Short distance moves can often be accomplished by ferrying your items from one home to another, and perhaps coaxing a friend with a truck to help move your furniture in exchange for a pizza and a case of beer. For longer moves, however, this won't be an option. Instead, you'll find yourself researching moving companies and preparing to pay a significant cost for the service.

Renting a moving truck is often appealing to those who are looking to save a bit of money in their relocation. You'll still rack up some expenses, and you'll be responsible for moving your own belongings, but it can be significantly cheaper than hiring a professional mover.

You won't need a special driver's license to rent a moving truck, but the idea of driving a large vehicle might be daunting to some people. Knowing the unique challenges of driving a moving truck can help make the process go more smoothly.

Before you start

Moving trucks are available to rent in a variety of sizes, including 26-foot vehicles capable of carrying the belongings from larger residences. Make sure you choose a truck that will allow you to carry all of your items in one trip. Marian White, writing for Moving.com, recommends picking a vehicle with at least 10 percent more storage space than you think you'll need.

At the same time, you should be aware that larger vehicles can be more challenging to drive. Steve Harper, writing for the site Apartment Guide, says small moving trucks will also be less expensive to rent.

Consider getting insurance for the truck. The moving truck rental company U-Haul says auto insurance typically won't cover rented moving trucks, while paying for extra coverage through a company will protect you in case the truck is damaged or stolen. You'll also want to check with your insurance company to make sure your belongings will be covered while they are in transit.

Have your route marked out ahead of time. The moving truck rental company Penske says you should be aware of any rules that apply to trucks, such as weigh station stops and lanes or roads where trucks are restricted. You should also be aware of the height of the truck and whether there are any overpasses the vehicle will not be able to fit under. White says it's best to avoid narrow and winding roads

Check the weather forecast as well. This will let you know if any hazardous conditions are on their way, which may require you to take more time to complete the move.

Before starting your journey, thoroughly inspect the truck. The moving comparison company Unpakt says this process will ensure that the headlights, signals, tires, and other essential components are in good working order. You can also make a note of any preexisting damage so you won't be held responsible for these flaws when you return the vehicle.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the truck and its controls as well. Harper says you should know how to activate the headlights, windshield wipers, and other essential features. U-Haul says moving trucks don't have rearview mirrors, so you should make sure the side mirrors are properly adjusted.

Driving tips

A moving truck is larger and heavier than a standard vehicle, and will take longer to stop after you hit the brakes. Unpakt says you should stay safe by leaving more following distance, recommending at least twice as much room as you would leave if you were in your personal vehicle. U-Haul says a following distance of at least five vehicles is recommended.

The truck will also need more space to successfully complete a turn. Always slow down when entering a turn, since turning too fast increases the possibility that the truck will roll over.

When changing lanes, don't forget that the truck is considerably larger than your everyday ride. Always use the turn signal, and make sure you leave plenty of space in both the front and back. Check your mirrors to ensure that you have adequate room to move to another lane.

It goes without saying that you should obey all traffic laws, but it's particularly important to maintain a safe speed while driving the unfamiliar truck. Stay within the speed limit, and slow down when the roads are wet or icy. Harper says you shouldn't pass other vehicles on hills, curves, or stretches of road where you won't have a safe amount of room for passing.

Take your time with the move, and don't skimp on the breaks. Unpakt says you should make as many stops as necessary to refresh. Professional moving companies often limit their drivers to 10 hours behind the wheel each day, and this is a good cap for rental truck drivers as well. Penske recommends stopping every two to three hours, and swapping driving duties with a passenger if possible.

Winter weather driving requires some additional precautions. Clear snow and ice from all truck surfaces, including the roof and hood, to prevent chunks of this material from dislodging and flying into traffic. Be careful about driving over bridges and overpasses, which will freeze before other roads. When refueling, look for a station which adds a cold weather additive to their diesel.

If you have a trailer to tow your car or additional belongings, be especially cautious with driving maneuvers. Unpakt says this additional cargo will increase your braking distance even more, and require more room for turns or lane changes.

Parking

Ideally, you should park the moving truck in a spot where you can exit by pulling forward. Harper says you'll want to avoid backing up if possible.

If reversing is absolutely necessary, take it slow and use your mirrors to look out for pedestrians or other hazards. You can also beep the horn as an added warning for anyone behind the truck to get out of the way. If you are traveling with someone or meeting them at your destination, they can help you by giving directions from outside the vehicle.

Always set the emergency brake when you park the vehicle. Harper says that when you park on an incline, the wheels should be turned toward the curb when the truck is facing downhill and away from it if the truck is facing uphill.