Perhaps you've decided to move yourself because you're on a tight budget. You've lined up some friends to help, and you've picked up some boxes and other moving materials. All that's left is the truck rental.

If this is the first time you have rented a moving truck, there are a few things to consider before you sign that rental contract.

Truck Rental Tips for First-time Self Moving

Self moving can be fun--it can even be an adventure--but renting the wrong truck can make moving day go downhill quickly. Here are some things to consider before renting the truck:

• Size matters. Try to estimate what size truck you may need for your do-it-yourself moving project. Will a van do, or do you need something larger? If anything, try to err on the larger side. It's a lot better to find out you have empty space at the back of your truck than having 90 percent of your belongings loaded, and no room for the last 10 percent. A larger truck also gives you more room to carefully pack items--you don't have to use your imagination quite as much.
• Don't learn how to shift gears with a moving truck. If you have little or no experience with a manual transmission, a fully loaded moving truck may not be the place to learn. Moving truck rental companies know this, so many of them do keep a supply of trucks with automatic transmissions available.
• Reservations. Don't assume that the truck you need will be waiting for you when you show up the morning of your move. Even the large national truck rental companies may not have the truck you need when you need it if other people have made reservations and you haven't.
• Lifting heavy objects can be tough on your back. If you have a lot of heavy items to move, consider renting a truck with a pull-out loading ramp. It may be worth it, even if you have to rent a larger truck to get it. You can even load with a hand truck if you have a ramp.
• Forget the personality--looks are what count. Take a good look at the truck rentals on the dealer's lot. Do they look clean and well maintained? Do the tires appear to be properly inflated, and have good tread? While most national truck rental companies have a good reputation, if your self move is local, an area rental business may offer you reasonable rates and have less wear-and-tear on their vehicles.

So, tell your friends and relatives to be ready, and start your self moving adventure out right by using these tips for your moving truck rental.