Moving Day Is Over, Now What?

Vehicle Return Checklist

Before you can get to unpacking and enjoying your new home, there’s just one last thing on your list: returning your Penske rental truck. Here’s what you need to know to make the process quick and easy.

To ensure a smooth rental return, follow these simple steps:

1. Refuel the Truck: Be sure to fill the tank before returning the vehicle. Returning a truck with less than a full tank could result in additional charges.
2. Clean Out the Cab and Cargo Area: Remove any personal items and trash from the truck. A clean vehicle avoids the risk of cleanliness-related fees.
3. Inspect for Damage: Ensure the truck is in the same condition as when you received it. Damage to the vehicle could result in extra charges.
4. Timely Return: Avoid late fees by returning your truck on or before the agreed return date. If you need more time, contact a Penske Moving Specialist before your pickup date to adjust your rental period.
5. After-Hours Return: If you’re returning the truck outside of business hours, leave the keys and contract in the drop-off box, and remember to keep a copy of the contract for your records.

Are There Any Charges Due When I Return the Truck?

If you return the truck on time, with a full tank and in the same condition as when it was rented, there won’t be any surprise charges. Penske prides itself on offering transparent pricing with no hidden mileage or turn-in fees.

What To Do With Leftover Moving Boxes

After unpacking, you might find yourself surrounded by a mountain of empty moving boxes. Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider these creative ways to repurpose or recycle them:

• Break Down and Recycle: Many communities offer curbside recycling programs. Break down your boxes and set them out for collection.
• Storage Solutions: Moving boxes are perfect for storing seasonal clothes, kids’ art supplies, garage items and other items.
• Creative Play for Kids: An empty box can become a DIY playhouse, spaceship or anything else your child can imagine. There’s no limit to the fun that can be had.
• Pet Bed: Transform a box into a cozy bed for your pet. Decorate the outside, add a comfy blanket, and voila — your furry friend has a new favorite spot.
• Shipping Boxes: Have boxes in good condition? Save them for future shipping needs or give them to friends or family planning a move.
• Composting: Boxes made from untreated cardboard can be composted or used as makeshift compost bins.

Additional Reminders for Your Move

The days and weeks before moving day are often busy, and sometimes the small things are forgotten. Read through these reminders and make sure these important tasks get done:

• Change your address and update your driver’s license.
  • If you didn’t get a chance to forward your mail before your move, it’s time to visit the USPS website and submit a Change My Address form.
  • Make an appointment with the DMV to update your license. Don’t forget to update your voter registration as well.
• Change the locks.
  • In addition, don’t forget to reprogram any garage door openers and change the code to the keypad.
• Check smoke alarms.
  • Consider also adding carbon monoxide detectors to each floor.

Returning your Penske truck, repurposing your moving boxes and finishing up last-minute moving tasks don’t have to be a hassle. Follow these tips, and you’ll be settled in your new home and free of leftover clutter in no time.