idea to practice the truck operations by simply driving up and down your driveway. As you go in reverse, you will learn how to control the directions of the truck and keep it on a straight path. Driving up and down can also showcase whether the truck has any drift or different driving elements that you are not aware of.

If you do not have a long or straight driveway, then this practice can be done in an empty parking lot. Seek out a large lot that is not being occupied by many vehicles. In the parking lot, you can practice pulling into spots, reversing, and learning the turns of the vehicle. This can make a huge difference in your driving with the truck and will help prevent any dings or damage that may occur if you do not have the proper experience.

Learning the Mirrors

The position and angle of the mirrors featured on a moving truck may be vastly different than the ones on your car. The mirrors may extend out longer and have a different magnification that makes objects look either closer or further away. The best way to help learn these mirrors is with a quick obstacle test. In your driveway, it's a good idea to set up a few cones. If you do not have any cones, then you can simply use empty packing boxes if you have any extra ones.

While reversing, you can use the mirrors exclusively to try and navigate your way around the objects. This can make a huge difference in your ability to process, control, and operate the truck as needed. Practice multiple times, using a different mirror each time. Once they are all learned, you will feel more confident operating the truck, driving it in tight areas, and completing your move with easy. If needed, you can adjust the mirrors to give yourself a better angle and view of the surrounding areas. Do not be afraid to adjust the car to your own comfort level.

Portable Parking Sensors

One of the biggest challenges when handling a large vehicle like a moving truck is parking it in tight spaces. You may not be used to the vehicle's larger size and capabilities while parking. If this is the case, then you can seek help by purchasing a portable parking sensor system. These systems can attach to any vehicle and transform a smartphone into a working parking sensor. If the moving truck is not equipped with parking sensors, then this would be a key component in offering extra safety and protection on the vehicle system. You will feel a lot more confident using the sensors to properly park.

Once you've rented a moving truck once, it will be very easy to get used to the process in the future. Moving companies can also give you tips for additional safety and operations.

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