(This blog has been updated for 2025)
Looking to attract new tenants and get an edge over the competition?
Maybe you've been sitting around the office brainstorming this and that when all of a sudden an idea hits you - a moving truck!
Some customers already plan to rent a vehicle to transport their belongings to their storage unit, so why not get a moving truck from the facility they're storing at?
Better yet, what if you offer the moving truck for free?
You end up saving your customers time and money, making you the ideal storage solution.
It sounds like a great deal, but there are some things you need to consider before offering a free moving truck at your facility.
Should I offer a free move in truck at my storage facility?
A move in truck is a unique feature to have, but they can be expensive and come with legal responsibilities, so carefully consider your finances and whether you're comfortable maintaining a safe rental vehicle before taking the leap.
Unless your tenant is storing smaller items or very few items, there is a good chance they'll need a larger vehicle on moving day, especially when storing furniture.
According to the 2023 SSA Demand Study, roughly 30 to 47 percent of all age groups renting a storage unit rented because they were changing residence. This means that they were likely storing furniture, kitchenware, bedding, you name it!
They weren't just storing lots of items; they were storing big items. That kind of move demands a vehicle larger than what most people have, which is why over 37 percent of movers end up renting a moving truck.
The demand is still here, so there's a good chance that an on-site moving truck would be attractive to many customers.
Despite the demand and potential to increase storage unit rentals, there are some drawbacks you need to address.
While a free move in truck is an enticing offer for new tenants, offering such an amenity comes with a cost.
For starters, you need to buy a moving truck.
Moving trucks usually aren't sold at your common car dealership, so you'll need to find a local or national dealer nearby. A box truck can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000.
The cost varies depending on how new the truck is, the size, mileage, and other factors. If you can't find one for sale in your area, you'll most likely find one that can be delivered after purchase.
You can search used trucks by state or city through Penske and Enterprise. You may also find a truck through your local network or Facebook groups.
However you find your truck, you'll need to consider the cost to finance the vehicle and how much it may cost monthly.
When you have the vehicle at your facility, you'll need to take care of it to ensure that it lives a long, healthy life.
Every vehicle requires maintenance, but maintenance for a larger vehicle usually comes at a higher cost.
First, your truck will most likely require Diesel, which is more expensive than regular gas. On top of that, you'll need to consider regular oil changes, tire maintenance, and unexpected repairs.
Think about all of the additional costs that come with a moving truck, and decide how many additional customers you would need to make the cost worth it.
When you are renting a vehicle to customers, there are some liabilities that you'll carry.
As the owner, you're responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is in safe driving condition. This means that the engine and brakes should be working properly, the seatbelts should be intact, and all steering functions should be operable.
If a customer ends up in an accident because of a defective vehicle, you will be held responsible. However, this is not the case if the driver causes the accident.
You can check your state laws regarding vehicle rentals to get a clearer idea of what you are and aren't legally responsible for when offering a rental vehicle.
If you decide to offer a free moving truck rental, you may want to consider certain rules or limitations.
For example, you may offer a vehicle free the first day and then charge for any use after that. You could even charge for mileage or require that the customer fill the gas tank before returning the vehicle.
If you don't want the truck traveling too far, you could require that a customer live within a certain distance of the facility.
Some operators won't provide a truck for those living 20 miles or more from their location. Other operators simply charge a fee if the truck is driven over their preferred mileage.
At the end of the day, it's your truck and your rental agreement, so you get to decide what works best for you.
Offering a free moving truck rental for your new tenants can come with big returns, but it's important to consider the costs and responsibilities that you would be undertaking.
If it sounds like too big of a project right now, that's okay!
While a self storage move in truck can help you stand out from the crowd, there are plenty of other ways to attract new tenants and deliver an easy self storage experience.
For more self storage tips, check out our other blogs!
