Mexico is the top destination for Americans moving abroad, followed by the U.K., Canada and Australia
So far in 2022, ~75% more Americans have moved to Mexico than Canada
Portugal has seen the biggest percentage increase in Americans moving in (+122% from 2019-2021)
Japan had the highest % drop of Americans moving in (-53% fewer in 2021 compared to 2019)
A five-year low, 2020 saw just under 74,000 Americans relocate abroad
Canada, Spain and the U.K. are the most Googled moving destinations this year
In our last study on Americans moving abroad, we detailed the places Americans who leave the country target, as well as explored some of the reasons driving them to leave.
In this study, we examine what countries Americans have been moving to, where they’re thinking of moving based on their Google searches, and how both of those trends have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Going South? Mexico Tops U.K. and Canada as Americans’ Top Destination
Based on the most recent data, over 16,000 U.S. citizens moved to Mexico as temporary or permanent residents in 2021. That’s more than any of the 15 most common destination countries for American moves abroad (more on this later).
“Last year, 34% more Americans relocated to Mexico than to Canada.”
Moves to Mexico outnumber those to the United Kingdom (14,626), and Canada (11,955), which are the second and third most popular destinations. The fourth most popular destination is Australia, where an estimated 7,948 Americans relocated in 2021.
Spain rounds off the top five, welcoming 7,173 Americans as new residents this year, overtaking other European destinations like France and Germany, as well as countries farther afield, such as Israel, Japan, and New Zealand.
Where to Now? Where Americans Are Ending up in 2022
While the statistics on moves this year haven’t been published by most of the countries we analyzed, we do have specific figures on the number of Americans who moved to Canada, the U.K., and Mexico in 2022.
Some 10,594 Americans moved to Mexico in 2022, which is 75% higher than those who moved to Canada (6,025). And this isn’t the first time Mexico-bound moves outnumber moves to Canada either.
Last year, 34% more Americans relocated to Mexico than to Canada. In the last five years, Mexico attracted an accumulative 13% more U.S. citizens than America’s neighbor to the north.
If migration to Mexico continues at its current pace, the country will receive over 18,000 U.S. citizens as new residents, a new five-year high.
Interestingly, more Americans are even moving across the Atlantic to the U.K. than across their northern border. (As many as 8,324 U.S. citizens have relocated to the United Kingdom so far in 2022, which is 38% more than the number of those who moved to Canada.)
Yet while still high, the total tally of Americans moving to the U.K. and Canada in 2022 currently projects at 14,269 and 10,328 respectively—both below their 2021 levels.
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Goodbye, Japan! Hello, Portugal! Unique Trends in U.S. Moves Abroad
Between 2017-2019, the raw number of Americans moving into one of the top 15 countries we profiled was roughly around 104,000 Americans a year.
The COVID pandemic made a significant dent in that number in 2020, bringing the number down to under 74,000 Americans leaving for new countries, roughly a 29% drop.
Yet as COVID restrictions have eased and vaccination programs have been introduced across the world, moves abroad picked up the pace again in 2021 (the last year for which government data has been released); moves abroad reached 97,806 last year— almost on par with the pre-pandemic years.
Based on countries that published their immigration statistics for 2022, the number of Americans moving to one of the top 15 countries in our analysis may return to six-digit figures by the end of 2022. However, with an estimated 100,975 moves, ex-pats likely will remain just below pre-pandemic levels.
Countries Defying the Numbers
Overall, there are still outlier countries that saw a significant jump in their total of American immigrants during 2021. Chief among them is Portugal, with 2,475 U.S. citizens relocating to this European country last year. That’s ~122% more Americans who moved there than in either 2020 or 2019!
“Canada may not be topping the rankings of move destinations, but it sure dominates moving intent. Americans typed ‘moving to Canada’ into Google approximately 21,000 a month in 2022, far more than similar keywords for other countries.”
Other countries that saw a significant percentage increase in the number of U.S. inbound moves post-pandemic include New Zealand (+78% in 2021 versus 2019), Costa Rica (+47%), and Israel (+40%).
That said, not all countries saw a return to pre-pandemic moving levels. With 2,983 moves last year, U.S. migration to Japan is still 53% below the 2019 levels. (This is no surprise, as the country has only just recently opened its borders to individual tourists.)
Elsewhere, six major countries that are traditionally among the most popular destinations for Americans saw fewer Americans moving to them in 2021 as compared to 2019. These countries are:
Italy (-41%)
France (-28%)
Germany (-24%)
Ireland (-21%),
U.K. (-20%),
South Korea (-16%)
Moving Intent: Most Searched Moving Abroad Destinations in 2022
Canada may not be topping the rankings of move destinations, but it sure dominates moving intent.
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Americans typed “moving to Canada” into Google approximately 21,000 a month in 2022, far more than similar keywords for other countries.
Surprisingly, the second most searched-for moving destination is not Mexico, but Spain, with 8,100 monthly searches so far this year. It’s just ahead of the three English-speaking countries: the ever-present U.K. (7,670 monthly searches), Australia (5,080), and New Zealand (3,800).
The top 20 most-searched-for-moving destinations are grouped as follows:
Some of these countries have historical ties to the United States, such as Japan (2,850 monthly searches), Ireland (2,140), and the Netherlands (1,190). Yet many are simply known for their relative prosperity and robust social welfare systems, such as Switzerland, Iceland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Then there are places most known for their warm, pleasant climates and comparatively lower cost of living, like Portugal, Costa Rica, Mexico and Belize.
Lockdown Dreams Vs. COVID Reality: As Intent To Move Abroad Peaked in 2020, Actual Moves Plummeted
After diving deeper into Americans’ plans to move abroad, an interesting trend emerged. The number of searches for keywords around moving abroad was at a five-year high in 2020.
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (also an election year), America saw 102,000 monthly searches related to moving abroad, or to a particular country. This was a whopping 40% increase from the year prior!
However, this five-year high in searches ironically overlapped with a five-year low in actual moves abroad. Again, just under 74,000 Americans moved into one of the top 15 destination countries in 2020. That’s around 30% fewer than in either 2018 or 2019.
In 2021, moving abroad-related searches went back down, with about 28% fewer searches compared to 2020. Yet wanderlust has interestingly recovered in 2022; there have been 92,000 monthly searches for moving abroad, including to specific countries.
While still behind the 2020 peak of Canadian obsession, the current volume of searches is still higher than in the pre-pandemic years.
Mixed Picture: Reasons Why Americans Leave the United States
In absence of hard data, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact reasons that are pushing Americans to move abroad. A recent article in Entrepreneur suggests the recent strengthening of the dollar and the rise of remote work play a part.
Reports in Forbes and Bloombergbothhint that the prospect of home ownership getting further out of reach is what is pushing Americans out of the country. In this vein, remote work and remote-work-specific visas are cited as contributing factors for defectors.
The truth is it’s still too early to definitively tell whether recent political events in the U.S. will shape immigration. However, what we do know is there continues to be an increasing number of reports of young Americans and people of color leaving the country in search of a safer and more equitable place to live.
Sources and Methodology
The top 15 countries outlined in this study are a combination of countries with most U.S. citizens living abroad (based on International Migrant Stock data, see Origin and Destination file) and the countries most searched as destinations for “moving to <insert country>” queries based on Google search volume data for 2022 obtained by Google Ads API. Only moves with stated reasons indicating a certain degree of permanence were analyzed, including work, study and family. Military moves were excluded, as were the moves for temporary purposes, such as temporary business and tourism.
The number of monthly searches was taken from Google Ads API as the total average monthly search volume for keywords of the type “moving to <insert country>” (e.g., “moving to canada”, “moving to mexico” and “moving abroad”.)
Data was collected in September 2022. Browse the data in the interactive table below.
Moving companies tend to earn between $75-128/hr. or between $206-352 per move
Based on HireAHelper data from 2022 so far, average mover earnings are $110/hr.
Seattle is potentially the most lucrative place to become a mover, with hourly earnings as high as $137/hr.
Movers in Maine and Iowa make an estimated $132/hr. — the highest rate in the country
Sherman-Dennison, TX has the biggest gap in the moving services market, with 608 moves per moving company registered in the metro area
As inflation continues to rise, many Americans are beginning to notice the prices of consumer goods are drifting out of reach. This is likely why, according to a recent study, nearly half (44%) of Americans are turning to side hustles to make ends meet.
And while the internet is awash with articles listing all kinds of side hustles to consider, there is one lucrative side gig few are talking about: starting a local moving company (or joining one).
Despite some real estate markets cooling off, the demand for moving services is high. Homes are still selling fast, and as rents climb higher, many are moving out of their homes to find cheaper accommodations or to live with family.
While starting a full-scale moving company with a fleet of trucks, drivers, and movers is an undertaking too big for a side hustle, starting a moving labor company is actually relatively simple.
All you need is a business license and some start-up costs. Ultimately, if you are comfortable with lifting heavy items and have time to spare, you could realistically start a moving labor business and earn upwards of $100/hr. by helping people move.
And the data shows that people who are currently doing it are doing quite well.
Moving Labor Companies: How Are They Defined and How Do They Work?
We often think of movers as folks that drive up in a truck, load up all your earthly belongings and deliver them to your new home. In the “biz”, these are known as “full-service movers”. And they tend to be more expensive.
This is why in reality, the overwhelming majority of moving companies that exist are what we call “labor-only” movers.
“…even if you charged at the lower end…at $250 per move, or roughly $90-100 per hour, you only need to pick up four moves to make $1,000. Not bad for a weekend, huh?”
Labor-only
The difference is that a moving labor company is a company that helps people with loading, unloading, and, sometimes, packing up people’s possessions — no driving. The average person often books their truck or container separately, as this is far cheaper.
Here are a few reasons local moving labor works as a side hustle:
In most states, you don’t need a special mover’s license
There are minimal start-up costs, as you don’t need to purchase a moving truck
Demand for moving services is highest on a weekend, meaning you can do it alongside your work or studies
Of course, it’s not quite as simple as registering as a moving labor company and watching business come flying through the door.
Here are the typical places movers tend to use to attract customers.
Craigslist
Craigslist
+ The most famous classified ads website, this is a typical starting point for moving labor hopefuls, with millions of people checking the website every day.
– Costs money to post ads in the moving section as a provider.
– Customers can also be flakey, often looking for bargain-basement pricing, and often end up being very hard to service.
Yelp
Yelp
+ Popular with people looking for local businesses, it’s a free place to get attention/find customers. Business owner tools allow you to upload logo/team photos of you and your crew to boost credibility.
– No actual online booking, you just accrue lots of “leads”. You’ll have to field lots and lots of messages, emails and phone calls from people looking for a price.
– Low rates of converting mean most of this work will not turn into orders.
HireAHelper
HireAHelper sign-up page
+ Completely free to list, no membership fees or cancellation fees. + Your very own landing page you can show to potential customers where you can easily display and edit your own rates/availability so people won’t call you to ask. + Insurance and 7-day-a-week customer service for both you and your customers.
– Insurance and customer service operate on a fee that is charged per order booked through the platform, which is how they pay for all of the above.
Your own website
+ Full control over how you present your new brand and services. + Direct booking puts every dollar right in your pocket.
– You need to create, design, and maintain the website. – You’re responsible for all the customer service, marketing, and insurance. – Cost of purchasing a domain, fees for website hosting.
Needless to say, you can also create a page for your moving labor company on Facebook and Instagram, or even list it on your local Yellow/White Pages. Oftentimes, a mixture of approaches is useful at the start, before you figure out which one works best for your moving side hustle.
Let’s face it, if you already have a job or other commitments, you’re probably not going to launch into moving as a full-time pursuit.
The good thing about moving as a side job is that nearly one in three (30%) moves takes place either on Saturday or Sunday. In other words, if you’re looking to casually work as a mover over the weekend, you’re in luck, because that’s when the demand is highest.
To calculate a ballpark number of how much local movers earn, we’re going to make the following assumptions:
You only work on weekends
You don’t work more than eight hours a day
You have a partner with whom you work as a two-person team and split earnings 50-50
With that said, the average take-home an individual moving job earned on HireAHelper in 2022 was $110 per hour (after fees).
That rate is based on the service of two movers loading and unloading a customer’s belongings (meaning, not counting potential tips, one mover will typically get about half of that, or $55 per hour.)
“The data show that 6 of the 20 metros where the demand for moving services most outmatches the current supply exists in Texas, especially in Sherman-Dennison, TX, where the ratio of moves to moving companies is roughly 600 to 1!”
Similarly, Yelp reported a local move quote average of $128. Forbes suggests local movers charge between $25 to $50 per mover, per hour, while ConsumerAffairs estimates the average cost for a local move is $80 to $100 per hour for a team of two movers.
The following graph shows how much you could be earning as a two-person team, using the reported average duration of a move of two hours and 45 minutes.
Please note that the above figures are indicative only. As a newly registered moving company, you probably won’t be able to charge high rates straight away. Moves also come in all shapes and sizes, affecting how much you could charge for them. This is just an average.
That said, even if you charged at the lower end of that scale at $250 per move, or roughly $90-100 per hour, you only need to pick up four moves to make $1,000. Not bad for a weekend, huh?
Cities & States Where Movers Earn the Most Money
Your earning potential, among other things, will depend on where you are in the country.
According to a recent estimate of moving costs, people pay the most for their moves in San Jose ($520) and Seattle ($495). But that’s just a broad snapshot. Let’s break it down more to see how services translate into mover earnings, and where it may actually be most lucrative to start a moving labor company.
Cities
Using data on moves booked through HireAHelper.com, taking into account commission rates and the typical duration of a move throughout different cities, here are the top 10 cities where movers make the most money per hour.
Looking at the data through this lens, Seattle grabs the top spot with an estimated $136/hr. net earnings. In cities like Columbus, OH ($126/hr.), San Francisco ($125/hr.), and Oakland, CA ($125/hr.) the earnings are all around the $125/hr. Mark.
States
Moving on to states’ potential mover earnings, we find Maine ($132/hr.) and Iowa ($132/hr.) with the joint highest earnings, with Utah and Washington closely behind ($129/hr.).
Going down the list, Arkansas is next with $128/hr. in potential net earnings. This highlights that moving is a universal need, and that small states can compete against states with big cities like San Jose or San Francisco, where the cost of living is highly expensive (and therefore potentially more lucrative). The average earnings for movers in California are comparatively middling in the take-home department, averaging around $110/hr. per move.
Check out the chart below to see what mover earnings are like in your state.
This section is based on data from moves booked through HireAHelper and their partner sites. Earning figures represent average estimates; actual earnings may vary.
Supply and Demand: Cities and States With the Greatest Need for New Moving Companies
High earnings are great to aim for, but it’s worth bearing in mind that crowded markets where earnings are high are often hard to compete in — especially for a brand new company.
Like with any kind of business, the supply and demand (and thus the price people are willing to pay for moving services) vary by location. If you’re just starting out as a moving company, ideally you’d like to start where there’s a gap in the market.
Cities
Based on our analysis of moving company data and the number of moves in America’s biggest metropolitan areas, here are 20 metros where the gap between potential demand for moving services and their supply is the biggest.
The data show that 6 of the 20 metros where the demand for moving services most outmatches the current supply exists in Texas, especially in Sherman-Dennison, TX, where the ratio of moves to moving companies is roughly 600 to 1!
Among larger metros with favorable demand-to-supply ratios are the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ area (393 moves per moving company), the Houston-Baytown-Sugar Land, TX area (276), and the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area (255).
States
At the state level, the opportunity is greatest in Arizona and Missouri, where there are more than 200 moves per moving company. Kansas (188), Washington (187) and Texas (186) round off the top five.
To see what the supply and demand for moving services look like in your state, check the graph below:
Convinced? Here’s How You Can Get Started
If you think you have what it takes to safely move some couches, luckily, you don’t have to go in blind.
Mover earnings by state and city were calculated based solely on data from moves booked and completed through the HireAHelper platform and their partner sites. Earnings figures are indicative of the amount earned minus fees.
The number of moving companies was calculated using the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Business Survey (count of companies listed under “Transportation”) and Yelp (number of companies listed as “movers”).
Sometimes, my customers would ask me directly what a standard tip would be. Call me crazy, but I would give them two different amounts: one a little below what I thought was average for that job, and another that was higher. I’d tell them that would be the normal range for a tip corresponding to the job we were doing for them.
ThenI’d challenge my crew to make the customer want to give them that higher amount.
Customers might have a general idea of what they’ll tip their movers, but for some of them, it doesn’t take much to make them want to give more (or less). The following are a few ways (aside from generally being great movers, naturally) to give yourself and your crew a shot at a happier customer.
1. Show up early, but just a little!
Customers universally stress about two things on move day:
Being all ready and having the movers not show.
Having the movers show and not being ready.
(Some customers stress about both, simultaneously.)
Calling each customer the day before their move is a no-brainer, and so is showing up on time. You can do one better though, by showing up five or ten minutes early — but let them know over the phone you’d be happy to wait a few minutes until they are ready for you to get rolling, if they’d like.
If they aren’t quite ready, they’ll appreciate the gesture. If they are ready, they’ll say so. Either way, the show will be off to a positive start.
Protip: While It may seem harmless to tell the customer you are ready whenever they are, this sometimes leaves you sitting in your truck for half an hour while the customer slowly finishes breakfast. Try phrasing it along the lines of, “We’re happy to wait five or ten minutes.” This gives them a bit of breathing room without opening up the door to your schedule being destroyed for the day.
2. After you arrive, go over your game plan with the customer
Once you’ve done your walk-through, let your customer know exactly what’s coming. This is huge!
Make sure to tell them things like:
Which rooms you’ll be tackling first
What you’ll be taking apart
Where you’ll be staging stuff
If you might have to remove any doors or stairwell light fixtures to keep the risk of damage to a minimum
What the timeframe goals everyone should be trying to hit are
Also worth mentioning is if one mover is going to be mostly on the truck doing the loading; communicate that to the customer so they don’t start wondering why their move is short a worker who’s just hanging out outside all morning.
Protip: You also need to let them know what you need from them.
This could mean keeping their kids and pets from getting stepped on, making sure hallways and staircases are clear, and generally being available in case any issues arise (not that they should expect any problems). Also, if it applies, let them know you’ll be taking thirty minutes for lunch and ask them if there is a specific timeframe that might be convenient for you to do so; they may need and appreciate the chance to run a quick errand.
The point here is to give them a sense that you know what you are doing beyond just hauling everything out the door.
On moving day, customers can be as busy as their movers.
You might overhear them canceling utilities, cleaning the bathtub, wrapping things up with the landlord, and all while working remotely. Make things a bit easier for them by suggesting ahead of time that, if necessary, they designate a room that the movers know to leave alone.
Alternatively, ask them if they could use some kitchen counter space to keep any paperwork, notebooks, pen and paper, phone chargers and any other miscellaneous things they’d like to keep handy. Anything in that designated space can be recognized as stuff the movers should ignore and not put on the truck.
4. Keep your own stuff out of their house
Don’t do this.
I know it makes sense to leave your Gatorade in an easy-to-grab place as you haul stuff in or out of the house. When things heat up, you may be tempted to shed that sweatshirt before you finish packing the kitchen. Or if it’s raining, maybe you just want to keep a towel handy, to keep your hands dry.
We work best when we’re safe, but let’s not confuse that with overly comfortable. Leaving drinks, shirts and towels lying around the customer’s home might not make a welcome impression, especially if the whole crew is doing it. Who knows? They may not care. But in either case, they likely won’t say. Try and keep all of your items on the truck.
If the customer offers you and your crew drinks, gratefully accept and then either leave them where the customer put them out for you, or bring them out to the truck.
Protip:Tape, shrink wrap and hand trucks are a different story — sort of. If you need them, keep them handy. But as soon as you’re finished with them, get them out. If there’s equipment all over the place, it’s a subconscious stressor for the customer at minimum.
5. Look every bit the pro you are
Very early in my career, I got a tongue-lashing from the owner of the moving company I was working for.
My crime? Wearing jeans on the job.
He said I looked like some random guy they just picked up off the street who he gave a t-shirt to wear. And quite frankly, he was right.
You may have made a great impression over the phone. You may have looked sharp when you went to their house to give them an estimate. But when the entire crew shows up on move day, how you look matters. And if this is your crew, investing in uniforms is a big step toward becoming a “real” business. Hey, I know you don’t need a tongue-lashing from me, so I won’t bother with the style details; you know what to do.
Protip: I should also mention that how you talk matters too. Err on the side of politeness first — use “Mr.” and “Ms.” or “sir” and “ma’am” first, and only change if they ask you to call them otherwise.
At the end of the day, just do the job safely and correctly
Impressing your customer with these extra touches might help make them feel generous when everything is on or off the truck, but at the end of the day, how well you do your job remains the biggest factor in scoring a nice tip from your customer. (After all, being super polite won’t negate the fact that half their stuff is damaged.)
Keep in mind there will always be customers who will tip you by buying lunch instead of simply giving you cash. There will also be those who won’t offer you a thing. It’s not the greatest feeling; I’ve been there more times than I care to remember. But that’s part of the job, unfortunately.
But for those customers who are inclined to tip you, and just haven’t decided how much, every little thing you can do to impress and instill confidence will help your crew feel well compensated for their 5-star move.
It’s moving day, and the movers you hired are on the way… you hope?
If you’re ready to go, in between all the scrambling, you’re likely peeking out the window every ten seconds hoping to see your crew’s truck cresting over the horizon.
But ready to go or not, you’re at the mercy of your movers’ arrival time window. (All movers or move shipments typically arrive within a block of time that’s known as your “arrival window.”)
Yet what if your arrival window comes and goes and fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, forty-five minutes pass, and your movers still haven’t shown up?
First, call your movers directly!
If you hired your local movers directly…
You have their number, right? You should call them and check if your crew is on the way, or if they are simply tied up. (If they aren’t answering, keep reading.)
If you hired your movers through HireAHelper…
You still have the option of calling them directly, which if you’ve already been in contact with them leading up to moving day, will seem natural. (And even if you hadn’t been, go for it!)
However, if they aren’t answering or you don’t have their number, just call HireAHelper (1-800-995-5003). They will attempt to contact your movers for however long it takes to get you an updated ETA. And if your movers don’t show up or anything else is wrong, they’ll automatically go through the process of fixing it for you (more on that later).
If you hired your movers through a managed moving service…
If you hired a crew through a full-service moving service like MovingStaffers, MovingPlace, or if you’re using a vintage van line company, there typically is a ton of communication leading up to moving day. Even still, if something isn’t going right, these companies generally have a traditional customer service line that you should use right about now.
Pretty simple, right? Except this is where things can get… interesting.
If your movers STILL don’t arrive within an arrival window…
In my experience as a professional crew leader, there are generally three outcomes that happen if you can’t get ahold of your local moving crew.
Your crew is on their way! If they’re nice, they’ll apologize for being late. They may also offer any of a range of excuses – traffic, truck problems, someone late to work – but, as long as they’re on the way, that’s better than the next outcome.
Your crew “misscheduled” you! They’ll tell you (if they’re honest) that they forgot to put you on their schedule or they misplaced your request. Since their crews are all out on other jobs now, there’s nothing they can do except suggest you call someone else (or refer you back to HireAHelper to automatically begin the process of finding replacements). This is almost as inconvenient as the next outcome.
Your crew ghosted you! They never answer. No-show.Or maybe they do, but they say they don’t know who you are, never heard of you, and you must have called some other moving company. No idea what you’re talking about, sorry! Good luck — “click.”
Now it’s your move (pun intended).
See prices for movers by the hour—instantly.
Read real customer reviews.
Easily book your help online.
What to do if your movers are simply running late…
You may or may not believe the movers’ reasons as to why they’re late, but if they say they are on the way, ask them for a specific ETA. And if they don’t have one, make the person on the other end of the line explain in clear terms what they do know is going to happen and when.
As a former mover and operations manager, I can attest that unforeseen things do happen sometimes. We’re all imperfect human beings, and what we should want as a result is for everyone to know what’s going on.
If a crew really is on the way, whoever you’re speaking to won’t want to lose you, and by extension, lose a job for their workers. Plus, if they have a public-facing profile somewhere, they definitely don’t want a bad review, let alone a “no-show” permanently stamped onto their HireAHelper profile page!
What if I’m coordinating between two or more services?
If you are trying to coordinate your move between your movers and a service such as a moving container company, you need to call the other company’s customer service number ASAP.
Protip: A mover may negotiate a discount with you if things get out of hand, schedule-wise. (Trust me, the nicer you are, the more likely this is.) If you hired your movers through HireAHelper, they may automatically refund you a portion of your bill for the inconvenience, though typically this is a case-by-case scenario.
What to do if your movers are not going to show up…
If you find yourself in a worst-case scenario, it will be tough to put both of your functioning neurons together to come up with a plan. But last-minute mover possibilities do exist.
Call a mover marketplace ASAP!
An interconnected network of local movers is your most time-efficient next step.
Companies like HireAHelper maintain a living list of vetted professional movers, and they know all of their schedules.
Even if you didn’t book your movers through HireAHelper, call them (800-995-5003). They have a process in place for cancellations, mover replacements, and no-shows, and they may be able to find you last-minute movers. (This process is free with or without an order, but there may be different costs and/or policies associated with your new movers, so you may have to weigh the value.)
Otherwise, your best bet is to find a mover the same way you probably did the first time: Google “movers near me” and call every number you can find. Good luck.
It may not be of any use right now, but there are a few key things to make sure of in order to avoid a difficult moving day scenario in the future.
Look up your moving company online ahead of moving day. Especially make sure to look up where their office is physically located, and ideally, find out what their previous customers have said about them through their online reviews.
Create a rapport. In your pre-move interactions, be interested in your movers, both as professionals and as people. Nothing goes further than genuine investment and appreciation of their process, and it definitely will keep your moving day closer to the top of their minds.
Be willing to ask very specific questions. What type of equipment would they be supplying? Is there something you have that you’re worried they might not be able to move? Tell them about it. Make sure you understand the limits of their coverage against damage. The answers you get will tell you a lot, not just about their service but also about them as a company.
After you’ve booked your move, call to confirm a day or two ahead of time. Many, if not all, movers will actually do this themselves; but if something slips through the cracks, that call isn’t going to come, and neither will your movers. Making the call yourself is a good way to double-check everyone is on the same page.
Don’t book movers who aren’t vetted. You can actually look up a mover’s business license if they are driving a vehicle. But simply getting movers who want to uphold their reputation on a network of professional movers like those listed on HireAHelper is a great way to lower the chance of something going wrong.
Rental Trucks and Weigh Stations: Do You Need To Pull Over in a U-Haul?
If you’re planning on moving yourself across state lines with a rental truck, you may be wondering if have to get your U-Haul (or Budget or Penske) weighed when you drive past a weigh station. Weigh stations exist to make sure trucks aren’ttoo heavy for the road surfaces and bridges they are rolling over, and well, that is a case-by-case situation.
Here’s everything you need to know when you’re driving by a weight station.
Do I have to pull into a weigh station with a rental truck?
The answer is: it depends on how much your truck weighs and where you currently are (more below). This may feel like something complex or unusual, but it’s really not.
If you aren’t sure if you need to stop at that weigh station up ahead, go ahead and pull in. If your truck needs to be weighed, they’ll weigh it (for free). And if your truck doesn’t need to be weighed, they’ll just wave you on through. Piece of cake! It usually doesn’t take that long.
“…those weigh station folks know at a glance if a truck needs to stop. If you blow by a weigh station in a big enough truck…you can be chased down and fined, even if your truck is not overweight.”
And trust me, it’s more embarrassing to miss a weigh station than it is to get quickly waved through one.
How are you supposed to know how much your rental truck weighs?
Ideally, before you hit the road, there is one thing you’ll want to know: the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of your truck.
The GVW equals the maximum allowable weight of the truck plus the weight of all your stuff in the back. The GVW should be written somewhere on the side of your truck.
Note that there also exists a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which refers to the maximum weight a truck or trailer can safely carry. (In other words, it’s the GVW minus the weight of the truck.) While most weigh stations are concerned with your truck’s GVW, there are some that enforce their rules around a vehicle’s GVWR.
If this all sounds confusing, just pull in.
How much does my specific Uhaul/Penske/Budget truck weigh?
You’ll typically find the GVW written on the side of your truck, but here are the average numbers for trucks from some popular rental companies. (Your specific truck, depending on make, model, and year, might weigh a little less or a little more than the figure indicated, but it shouldn’t be more than the printed GVW in any way that really matters.)
U-Haul
Truck size (feet) – GVW (weight while empty/max. load allowable in lbs.)
10’ – 8600 lbs. (5,790/2,810)
15’ – 14,500 lbs. (8,115/6,385)
17’ – 14,500 lbs. (8,340/6,160)
20’ – 14,500 lbs. (8,800/5,700)
26’ – 25,999 lbs. (12,990/13,009)
Penske
Truck size (feet) – GVW (weight while empty/max. load allowable in lbs.)
12’ box – 9,900 lbs. (6,800/3,100)
16’ box – 12,500 lbs. (8,200/4,300)
22’ – 26,000 lbs. (14,000/11,999)
26’ – 26,000 lbs. (16,000/10,000)
Budget
Truck size (feet) – (weight while empty/max. load allowable in lbs.)
12’ – 10,050 lbs. (6,440/3,610)
16’ – 12,500 lbs. (8,040/4,460)
26’ – 26,000 lbs. (16,000/10,000)
(You can expect similar estimates for companies like Ryder, Enterprise, and others.)
What are the chances I really need to pull over?
There’s a moderate chance you’ll have to pull over, if only because some states require it.
Some states just make it easy and require any truck over 16,000 lbs. to stop. And several states require all trucks with as little as a GVW over 10,000 pounds to be weighed.
All that said, the smallest U-Haul and Penske trucks barely avoid crossing that specific threshold, even with a maxed-out load limit. Meanwhile, the smallest Budget is just a hair over this limit with a maxed-out load.
Realistically, for states that don’t flat-out enforce it, mandatory stopping in a weigh station doesn’t start coming into play until you get to at least a mid-sized truck with a decent-sized load. (But never just assume!)
Is my stuff really that dangerously heavy on the road?
Your belongings almost certainly won’t make your truck too heavy for the highway, but the truck itself can only safely handle so much stuff. (Trust me, your movers will understand this.) Still, unless you have more books than a library or more dumbbells than Gold’s Gym, you likely won’t have to worry about overloading your U-Haul.
You may, however, see signs showing weight limits for local roads and bridges, so it is a great idea to know at least approximately how much your truck and all your stuff weigh before disaster strikes.
(Protip: Speaking of disasters, keep in mind how tall your truck is too, for the bridges and overpasses you may encounter on those local roads. Personally, I like to put it on a Post-it note by the steering wheel.)
A truck’s size is a reliable indicator of its GVW, and those weigh station folks know at a glance if a truck needs to stop. If you blow by a weigh station in a big enough truck and someone notices, you can be chased down and fined, even if your truck is not overweight.
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Which states force you to pull over and get weighed?
Some states don’t recognize rental moving trucks as commercial vehicles, and thus don’t have weighing requirements for U-Hauls. But again, some do.
Check the rules and laws below for the states you’ll be rolling through. (Scroll or swipe right.) Remember, there’s no need to sweat it! If you aren’t sure, just pull in!
“Because some commercial companies use rental trucks, we ask that you stop at the weigh stations. They will ask what you are carrying and send you on your way,” via AZ DOT
Arkansas
Yes
“If the truck is one ton or larger it must pull through a station in Arkansas. 99% of the time it will be given a green light bypass and will not be required to stop,” via Arkansas Highway Patrol
Only commercial vehicles (“motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property”) over 16,000 lbs. empty weight or over a 26,000 lbs. GVW are required to stop.
Connecticut
No
N/A
Delaware
Yes
“(Only) if you have a hauling permit to travel through DE (are you) not required to stop at weigh stations.”
“All trucks traveling along state-maintained highways are expected to stop at every Weigh Station and Agricultural Inspection Station along the way to their destination.”
Georgia
Yes
“If the vehicle or combination is 10,001 lbs. GVWR or actual gross weight or over, you must pull into all open weight and inspection stations. Signs, lighted arrows, or enforcement personnel will guide you.”
Hawaii
Yes
“All vehicles over 10,000 lbs. are required to report to the weigh station when the station is opened and upon signal,” via Hawaii Motor Carrier Safety
Idaho
No
“If the U-Haul is operating commercially then the answer is yes. If (it’s for) personal use, weigh stations are not required,” via ITP
Illinois
Maybe
“All vehicles weighing 16,000 pounds or more gross weight must stop at any official weighing station,” viawww.ilsos.gov
Indiana
Yes
N/A
Iowa
Yes*
All trucks over 10,000 lbs. GVW
Kansas
Yes
“Kansas law and the weigh station sign instruct all trucks to stop. They are several commercial entities that rent trucks to operate under the law. It is easiest to go through and be waved on than to be chased down and brought back,” via Kansas Transportation Division
Kentucky
Yes*
N/A
Louisiana
No
“(Not) if it’s a personal item move/personal rental.,” via Louisiana State Police
“Even if you are not in commerce, you still must stop at any open weigh station if your vehicle’s GVW or GVWR exceeds 10,000 pounds,” via Maine DOT
Maryland
Yes
“Maryland does require U-Haul trucks (and other rental trucks) to stop at weigh stations when they are open. All Maryland signs at weigh stations simply read, ‘All Vehicles Over 5 Tons Must Stop.’ No type of vehicle specified as long as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Actual Weight, or Combination Weight exceeds 10,000 pounds, you must stop at the weigh stations in Maryland when they are open,” via MdDOT
“A driver or owner of a truck or truck tractor, a truck or truck tractor with other vehicles in combination, or any special mobile equipment who fails to stop at or bypasses any scales or weighing station is responsible for a civil infraction,” via MSP
Minnesota
Yes
”If the rental truck is rated at 10,001 lbs. or greater”
Mississippi
No
N/A
Missouri
Maybe
“All commercial vehicles, except those licensed for 18,000 pounds or less, are required to stop at an official weigh station. Others may be required to stop if directed by a peace officer or commercial vehicle officer/inspector,” via Missouri Dept. of Transportation
Montana
Yes
All trucks must stop at weigh stations
Nebraska
Yes*
Trucks over 10,000 lbs. GVW must stop
Nevada
No
“The state of Nevada does not have ports of entry or official weigh stations.”
New Hampshire
No
Trucks “…not being used in commerce = Do not stop,” via NH State Police
New Jersey
Yes
“If your rental vehicle has a weight of 10,001 lbs. or more in New Jersey, then it must stop at a weigh station,” via NJDOT
New Mexico
No
Only vehicles engaged in commerce are required to stop
New York
No
“(Trucks) not hauling commercial goods (do not need to stop),” via traffictickets.com/newyork
North Carolina
Yes
“Any person operating a vehicle or combination of vehicles having a GVWR of 10,0001 pounds or more…must enter a permanent weigh station or temporary inspection or weigh site as directed by duly erected signs or an electronic transponder for the purpose of being electronically screened for compliance, or weighed, or inspected,” via NCDPS/§ 20-118
North Dakota
Yes
“All vehicles over 10,000 lbs. GVW,” via nd.gov
Ohio
No
Only commercial vehicles are required to stop
Oklahoma
Usually
“At Ports of Entry which are located inbound on I-35 from Kansas and Texas and on I-40 inbound from Arkansas and Texas, trucks are screened for weight, licensing and other requirements on the mainline and trucks must follow directions on the message boards. You may or may not be directed to pull in. At interior weigh stations trucks must stop when the weigh station is open. Those stations are on U.S. 271 north and southbound south of Hugo, U.S.69 southbound south of Durant, I-35 southbound near Davis, I-40 east and westbound at El Reno, I-35 northbound near Tonkawa and at Boise City in the panhandle,” via OCC TR Enforcement
Oregon
No
No stop is required “when a homeowner is moving personal property.”
Pennsylvania
Yes
All trucks must stop
Rhode Island
No
N/A
South Carolina
No, BUT
Department officials can order any truck that appears overweight to be weighed on the nearest scale
South Dakota
Yes
Any truck over 8,000 lbs. GVW
Tennessee
Yes
“Rental trucks are required to stop at weigh stations,” via Tenn. Dept. of Safety & Homeland Security
Texas
No
“Not unless they are involved in a commercial enterprise such as moving property for other people for hire,” via Texas Dept. of Public Safety
Utah
Yes*
N/A
Vermont
Yes
“They require all trucks to stop at the details. If they don’t need you to stop they will wave you on,” VIA Vermont DMV
Virginia
Yes
“Operators of trucks which have a registered gross weight in excess of 7,500 pounds are required by law to drive their vehicles onto scales for weight inspection as directed by either a police officer or regulatory highway signs,” via Virginia Code
You may be asked to pull over and be weighed by an enforcement officer
Wisconsin
Yes
Any truck over four tons must stop. Transportation rule 312.03(2) states, “…the Department chooses not to require operators of trucks having a gross weight of 8,000 pounds or less to stop at open weigh stations unless directed to do so by a traffic officer.”
Wyoming
No
“You aren’t required to stop if you’re driving a U-Haul (or other rental truck) with your own property,” via WyDOT
Stay on the Safe Side
The info above represents the information we were given directly by various state officials or information we researched ourselves. It should be understood, however, that laws can change. And so does technology; many states are developing or have already implemented the use of portable scales, allowing state officials to weigh any vehicle anywhere.
They may weigh your truck. They may just wave you through. Either way, you’ll be on your way, with thoughts only of what lies ahead as you roll on toward your new home.
There was a time when literally the only way to connect to a moving company was to call their landline, leave a message on their answering machine, and wait for a call back. And if your couch didn’t end up fitting in your new house, you just had to deal with it and check it off your inventory list with a literal pencil. This wasn’t even that long ago.
Fortunately, times have changed, and technology has improved the way we find a new home and move into it. Here are seven ways technology has forever changed the moving industry.
1. Tour your new home without having to actually be there
This used to be fantasy, but now it’s almost an expected feature. And it’s getting crazier.
Virtual reality (VR) technology has totally changed the home buying process. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zillow saw a 191% increase in sellers creating 3D home tours. With the help of technologies like 360 and 3D professional photography, people routinely see a home in its entirety before ever setting foot on the property.
360 photography
Matterport setup for home sellers
Virtual tour software platforms like Matterport allow photographers to photograph, tag, and measure properties they want to show off online. A link is generated and uploaded to the listing on the real estate company website, which can be sent to any interested party. This is awesome if you’re a buyer; you can take the time to do a virtual walk-through of the home you are thinking of buying without ever stepping foot inside.
Drone photography and videography
Drone photography and videos have impacted real estate almost as much as any other business. Not only are you able to clearly see a home and yard from any screen in the world, but you can also check out the neighbors’ lawns, roads and even alleys in the surrounding area. This gives a virtual buyer much more context into the neighborhood and surrounding areas when deciding whether or not to make an offer.
AR and VR technology
Augmented reality (AR) and VR use similar technology in very different ways. Where VR uses headsets to give the impression you are somewhere else, AR adds to what you can already see! It can work with the camera and apps on your phone to overlay information literally on top of what you see in front of you (like in Star Trek, though maybe not quite as cool yet).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB3O0WSCP0k
For homebuyers, this means realtors can often facilitate highly realistic virtual walkthroughs of spaces for cross-country buyers. Homes can also be staged using AR to reduce actual staging costs and logistics. In addition, design apps sometimes use VR and AR technology to help you virtually “move in” and decorate your space so you have a plan before your actual move.
2. Scope out everything about a neighborhood from the comfort of home
In our current data-driven and highly social world, there are many ways to research the safety, functionality, and friendliness of an area so you know which neighborhoods are most ideal for your move.
Neighborhood accessibility
With basic apps like Google Maps, you can get real-time data on the roads, restaurants, and shops in your new neighborhood. You can use it to map traffic flow on routes you will need to travel most like to the school for drop off or work. Learn the best routes and the best time of day to travel them to reduce traffic-related headaches — hopefully.
“At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zillow saw a 191% increase in sellers creating 3D home tours.”
Crime statistics
Learn about the safety of your new neighborhood with apps and websites like Citizen and City Protect. City Protect offers police reports, public record requests, and more. Some features of both apps are free. Family Watchdog is a free app that provides publicly available information about sex offenders in your area. (Be warned that there is a fee for detailed reports through the app.)
Neighborhood vibe apps
Believe it or not, there is more to a neighborhood than traffic routes and crime stats! Neighborhood Scout is a subscription-based app that focuses on real estate in a particular area and provides a profile using 600 characteristics.
AreaVibes is an app that has crime stats, but that also provides a big picture of your future neighborhood based on seven main factors: crime rate, amenities, cost of living, education, employment, housing, and user ratings. It then compares that against a national average to give you a composite picture of your potential new neighborhood. It even offers a custom search function that sets it apart from similar apps, which allows users to access the information most relevant to them.
3. The rise of public reviews for professional movers
Consumer reviews have become increasingly more social in recent years with the ubiquity of Facebook, Yelp and others.
Public reviews on HireAHelper.com
Local moving companies have been impacted by this change tremendously. Almost more than any other type of old-school business model, movers used to exist on the strength of personal recommendations; but now that info is available at scale, and with the client in the driver’s seat. One hour of research is enough to skim reviews of 10 or more service providers that could do your move, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Sites like Yelp, Facebook, and HireAHelper shed light on the movers that make moving day actually manageable.
Note: Anyone can leave a review on Yelp or social media, but it’s worth noting that HireAHelper verifies all reviews, meaning that all public reviews are guaranteed to have actually, you know… really happened!
4. Accurate (and free!) moving quotes online, without needing a walk-through
Newer moving companies like HireAHelper and Simple Moving Laborhave streamlined the quote process that your grandparents used to use.
Your inner introvert will be happy to hear you can get free moving quotes entirely online these days. Virtual quoting allows you to enter the basic information of your move online and instantly get moving quotes for free (plus, you even get to read the reviews for each mover).
See prices for movers by the hour—instantly.
Read real customer reviews.
Easily book your help online.
We especially don’t miss the part where you cross your fingers for a quote that doesn’t break the bank after the company is already at your house… who has time to start over at that point?
If you have any doubts or concerns about your quote, HireAHelper can quickly ballpark your moving needs over the phone with just a couple of questions (not a whole freaking tour). On top of that, many movers offer live video chats over Facetime or ZOOM to ensure they have a clear picture of your needs so there are no expensive surprises at the end of your move. (This practice has become far more common since COVID.)
5. Design your new place from your phone
Homestyler
Many buyers spend hours planning where their furniture will go in their new home, as well as what new décor they’ll need to buy to fit into a different (and often bigger) space.
Smartphones have made this step substantially easier, especially for those moving cross-state or cross-country. There are apps like Planner 5D and Homestylerthat allow you to scan a room with your smartphone to save its dimensions and openings. Add in windows with the swipe of your finger, and you have a virtual mockup for your new life.
Not only does this allow movers to skip the tape measure pressure during their inspection, but it also can save precious time and back strain that used to come with arranging and rearranging. Even better, you can access room designs while you’re out and about furniture shopping!
6. Virtual checklists (and “checklist services”)
Virtual moving checklists like Porch’s Home Assistant allow you to ditch your moving to-do list and track all of your pending items in one shareable dashboard, from ordering home insurance to filing your change of address form.
Porch.com’s “Home Assistant” works like a personalized moving checklist service
Not only does this mean no more paper to-do lists that will inevitably get lost, but it also means there are fewer chances for crucial steps to slip through the cracks. (Nobody likes arriving at their new place just to realize that they forgot to get their internet set up.)
7. GPS trackers on moving trucks
GPS technology has been around for a long time, which is why it’s become easier than ever for movers and moving companies to buy inexpensive trackers to avoid losing track of valuables, entire boxes, and even the moving trucks themselves.
For individuals and families booking their own moving truck, a GPS can help ensure a thief can’t run off with your expensive rental and disappear. You can also use more localized Bluetooth technology like Tile to tag boxes that have valuables in them in case they get misplaced within range.
Not to mention, companies now provide more realistic updates for moving companies that are providing long-distance moving services. Can you believe people used to stand around and wait for weeks for their stuff to arrive? Yikes.
What To Do When Your Stuff Gets Lost or Damaged While Moving
After all the stress, money spent, and late nights packing, you’re finally at your new home and ready to unpack and settle in for the last leg of your move. Only, you discover your pricey, one-of-a-kind glass coffee table has been shattered. Or the box filled with family heirlooms is missing. Or while pulling in, the moving truck dings the fence and knocks over your mailbox.
These can be nightmare scenarios, depending on how precious the item is and how expensive it could be to replace. But there are some things you can do once you discover any damage — as well as some things you should try before you move.
If my stuff was broken during a move, what do I do?
Did you hire movers who you suspect damaged or outright broke something? Know that even if money can’t wholly replace the item you lost, there are usually steps you can take to get compensation, both before and immediately after anything gets damaged.
1. Document the damage
For broken or damaged items, the first step is to get plenty of photos.
Those pictures will be very helpful when you file a claim, either with the moving company or with insurance (if you have it). Right after you discover the damage is the best time to do this, but even if some time has passed, any documentation is better than none.
If you’re lucky enough to have any photos of your belongings before the move (which is highly recommended), include those too for a before-and-after. Photos are mandatory for showing exactly what type of damage occurred and the potential cost to repair or replace the item.
My stuff is missing!
But what if after taking stock of everything in your new home, you realize the lamp that’s at the perfect angle for a reading light isn’t there? You’re absolutely sure you packed it, but it’s simply gone.
Obviously, you can’t take photos of something missing. Ideally, if you have one, you should go through your entire moving inventory thoroughly when your movers are finished and still there. Rushing through the process and confirming that everything made it to your destination when that’s not the case will make it much harder to locate a missing item or file a claim.
“…it’s much tougher to deal with moving problems after the fact. Which is why it’s so important to work with a company that’s been pre-vetted.”
If it turns out something truly is missing, your only true recourse is to ask the moving company to track it down. It could have been left behind or delivered to the wrong address. (Ask your old property manager/check your old place too, of course.) Alerting the moving company ASAP is key, since the more time that passes, the higher the chance of it getting lost for good.
(If this isn’t an accident and you think there’s been a crime, read about what to do.)
2. File a claim
Once you’ve taken stock of what’s damaged or missing, it’s time to inform the moving company of what happened.
Below is the contact information for a number of national moving companies and where you should file a claim for your lost or broken items.
How To File a Claim With National Moving Companies:
Allied Van Lines: Fill out their online claim form. You can also e-mail claimstrace@alliedvan.com or call (800) 470-2851 to discuss a missing item or coverage prior to filing a claim
Arpin Van Lines: If you need information or help filing a claim, call (855) 405-9293 and dial option 3 to speak to a claims representative or email claims@wvlcorp.com. You can also file a claim online
Atlas: You can file a claim directly through the Atlas® Customer Portal. If you need help, call (800) 638-9797 (ext. 2846# or 2850#)
Mayflower: Most claims can be submitted online. However, if your move took place within the state of Texas, call (800) 325-9970 to get the appropriate form
Moving Help (U-Haul): You can contact them or fill out an Issue Resolution request online. You’re also able to file a claim directly under the subcategory “Safeload”
North American Van Lines: File a claim online, or call (800) 348-3746 or email claims@navl.com for help. Note that intra-Texas moves use a separate claims form and it must be filed within 90 days of delivery
U-Pack: Email moving@upack.com with your name and reference number, and they’ll send you a claim form to complete and submit
United Van Lines: Most claims can be filed online. For intra-Texas moves, call (800) 325-9970 for assistance
Unfortunately, there is no formal process for damages caused by a local moving company that you hire directly. That said, many local moving companies will offer to help or partially pay for damages, but it’s entirely up to them to work with their customers on a case-by-case basis.
However, if you hire a local moving company through an online mover marketplace like HireAHelper, you will be covered in all instances of damages. HireAHelper automatically steps in to mediate and get your money back.
HireAHelper: You can call (800) 995-5003, or email customer-support@hireahelper.com. They are available seven days a week, so you should always be able to get ahold of somebody to help.
3. File a third-party complaint (maybe)
If you submitted a claim but the moving company is not responding, or you feel that they’re not taking enough responsibility, you should file a complaint with a third-party organization.
The first organization to contact is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). You can file a complaint online for issues such as lost or damaged items, issues with the company’s license or insurance, overcharges and more.
Once you file a complaint, the movers have 30 days to acknowledge it, plus another 120 days to dispute or resolve it. (Not ideal, but it’s something.)
See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.
Read real customer reviews.
Easily book your help online.
You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. After filing your complaint, the BBB processes it within two business days. The business then has 14 days to respond from the date you filed. Complaints are usually closed within 30 days. However, if the business fails to respond, it can negatively impact its BBB rating.
If you think something was actually stolen or intentionally damaged, you should contact your local police department and file a report.
4. You can also seek arbitration from the government
Another option you have if a claim isn’t being handled properly is arbitration. It’s a form of dispute resolution that allows everyone to avoid going to court. Interstate movers are required to participate in an arbitration program, such as the one offered by the FMCSA. (Click here to get started.)
What about moving insurance?
If you’re worried about any possessions being damaged, but you haven’t even hired movers yet, insurance is a possibility. Unfortunately, for reasons all too familiar, you probably won’t be able to rely on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for items lost or damaged while moving. But you’re not necessarily out of luck.
Hired movers are generally responsible for the items they’re transporting. However, if you move across state lines, all moving companies are federally required (that means in every single state) to offer two insurance options:
Full value protection: This means the moving company is responsible for covering the total replacement value of any possessions that are lost or damaged. They can opt to repair or replace the damaged item, or give you cash. This is the most comprehensive coverage, which means it’s also the most expensive.
Released value protection: It’s free… but you get what you pay for. It provides up to $0.60 per pound of an item that’s lost or damaged. So if your 40 lb. flat-screen TV worth $1,000 gets cracked, the most you would be compensated is about $24.
Third-party liability insurance: Some movers may offer this separately. It costs extra but will cover any damages beyond the released value coverage, up to the policy’s limits.
Hiring movers directly means you’re responsible for most of this research and decision-making. But companies such as HireAHelper that curate and help you find the best movers also help you with all the moving insurance stuff.
See prices for movers by the hour—instantly.
Read real customer reviews.
Easily book your help online.
On top of full value protection, HireAHelper automatically offers a $1,000 Safety Guarantee with every order for free, with plenty of other options to upgrade. After curating thousands and thousands of moves, HireAHelper knows everything about what can go wrong and how to fix it. It’s much easier to work with a company that knows the ins and outs of claims and insurance and has a vested interest in your satisfaction, rather than muddling through things on your own.
Again, if you have no insurance, you should still be able to receive some kind of compensation, as long as you’re working with a licensed and reputable moving company. (It’s important to check before hiring anyone!)
What happens after filing a claim with the insurance company?
In many cases, you have up to nine months to file a claim with the company. But again, the faster you file, the sooner you’ll resolve the issue.
After you file the claim (usually this is done online but possibly over the phone):
The company will respond to acknowledge they received it (generally within 30 days)
They will investigate the situation and eventually either offer compensation or deny the claim
Keep in mind there are some situations when the insurance company isn’t responsible for covering your damages. For example, if you choose to pack your own items yourself and something breaks, that’s typically on you, not the movers. The same is true if you pack anything that’s perishable, hazardous, or highly valuable without notifying the movers. Damage from natural disasters is also usually not covered.
Hiring Reputable Movers Is Important
You might assume that if you hire a professional moving company, they have all the necessary processes in place to handle damages. But the truth is a lot of local moving companies don’t actually have insurance or customer service in a traditional sense. And scarily enough, in some cases, you could be dealing with a moving scam. (Click here to learn more if you think you’re being scammed.)
Of course, it’s much tougher to deal with moving problems after the fact. This is why it’s so important to work with a company that’s been pre-vetted. And that’s exactly why HireAHelper exists — we built a national database of reputable movers who not only pass our strict requirements to be listed, but also get publically rated by verfied customers to hold them accountable.
If you have a home gym and are planning to move soon, you may be wondering what the best way is to make sure all that heavy, expensive equipment makes it to your new place in one piece — preferably without breaking any of your other stuff.
As a person who’s moved a home gym myself, I’ll go over how I organized, cleaned, and packed my gym for a move, plus give some advice on how to create the optimal space for your home gym at your new destination.
How To Pack Up and Move Home Gym Equipment
You may be wondering where to start when it comes to preparing, packing, and loading all of your home gym equipment. Well… it actually all starts with a pencil!
The five steps below will outline everything you need to make sure transporting your equipment goes as smoothly as your resistance training routine.
1. Take stock of your equipment (write it down!)
You should start any move of your gym by taking stock of your equipment.
Set all your stuff up in front of you, big or small, as though you plan to use every piece of it in a single day.
While it’s in front of you, take a measurement of how much space it takes up; you will need to arrange it in your new room, after all. (Here is when you should also note any pieces that have been gathering dust because you hardly use them.)
“…Google exercise equipment consignment businesses in your area to quickly sell big pieces, such as stationary bikes, treadmills and gym sets.”
Your next step will be to separate your equipment into two simple piles:
Stuff you simply cannot do without
Equipment you barely use or never use
Consider each piece and ask yourself how many times you’ve used it over the past month, or whether it’s worth the effort to clean, pack, lift, load, unpack, and set up again. If you don’t need it and love it, put it in the “get rid of” pile. Trust me, you want the smallest load possible if you want to save any money on your move.
2. Sell, donate, or toss unwanted equipment
If you want a little extra cash to offset those moving expenses (which includes how heavy your load is, aka how much mileage your U-Haul truck gets), Google exercise equipment consignment businesses in your area to quickly sell big pieces, such as stationary bikes, treadmills and gym sets.
Online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook can also be an efficient way to sell unused gym equipment if you have the time and know-how.
See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.
If selling isn’t up your alley, consider just donating it! Check your local charities/Goodwills to see if they could use any of your gently used gym equipment for their programs.
You definitely should throw out anything damaged and unusable. Check with your local recycling depot or landfill to see if they will take electronic equipment like treadmills and rowing machines.
3. Properly clean and sanitize so you don’t bring smells with you
The next step is to clean and sanitize your home gym equipment properly.
Bacteria can cover gym equipment, and even if it doesn’t make you physically ill, it can cause skin irritation and bad odors if not sanitized. Don’t bring that to your new place.
Use speciality wipes for your gym equipment
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as some materials are very sensitive to harsh chemicals and can degrade. Remember that vinegar and bleach can damage rubber mats, resistance bands, and rubber parts like o-rings.
You can clean most of your equipment with a solution of warm water and a small amount of mild soap like Dawn Dishsoap or commercially available gym wipes like Wipex that are available on Amazon. Be very careful around computer equipment, like the digital displays on a Peloton Bike.
“Remember that vinegar and bleach can damage rubber mats, resistance bands, and rubber parts, like o-rings.”
Let everything dry completely before packing it up to prevent moisture damage, mold or mildew.
4. Pack gym equipment safely and securely (try stretch wrap)
Once everything is cleaned and dried, it’s time to pack!
Use painter’s tape to label what each item is and where it will go when unpacked. Painter’s tape is less likely to leave a sticky residue compared to duct or masking tape.
Zip-tie any loose cords so they are not tripping hazards while loaded. If you need to actually disassemble any equipment, keep all the parts together in a sandwich bag, and don’t forget to label that as well. If necessary, movers can also help with disassembly and/or reassembly.
For large equipment, use stretch wrap to immobilize moving parts like pedals or handles. This prevents any of your other possessions from getting caught and broken in between the part and the machine.
5. Load your equipment toward the back of your truck
If you don’t have a full-service move booked, then loading your equipment is all on you.
You need to ensure everything is secured so it doesn’t shift during transit. Packing your heavier and bigger items into a moving truck first ensures they don’t damage your other belongings. Your heaviest items should be at the front of the truck, near the driver’s cab, for optimal weight distribution. This will keep you safe on the road and improve gas mileage.
If you’re not keen on wrestling with your rowing machine, movers are pros at making sure your truck is loaded efficiently and securely. Hiring professionals to assist with this part might be a good idea if you’re nervous like I am.
Unloading and Re-installing Your Home Gym
You’ve gone through all your equipment, purged what you aren’t keeping, cleaned, and packed up the rest. Now it’s time to unload and set up your new space.
Here are some important things to consider before you carry the first dumbbell off the truck.
You may already have an idea of where you want your home gym to be in your new space. But it’s important to consider the constraints of the new room by its type of flooring.
Thick carpeting can make weight lifting dangerous if it’s too soft, while bare concrete can increase the impact on sensitive joints. Other materials might be damaged by particularly heavy equipment or repeated impacts. In all cases, inexpensive gym flooring can make whatever you have to work with more ideal for your workout. You don’t want to go through all this work just to mess up your body and your floor!
2. Don’t forget to take measurements (including space for movement)
Before you unload, make sure you have measured the space you plan on using to be certain it will accommodate your home gym equipment. There’s nothing worse than spending energy hauling your treadmill to the basement just to find out it won’t fit!
A good old-fashioned measuring tape is all you need for this step. However, if you’re organizing more than one big piece of equipment, or you have many pieces of smaller equipment, downloading a design app lets you virtually place items in a size-accurate mockup of your new space before you even get your stuff there.
“…thick carpeting can make weight lifting dangerous if it’s too soft, while bare concrete can increase the impact on sensitive joints.”
Keep in mind a workout space isn’t just what will fit, but also what you’ll be doing. If your workouts usually involve a lot of arm or leg movements, like aerobics or jump rope, make sure you add that into your calculations. You don’t want to smack a weight against a wall and cause a dent in your brand new place, after all!
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3. Clean the space before you get there
Don’t wait until there are hundreds of pounds of an exercise bike and squat rack in the way; clean the flooring first because this will be your best chance to vacuum and scrub every corner.
If you’re installing heavy equipment, prevent floor damage by using those aforementioned heavy equipment mats.
If you’re moving your equipment into a garage or basement, plan ahead for or prevent any moisture or debris so your workout space doesn’t get damaged, especially in the spring and winter.
Bonus: How To Make a Gym Out of Anything
Maybe you moved to a new home where you have less or more space than your previous one. Maybe you’re looking to use your space as a chance to redecorate.
Whatever the reason, I found there are secret ways to creatively — and safely — store all of your equipment without making your new space look like it’s accepting gym membership applications.
Peg walls (or peg boards) are great for hanging lightweight barbells, resistance bands and ropes, jump ropes, yoga equipment, towels, and more. Keep in mind these are not ideal options for storing heavy-weight plates or kettlebells. (Heavy stuff like weights can be stored on a more traditional rolling storage rack, which I recommend so you can move it out of the way when you need to use your space for another purpose.)
Cubbies can store a lot of your heavier equipment that needs to be close to the ground and out of major walking paths. Cubby-style storage can sneakily be a part of your couch or bed frame, or you can even get a cube-style bookcase that alternates between books and equipment (so stylish!).
halfstreetshop.com
Built Closet Shelves
Closet shelves that you build are a natural choice for storing equipment. Installing wire racks or closet organizers can keep chaos at bay, but be sure to put your heavy equipment on the floor or lowest shelves.
Building a space specifically for weights and other gym items is what you need to do in order to prevent your regular shelves from breaking. This also helps prevent you from getting injured because you were forced to put a heavy weight up on a high shelf. (This is not how you want to get your reps in!)
Entertainment centers, like bookshelves, can double as workout storage if you’re exercising in a living room or bonus room. Opting for a larger entertainment center with closet door features can help get equipment out of sight so you can comfortably use the space for entertaining. Plus, it just looks cool.
It might feel like getting home gym from one place to another is a workout all by itself, but it’s really no sweat! Just make sure your new space is good to go, you clean and secure the equipment you’re taking with you, and that you load it properly into your moving vehicle.
And if all of this stuff still seems like the wrong kind of exercise, keep in mind hiring hourly movers to disassemble, reassemble, and properly move heavy machinery is always an option!
We’ve all seen it: that $19.95 per day deal that’s advertised on the side of seemingly every U-Haul truck and van across the country. And that price looks mighty nice.
But just like renting a truck is only one small part of your move, that $19.95 U-Haul rate is likely to end up being just a fraction of your final bill. We know, because we went out to rent a U-Haul with one question in mind: how much does a U-Haul really cost?
After trying to rent a truck on their website, we found out the $19.95 price point refers to local moves only, not a “one-way” move, where you drop off at a different location – aka a long-distance move. (More on those prices later.)
The famous $19.95 price point is also exclusive to any one of their three smallest options:
8’U-Haul pickup truck
9’U-Haul cargo van
10’ U-Haul Rental truck (what we rented)
UHaul.com
“To get your actual U-Haul cost, you need to add up all of their other fees that come with renting a U-Haul.”
And most importantly, the $19.95 only accounts for U-Haul’s “rental truck fee”. (And while this price is consistent for local moves, mileage rate and taxes can vary based on location.)
Here are the U-Haul fees that make up one (1) U-Haul bill
Rental truck fee ($19.95/day — subject to availability)
Mileage fee: rate varies by regional location/distance driven (Doesn’t apply to trailers)
How much did it cost for us to rent a U-Haul for a day?
Our final cost was $52.40 for the most bare-bones rental imaginable.
Below we break down how U-Haul gets their prices, what else we could have bought instead, as well as what we had to do to get our quotes.
How much do the bigger U-Haul trucks cost?
UHaul.com
It’s not possible to pinpoint the exact cost of a specific truck size because mileage and tax rates vary, but local U-Haul truck costs are consistent everywhere. There aresites that ballpark individual truck size costs, but if you want an estimate based on user-reported, real-time prices for U-Haul moves, click on the graph below.
Yes, you can (usually) extend your rental at the same daily rate if you need it longer than 24 hours (for a local move). All we had to do was call before the truck was due back and ask the store for an extension.
There’s also no limit to the number of days we could extend our rental. The only exception would be if our truck was reserved for the days we wanted. That’s why it’s best to extend your rental when you make your original reservation. Otherwise, you have to return your truck and get a new rental truck that isn’t reserved for the additional days you want.
If you wanted to extend your rental to multiple days and there were no rental trucks available, U-Haul would likely sell you on one of their moving containers as an alternative, if those are available in your area.
“Paying for a U-Haul in cash? We were told cash customers need to put down a $100 deposit or the estimated rental charges, whichever is more. (Yes, seriously.) This would eventually be reimbursed – minus our total cost – upon return of the vehicle.”
For long-distance moves, depending on the distance, U-Haul assigns a minimum number of days with your truck. This might just be a single day for a shorter distance like 150 miles or less. We asked and yes, you can add days to your long-distance rental — but only with advance coordination with your local U-Haul store, and only as long as your truck is still available.
Beware: U-Haul tacks on an ADDITIONAL $40 fee to every day you keep your truck after five days.
Here are the daily U-Haul rates for adding days to a U-Haul long-distance truck rental:
U-Haul trucks – $40 per day
U-Haul trailers – $20 per day
U-Haul towing devices – $20 per day
By the way, there are no discounts for returning the moving truck earlier than the minimum assigned number of days, but you still can return it earlier. Virtually the only advantages would be that it would reduce the likelihood of anything happening to the truck while in your care, and to get it off your to-do list.
Trailers and Hitches 101: How exactly does renting a U-Haul cargo trailer work?
We didn’t rent a cargo trailer with our truck, but we got all the info straight from U-Haul.
There are three types of trailers U-Haul offers:
Cargo
Utility
Car carrier (Available only at some locations)
For smaller loads or something super fragile (or heck, even quarantined), U-Haul offers trailers that hitch to cars and trucks, pending location availability. U-Haul likes to say they’re perfect for moving a dorm room.
Like their trucks, U-Haul advertises these as being as cheap as $14.95 (not including tax), and just like the trucks, that quote is only for the smallest versions of them AND only if you’re moving locally. There’s no limit to the number of days you can keep them, as long as availability permits. You generally get five days to use a U-Haul trailer for long-distance moves. Your quote will be based on your start and end locations.
Here’s $25 Off Movers
All trailers are subject to regular U-Haul fees (minus gas and mileage) and – most importantly – come with an installation fee if you don’t have the proper hitch.
How much does it cost to get a U-Haul hitch installed on my vehicle?
All types of U-Haul trailers require a proper hitch and lighting to hook to your vehicle.
You can use your own hitch if it’s compatible – a Class 2 or Class 3 with a 2-inch hitch ball (a Class 1 is kinda like a bike rack hitch, in case you’re curious). If you don’t have a proper hitch, you must have one installed. You can either get that done on your own, or make an appointment to have U-Haul install a hitch for a fee roughly around $100 or greater.
But note that U-Haul won’t install third-party hitches. Of course, trailer hitches and installation is an additional fee to your U-Haul rental bill.
For the heck of it, we asked U-Haul how much it would cost to get one of our cars modded for towing a trailer, and for pieces and installation. Wewere quoted $509.07 online to mod my incredible 2014 Kia Soul.
Hitch: $149.95
Hitch lifetime warranty: $5
Ball mount $24.95
Hitch ball $12.95
Pine & clip: $2.95
Wiring: $89.95
2-year wiring service plan: $10
Installation fee: $180
Taxes: $33.32
Total after taxes: $509.07
The U-Haul rep I spoke with about hitches told me that the cost of installation depends on the complexity of the installation. Installation tends to be cheaper on older cars because the electrical wiring is simpler than with more expensive, newer cars.
(Fun fact: we were actually quoted a better price over the phone – $458.80 – so you may want to give U-Haul a call, as well as run an online quote for the hitch.)
Either way, this isn’t exactly a steal, given that doesn’t even include the rental. But at least you’ll be good to go for the future. You will be buying all the pieces you need, but expect to get up-charged versus if you found the pieces elsewhere.
Let it be known that technically, you can actually rent a trailer for your U-Haul truck rental (which already has a hitch and lighting hook up on it) if for whatever reason you needed a little additional space.
What’s the difference between the three different U-Haul trailers?
There are actually three different kinds of trailers you can typically rent. (Note: there might be more at an official U-Haul dealership.)
U-Haul cargo trailers officially come in three different sizes and come with a built-in, lockable latch, so they’re secure.
UHaul.com
None of them generally come built with the U-Haul “EZ Ramp,” so prepare for that.
How much does a U-Haul Cargo Trailer cost?
For local moves, U-Haul trailer rentals generally cost as little as $14.95 before fees, and as much as $29.95 for the biggest size, after fees.
Without any hitch installation and for single-day use, the smallest cargo trailer (4’x8′) with no ramp was quoted to us at exactly $14.95, before taxes or miscellaneous fees. For their biggest cargo trailer (6’x12′), it was $29.95 under the same stipulations.
For a long-distance move, that quote goes out the window. Our quote from Florida to Texas for the smallest trailer (4′x8′), minus the taxes and miscellaneous fees and for up to seven days, was $114.00 plus tax. And the largest cargo trailer (6′x12′) was $257.00 plus tax! This is exactly how your U-Haul price can skyrocket fast.
Don’t forget the hitch installation charges if you need it, which adds another couple hundred, at minimum, depending on the year/make/model of your car.
U-Haul Utility Trailers
UHaul.com
Utility trailers are needed when you have to transport something tall or oddly shaped. So when you move your arcade cabinet (okay, probably a refrigerator), you can strap it to this and haul it behind your vehicle.
UHaul.com
Bring your own ramp, though, because only the 5′ x 9′ and 6′ x 12′ utility trailers come with U-Haul’s fold-out “EZ ramps”. (Careful, they rent a 6′ x 12′ trailer without a ramp, too.)
How much does a U-Haul Utility Trailer cost?
You may see this sticker inside your U-Haul
For local moves, prices generally begin at $14.95 and go up to $34.95 for the biggest size. The daily local rates don’t vary.
We were only able to get a quote for a long-distance move for a 5′ x 9′ Utility Trailer because it turns out the 4′ x7′, 5′ x 8′, and 6′ x12′ Utility Trailers are only available for local and roundtrip moves. Our quote was $153 plus the rental fee and taxes for five (5) days from Clearwater, FL to Arlington, TX. (Keep in mind this doesn’t include optional damage coverage or if you need to have a hitch installed.)
You can expect both larger and smaller utility trailers to scale roughly the same in cost as U-Haul Cargo Trailers.
Finally, if you need to tow a vehicle and aren’t looking to ship your car, check U-Haul’s car towing site, and maybe also call ahead to see if the U-Haul near you has any car and motorcycle trailers available.
UHaul.com
This type of move can definitely save you some cash compared to normal car shipping, but keep in mind that do-it-yourself car transport is not for moving rookies and requires a lot of time and some skill.
How much does a U-Haul Vehicle Trailer cost?
For our local move, U-Haul trailer rental rates for a tow dolly for a front-wheel drive vehicle started at $44.95/day and an auto transport trailer started at $54.95/day.
To get an idea for a hypothetical long-distance move, we came prepared with two faraway ZIP Codes. Before fees, our quote from Florida to Texas was quoted as $80 for a tow dolly and $222 for an auto transport trailer for 5 days. We thought this was pretty cheap, as long as you’re up for driving it yourself.
“…(W)e had to reproduce the same or another form of payment in person, regardless of what we used online to reserve it. Makes sense, but it might be a stumbling block for some people.”
Keep in mind that hitch installation, taxes and other fees are not included in this quote, which as you can see, can add hundreds more to this cost.
Oh, by the way, the rep told us U-Haul won’t let you rent any trailer of any kind if your vehicle doesn’t have a hardtop, SUV and Jeep included. They also strongly recommend you not exceed 55mph with any of this stuff attached to your vehicle.
How much do U-Haul U-Box containers cost?
UHaul.com
We also didn’t actually rent a storage container but were told they are available for long-distance moves. Here was our quote, though:
My U-Box Container Quote for Clearwater, FL to Arlington, TX
U-Box Container that fits about 1.5 rooms (+1-month use): $99.95 2-dozen furniture pads: FREE Gentle ride shipping (guaranteed delivery 13 days after pickup): $1,242 One-way transit fuel cost: FREE Truck delivery: $115 Subtotal (before taxes): $1,456.95
For a complete breakdown on all U-Box moving container costs before you make your U-Haul U-Box reservation, check out the Moving101 U-Box page.
How U-Haul Mileage and Gas Fees Work
How much does U-Haul charge for mileage?
In general, the price per mile is region-specific. Mileage rates are also higher for local moves.
For a rental truck:
Our quote was $1.09/mile for Los Angeles on a Wednesday. On a Saturday, the quote we got was $1.39/mile.
In the Midwest, it’s more common to find price points of $0.79 (for a truck) or $0.69 (for a van or pick-up) per mile on a weekday. On a Saturday, we found these rates were $1.49/mile and $0.99/mile, respectively.
Meanwhile, the mileage rate for either U-Haul rental pick-up trucks or U-Haul vans are typically $0.69–$0.79/mile on a weekday and $0.79–$0.99/mile on a Saturday.
We drove the U-Haul all of eight miles from and back to the U-Haul store to take pictures. For this, we were charged $0.99/mile, for a total of $7.92.
Imagine, now, how much your mileage fee will stack if you drive your rental 20, 50, maybe even 100 or more miles to and from the rental location? That’s why some call it “consumer-unfriendly“. Let’s hope there are U-Haul coupons out there somewhere.
“If returned with less than 1/4 tank, I agree to pay a $30.00 service fee.”
-U-Haul customer agreement receipt
What are the mileage rates for a long-distance/one-way U-Haul rental?
If you’re moving long-distance, a certain number of miles is accounted for and rolled into your final rate. There are technically no mileage limits, but if you drive more than this number, you’ll be charged $0.40/mile, which seems to be consistent for long-distance rentals regardless of location.
Remember, a one-way/long-distance to U-Haul simply means dropping it off at a different location than the one you rented it from. Technically, this could mean as near as a town over. Keep this in mind when typing in “U-Haul near me” into Google… just return it to where you got it.
Also, mileage is cheaper for long-distance moves, but other fees are way, way more expensive, so make sure you stick to local (in-town) rates, if possible.
Do U-Hauls have unlimited miles?
With U-Haul, there’s no limit to the number of miles you are allowed to drive.
But remember, for local, in-town rentals, miles are never included in the rate – you’re charged per mile. For long-distance moves, you’ll be charged $0.40/mile for anything beyond the expected mileage that U-Haul declares is necessary for your move.
If you do need to put on some extra miles, you’re better off looking at Penske or Budget. This area is where the $19.95 price promise really falls apart, unless you’re moving something across the street from your U-Haul store.
How do U-Haul gas fees work?
Simply put, you will pay for any gas you use. You gotta bring it back with at least as much gas as it started with.
The U-Haul clerk marked down the exact mileage and gave us their daily rate for gasoline. We had the choice of filling up what we used ourselves out in the wild, or paying U-Haul $6.25 a gallon (!) to do it for us after we returned it as a “convenience fee.”
And heed this warning straight from our receipt: “If returned with less than 1/4 tank, I agree to pay a $30.00 service fee.”
U-Haul mileage gauge
We spoke with a U-Haul rep who told us there’s no universal rule at U-Haul for this convenience fee, so this may be location-specific. (Oh, and in case you were wondering, U-Haul usually won’t reimburse you if you return the truck with more gas than you had to start with, so easy does it at the gas pump.)
A 10′ U-Haul truck should get in the neighborhood of about 7–10 mpg, although this can vary depending on what size truck you rent. The 15′ trucks and bigger are equipped with a fuel economy meter on the dashboard that shows you whether or not you’re getting the “Best MPG” in real-time. Our 10-footer had one too.
Protip:Normally, U-Haul is supposed to give you a truck with a full tank, but the tank can have less than this, and you’re only required to replace the gas you use. (We were given a truck with 5/16 of a tank of gas.) Make sure your truck’s tank is full when you take it off the lot. And by full, we mean full! (The fuel tank capacity for the 10′ truck is 33 gallons according to the equipment contract.)
When you pick up your truck, your U-Haul rep might think “full” means the needle on the gas gauge is more or less at full. But when you drop it off, that same rep will likely insist it isn’t full if there isn’t gas splashing out from under the gas cap.
U-Haul Insurance and Movers 101
What are my U-Haul insurance options?
U-Haul has two (2) main kinds of insurance. They’re called SafeMove and SafeMove Plus. Just like everything else, the added cost varies depending on whether you’re move is local or long-distance.
Keep in mind that absolutely no U-Haul insurance covers damages due to “…improper packing, normal shifting of cargo in transit or theft of cargo“. When in doubt, U-Haul will probably win out.
Here are the differences between their two insurances.
SafeMove
SafeMove is basically coverage for if someone hits your truck. It gives you:
Damage waiver: Covers most accident damage to the rental equipment (doesn’t include collision with an overhead object)
Cargo protection: For loss or damage to the stuff in the vehicle (cargo)
Medical/life protection: Life coverage for the people in the cab of a U-Haul rental truck
You’ll have to look to your own insurance if you hit someone else, or get Safemove Plus, which covers you against damage done to another vehicle. And your stuff inside is only covered if you get hit, there’s a fire, a windstorm, or if your truck literally overturns.
“There are no formal military, senior, or student discounts at U-Haul. However, it’s up to the discretion of the U-Haul store you’re renting at if they offer it for asking.”
SafeMove Plus
SafeMove Plus is basically the coverage for if you were to cause an accident:
Coverage for accidental damage of any kind
Limited coverage for the stuff in the vehicle (cargo coverage)
Life coverage for the people in the vehicle
Supplemental liability coverage
It covers overhead damage, like the kind you see on YouTube where people slam their trucks into low clearances, as well as tire protection. (You know, the two most likely things to go wrong if anything were to go wrong.) And as a “safeguard” to your personal insurance, if you were to cause an accident or mess up their equipment somehow, this covers up the first million dollars (literally) of losses.
For our tiny little “move,” we were scared by U-Haul customer service into picking up U-Haul’s regular SafeMove coverage for $14. SafeMove Plus would have cost us $28.
Do I have to buy insurance with my U-Haul?
No, you don’t have to buy insurance of any kind to rent a U-Haul.
Here’s the thing though. While you’re statistically in the clear, U-Haul’s policies are perfectly crafted to screw you if absolutely anything were to go wrong.
Your personal auto insurance policy most likely does not cover damages to rental trucks
Your credit card likely does not cover any damages to rental trucks
You are responsible for damages even if it’s not your fault, including things like vandalism
Some stores told us you have to pay U-Haul the exact moment you return the vehicle for any and all damages, while others told us it goes through insurance — so, uh, probably ask
Keep in mind that U-Haul only offers SafeMove for their rental trucks. Pickup trucks and vans have their own type of insurance they call Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).
“The difference between a move that takes you all day, breaks your back and your friendships, and keeps your stuff out of the hands of amateurs could be as little as $200 … Movers may be the most value you can get from any single add-on.”
U-Haul also offers SafeTrip for $5 extra per day, which means if you need roadside assistance they’ll send someone out to help. Kind of sad that you have to pay extra for this, but the option is there.
Bonus Insurance: SafeTow
SafeTow is U-Haul’s coverage for trailers, tow dollies, and auto transports. It’s available at different coverage levels from $8 per day up to $16 per day. Here’s what it covers:
Damage to the rental trailer or towing device
Damage to your cargo or vehicle while being transported with a U-Haul rental trailer, auto transport or tow dolly
Medical and life protection for you in case of an accident (passengers are covered only if they’re riding in the passenger area)
Damages and cleaning fees
Also, if you leave some kind of a noticeable mess, they will charge you up to $25. Maybe don’t eat while you drive … or transport hay.
U-Haul Equipment
We didn’t rent any equipment or buy any boxes or supplies, but we definitely had the option!
U-Haul stores give you a wide range of boxes and equipment to choose from online, and in person.
Sure, it’s possible to move without renting (or buying) any special equipment. But even if you hire a crew of movers to come in with all their hand trucks and dollies to load (and unload) your truck, you’ll at minimum still need your own blankets to protect your belongings.
Here’s how much the stuff cost for us.
Average* U-Haul equipment purchase prices:
Padlock: $4.95 to $16.96 (Best value is a 4-pack for $10) unless you want to get really fancy with a $49.95 braided steel cable lock
Stretch wrap: $9.49
Boxes: $1.09 to $16.95 per box (Wide varieties available)
Tie Down Rope: $3.95
Straps: $9.95 to $15.95
Roll of packing tape: $3.95
Furniture dolly: $19.95
Hand dolly: $75.75 online (but a different model was on sale in the store for $49.95)
Furniture pads: $7.95 each
Keep in mind that you can rent some equipment versus buying it. U-Haul has furniture pads for $5 per half dozen, as well as furniture dollies ($7 for local and $12 for one-way/long-distance moves) and appliance dollies ($10 for local and $15 for one-way/long-distance moves).
*These prices came from U-Haul’s website and may vary by location. You may want to check your local store first before buying online in case their prices are cheaper.
How much does moving labor cost?
When you go to a U-Haul shop, it’s likely they’ll try and sell you on movers. Even the inside of their trucks have advertisements for moving labor all over them.
How much are U-Haul movers? Movers prices will vary dramatically, depending on the number of hours booked, how many movers you book, whether they are doing a load, unload, or both, and how soon you need them. U-Haul’s rate is for two helpers, and there’s a two-hour minimum per location (your starting point and end point). But if both locations are near each other, you may be able to combine the loading and unloading at both locations into one two-hour block.
Moving equipment can sometimes add up to cost almost as much as local movers!
The way U-Haul’s movers work is that they have a network of local move helpers that sign up to receive job requests via their marketplace. But unlike HireAHelper’s $1,000 guarantee if anything goes wrong or gets broken during a mover, with U-Haul you’re mostly taking your chances. They’ll connect you with movers, but it’s beetween you and them after that.
We found this part of their terms a little unsettling:
“Furthermore, the Moving Help request and its acceptance and if applicable, any resulting provision of Services, are solely between You and the Moving Helper. Therefore, when and where there are any claims, demands, liabilities, damages or losses incurred as a result of the same, You, your heirs, successors and assigns, do hereby waive and release Us (Our officers, directors, agents, parent, subsidiaries, affiliated companies and employees) from any such claims, demands, liabilities, damages or losses.
You acknowledge and agree that both You and the Moving Helper each have the right to pursue a claim against one another in a Court of competent jurisdiction or in another similar forum of dispute resolution.”
This, compared to cheap movers through HireAHelper, which provides some insurance for free (and $1,000 service guarantee if anything goes wrong), plus additional insurance starting at $12.
And in case you were wondering, for us to add movers to our made-up, on-the-spot move, U-Haul quoted us $312.
Are movers actually worth it?
The difference between a move that takes you all day, breaks your back and your friendships, and keeps your stuff out of the hands of amateurs could be as little as $200, depending on how much stuff you have. Movers may be the most value you can get from any single add-on.
Other Factors That Affect Your U-Haul Cost
What actually happens at the U-Haul store after you reserve online or over the phone
Here is the reservation text you get after you reserve a vehicle
We went online and used a credit card to book a 10′ rental truck, and we thought the booking was all paid up. But it wasn’t — our card was just used to make the reservation.
While our vehicle was reserved online (thank goodness), we had to reproduce the same or another form of payment in person (cash was acceptable as well), regardless of what we used online to reserve it. Makes sense, but might be a stumbling block for some people.
After that, U-Haul put a hold on our bank account upfront for all the estimated costs (rental fee, environmental fee, tax, and mileage). They asked us how many miles they thought we’d drive for our local move and added that to the total cost for the hold. If you end up driving less, they’ll charge you less in the end. If you end up driving more, they’ll charge more. Plus they’ll add any applicable miscellaneous fees.
When we returned with the vehicle, they checked out the truck before charging us to verify gas level and mileage (and probably to check for damages). We were given a paper receipt with the total costs. Because we used a debit card already on file, no further action was needed.
Paying for a U-Haul in cash?
We were told cash customers need to put down a $100 deposit or the estimated rental charges, whichever is more. (Yes, seriously.) This would eventually be reimbursed – minus our total cost – upon return of the vehicle.
Here’s how the cash payment breakdown works, straight from their website:
“If you’re paying with cash, the following is due when you pick up your equipment:*
Local/in-town truck: $100 or estimated rental charges (whichever is greater)
One-way truck: $100 plus rental rate
*Cargo vans and pickup trucks must be reserved with a credit card. Deposits cannot be made in cash.
The total estimated charges for your rental are due when you pick up your equipment regardless of your method of payment. Payment can be made by credit card, debit card or cash.
Cash is accepted for pickup and van rentals. However, a valid credit or debit card with a major credit card logo will also need to be presented in the name of the renter.”
Haggling and U-Haul coupons
There are no formal military, senior, or student discounts at U-Haul. However, it’s up to the discretion of the U-Haul store you’re renting at if they offer it for asking. The rep let it leak that anywhere between 10-15% discount is what they’re allowed to apply to an order if they decide.
How old do you have to be to rent a U-Haul?
Wanting to test the age limits, we sent one of our 20-year-old team members to officially do the honors of picking up the vehicle. No matter, as U-Haul says you need only be 18 years old with a valid driver’s license, and just 16 years old to rent a trailer attachment.
The Cheapest We Were Able to Get Our U-Haul
Our final cost for our U-Haul was $52.40.
Rental Fee: $19.95
Mileage Charge: $7.92
SafeMove Insurance: $14.00
Environmental Fee: $1
1.6 Gallons of Gas from U-Haul: $7.51
Tax on Rental: $2.02
Total: $52.40
We got a 10′ truck, U-Haul’s smallest with no ramp, and drove it a “colossal” eight miles. We bought the cheapest insurance, absolutely zero equipment and zero labor, and got hit with no other fees (since we didn’t actually put anything in the truck).
Our bill was still almost three times the advertised price.
Of course, $52.40 isn’t a bad deal, depending on what you need it for. The problem is that if you needed only a quick lift to pick something up, $50+ can render a lot of good deals useless.
The $19.95 truck has raised wheel wells inside the vehicle, which takes up some serious space in your rental truck.
On the other hand, if you were seriously moving, odds are great you’d drive many more miles, and your mileage would probably be way higher, given you probably aren’t hauling air. And if it’s during the busy moving season, the rental rate will likely be greater than $19.95.
An extremely conservative estimate for a very small, local move is probably closer to around $125 for the rental. You’ll realistically need one of the larger trucks for a real move.
And that is strictly local. For long-distance moves, even a small load will be much closer to $1,000 or more. And that is assuming you don’t need a hitch installed.
The Bottom Line
Nobody pays $19.95 plus tax. How much you finally shell out will depend on your circumstances, your preferences and your requirements. Keep the above in mind as you plan out your move. You’ll probably save at least enough for some extra coffee on the drive to your new home!
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