8 Ways To Save on Fuel During Your Move

Moving comes with a lot of new expenses, including packing supplies, utility setups, security deposits or down payments, and more. And when fuel prices are high, planning a long-distance move can feel even more stressful.

Simple ways to make your move more fuel-friendly

Here are eight ways to save on fuel during your move.

1. Choose the Right-Size Moving Truck

Fuel savings can start before you even leave the rental lot.

If your truck is too small, you may need to make multiple trips. If it’s larger than you need, you may be carrying empty space and extra weight. Choosing the right-sized truck helps you balance space, comfort and fuel efficiency so you can move what you need without adding extra miles to your trip.

What size truck do you need? Penske offers a variety of moving truck sizes and a team that can help you choose the right option.

2. Take Advantage of Free Unlimited Miles

Long-distance moves can come with plenty of unknowns, but mileage charges don’t have to be one of them.

Penske offers free unlimited miles on one-way moving truck rentals, which means you don't have to worry about paying extra for miles over a certain amount. That can be especially helpful if your route changes, you need to make a stop along the way or you want more flexibility during your move. Every mile matters when budgeting for fuel, and free unlimited miles can make your overall trip easier to plan (and pay for).

3. Use Penske's Fuel Estimator

Before moving day, it helps to have a clearer idea of what fuel could cost. The Penske Fuel Estimator is designed to show your potential fuel costs, so you can plan ahead and avoid surprises.

Knowing approximate fuel costs can be especially useful when you’re comparing truck sizes or planning a long-distance route. Depending on your move, choosing a larger diesel truck may actually cost less than trying to fit your belongings into a smaller truck or making multiple trips.

4. Look for Discounts and Special Offers

Discounts and special offers can help lower your overall rental cost, leaving more room in your budget for fuel and other moving expenses.

Before you reserve a truck, explore a company’s current promotions to see what savings may be available for your move. Discounts may vary, but they can help make your rental more affordable from the start.

5. Rent a Well-Maintained Truck

A well-maintained vehicle leads to better fuel economy, which is important when trying to keep your move as cost-effective as possible. At Penske, our moving trucks receive regularly scheduled preventive maintenance, keeping them running reliably and efficiently. Proper tire pressure, accurate wheel alignment, clean air filters and healthy spark plugs all play a role in helping our trucks run efficiently, mile after mile.

6. Pack With Fuel Efficiency in Mind

The way you load your truck can also affect your drive. Heavier loads require more fuel, so it helps to be thoughtful about what you bring and how you pack.

Before moving day, take time to donate, sell or recycle items you no longer need. Fewer items can mean less weight in the truck, and less weight can help your truck use less fuel.

When loading your moving truck, distribute weight evenly and keep heavier items low and secure. A balanced load can make the truck easier to handle and help support a smoother drive.

7. Plan Your Route Before You Go

If saving on fuel is your top priority, planning your route ahead of time can help you avoid unnecessary miles, traffic delays and last-minute fuel stops. Before you leave, look for the most direct path to your destination.

You may also want to map out fuel stops ahead of time, especially if you’re driving a diesel truck or traveling through unfamiliar areas. Planning your stops can help you compare fuel prices, avoid stressful detours and keep you on schedule.

8. Practice Fuel-Friendly Driving Habits

Small driving habits can make a big difference. To help conserve fuel, try to:

• Drive at a steady speed
• Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking
• Limit idling when parked
• Use cruise control on flat roads when appropriate
• Leave extra space between vehicles so you can slow down gradually
• Avoid peak traffic times when possible

Penske makes it easy to manage your moving budget with free unlimited miles on one-way rentals, special offers available on most moves, and well-maintained rental trucks designed to help you get more value from every mile. With a little planning, you can stretch your fuel budget and save a little money on moving day.

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