Cheapest Moving Truck Rentals (2024)
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Renting a moving truck is more affordable than hiring a professional moving company, and there are many low-budget options that still ensure a quality moving experience. U-Haul is our top recommendation for a cheap moving truck rental because it offers competitive pricing and cost flexibility, allowing you to choose services based on your budget rather than lumping them in as one package.
Quality moving truck rental providers are transparent about billing and insurance policies and may offer additional moving services. Our team has researched the top moving truck rental companies, comparing them on price, services, and reputation. Our guide details our recommendations for the five cheapest moving truck rentals.
5 Cheapest Moving Truck Rental Companies
We found the following truck rental options to be the cheapest providers:
- U-Haul: Most Flexible Moving Container Service
- Budget Truck Rental
- Enterprise Truck Rental
- Penske
- The Home Depot
What Should I Know About Moving Truck Rentals?
You can find a competitive price for your rental if you know what goes into the cost, your insurance options, and whether or not you need roadside assistance.
What Is Required To Rent a Moving Truck?
Standard requirements exist for who can and can’t rent a moving truck. You’ll need to have proof of and meet the following criteria to rent one:
- Minimum age: Most rental companies require you to be 25 years or older. Sometimes, the minimum age is 21 or 18 if you pay additional fees.
- Payment: Having a major credit card in your name is typically necessary to rent a truck. Debit cards are also often acceptable. Cash or checks are usually not allowed.
- Proof of insurance: You need to show proof of auto insurance coverage. You can purchase supplemental rental truck insurance from the rental company.
- Security deposit: Per industry standards, a company will require a refundable security deposit when you pick up the truck, typically between $100 and $500. This deposit covers damages or cleaning fees if needed.
- Valid driver’s license: You must have a valid driver’s license that you can show upon picking up the rented truck. Your driver’s license can’t be expired or suspended.
What Is Moving Truck Insurance?
Moving truck rental insurance refers to additional insurance options that can protect you against potential damages when renting a moving truck.
Common types of moving truck rental insurance include the following, but be aware that a company might provide these same plans under a different name:
- Collision damage waiver (CDW): Also known as loss damage waiver, this is optional coverage that limits your liability if the rental truck is damaged or stolen. The typical deductible is $250–$500. Some credit cards offer similar coverage for free when renting a moving truck.
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): Extra liability coverage begins when the minimum state or company liability insurance is exhausted. This plan helps protect you from paying large sums if you cause damage to another vehicle or property.
- Cargo insurance: This insurance protects the value of items stored in the truck if the load is damaged, lost, or stolen during the rental period.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): This provides compensation for injuries or death that may occur when using a moving truck. Health insurance policies may already cover these.
It’s not mandatory, but we highly recommend liability insurance when renting a moving truck to protect you from potentially significant risks and expenses if accidents occur. Understanding the protections needed for a move can help determine the right insurance options.
What Is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance is a service that helps you if you encounter a breakdown or other problems while using the rental truck.
Truck rental companies typically offer this as an additional protection plan or include it in the insurance options listed previously.
Typical roadside assistance services include towing, tire changes, jump-starts, lockout services, fuel delivery, and winching.
Do Truck Rentals Have Any Restrictions?
When you decide to rent a moving truck, it’s important to keep in mind that driving such a large vehicle requires good driving skills to ensure safety. Rental companies have limits on the size of the truck you can rent based on the weight and volume of your belongings. Choosing the wrong truck size can result in multiple trips or damage from overloading. If you don’t have professional movers, you’ll need to load and secure items yourself, which can be risky if not done correctly. You must take special care with large, fragile, or valuable items.
Make sure there is adequate parking and access at both locations. Rental companies generally have limited liability unless you purchase additional insurance. You’ll also need to be mindful of time constraints, as rental periods are typically in 24-hour increments, so efficient planning is crucial to avoid late fees. It’s important to consider these factors carefully before renting a moving truck.
How Much Does a Moving Truck Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a moving truck can vary significantly depending on several factors. The main factors are the total distance of your move and the truck’s size. Our research for this guide yielded an average price of $2,945 for a long-distance moving truck rental. Larger trucks generally cost more to rent. For example, a 10-foot truck can start around $30 daily for a local move, while a 20-foot truck may cost more than $100.
Daily and weekly rates are usually cheaper than hourly. Long-distance moves lasting a month or more have the lowest rates. Rates are highest during spring and summer because those are peak seasons. Off-season rates in fall and winter can be cheaper by $50 or more per day.
Renting in a metropolitan area generally costs more than a small town, and some locations have minimum fees. There’s usually a per-mile charge for exceeding the allotted mileage, around 50 cents or more per mile, and one-way rentals include additional fees.
Compare Moving Truck Rental Prices
We received a sample quote from each company and learned which providers include mileage fees.
| Company | Price to Rent | Deposit | Mileage Fee | Truck Size Sampled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $1,807 | $50 | $1.09 per mile | 20-foot |
| Budget | $1,354.84 | $150 | $0.89 per mile | 16-foot |
| Enterprise | $95 per day (local only) | Varies by location | $0.23 per mile | 20-foot |
| Penske | $2,629 | $100 | $0.79 per mile | 22-foot |
| Home Depot | $139 per day (local only) | $150 | Unlimited | 12-foot |
- Our 2024 survey revealed that 40.3% of consumers were inclined to pick a mover because they were the most affordable option. Overall, moving truck rentals are cheaper. However, if you have some flexibility in your budget, it might be worth considering a full-service mover.
Our Picks for Cheap Moving Truck Rentals
U-Haul
Most Flexible Moving Container Service
U-Haul truck rentals offer competitive pricing on a wide selection of moving trucks, additional services, and packing supplies. The company provides a streamlined booking process and lets you arrange pickup 24 hours a day, seven days a week through its mobile app. U-Haul offers the largest selection of add-ons in our review, including moving labor. It has truck sizes and extra services available whether you’re booking for a single-item local move, junk removal, or a three-bedroom interstate move.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Adds convenience by selling moving supplies
- Offers assistance with packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading
- Offers five insurance plans at affordable prices
Cons
- Has changed reservations to different locations on short notice, per some customer reviews
- Doesn’t have unlimited mileage for one-way moves
- Likely isn’t covered under your auto insurance policy
Services and Truck Sizes
U-Haul offers two primary insurance plans. Its basic plan, Safemove, eliminates your financial liability for any damages to your rented equipment. Its more comprehensive option, the Safemove Plus plan, also covers your cargo. You can also add U-Haul’s Safetrip plan, which provides roadside assistance for jump-starts, lockout service, lost keys, fuel service, stuck vehicles, and trailer hookup problems.
U-Haul offers many add-ons for your moving truck rental, including storage services, packing supplies, and assistance finding packing and loading services through U-Haul’s online platform, Moving Help.
Here is a list of the company’s most popular services and perks:
- Car trailers
- Damage protection coverage plans
- Mobile app
- Moving checklist
- Moving supplies
- Roadside assistance
- Trailer hitches
- Truck and van rentals
- U-Box portable moving and storage containers
U-Haul offers the following truck sizes:
- 26-foot box truck
- 8-foot pickup truck
- 9-foot cargo van
- 10-foot box truck
- 15-foot box truck
- 17-foot box truck
- 20-foot box truck
Cost
U-Haul includes a $50 reservation guarantee. This means that if U-Haul, fails to meet your selected time, place, and equipment size, you receive $50 back.
We went through the booking process to rent a 20-foot box truck, which the company recommends for an average three-bedroom home. Below are the pricing estimates we received for a long-distance and local move.
Long-Distance Move:
- Sample Quote: $1,807 for a move from Phoenix to Dallas.
This rental from our sample quote included up to five days of use, 1,259 miles, and $85 for a Safemove plan. We could have opted for the Safemove Plus plan for $139 and the company’s roadside assistance plan, Safetrip, for an additional $7.
We didn’t choose any of the optional equipment and supplies U-Haul offered us, which included the following:
- Appliance dolly: $15 each
- Furniture dolly: $12 each
- Furniture pads: $12 per dozen
- Utility dolly: $12 each
Local Move:
- Sample Quote: $86 for a local move in Phoenix
A local move in Phoenix with a 20-foot box truck rental cost us $39.95 per day plus $1.09 per mile. We were quoted for 10 hours of use, assuming an extra five miles to pick up and return the truck. A Safemove plan cost an additional $15, bringing the total to $86, not including fuel costs. We could also choose Safemove Plus for $28. Safetrip only cost $5 for a local move with U-Haul.
The rates for additional equipment are also cheaper for a local move:
- Utility dolly: $7 each
- Appliance dolly: $10 each
- Furniture dolly: $17 each
- Furniture pads: $10 per dozen
Payment Options
U-Haul offers the following payment options:
- Cash
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Budget Truck Rental
Budget is a reputable moving truck rental company that offers competitive prices. The company provides four truck sizes and offers ongoing discounts and deals on its website. You can save more money if you’re a student, senior, military member, AARP member, police, firefighter, or involved in other groups to which Budget offers discounts. Budget includes roadside assistance in its basic coverage plan, unlike U-Haul and other companies that charge extra.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Includes unlimited mileage on long-distance moves- Offers a wide variety of deals and discounts on its website
- Provides PlatePass, an automated toll payment solution, for an additional cost
Cons
Isn’t available in Alaska and Hawaii- Only offers four truck size options
- Varies insurance coverage by location
Services and Truck Sizes
Budget provides three insurance coverage plan options. The Value Protection Package includes both a damage liability waiver and roadside assistance. Its Complete Protection Package offers both cargo and personal injury coverage.
The moving company offers packing services, loading, and unloading through HireAHelper. Budget also provides a unique add-on called PlatePass, an automated toll payment that enables you to use toll-gated lanes and cashless toll collection lanes with one of Budget’s trucks. Here are some more services the company offers:
- Car carriers and tow dollies
- Moving and packing supplies
Budget supplies the following moving truck sizes:
- 11-foot cargo van
- 12-foot box truck
- 16-foot box truck
- 26-foot box truck
Cost
We obtained quotes for a 16-foot box truck, which Budget says is enough for a three-bedroom home. All rentals include refundable deposits of $150, which Budget pays back upon your rental’s return.
Long-distance move:
- Sample quote: $1,354.84 for a five-day move from Phoenix to Dallas
Budget quoted us for a five-day move from Phoenix to Dallas with unlimited mileage. Insurance options included the Complete Protection Package at $341.90, the Choice Protection Package at $329.65, and the Value Protection Package at $254.90. Budget claimed the first two package options included discounts, but it was unclear where those discounts were coming from. Budget’s roadside assistance could be included for an extra $69.95 if we opted out of the Value Protection Package.
The company also quoted us the following extra equipment:
- Furniture pads: $29 per dozen
- Hand truck: $37 per unit
Local move:
- Sample quote: $88.87 for a one-day local move in the Phoenix area
We simulated the quote process for a one-day local move in the Phoenix area for the same truck size. We estimated we would use the truck for 50 miles, which came out to $29.99 per day and $0.89 per mile for a total of $88.87. The Complete Protection Package cost $68.38, the Choice Protection Package cost $65.93, and the Value Protection Package cost $50.98 for local relocation. Roadside assistance without a package plan was also drastically reduced to $13.99.
Equipment options also cost less for local moves with Budget:
- Furniture pads: $19 per dozen
- Hand truck: $17 per unit
Payment Options
Budget offers the following payment methods:
- Credit cards.
- Some locations allow debit card payment but may require you to show an ID to pay this way
Enterprise Truck Rental
Enterprise is known for its car rental services but has branched into moving truck rentals. It offers an extensive list of truck sizes, affordable rates, and 24/7 roadside support. Note that Enterprise only rents trucks for local moves, so you can’t take your rental to another state and drop it off at a different Enterprise like you can with U-Haul or Budget. The company also has fewer add-on options than the other providers in our review. However, Enterprise offers fair rental rates with low mileage costs and comprehensive coverage plans.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers 14 different truck sizes
- Provides add-ons for towing cars
- Includes 24/7 roadside assistance
Cons
Doesn’t offer a low-price guarantee- Doesn’t offer moving labor assistance
- Only rents for local moves
Services and Truck Sizes
Enterprise offers four truck rental protection plans that cover damages and emergencies. The cheapest plan is the Damage Waiver (DW), which covers liability for any damage that may occur to your rental. You can opt for Roadside Assistance Protection (RAP) and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) if you want more comprehensive protection. The RAP plan includes replacing lost keys, flat tire service, and jump-starts. The PAI plan covers accident-related medical expenses, accidental death, and ambulance expense benefits.
Enterprise has fewer add-ons than competitors. The company provides equipment for towing a vehicle behind your moving truck and moving and packing supplies.
Enterprise boasts one of the most extensive selections of moving vehicle sizes:
- 1/2-ton pickup truck (6-foot and 8-foot beds available)
- 3/4-ton pickup truck (6-foot and 8-foot beds available)
- 1-ton pickup truck (6.5-foot and 8-foot beds available)
- 7-foot compact cargo van
- 10.5-foot cargo van
- 10.5-foot heavy-duty cargo van
- 12-foot heavy-duty XL cargo van
- 12-foot high-roof cargo van
- 15-foot van parcel van
- 16-foot cab-over truck
- 16-foot stake-bed truck
- 24-foot stake-bed truck
- 24-foot box truck
- 26-foot box truck
Cost
We went through the quote process for booking an Enterprise truck for a local move in the Phoenix metro area using a 20-foot box truck, which the company recommends for a three- to four-bedroom home.
Local move:
- Sample quote: $99.75 for a local move in the Phoenix metro area
We were quoted $95 per day plus $0.23 per mile. Enterprise shared that this would cost $99.75 with other initial surcharges. For example, if you drove the truck for 50 miles, the total would be $111.25. The company also made clear that this price doesn’t include additional surcharges and taxes that may apply.
Payment Options
Enterprise offers the following payment methods:
- Credit cards
- Select debit cards
Penske
Penske costs more than other providers we reviewed, but it provides some of the highest quality trucks by changing out its low-emission trucks more often than companies such as U-Haul. Penske also offers various moving protection plans and helps you save money on long-distance moves by including unlimited mileage. You can save even more by checking out its ongoing deals and discounts online. Penske’s 2,500-plus locations across the U.S. make it one of the most accessible and convenient truck rental options for various moving needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides unlimited miles on long-distance moves- Offers various discounts for military members, students, AAA members, and more
- Offers discounted moving assistance through Simple Moving Labor
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a low-price guarantee
- Has fewer moving supply options than some competitors
- Isn’t available in Alaska
Services and Truck Sizes
Penske offers four insurance coverage plans. Its basic plan is a Limited Damage Waiver (LDW), so you’re not liable for any damages to your rented equipment. More extensive coverage plans include coverage for cargo damage and personal injuries. Penske also has a roadside assistance plan for any unexpected emergencies during transit.
Penske offers various add-ons to its truck rental options. This includes assistance with moving labor, car towing options, and the following services:
- Loading and unloading services (via third party)
- Moving checklist
- Moving supplies
- Packing and unpacking services (via third party)
- Roadside assistance
- Storage services
Penske supplies the following moving truck sizes:
- 11-foot high-roof cargo van
- 12-foot box truck
- 16-foot box truck
- 22-foot box truck (long-distance moves only)
- 26-foot box truck
Cost
We went through the quote process with Penske for a 22-foot box truck for a long-distance move. The company doesn’t offer this size for local moves, so we used a 16-foot box truck. Penske says both of these options are ideal for a three-bedroom home.
Long-distance move:
- Sample quote: $2,629 for a 22-foot box truck from Phoenix to Dallas
The quote we got from Penske included $132 in taxes and a $15 environmental fee. The company provides unlimited mileage and free 24/7 roadside assistance with long-distance moves. Our quote comprised six days of use, and we couldn’t determine how to reduce this time. Penske offers additional time to use the truck in three-day blocks.
Local move:
- Sample quote: $73.21 to use for 50 miles in the Phoenix area
The company quoted us $24.99 daily to use a 16-foot box truck in the Phoenix area. The rental cost an additional $0.79 per mile, $4.72 in estimated taxes, $5 for an environmental fee, and a vehicle licensing recovery fee of $2.50. These fees brought the base quote to $37.21. Your total would be $73.21 if you were to use this truck for 50 miles.
Payment Options
Penske offers the following payment options:
- Credit cards
- Cash
- Bank checks
- Cashier’s checks
The Home Depot
For moving truck rentals, Home Depot is a great option for local moves due to its Load ‘N Go pickup trucks and cargo vans. Home Depot’s vehicles have low rates, and the company offers a large selection of equipment and tool rentals. Home Depot works with Penske to provide long-distance rentals with an even larger network, using Home Depot stores as pickup and drop-off locations. The company’s Load N’ Go vehicles average $130 per day of use with unlimited mileage. Most Home Depot stores offer a comprehensive array of moving supplies, such as boxes, straps, blankets, and other tools. Given its status in the home improvement industry, Home Depot can expedite your moving process and make relocation generally easier.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers unlimited mileage on its in-house vehicles
- Provides a large selection of tool and equipment rentals
- Partners with Penske to offer more availability for its trucks
Cons
Doesn’t offer a low-price guarantee- Doesn’t provide insurance options
- Only offers larger box trucks through Penske
Services and Truck Sizes
Home Depot’s Load N’ Go service makes flatbed trucks, cargo vans, and 14-foot box trucks available for local moves. The smaller trucks are especially valuable if you have a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Home Depot requires you to use your car insurance in conjunction with one of its Load ‘N Go vehicles.
The company relies on its Penske partnership to fulfill long-distance moving truck rentals. Insurance coverage plans for these moving trucks (12-foot, 16-foot, 22-foot, and 26-foot) are available through Penske.
You have the option to use the other following services with Home Depot:
- Home Depot tool and equipment rental
- Moving checklist
- Packing supplies
Home Depot currently offers the following truck sizes:
- 6 3/4-foot F250 flatbed truck
- 10-foot T250 flatbed truck
- 9-foot cargo van
- 14-foot moving box truck
- 12-foot Penske box truck
- 16-foot Penske box truck
- 22-foot Penske box truck
- 26-foot Penske box truck
Cost
We went through Home Depot’s quote process for a local move with a 12-foot box truck. The company outsources its larger moving trucks to Penske, so we encourage you to refer to the quote in our Penske section above for a long-distance move.
Local move:
- Sample quote: $29 for 75 minutes, $139 per day, or $973 per week for a 12-foot box truck
Home Depot breaks down its smaller, local moving truck options into various time lines with different prices. We could rent the 12-foot box truck for 75 minutes for $29. We could also rent it for $139 per day or $973 per week. All these options include unlimited mileage. An environmental fee may apply, and you’re responsible for refueling the vehicle and returning it to the same pickup location.
Payment Options
The Home Depot offers the following payment method(s):
- Credit card
How Do Moving Truck Rental and Full-Service Moving Companies Compare?
Our February 2024 survey of 1,000 moving customers revealed that 75% of consumers hired a moving company “to have peace of mind and a more stress-free move” and “to make the move quicker and more efficient.” You’re probably considering a moving truck rental because it’s cheaper than a professional moving company, but you might want to think about how much full-service movers cost, how they make the moving process easier, and how they compare regarding environmental impact and efficiency.
Cost
Moving Truck Rental
The cost of renting a moving truck can vary significantly depending on several factors. The main factors are the total distance of your move and the size of the truck. Our research for this guide yielded an average price of $2,945 for a long-distance moving truck rental. Larger trucks generally cost more to rent. For example, a 10-foot truck can start around $30 daily for a local move, while a 20-foot truck may cost more than $100.
Full-Service Moving Companies
Hiring a full-service moving company is convenient and provides peace of mind, but it can be expensive. Costs are based on distance, crew members, and weight or volume of items. Full-service movers can charge from several thousand dollars to over $10,000 for a long-distance move. However, the cost includes experienced movers who pack, load, transport, and unload your possessions, along with specialized equipment and materials.
Driving Skills
Moving Truck Rental
If you decide to rent a moving truck, you should know that driving such a large vehicle can be challenging, especially if you lack experience. Moving trucks are usually much bigger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles, so you’ll need to exercise additional caution when navigating tight spaces, making turns, and reversing. Additionally, these trucks have different handling characteristics, blind spots, and braking distances, which may take some time to get used to. Ignoring these factors can increase the risk of accidents, property damage, or personal injury.
Full-Service Moving Companies
Professional moving companies hire experienced drivers who are trained and licensed to operate large trucks safely and efficiently. These drivers are well-versed in handling moving vehicles and are skilled at maneuvering them through residential areas, narrow streets, and loading docks. Also, professional movers are typically trained in the proper loading techniques to ensure that the weight is evenly distributed within the truck, minimizing the risk of shifting cargo or improper handling that could result in damage.
Newer Trucks
Moving Truck Rental
Rental truck companies usually have a fleet of older, well-worn trucks. Although these trucks are maintained regularly, they may not have the latest safety features and amenities available in newer models. Furthermore, rental trucks are more prone to wear and tear due to frequent use, which could lead to a less comfortable or less dependable ride.
Full-Service Moving Companies
Professional moving companies usually invest in newer and more advanced trucks for their fleets. These vehicles are designed specifically for the challenges of moving and are equipped with features that can make the process smoother and safer. Newer moving trucks may incorporate advanced safety systems such as rearview cameras, collision avoidance technology, and electronic stability control to prevent accidents and ensure the secure transportation of your belongings.
Number of Vehicles
Moving Truck Rental
When renting a moving truck, you’ll have access to only one vehicle. The size of the truck depends on your specific needs, but you’ll be limited to one for transporting all of your belongings. This can be challenging for larger moves or when items need to be moved from multiple locations, requiring numerous trips or coordination with friends and family.
Full-Service Moving Companies
Professional moving companies have a range of vehicles to suit different types of moves. For a typical residential move, they may send a large truck accompanied by a smaller shuttle van or cargo vehicle. The larger truck is used to transport the majority of your belongings, while the smaller vehicle is ideal for items that require special handling, such as appliances, electronics, or valuable pieces of furniture. This approach helps to ensure that the move is more efficient and organized, as well as providing additional capacity for situations where a single truck may not be enough.
Packing and Loading
Moving Truck Rental
If you decide to rent a moving truck, keep in mind that you’ll be solely responsible for packing and loading your possessions, along with any help you can gather. This process can be exhausting and time-consuming, particularly if you have a large household or fragile items that require special handling.
You’ll need to find your own packing supplies, such as boxes, bubble wrap, and furniture pads, and make sure that everything is packed and secured appropriately for transport. Loading the truck efficiently and safely while accounting for weight distribution and possible movements during transit necessitates careful planning and execution.
Full-Service Moving Companies
Professional moving companies offer full-service packing and loading as part of their services. Experienced movers are trained in efficient and safe packing techniques and use high-quality materials specifically designed for relocating household goods.
They’ll carefully pack and wrap your belongings to ensure that everything, from fragile items to large furniture pieces, is properly protected and secured for the move. This will save you time and effort and provide added peace of mind, knowing that your possessions are in the hands of professionals.
Movers also strategically load trucks, distributing weight and securing items to prevent shifting. They utilize equipment such as dollies and ramps to safely move heavy, bulky objects, minimizing damage risk and ensuring a smooth move.
Full-Service Moving Companies
If you’re now more interested in a full-service moving company, consider some of our recommendations below.
International Van Lines
Best Service Offerings
American Van Lines
Best Overall Moving Labor
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Most Efficient
Compare Full-Service Moving Companies
You can contact a full-service moving company if you don’t want the stress of handling your move alone. The movers we’ve listed in the following table can offer more comprehensive assistance for moves of all sizes. You’ll pay a premium for their services but will have a more hands-off experience.
*Sample quotes are for a two-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco.
What Should You Consider When Renting an Affordable Moving Truck?
Renting a moving truck is no small task and involves a lot of responsibility. You must consider a few factors, such as your move type and the truck size you need, before selecting a provider.
Move Type
The type of move you’re undergoing can drastically impact your cost and the intensity of the move. For example, local moves are typically cheaper and less stressful.
Here’s a look at each type of move:
Local Moves
We find moving truck rentals to be ideal for quick, small local moves. We recommend considering the providers in our review if you’re moving within the same city or less than 150 miles. A moving truck rental is especially useful if many friends and family are willing to help you load and unload the truck.
However, if you have a larger, more complex home, such as one with four bedrooms or more, you may want to consider a full-service mover even for a local move. This task can quickly become daunting, and the more items you have, the more time you’ll have to allocate to deal with the move. We also recommend considering a full-service mover if you’re struggling to obtain assistance for loading and unloading.
Long-Distance Moves
Long-distance moves can get complicated quickly. You can most likely use a moving truck rental as a cheaper solution if you’re moving something smaller than two bedrooms and are willing to do much of the loading and unloading. You might get a competitive offer from a full-service mover, including loading and unloading assistance if your home has four bedrooms or more.
Additionally, your route might pose some difficult conditions, and if you aren’t comfortable driving a large truck around traffic or winding roads, a full-service moving company provides more peace of mind.
Truck Size and Type
You can choose from a wide variety of moving trucks and vehicles, so you’ll need to ensure that you find and reserve the right-sized moving truck in advance. You might be able to save money by renting a cargo van or pickup truck and making multiple trips back and forth if you’re completing a local move. Long-distance moves will probably require larger trucks.
Truck type is extremely important when selecting a rental company for a do-it-yourself (DIY) relocation. U-Haul trucks are fairly easy to drive but offer marginally fewer cubic feet of storage than Penske or Enterprise trucks across all size options. U-Haul trucks feature a lower cab and a familiar Ford F-650 engine in the 26-foot model. Penske and Enterprise, on the other hand, offer more standard trucks with seats that are further off the ground. Consider your overall comfort when selecting a rental truck.
Recommended Truck Options
Here are our recommendations on what truck size you should get based on information from various moving truck rental companies:
Customer Service
Moving truck rentals are a DIY service, but you still want good customer support. An effective way to gauge the quality of a truck rental company’s customer support is to read online customer reviews. Popular review sites such as the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Yelp all help provide a window into how a company’s customer service operates.
Quick Tip
- Look into customer service hours for your chosen truck rental company branch. Some may advertise 24-hour customer service, but response times could be slow if calls are bounced to a call center during off hours. This could be of greater concern for long-distance clients who will likely be on the road past business hours.
Contract and Policy Highlights
Understanding the key terms and policies governing a moving truck rental agreement is important. Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Fuel policies: Truck rental companies typically require you to return the vehicle with the same level of fuel as when you picked it up. Failure to do so may result in additional fuel charges, often at inflated prices.
- Limited liability: Truck rental companies usually have limited liability for any damage or loss to your belongings during the move. Their contracts usually include clauses that limit their liability to a minimal amount, such as 60 cents per pound per article, unless you purchase additional protection or insurance.
- Mandatory insurance: Most rental companies require you to purchase their insurance coverage, which can add a significant cost to the rental. This coverage may include a collision damage waiver, cargo protection, and supplemental liability insurance. It’s essential to carefully review the coverage limits and deductibles.
- Mileage restrictions: Rental agreements often include mileage restrictions or charges for exceeding a specified mileage allowance. Long-distance moves may incur substantial mileage fees, so it’s important to understand these charges upfront.
- Size and equipment limitations: Rental companies have specific guidelines regarding the size of the truck you can rent based on the weight and volume of your belongings. They may also limit or charge extra for certain equipment, such as hand trucks, furniture pads, or towing equipment.
- Time restrictions: Rentals are usually based on 24-hour periods, and late returns can incur significant penalties or additional daily charges. It’s important to plan your move carefully and account for potential delays or unforeseen circumstances.
How Should You Prepare for Your Move?
Coordinating and preparing is essential to ensure a smooth and stress-free moving truck rental experience. Below are some tips to help you prepare for moving day and coordinate effectively with the truck rental company:
- Declutter and downsize: Go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need or want to take with you. This will not only reduce the number of items you need to move but also save you time and money.
- Get packing supplies: Stock up on high-quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape. Proper packing can prevent damage to your belongings during transit.
- Create a labeling system: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home. This will make unpacking much easier and more organized.
- Measure and plan: Measure all large furniture items and doorways to ensure they can fit through the truck’s loading ramp and into the new home. Plan the loading order carefully to maximize space and protect fragile items.
- Reserve the truck early: Book your moving truck rental well in advance, especially during peak moving seasons, to ensure availability and secure the size you need.
- Gather essential tools: Have tools such as a dolly, furniture sliders, and ropes on hand to make loading and unloading easier and safer.
- Recruit help: Enlist the help of friends or family members to assist with the heavy lifting and loading process. Having extra hands can make the move go much smoother.
- Prepare for the pick up: Ensure you have the necessary documentation, such as a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance, ready when picking up the truck.
- Plan the route: Map out the most efficient route to your new home, considering potential obstacles such as low bridges or narrow streets that could challenge a large moving truck.
- Coordinate arrival times: Communicate with the truck rental company and any helpers to ensure that everyone arrives at the designated locations on time, minimizing delays and additional charges.
What is the Cheapest Moving Truck Rental?
On average, U-Haul and Budget offer the cheapest prices for moving truck rentals. However, we find that you receive a cheaper solution through U-Haul. The company provides one of the most comprehensive selections of additional services, such as loading assistance and insurance plans, and its deposit and equipment fees are cheaper than Budget. You also receive a larger truck for a similar price.
You might receive a better deal with Budget—especially if you need unlimited mileage for a long-distance move. Enterprise is another excellent choice if you want roadside assistance included with your purchase and need flexibility regarding truck size.
We suggest getting a quote from at least three moving truck companies before deciding. We also recommend reading customer reviews and any fine print before signing a contract.
FAQ About Cheap Moving Truck Rentals
What do I need to drive a truck rental?
You need a valid driver’s license or military ID to drive a rental truck. The age to rent a moving truck varies by company, though. For example, you may rent a U-Haul when you’re 18, but Enterprise requires you to be at least 21. These are the standard requirements for a moving truck rental, so be sure to check with the truck rental company you’re considering to ensure you present all required documentation upon pickup.
How can I save more money on my truck rental?
There are a few steps you can take to try to save on your moving truck rental. Typically, the earlier you book, the cheaper the rate you’ll receive, so be sure to book a moving truck rental as soon as you know you need one. Also, check if the company offers any special deals or discounts. Moving truck rental companies may offer standard ongoing promotions, but many include discounts for students, seniors, military members, emergency responders, and more.
Do I have to refill the gas in my rental truck before returning?
You must return your truck in the same condition as when it left the rental agency lot. This includes filling up your tank to the level it was when you were given the keys.
Will a couch fit in a 10-foot truck?
You can fit more in 10 feet than you might expect. A 10-foot rental truck for most couches will be sufficient if you check the measurements. Therefore, always measure furniture dimensions before moving because sizes can vary, and also, remember that proper loading and securing items are vital.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling options, additional benefits and custom service options, and reputation among customers to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
