U-Haul Truck Rental - Verdict
U-Haul is the default for a reason. They have more pickup locations than every competitor combined, which means I can almost always find one within 15 minutes of my apartment. The base daily rate is usually the lowest, often starting around 30 dollars before mileage.
Check price on Amazon →I have rented moving trucks five times in the last decade and learned what actually saves money. Here is the real playbook.
I have rented a moving truck five times since 2014, and I have made every mistake at least once. I have shown up to a U-Haul lot where my reserved 20-footer did not exist. I have run out of fuel two blocks from the return depot. I have paid 75 dollars in late fees because my friends bailed on loading day. The tips below come from those scars.
Before the tips, here are the rental companies and gear I trust when I plan a move.
| Service or Gear | Best For | Why |
|——|———-|————-|
| U-Haul Truck Rental | Local moves | Most locations, lowest base rate |
| Penske Truck Rental Supplies | Long distance | Newer fleet, unlimited mileage |
| Budget Truck Supplies | Mid-distance | Often runs 20 percent off deals |
| Forearm Forklift Lifting Straps | Heavy furniture | Cuts loading time in half |
| Moving Blankets | Protecting items | Cheaper than rental blankets |
How we test
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
At a glance
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul Truck Rental - Verdict | Check price | ||
| Penske Truck Rental Supplies - Verdict | Check price | ||
| Budget Truck Supplies - Verdict | Check price | ||
| Forearm Forklift Lifting Straps - Verdict | Check price | ||
| Moving Blankets - Verdict | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
U-Haul Truck Rental - Verdict
U-Haul is the default for a reason. They have more pickup locations than every competitor combined, which means I can almost always find one within 15 minutes of my apartment. The base daily rate is usually the lowest, often starting around 30 dollars before mileage.
Penske Truck Rental Supplies - Verdict
Penske is my pick for any move over 300 miles. Their trucks are newer, the cabs are quieter, and the diesel engines get better mileage than the gasoline U-Hauls. Most one-way rentals include unlimited miles, which removes the biggest variable in a long move.
Budget Truck Supplies - Verdict
Budget is the company I check when I want to comparison shop. Their published rate is usually higher than U-Haul, but they run promo codes almost constantly, often 20 percent off the total. Stack a promo with AAA or military discount and Budget can beat both rivals.
Forearm Forklift Lifting Straps - Verdict
These straps changed how I move heavy furniture. You wear one on each forearm, slide the loop under the dresser or fridge, and the leverage lets two average people lift items that normally need four. I moved a 400-pound upright piano with one friend using these.
Moving Blankets - Verdict
Buying moving blankets is cheaper than renting them across two days. A six-pack of decent quilted pads runs around 40 dollars and protects every dresser, couch arm, and table leg in the truck. After the move, they live in my garage as drop cloths and dog beds.
What to look for
What to consider
Start with the size, because picking too small is the most expensive mistake. A studio fits in a 10-foot, a 1-bedroom in a 12-foot, a 2-bedroom in a 15-foot, and most 3-bedroom homes in a 20-foot. If you are between sizes, jump up rather than down. The extra 30 dollars beats making two trips.
What to consider
Next, decide on mileage. Local moves charge by the mile, so plot the route and round up by 20 percent for back-and-forth runs. One-way moves usually bundle mileage, which makes the price easier to predict. Always read the fuel return policy, because a quarter-tank short can trigger 6 to 8 dollars a gallon fees.
What to consider
Book at least two weeks ahead if you are moving on a weekend at the start or end of the month. That is the busiest window in the rental world, and the cheap trucks vanish first. Finally, take photos of every panel of the truck before you drive away. It is the only proof you have if the depot tries to charge you for damage that was already there.
FAQs
A 15-foot truck handles most 2-bedroom apartments with a couch, queen bed, dining set, and 30 to 40 boxes. If you have a piano or peloton, jump to a 17-foot.
U-Haul is usually cheaper for short local moves. Penske tends to win on long one-way moves because their mileage rates and unlimited fuel options work out better past 500 miles.
Yes, in most cases. Standard auto insurance often excludes rental trucks, and a single fender bender can cost more than the trip. Confirm with your insurer before you decline coverage.
