Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rental: Which Is Better?

Publish Date: June 13, 2025

Last Modified Date: June 27, 2025

Category: Money Saving, Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: best moving truck, cheap moving truck, cheap rental truck, home depot, home depot moving, home depot moving trucks, home depot truck cost, home depot truck price, is home depot cheaper, is uhaul cheaper, u-haul, u-haul moving truck, uhaul, uhaul price, uhaul truck cost, uhaul vs home depot, uhaul vs home depot cost, uhaul vs home depot price

Over the past 15 years, you may have noticed Penske trucks parked in the back or front of your local Home Depot. These days, in addition to offering a convenient pick-up and drop-off location for Penske rentals, Home Depot actually maintains its own branded moving trucks.

Naturally, we had to take a closer look and see how Home Depot stacks up against another major brand: U-Haul. While U-Haul advertises its moving truck prices “as low as $19.95,” Home Depot has a very different way of structuring its rental rates. This can make it tricky to determine the cheapest solution for your move.

We did a deep dive into how each company prices its truck rentals, the quality of the trucks themselves, and other pros and cons. For the final step of our moving truck rental comparison, we rented a Home Depot box truck for the same short-and-to-the-point move that we’d previously rented a U-Haul for — about 8 miles of driving total. When it comes to Home Depot vs. U-Haul rental trucks, this is how each company fared.

What’s the Difference Between UHaul and Home Depot Trucks?

Before we get into the details of our comparison, here are the basics of how the trucks and companies differ.

The Home Depot Truck Rentals	U-Haul Truck Rentals
Only one box truck size Pricing based on time No liability coverage Dolly included with rental Loading ramp Cheaper per day for high-mile moves	Four box truck sizes Pricing based on mileage Liability coverage options Dolly available for rent separately Loading ramp (excluding 10-ft truck) Cheaper per day for low-mile moves

With that out of the way, let’s dive in!

Truck Sizes: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rental

While Penske trucks are available at certain Home Depot locations, these rentals are done through Penske and not Home Depot. For that reason, this article will focus exclusively on Home Depot branded moving trucks vs. U-Haul moving trucks. And since Home Depot trucks are only available for local moves, our comparison will be of local moving options — starting with the truck sizes.

Home Depot Truck Sizes

the options for Home Depot's moving trucks — homedepot.com

Although Home Depot’s fleet includes two different flatbed trucks and a cargo van, there is only one size of moving truck available: the 12-foot box truck. Sizewise, this truck fits right between the two smallest U-Haul trucks with a volume capacity of 515 cubic feet. That’s enough space to move a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. Anything bigger will require multiple trips (and more time). A tow hitch is included, but you have to confirm the towing capacity of the truck when you rent it. On the plus side, it comes with a loading ramp and a dolly.

If you’re interested in Home Depot’s other branded trucks, here’s the lineup for the rest of their local-move vehicles:

Cargo Van: 142.9 cubic feet of cargo volume is not too shabby if you’re moving a dorm room or a few big items.
T250 Flatbed Truck: The T250 flatbed truck has a whopping 10-foot bed and sides that fold down. It’s easier to load than a regular pickup and capable of carrying a wide array of oversized items — from sheets of plywood to an extra-long couch and more.
F250 Flatbed Truck: The F250 flatbed also has sides that fold down like the T250, but the truck bed is slightly shorter (at 8 feet long). If you’d prefer a regular pickup truck, check with Home Depot stores in your area to see if any are available. Our local Home Depot previously carried one regular F250 with an 8-foot bed, which is a pretty standard size.

U-Haul Truck Sizes

U-Haul’s wide selection of box truck sizes is where the brand really shines. With four different sizes, you can rent a single truck for moves ranging from a studio apartment to a 4-bedroom home without having to take more than one trip. The three larger truck sizes come with U-Haul’s EZ-Load ramp, but unlike when you rent from Home Depot, a dolly is not included.

Since U-Haul has so many options to choose from, we’ve organized the truck details into the table below.

Size	Volume	Best For	Loading Ramp	Towing Capability?	Dolly Included?
10-Foot Truck	402 cubic feet	Studio/1-Bed	No	Yes	No
15-Foot Truck	764 cubic feet	1- to 2-Bed	Yes	Yes	No
20-Foot Truck	1,016 cubic feet	2- to 3-Bed	Yes	Yes	No
26-Foot Truck	1,682 cubic feet	3- to 4-Bed	Yes	Yes	No

U-Haul also rents an 8-foot pickup truck and 9-foot cargo van, which are only available for local moves (with pick-up from and return to the same location).

Pricing: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Home Depot Truck Rental Pricing

The primary factor in Home Depot’s pricing model is time. Box trucks are available to rent by the hour (with a 75-minute minimum), by the day, or by the week. Exact pricing is determined at the store, but the advertised pricing online is as follows:

$29.00 for 75 minutes
$30.00 for every additional hour
$149.00 per day (regardless of number of hours)
$1,043.00 per week

Your rental may be subject to additional fees, such as:

Environmental fee (may apply)
Damage protection (15% of the cost of your rental) — Optional

After all that, you still have to cover tax and gas, but at least there are no mileage fees!

U-Haul Truck Rental Pricing

U-Haul structures their rental pricing very differently. Long-distance/one-way rentals are more or less flat-rate with some variable, additional fees.

But if you’re renting locally and will be returning the U-Haul truck to the same place you picked it up, the pricing is based on a daily rate, miles driven, and any coverage you decide to purchase. The mileage fee varies based on location, but here in the Tampa Bay area, it’s currently $1.19 per mile.

Truck Size	Base Daily Rate	Additional Mileage Fee*
10-Foot Truck	$19.95	$1.19 per mile
15-Foot Truck	$29.95	$1.19 per mile
20-Foot Truck	$39.95	$1.19 per mile
26-Foot Truck	$49.95	$1.19 per mile

*Mileage fee rates vary based on location and day.

They also slap on a few small fees, such as:

Vehicle License/Cost Recovery Fee ($1.20)
Environmental fee ($1.00 – $5.00)
Damage protection (cost varies) — Optional

This all adds up to your total price — plus tax and gas, of course.

Which Moving Truck Rental Is Cheaper?

The difficulty with making this comparison is that U-Haul charges by the mile and Home Depot charges by the hour. And while it’s relatively easy to estimate the number of miles if you know where you’re going, it’s just as easy to underestimate the length of time it takes to complete a move. To help with this comparison, we’ve broken it down a few different ways.

Renting a truck from Home Depot by the hour means paying $29 for the first 75 minutes and $30 per additional hour. After 5 hours and 15 minutes, your bill will match the daily rate. So if your move will take longer than that, you should definitely go with the daily rate.

U-Haul’s cheap daily base rates are offset by the additional mileage fee of $1.19 per mile. The chart below shows the daily base rate for each truck option and illustrates how many miles you can drive a U-Haul before it becomes more expensive than a Home Depot rental.

Rental Truck	Base Daily Rate	Mileage (x $1.19 rate)	Mileage fee	Estimated Total (Before taxes)
Home Depot 12-ft truck	$149.00	Unlimited	N/A	$149.00
U-Haul 10-ft truck	$19.95	108 miles	$128.52	$148.47
U-Haul 15-ft truck	$29.95	100 miles	$119	$148.95
U-Haul 20-ft truck	$39.95	91 miles	$108.29	$148.24
U-Haul 26-ft truck	$49.95	83 miles	$98.77	$148.72

Basically, a daily U-Haul rental is only cheaper than Home Depot if you keep your mileage low enough. Keep in mind, though, if you’re moving out of a 2-bedroom home or larger, it’ll take more than one trip with a Home Depot truck to get the job done. With loading and unloading, and depending on how far you have to drive between locations, this might take more than a single day’s rental.

Now, let’s do a comparison in the other direction: How long can you rent a Home Depot truck at the hourly rate before it becomes more expensive than a U-Haul daily rental?

Let’s take a look at our trial 8-mile move with U-Haul and compare it to Home Depot. In each case, the most basic coverage was selected and, since Home Depot box trucks come with a dolly, we added a dolly rental to the U-Haul to be fair.

Cost Example: 1-Hour 15-Minute Move / 8 Miles

	U-Haul 15-Foot Truck	The Home Depot 12-Foot Truck
Estimated Time	N/A	1:15
Estimated Distance	8 miles ($9.52)	N/A
Base Rate	$29.95 (per day)	$29.00 (first 75 minutes)
Estimated Taxes/Fees	$5.03	$2.03
Basic Coverage	$15.00	$4.35
Utility Dolly Rental	$7.00	Included
Estimated Final Bill (not including gas)	$66.50	$35.38

If our move with Home Depot had gone past the 75-minute mark by an hour (which is a possibility depending on traffic and weather), it would’ve cost $30.00 more, and our bill would’ve looked like the following:

Cost Example: 2-Hour 15-Minute Move / 8 Miles

	U-Haul 15-Foot Truck	The Home Depot 12-Foot Truck
Estimated Time	N/A	2:15
Estimated Distance	8 miles ($9.52)	N/A
Base Rate	$29.95 (per day)	$29.00 (first 75 minutes)
Additional Hourly Rate	N/A	$30.00
Estimated Taxes/Fees	$5.03	$4.13
Basic Coverage	$15.00	$8.85
Utility Dolly Rental	$7.00	Included
Estimated Final Bill (not including gas)	$66.50	$71.98

With less than a six-dollar difference, the final price tags are just about neck and neck!

Now, what about higher-mileage and more time-intensive moves?

Let’s estimate what a half-day, 30-mile round trip might cost for a small apartment move. This would be an extra 22 miles for the U-Haul truck (at $1.19 a mile), plus an additional 3 hours (at $30 per extra hour) for the Home Depot truck.

Cost Example: 4-Hour 15-Minute Move / 22 Miles

	U-Haul 15-Foot Truck	The Home Depot 12-Foot Truck
Estimated Time	N/A	4:15
Estimated Distance	22 miles ($26.18)	N/A
Base Rate	$29.95 (per day)	$29.00 (first 75 minutes)
Additional Hourly Rate	N/A	3 x $30.00 ($90.00)
Estimated Taxes/Fees	$6.20	$8.33
Basic Coverage	$15.00	$17.85
Utility Dolly Rental	$7.00	Included
Estimated Final Bill (not including gas)	$84.33	$145.18

As you can see, U-Haul really starts to pull ahead here.

Let’s take another scenario: moving between the Florida cities of Tampa and Sarasota, making a round trip with a rental truck, and then driving your car down for good. That’s 120 miles, or 2.5 hours of driving. Even though you might only need the truck for 6 hours, it’s actually cheaper to go with Home Depot’s daily rate at this point.

Cost Example: 1-Day Move/120 Miles

	U-Haul 15-Foot Truck	The Home Depot 12-Foot Truck
Estimated Time	N/A	1 Day
Estimated Distance	120 miles ($142.80)	N/A
Base Rate	$29.95 (per day)	$149 (per day)
Estimated Taxes/Fees	$14.36	$10.43
Basic Coverage	$15.00	$22.35
Utility Dolly Rental	$7.00	Included
Estimated Final Bill (not including gas)	$209.11	$181.78

With the increase in miles, Home Depot is beginning to look pretty good here, but that’s when we compare round-trip rentals. A one-way rental with U-Haul would only be about $182 — the same as Home Depot but with half the driving.

Keep in mind that Home Depot doesn’t offer one-way moves. You have to return the truck to the same location where it was rented.

“Each [Home Depot] truck is rented out with a full tank of gas, and you’re expected to top it off before returning it. If you don’t, Home Depot may automatically charge a refueling fee”

But let’s say you were making a move from Tampa to Punta Gorda, a distance of about 110 miles. It’s not very likely someone would want to make the round trip back just to return the Home Depot truck, but it might be worth it if you had to pick up your second car, for example. That’s about 220 miles round trip, which translates to around 3.5 hours of driving. Additionally, it might take 4 to 4.5 hours to load and unload a small apartment, but if you hit some snags, the move could take up to 11 hours altogether.

Cost Example: 1-Day Move/120 Miles

	U-Haul 15-Foot Truck	The Home Depot 12-Foot Truck
Estimated Time	1 Day	1 Day
Estimated Distance	220 miles ($261.80)	N/A
Base Rate	$29.95 (per day)	$149 (per day)
Estimated Taxes/Fees	$20.49	$10.43
Basic Coverage	$15.00	$22.35
Utility Dolly Rental	$7.00	Included
Estimated Final Bill (not including gas)	$334.24	$181.78

In this unlikely situation, you would save a boatload with Home Depot. Even a one-way rental with U-Haul would cost you more, at $227.45 — although it would include a full two days with the truck.

Bottom Line:

Go with Home Depot if your move is short, local, and can be done quickly — especially if you need a truck for just a few hours. The flat-rate pricing is predictable, and the included dolly is a nice bonus.
Choose U-Haul for longer trips, one-way moves, or when you’re unsure how long the move will take.

Fuel Efficiency: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Home Depot Rental Truck Fuel Efficiency

With Home Depot, vehicle make, model, and year may vary by location, which means that not all Home Depot box trucks are created equal. But since U-Hauls aren’t exactly jaw-droppingly efficient, chances are the fuel efficiency of a Home Depot truck will be better than a U-Haul. This is because, as Home Depot trucks are a newer thing, the trucks themselves are likely to be fairly new.

The truck we rented was a new Ford Transit 350 HD, and it was quite fuel-efficient. It even had a little MPG indicator on the dash that tells you how you’re doing. Ours got 12 miles to the gallon. We drove 8 miles and only spent $1.39 to top it off when we were done.

U-Haul Rental Truck Fuel Efficiency

U-Haul’s 10-foot rental truck gets up to 12 miles to the gallon under ideal driving circumstances. Once you’ve loaded the truck with all your belongings, expect that number to drop. MPG estimates for the larger trucks cap out at 10 miles per gallon, under ideal circumstances.

Ease of Driving: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Driving a Home Depot Rental Truck

Home Depot’s box truck is smaller than most U-Haul trucks, plus the fleet is relatively newer. As a result, driving a Home Depot truck might be more comfortable and feel more like driving a pick-up truck than a boxy moving truck. The cab is lower and easier to get into, parking is less of an issue, and the wide mirrors mean visibility is generally good.

Driving a U-Haul Rental Truck

U-Haul’s fleet has been around longer, and some rentals simply aren’t as new as others. The 10-foot trucks should be relatively easy to drive (like Home Depot’s 12-foot rental), but the larger models can be more challenging to maneuver and ride a little rougher.

Which moving truck is better, U-Haul or Home Depot?

When it comes to comfort and how easy it is to drive — the smaller, newer Home Depot trucks are probably better. At the same time, within U-Haul’s vast fleet of trucks, it really depends on how new or old your particular rental is.

Coverage Options: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Home Depot Coverage Options

Home Depot only offers a damage protection plan for 15% of the cost of a rental. It covers up to $500 of repair costs for non-collision physical damage and also covers replacement charges of non-collision damage (not including theft). However, the coverage doesn’t include damage protection for your cargo, personal liability, or injury protection.

“Basically, a daily U-Haul rental is only cheaper than Home Depot if you keep your mileage low enough.”

Instead, they take your insurance information, and your own car insurance provider is placed on the hook. So definitely be sure to take pictures of your truck before and after the rental!

U-Haul Coverage Options

U-Haul has several coverage options at various price points — from simple roadside assistance to supplemental liability coverage, cargo protection, and more. Between Home Depot and U-Haul, U-Haul definitely has more and better coverage options.

Reservation Process: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Reserving a Home Depot Rental Truck

Home Depot allows you to search for stores with available trucks in your area — which is convenient — but then you have to sign in or create an account and pay a deposit to reserve a truck. Reservations are done through the same system used to reserve tool rentals, so the wording can seem a bit funny at times.

A two-hour rental reservation required a $150 deposit or credit card hold — almost triple the rental price. Of course, it’s just a deposit and will be refunded when the truck is returned (as long as everything is in order).

Reserving a U-Haul Rental Truck

U-Haul’s online reservation system is streamlined and easy to use. After specifying when and where you want to rent a truck, you compare rates, select pickup and drop-off locations, choose coverage, and any other add-ons you might need. The only downside might be all the “upsell” pages that you have to click through to get to your quote. But if you need the add-ons, then it’s actually super helpful.

Returning the Truck: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Returning a Home Depot Rental Truck

Home Depot trucks must be returned to the same location they were picked up from. Each truck is rented out with a full tank of gas, and you’re expected to top it off before returning it. If you don’t, Home Depot may automatically charge a refueling fee, which is typically higher than the average price at a gas station. So be sure to top it off, snap a pic, and keep your gas receipt! The Tool Rental associate will ask to see the receipt, which covers you for any fuel used on the way back from the gas station to Home Depot.

Returning a U-Haul Rental Truck

When you pick up your U-Haul truck, your paperwork should indicate the current fuel level, but it’s always a good idea to double-check before taking off. You’re responsible for returning the truck with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up, otherwise (you guessed it) you’ll be charged a fuel replacement fee. Remember to remove any garbage and give the truck a quick sweep, or you may be charged a cleaning fee as well.

Pros and Cons: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

So, with all this in mind, how does Home Depot stack up against U-Haul when it comes to moving truck rentals?

Pros and Cons: Home Depot Truck Rentals

Pros	Cons
No mileage fee Hourly rental option Moving dolly included Loading ramp Cheaper per day for high miles	High daily rate Only one truck size available Same location drop-off only Pricier per day for low miles

Pros and Cons: U-Haul Truck Rentals

Pros	Cons
Low initial daily rate Four different truck sizes EZ-Load ramp (15-ft, 20-ft, 26-ft) One-way rental available Cheaper per day for low miles	Mileage fee No loading ramp on 10-ft truck Dolly not included Pricier per day for high miles

These are the primary differences between Home Depot and U-Haul truck rentals — plus the fact that Home Depot has no liability coverage available. While this means you may not be covered in case of damage to your items, this can also mean a cheaper final price tag. The truck is still covered by your own auto insurance, proof of which is required to rent the truck in the first place.

Perhaps the biggest Home Depot benefit is the fact that there’s no mileage fee whatsoever!

When you compare this to U-Haul’s pricing policy, it’s kind of a big deal. U-Haul’s mileage fee is usually around $1.00 per mile (give or take, depending on location). This means if you have a 100-mile round trip, you’re going to spend around $100.00 on the mileage fee, plus the day rate ($29.95) and insurance ($15.00). When all is said and done, it adds up to about the same as Home Depot’s package price for one day ($149) for their box truck.

“Although Home Depot’s fleet includes two different flatbed trucks and a cargo van, there is only one size of moving truck available: the 12-foot box truck…[which] fits right between the two smallest U-Haul trucks with a volume capacity of 515 cubic feet.”

Another advantage of Home Depot is that the Home Depot Rental Center is usually open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., depending on the store. That means you can start your moving day early if you want — definitely a good idea in the summer when afternoons are sweltering (Although if you’re tech-savvy, U-Haul’s 24/7 Service allows you to do early pick-up via the U-Haul app). For day-long rentals, you have a full 24 hours to use the truck before you need to return it.

Which Is Better? Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

We’ve said this before, and we’ll say it again: U-Haul wins the short-distance race against virtually all of its competitors. So, if you need a truck for a quick in-town move, U-Haul’s pricing is really hard to beat — unless you can load, drive, and unload a small apartment and drop off your truck in under 75 minutes.

But if you’re only moving a few pieces of large furniture and that’s it, or if you have lots of miles to drive and don’t mind dropping off the truck where you picked it up, then Home Depot becomes a very nice alternative.

Making the Most of Your Moving Truck Rental

Hiring professional movers on an hourly basis can make a huge difference when using a time-sensitive moving solution. Since Home Depot is all about the hourly rate, having movers expedite the move can shave some time off of that final bill. But not only that, they can use their Tetris skills to pack the truck way more efficiently than most of us ever could. This means secure belongings that don’t shift in transit (aka less damage) and fewer trips back and forth.

This article will help you determine how many movers you’ll need to hire. Once you’ve calculated the magic number, you get a free quote here.

Whichever solution you choose, good luck with your move!

Things Not Allowed on a Moving Truck (and Why)

Author: Kevin The Mover

Publish Date: June 6, 2025

Last Modified Date: June 6, 2025

Category: Moving Checklists & Planning, Moving Trucks

Tags: Tags: aerosal, alcohol, apartment cleaning, budget, cash, fertilizer, gardening, gasoline, guns, hireahelper, kevin, kitchen cleaner, movers, moving tips, moving truck, pesticide, plants, u-haul, u-pack, uhaul, upack, upass, ups, workers

Packing for a move is already a big job without the need for last-minute surprises, which is why it helps to know what is not allowed on a moving truck before you accidentally pack a prohibited item. Some banned moving items are restricted for safety or legal reasons, while others just aren’t covered under insurance if something goes wrong.

Below, we’ve explained what can’t go on a moving truck and why, along with a few smart tips to help you pack with confidence, avoid last-minute delays, and keep your belongings safe from start to finish.

Perishables: Items That Can Spoil on the Truck

These banned moving items mainly include food and houseplants:

Frozen foods
Refrigerated foods
Open or half-used foods
Most kinds of produce

Tip: If you’ve got some perishable food you won’t finish in time for your move, why not donate it? Give any unopened food to a local charity pantry or food bank before you pack.

Houseplants fall in this category, too, since they don’t hold up well in the extreme temperatures often found in the back of a moving truck.

Aside from the risk of spoiled food or wilted plants, transporting perishables, especially plants in soil, can attract pests. This is why movers typically won’t allow them.

Combustibles and Other Dangerous Items

Transporting a gallon of ice cream in the back of a moving truck is a bad idea, but it is legal. Transporting a gallon of gasoline is not. Thankfully, it’s entirely safe and lawful to put that lawn mower on your moving truck, provided you drain all the oil and gasoline out of it first.

There are plenty of other items that fall into this category, some of which might surprise you:

Perfume
Gasoline
Paint and pool chemicals
Fertilizers
Pesticides and weed killers
Aerosol cans
Kitchen cleaners
Nail polish remover

Generally, if it’s explosive or combustible, it’s not going.

To be clear, some items may or may not be forbidden, depending on the moving company or the rental truck you’re using. U-Haul allows loading propane tanks onto their trucks, but Budget does not. Meanwhile, U-Pack’s list of prohibited items includes spear guns having charged heads. So it’s always best to ask for the rules and policies when you’re renting your truck.

If you’re moving with a major van line, check the company website for what is and isn’t allowed. Here is the United Van Lines list, which best reflects the industry standards.

Plants, Pistols, and Alcohol

Crossing state lines with certain plants or guns can be illegal. Even when you’re just driving through, every state’s laws apply. To protect yourself and avoid having anything confiscated, check these U.S. state laws for plants and firearms before your move to ensure compliance.

“[Movers] can, and they should, [refuse to move an item] if something isn’t safe to load. Movers have to follow strict policies when it comes to what goes in the truck, especially with anything hazardous or restricted.”

Laws prohibiting the interstate transport of alcohol tend to be less restrictive, provided it’s for personal consumption. Still, double-check with the states you’ll be entering.

Valuables, Antiques, and Irreplaceable Items

This category includes items that either have incredible sentimental value or are difficult and time-consuming to replace if lost during the move.

So, it’s best to keep the following items with you at all times during your move:

Shoeboxes full of cash (don’t label them “CASH”!)
Checkbooks, credit cards, ATM cards, insurance cards, and policies
Official documents, like birth/marriage certificates, social security cards, passports, visas, residence cards
Sentimental valuables and family heirlooms
Bank statements, financial records, mortgages, stocks/bonds
Tax returns
Medical/dental records and any medications/prescriptions
Works of art
Laptops, PCs, and any work-related documents and research papers

Final Thoughts

The list of what’s not allowed seems pretty long. But getting your packing list right the first time could save time in the long run. Take the steps necessary to ensure that you, your stuff, and your truck all make it there safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack cleaning supplies in a moving truck?

It depends. Some basic supplies like sponges or unopened soaps are fine, but liquids like bleach or anything flammable (like aerosol sprays or ammonia) usually aren’t allowed. If you’re unsure, check the label or ask your mover before loading day rolls around.

What happens if movers find prohibited items?

Most movers will set the item aside and let you know right away. It’s not meant to slow you down; they’re just following safety and insurance rules. You’ll need to make another plan for that item, whether that means tossing it or taking it in your own vehicle.

Can movers refuse to transport items?

They can, and they should, if something isn’t safe to load. Movers have to follow strict policies when it comes to what goes in the truck, especially with anything hazardous or restricted. A quick heads-up before the move can save everyone time and trouble.

Penske Vs. U-Haul: Is Penske a Good U-Haul Alternative?

Author: Jesse Relkin

Publish Date: February 14, 2025

Last Modified Date: June 27, 2025

Category: Money Saving, Moving Trucks

Tags: Tags: best moving truck, cheap moving truck, cheap rental truck, how much does penske cost, how much does uhaul cost, is penske cheaper, is penske good, mileage fee, movers, moving, moving companies, moving truck austin, moving truck chicago, moving truck gas, moving truck la, moving truck new york, moving truck san francisco, penske, penske better, penske cost, penske truck, penske vs uhaul, u-haul, u-haul vs penske, uhaul, uhaul cost, uhaul truck, uhaul versus penske, uhaul vs penske

Renting a moving truck and taking care of the heavy lifting yourself is no doubt the most cost-effective way to move. It can save you hundreds (if not thousands) in moving costs compared to other popular options like portable moving containers and full-service movers. The decision to move with a rental truck isn’t a hard one to make. Deciding which moving truck to rent? That’s the tricky part.

In this article, we compare two of the most popular rental truck options: Penske and U-Haul. While both companies offer similar products and services, there are distinct differences between the two. In our research, we examined the most important considerations when renting a truck, from truck size and coverage options to discounts and overall cost.

Quick Takeaway: In most cases, U-Haul takes the cake as the more affordable and flexible option when compared to Penske. Read on for a detailed look at what each rental truck company has to offer and how they stack up.

Penske vs. U-Haul: Rental Truck Sizes

penske truck rental — Penske truck options – Pensketruckrental.com

uhaul trucks — U-Haul truck options – Uhaul.com

First things first, let’s take a look at the rental truck sizes available from both Penske and U-Haul. We reviewed each company’s website and made calls to local rental centers to confirm loading space, mileage, and towing capabilities.

Here’s what we found: It’s clear from the table below that U-Haul offers a wider variety of rental options, making it easier for customers to find just what they need. Penske, on the other hand, offers trucks that are typically larger than their U-Haul counterparts, and with generally better gas mileage.

Rental Sizes

Penske Truck Sizes

U-Haul Truck Sizes

Pickup Truck

Not an option

Pickup Truck

19 mpg

(8’X6’1″ bed)

Can tow a car

Cargo Van

Small studio apt

Only available for commercial use

9-ft Cargo Van

18 mpg

246 ft3

Cannot tow a car

Smallest Box Truck

Studio or 1 BR apt

12-ft Box Truck

10–12 mpg

450 ft3

Cannot tow a car

10-ft Box Truck

12 mpg

402 ft3

Can tow a car

Mid-range Box Truck

1–2 BR home

16-ft Box Truck

10–12 mpg

800 ft3

Can tow a car

15-ft Box Truck

10 mpg

764 ft3

Can tow a car

Large Box Truck

2–3 BR home

22-ft Box Truck (Diesel)

12 mpg

1,200 ft3

Can tow a car

20-ft Box Truck

10 mpg

1,016 ft3

Can tow a car

Largest Box Truck

3–5 BR home

26-ft Box Truck (Diesel)

12 mpg

1,700 ft3

Can tow a car

26-ft Box Truck

10 mpg

1,682 ft3

Can tow a car

Who Wins: U-Haul

U-Haul has long had the benefit of offering pickup trucks (not an option at Penske). Now that Penske has recently removed cargo vans from their residential lineup, U-Haul is the clear winner in the rental truck size contest.

Penske vs. U-Haul: Services

Next, we took a look at the various services offered by Penske and U-Haul. In addition to renting out moving trucks, both companies offer insurance coverage for rentals, roadside assistance, tow dollies, car carriers, moving supplies, and storage options.

“Penske’s 26-foot truck runs on diesel and is estimated to get 12 mpg, while U-Haul’s 26-foot gas-powered truck only gets 10 mpg.”

Here’s what we found: In addition to Penske’s service lineup U-Haul also offers the option of trailer hitches, U-Box® portable storage, international moving, and propane sales.

Service	Penske	U-Haul
Rental Trucks	Yes	Yes
Coverage and Roadside Assistance	Yes	Yes
Trailer Hitches	Not an option	Yes
Tow Dollies & Car Carriers	Yes	Yes
International Moving	Doesn’t appear to be an option (couldn’t confirm)	Yes (with U-Box)
Self Storage	Yes (through rental partners)	Yes
Portable Storage Containers	Not an option	Yes (U-Box®)
Moving Labor	Yes (Simple Moving Labor)	Yes (Moving Help®)
Moving Supplies	Yes	Yes
Propane Sales	Not an option	Yes

Who Wins: U-Haul

Once again, U-Haul takes it thanks to the company’s additional moving and storage options .

Penske vs. U-Haul: Coverage Options

Paying for coverage is often a necessary part of renting a moving truck, and both Penske and U-Haul offer multiple coverage options.

Penske Coverage Options:

Penske Coverage Options	Description
Basic	Penske equipment damage
Standard	Penske equipment damage, third-party damage & injury claims
Value	Penske equipment damage, third-party damage & injury claims, cargo accident damage
Plus	Penske equipment damage, third-party damage & injury claims, cargo accident damage, personal accident injury

The above descriptions are simplified for readability. Customers should check with Penske for full coverage details.

U-Haul Coverage Options:

U-Haul Coverage Options	Description
Safemove®	Damage waiver, cargo protection, medical/life protection
Safemove Plus®	Damage waiver, cargo protection, medical/life protection, supplemental liability coverage, no deductible on accidental damage claims
Safetow®	Damage waiver, towed property protection, medical/life protection
Safetrip®	Supplemental roadside protection
Safestor®	Storage protection (self storage/U-Box)
Safehaul®	Shipping protection (U-Box)

The above descriptions are simplified for readability. Customers should check with U-Haul for full coverage details.

Who Wins: U-Haul

Penske’s coverage options build on each other (and so do U-Haul’s Safemove and Safemove Plus), but U-Haul offers more options and greater flexibility for customizing your coverage.

Penske vs. U-Haul: Cost

Back in 2022, we took a close look at the cost differences between Penske and U-Haul. We even went as far as to rent comparable moving trucks from each company to determine an actual final cost for the cheapest possible move.

At that time, U-Haul was the clear winner with a final rental price (before driving) of $34.95 — about $21 cheaper than Penske. At the time, however, Penske charged a full $0.20 less per mile than U-Haul, which meant that after driving a certain distance, the Penske truck would become the more affordable option.

But that was in 2022. Since then, both companies have made changes to their pricing and fees. Have these changes made Penske the more affordable option for local or long-distance moves? Let’s take a look.

Is Penske Cheaper Than U-Haul for a Local Move?

In the table below, we compare the current pricing and fees for a local move with the smallest available box truck rentals at both Penske and U-Haul. We’ve also highlighted how these rates have changed since 2022.

Here’s what we found: Both Penske and U-Haul have increased their prices for the most basic coverage options, but Penske’s increase was significant at $10 (compared to just $1 at U-Haul). Penske has also lost its competitive edge when it comes to their “per mile” fee with a $0.20 increase to match U-Haul’s rate of $0.99.

Penske vs. U-Haul: The Basic Cost Difference (Local Move)
Tampa Bay Region:

	Penske 12-Ft. Box Truck (Smallest Size)	U-Haul 10-Ft. Box Truck (Smallest Size)
Base Estimate	$29.99*	$19.95
Cubic Feet	450 ft3	402 ft3
Mileage Fee	.99 per mile (up from .79)	.99 per mile
Vehicle Licensing Recovery Fee	$2.50	$1.20 (up from $0)
Environmental Fee	$5.00 (up from $4.00)	$1.00
Most Basic Insurance	$30.00 (up from $20.00)	$15.00 (up from $14.00)
Estimated Tax	$2.63	$1.47
Total Starting Price (Before Driving)	$70.12 (up from $56.49)	$38.62 (up from $34.95)
Price Difference From 2022	+$13.63 (up 24%)	+$3.67 (up 10.5%)

*Starting prices vary regionally for Penske. The ones you see above are based on the Tampa Bay region pricing, a mid-market. We’ve seen as much as a $70.00 difference (starting at $99.99 for the 12-ft. truck) in places like Buffalo, New York.

Is Penske Cheaper Than U-Haul for Long Distance Moves?

While it’s clear that U-Haul is the more affordable option for local moves, Penske seemed to still have a chance at winning the long-distance moving contest thanks to its more fuel-efficient fleet and generous “unlimited miles” on one-way moves.

“U-Haul offers a wider variety of rental options…Penske, on the other hand, offers trucks that are typically larger than their U-Haul counterparts, and with generally better gas mileage.”

To put it to the test, we ran quotes with both companies for a one-way, long-distance move with a 26-foot truck from Tampa to Los Angeles. Penske’s 26-foot truck runs on diesel and is estimated to get 12 mpg, while U-Haul’s 26-foot gas-powered truck only gets 10 mpg.

Here’s what we found: The potential cost savings from Penske’s unlimited mileage and better fuel economy are offset by the company’s overall higher fees.

Penske vs. U-Haul: The Basic Cost Difference (Long-Distance Move)
Tampa to Los Angeles (2,983 miles)

Fee Description	Penske 26-ft Diesel Truck (9-day one-way rental)	U-Haul 26-ft Gas Truck (8-day one-way rental)
Base Estimate	$4,596	$3,283
Basic Coverage	$540	$140
Vehicle License Fee	Not included in quote	$1.20
Environmental Fee	$15	$5
Estimated Tax	$345.83	$246.60
Diesel/Gas Mileage	12 mpg	10 mpg
Fuel cost for trip	$811.83	$912.20
Discounts	10% off (November deal) – $459.60	None applied
Total Estimate With Fuel	$5,849.06	$4,588
Cost Difference	$1,261.06 more than U-Haul	$1,261.06 less than Penske

Who Wins: U-Haul

When it comes to both local and long-distance moves, U-Haul is the more affordable option. For the long-distance move estimates, it’s important to note that both companies automatically assigned a timeframe for the rental agreements (9 days with Penske and 8 days with U-Haul).

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

Penske vs. U-Haul: Discounts and Promotions

Both Penske and U-Haul offer a variety of discounts and promotions on their websites. The table below shows a side-by-side comparison of the most notable deals.

Here’s what we found: Penske offers the most impressive discounts and, while U-Haul has some good promotions, many of its promotions seem more like a basic service than a special deal.

Penske vs. U-Haul: Discounts and Promotions:

Penske	U-Haul
Unlimited mileage for one-way moves Save 10% on select one-way rentals (limited time offer) AAA discount of 12% or more Military discount of 15% College student discount of 10%	One-month free storage when you rent a truck or trailer one way Free used boxes through U-Haul Customer Connect Unused U-Haul box buy-back program $5 lifetime unlimited warranty for hitch installed at U-Haul location Free towing inspection for your vehicle Special rates for pickup trucks and cargo vans rented for additional days and extended miles

Who Wins: Penske

Penske’s discounts are more varied, and will make a noticeable difference in the final rental cost, which makes them the winner int the discount race.

Penske vs. U-Haul: Customer Satisfaction

We went to Consumer Affairs to find out more about the customer experience at Penske and U-Haul, from the best and worst reviews to overall customer satisfaction ratings.

Penske vs. U-Haul: Recent Customer Reviews

U-Haul 5-Star Review

“We had a really great experience moving from Idaho to Washington State. Due to weather conditions, our trip was delayed by one day, and U-Haul was kind enough to extend our reservation without additional costs. We also took advantage of the one free month storage that is available for movers. That’s just a few of the highlights from our experience, but we got great service every step of the way. Thank you!” – Jesse, U-Haul customer (November 2024)

U-Haul 1-Star Review

“Rented a 15 foot truck for 3 hours. Vehicle had damage all around it including the safety equipment. Used mobile app to check in. That backfired because they ended up charging me for damage that had been previously done to this truck as well as the insurance. The team there was unwilling to resolve.” – Javier, U-Haul customer (October 2024)

Penske 5-Star Review

“Our experience was great from start to finish. The price we paid was more than 40% less than the competitor’s price…The drive from Houston to Salt Lake City went smoothly and the truck ran well. There is an AC outlet for charging the phone and also a USB plug. The truck had all the safety features you would hope for, including 2 airbags. The front cab is very large. We carried our plants in that part of the truck. The drop off in Salt Lake City at a storage facility went very well. It was incredibly quick and easy.” – Kathy, Penske customer (July 2024)

Penske 1-Star Review:

“Expensive truck, which is not awful. Challenge was it was raining. Truck was leaking inside the cab and inside the storage compartment. All our possessions were soaked, I got wet, and the truck died at the gas station on mile 400. They reimbursed me for only gas. DO NOT RECOMMEND.” – Jon, Penske customer (November 2024)

Consumer Affairs Reviews and Ratings:

Criteria	Penske	U-Haul
Star rating	1.7 out of 5	1.4 out of 5
5-star review percentage	10% (29)	7% (29)
1-star review percentage	70% (212)	86% (1,014)
Total reviews	280	1,278

Who Wins: Tie

It’s a bit of a toss-up. While Penske has a higher overall rating, it’s based on nearly 1,000 fewer customer reviews. Both companies have received both glowing and damning reviews from customers in recent months. It might ultimately be best to see the reviews for your particular region to see who wins out in your neck of the woods.

Conclusion: Is Penske a Good U-Haul Alternative?

When it comes to moving, a DIY move with a rental truck is one of the most cost-effective options and it’s safe to assume that saving money is usually a top priority for those renting a moving truck.

After comparing truck sizes, services, coverage, cost, discounts, and customer satisfaction, at least this is clear: Penske may be a U-Haul alternative, but it’s not necessarily a cheaper U-Haul alternative.

Penske vs. U-Haul: FAQs

Q: Why is Penske better than U-Haul?

A: After our extensive review, we’ve found that Penske’s trucks might be in better condition (which means they can give better gas mileage), and they offer more options for discounts. If neither of those points matters to you, you’re probably going to find what you need at U-Haul.

Q: Why is Penske so expensive?

A: Penske’s pricier rentals are likely influenced by the additional cost of maintaining a higher-quality truck fleet compared to U-Haul’s (Penske supposedly changes out their trucks more frequently).

Q: What is the best truck rental for moving?

A: U-Haul has a lot going for it: it’s very widely available, cheaper, and has plenty of truck size options. It will be the best option for a lot of people.

Q: Is there a AAA U-Haul discount?

A: AAA doesn’t offer a discount for U-Haul.

A Look at Other U-Haul Alternatives

U-Haul may be one of the better-known options out there, but it isn’t the only one. If you can’t find what you want at U-Haul, check out some of these other U-Haul alternatives.

Budget Truck Rental

Unlimited mileage for one-way rentals
Affordable rates
Discounts available
Limited services

Enterprise Truck Rental

12+ different truck/van sizes
Moving supplies add-ons
One-way rentals aren’t always available

Home Depot Truck Rental

Unlimited mileage options
Low-cost hourly rentals
Convenient locations
Packing/moving supplies available in stores
One-way rentals aren’t always available

Bottom Line: The Right Rental Truck for Your Move

If you’re looking for affordability, convenience, and options, U-Haul may be your best bet, but it’s not your only option. Many rental truck companies have quote engines built into their websites, making it easier than ever to compare pricing and services. Before your next move, we recommend getting at least three quotes and always ask about hidden costs and fees.

How-To Guide for Getting the Best Rental Truck For You

Author: Kevin The Mover

Publish Date: February 7, 2025

Last Modified Date: February 7, 2025

Category: Moving Trucks

Tags: Tags: boxes, budget, budget truck, calendar, cheap movers, cheap moving, cheap moving trucks, cheap trucks, coupons, free boxes, lifehacks, loading help, movers, moving, moving app, moving help, moving truck, packing help, packing tips, penske, protips, trailers, truck prices, u-haul, uhaul, unloading help

Few people would argue that moving is a huge undertaking, especially if you’re DIYing it all. And undoubtedly the most important part of planning is the truck that is going to move you and all your stuff to your new home.

The process of renting a truck is pretty easy. But finding the best deal on a reliable truck that will hold all your stuff can be a challenge. Read on to find out how you can snag a rental truck that fits your needs, your preferences, your budget, and, most importantly, your stuff, along with a few pro tips to really get you moving!

Figuring Out What Size Truck You Need

More than anything else, you want a truck big enough for all your belongings. Trust me, finding out your stuff won’t fit in your UHaul is a nightmare you don’t want to live through.

I rarely had a customer who didn’t say something like “I can’t believe how much junk I have!” Until you have to move it all, you probably won’t believe it either.

Fortunately, there is a fairly painless way to figure out how big a truck you’ll need.

Rental trucks only come in so many sizes. If you live simply, without a lot of furniture and other bulky stuff (like exercise machines, vintage arcade games, and baby grand pianos) you should be able to get away with a truck on the small end, meaning around 12 to 14 feet.

Even if you’re a pack rat with a wrap-around couch, the next size up, around 16 to 17 feet, should be big enough. If you are moving with your spouse or if you have children, you might want to think bigger. Check out the chart in this Hire a Helper article for a more detailed look.

Rule of thumb: if you find yourself waffling between sizes — 12 or 14 feet? 15 or 17? — go with the bigger one. The (likely) small difference in price will more than compensate for the stress of not knowing if all your stuff will really fit.

Just don’t forget about everything in the closets and out in the garage!

Whose Trucks Are the Most Reliable?

You can find good and bad reviews on every rental company out there. Years ago I had a terrible experience with a truck from a major moving truck renter (followed by a customer service experience that was not much better), but plenty of people have nothing but good things to say about that same company.

Overall, Penske seems to have the best reputation for clean, reliable trucks. Their fleet is, by all accounts, the newest out there, and their trucks are of the highest quality and relatively fuel-efficient. These are just a couple of snippets from this third-party comparison of Penske and UHaul.

Reliability can refer not only to the truck you rent but the company you rent that truck from. Forbes recently conducted a comprehensive survey of five nationwide rental companies, with Customer Ratings and Customer Support combining for 30% of their overall rating methodology. Penske came out on top.

But again, your mileage may differ! There’s also availability to consider, as well as other company rules or idiosyncrasies that make it less than ideal for your own move.

Which Company is the Cheapest?

Here’s where your actual mileage can really make a difference.

Sticking with the UHaul versus Penske theme, we did a side-by-side comparison of the two by performing the same move with each. Which came out cheaper? UHaul did – until it didn’t.

“Don’t go to the truck rental place in the morning…Instead, arrange to pick up your truck the evening before your move. You’ll pretty much have your pick of the lot, and you can get as early a start as you want in the morning.”

For a short local move, UHaul will most often be the cheaper option. However Penske, with their lower mileage fee on local moves and more fuel-efficient trucks, can prove the more economical choice as you start to rack up miles. Furthermore, for one-way rentals, Penske offers free unlimited miles while UHaul limits the number of miles you can drive before you start incurring extra charges.

For a broader view of the rental truck landscape check out our cost comparison of Penske, UHaul, Budget, Enterprise, and Ryder (if you are a registered business). Keep in mind that these averages may not reflect the cost of options like insurance, equipment rental, or late fees.

Aside from their established charges, rental companies can adjust the quotes they give you based on a few additional factors:

The number and quality of trucks available that day
Where you live, i.e. in a high-demand city or region
Where you will be dropping your truck off, in the case of a one-way move
Your own flexibility

Ultimately, the final cost of your rental will depend on your specific requirements combined with the rental company’s situational logistics. So it’s impossible to say with complete accuracy which company will be able to offer you the best deal.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate a better deal than the one they offer you.

Ways to Get a Better Deal on Your Rental Truck

Pick your move day wisely:

Do you have any flexibility at all as to when you move? If so, take advantage. Renting a truck on a weekday in the middle of the month versus the always-busy first and last few days of the month can save you both stress and money.

Try a dealer somewhere out of town:

The smaller dealers out in the boonies might have trucks hanging around while their colleagues in the city are scrambling. If so, they might be eager to make a deal. Call and find out.

Consider renting round trip:

Dealers need to keep their inventory of trucks in places that are busiest. Otherwise, they have to move the trucks around themselves. So offer to make things easier for them. If you have a car and aren’t moving too far away, you might be able to score a deal by leaving your car behind, making your move, returning your rental and then driving your car to your new home.

What money you save doing this method may be offset by the extra time and gas it might take, so weigh your options carefully and make your call.

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

Ask where they most need your truck when you’re done with it:

Again, inventory logistics are a major part of a rental company’s operations. If you can help them out, they might give you a good deal. For example, if you’re moving to Eugene, Oregon, look for a deal that involves dropping your truck off in Portland. Even with the extra cost of getting back to Eugene, you may still come out ahead.

Make phone calls:

As we see in the above points, and in ways you may not even expect, it can pay off to simply speak to people. Ask about possibilities for mutual benefit that don’t show up online. Be friendly. Be inquisitive. Be persistent. You never know.

Additional Pro Tips for Renting a Truck

Know what kind of insurance you’re getting. It is possible that your car insurance, your homeowner’s insurance, or your credit card company will cover you, at least to some degree, in the unfortunate case of a truck rental accident. As always, call and check! If you have no luck, ask your rental representative what kind of insurance is available – what it costs and what it covers. Here’s a good rundown on rental truck insurance terms.
Don’t go to the truck rental place in the morning. That’s what everyone does, and getting the right truck (or any truck at all) can be a hassle. Instead, arrange to pick up your truck the evening before your move. You’ll pretty much have your pick of the lot, and you can get as early a start as you want in the morning. You’ll probably sleep better too!
Save cash with deals. If you are booking your rental online, HireAHelper offers discounts on Penske and Budget.
Consider renting a trailer from UHaul instead of a truck. Even if you have to pay to have a trailer hitch installed on your vehicle, the money you save renting a trailer instead of a truck will in all likelihood more than cover the cost. Plus trailers don’t break down nearly as often as trucks.
Don’t believe everything you read. You may have seen UHaul advertising its trucks for as little as $19.95 per day on local moves. In reality, that’s just the baseline. Even for a simple one-day in-town move, you’ll end up paying much more.

Cost, quality, customer service, insurance, truck size, and availability. It’s a difficult road to navigate! But with knowledge, persistence, and a few tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be well-equipped to handle this last and extremely important piece of your moving puzzle.

And hey, if you really want your stuff to fit into a truck that’s smaller and less expensive, why not call in the pros? They’ll not only pack your belongings so they take up less space, but they’ll also make sure it’s all packed right, so everything in your truck arrives safe and intact at your new home.

How To Save Money on Your Rental Truck’s Gas

Author: Kevin The Mover

Publish Date: July 7, 2022

Last Modified Date: June 27, 2025

Category: Money Saving, Movehacks, Moving Trucks

Tags: Tags: budget, cheap moving truck, cheap rental trucks, cheap u-haul, gas efficiency, gas milage, gas prices, google maps, google maps gas prices, google maps gas station, how to plan a route, how to save on moving, how to save on moving truck, how to save on rental truck, how to use less gas, moving rental trucks, moving trucks, penske, rental truck gas cost, rental truck gas prices, rental trucks, rising gas prices, u-haul

It’s no secret that gas prices have risen faster than a helium balloon on the moon.

In June of this year, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) stated that the price of regular gasoline reached a nationwide average of $4.93 per gallon.

At the moment, the high-cost trend is on the decline, but prices are still a high-octane headache. This means for those of us who are moving this year… yup, high costs are going to hit us there too.

To put it in perspective, a move from Washington, D.C. to Portland, Oregon covers about 2,800 miles. In 2021, driving a loaded U-Haul that distance while getting 10mpg would have run about $850 in gasoline costs. The fuel cost in 2022 for that same trip is a stunning $1,300! In fact, a recent study by HireAHelper found that 2022 is the most expensive year on record for moving. Yikes.

What do high gas prices in 2022 mean for my move with a U-Haul, Penske, or Budget truck?

Airlines, full-service moving companies and portable storage container companies all tack on a fuel surcharge to your final bill that reflects the current price of gas.

This could mean anywhere from a couple hundred to a thousand bucks added to the final cost of your move!

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

(If you are hiring a company that does the work for you to haul your stuff to your new home, make sure you get a clear explanation of what their total fuel surcharge will be.)

But what about renting a truck yourself? To start saving money there, it’s first important to understand how gas costs and fuel policies for rental trucks work.

U-Haul

When you rent a U-Haul, they let you opt to fill up the truck yourself along the way, and so long as the fuel gauge reads the same as when you picked it up, you’ll avoid further fees. (In other words, you have to pay for all the gas you use.)

“To get better mileage, it’s best to keep the heavy core of your load in the middle of the truck, which is up closer to the cab.”

Or, you can use EZ-FUEL, which is a U-Haul service that lets you leave the refueling up to U-Haul at a price agreed upon in the rental contract. We don’t recommend this, as their prices are typically considerably more expensive than fueling up on your own. And if you return the truck with less than 1/4th of a tank, you immediately get charged a $30 fee.

Penske

Penske states that there are “no charges due,” so long as you return the truck in proper condition and at the same fuel level as when you picked it up. This is basically the same as U-Haul’s policy, minus the “convenience” of them adding the gas you used at a huge price. (Here are Penske’s truck return policies.)

Budget

Budget has a similar fuel policy to the other two companies. It requires you to return your truck with the same level of fuel as when you departed, at a minimum. If you don’t, you’ll not only be charged for however much it costs to refill the tank, but also another fueling fee on top of that.

Before you ask, there is no standardized credit, rebate, or discount given at any of these companies for unused fuel. (I’ve had U-Haul employees offer a small credit for some extra gas left in the tank, but not as often as they haven’t.) A little unfair, but that’s the common policy. It’s best to plan your trip well and do whatever you can to not waste gas on your way.

How can I lower rental truck fuel costs?

There may not be much we can do about the price of gas itself, but there are a surprising amount of ways we can lessen our gas consumption.

“Airlines, full-service moving companies and portable storage container companies all tack on a fuel surcharge to your final bill that reflects the current price of gas.”

This ultimately means the most impactful thing for lowering your U-Haul bill is fuel efficiency; you want to use the absolute minimum it takes to get you to your destination. If you’re planning on renting a truck and want to make your refueling experience less painful, here are some proven tactics you can use.

1. Lightening your load will save you a lot

The less you have, the less the truck weighs, and the less it burns fuel. It’s that simple. This means selling off unneeded furniture or taking as much as humanly possible in another vehicle will make you more money than you realize. There are lots of ways to get rid of stuff before a move — here’s a primer on paring down to get you started.

2. Fix your travel route

Taking the “longcut” because you haven’t checked for shortcuts costs you both time and money. Rush hour traffic is another big time and money waster, so make sure to avoid it when you leave your hometown and in any other towns along the way to your new place.

3. A/C on the highway (go easy!), windows down on the streets

The U.S. Department of Energy (USDoE) advises skipping the air conditioning and rolling down your windows. Turning on the A/C decreases fuel efficiency the more you crank it up.

Especially when you’re driving through a town, it’s best to keep the A/C off. However, keep in mind open windows on the highway can create drag that’s as bad for fuel efficiency as the air conditioner.

Protip: simply wrap a wet towel around your neck. As a professional mover, I know from experience this will keep you both cool and plenty awake!

4. Slow down, lead foot

The USDoE also advises driving conservatively. Gunning it to beat the light or to pass someone (often bad ideas regardless) eats up gas faster than a jet ski. According to government numbers, an unnecessarily heavy foot — especially in city traffic — can decrease your vehicle’s gas mileage by as much as forty percent!

5. Avoid filling up at highway rest areas

Anyone who drives the highways knows that gas is more expensive at the super-convenient rest stop pumps, sometimes by a quarter a gallon or more.

That will definitely add up. Beat that racket by keeping an eye open for the small blue signs near highway exits showing what gas stations there are, which way they are, and even how far away they are.

Simply put, Google Maps is an invaluable tool for figuring this out. Not only does it show you all the gas stations in an area or along a certain route, but it will also tell you their gas prices in real-time. All you need to do is tap the gas icon under the search bar, and all nearby stations will pop up.

The app can also let you know if the route you’re taking is the most eco-friendly and fuel-efficient. Look for the leaf icon when planning your trip — even if it’s a little longer, it will save you money in the long run.

6. Ask for the newest vehicle on the lot

The newer the model on the lot, the better your final gas price will be. It’s that simple.

Penske has a reputation for having newer, better-maintained trucks than the other guys. And while Penske can be noticeably pricier for short moves, over longer hauls they are price-competitive. Add the bonus of a more reliable and more fuel-efficient vehicle in my opinion, and you may come out ahead when gasoline is your main obstacle.

7. Balance your load

It’s not just what your stuff weighs that affects your truck’s gas mileage, but how your stuff is loaded that can make a big difference, both in safety and fuel efficiency. A balanced load is a stable load, meaning your truck doesn’t have to fight against excess momentum and gravity on its insides.

To get better mileage, it’s best to keep the heavy core of your load in the middle of the truck, which is up closer to the cab. (If you’re not sure you’d be any good at playing furniture Tetris, professional hourly movers have this process down to an art.)

The cost of a gallon of gas may be out of our control, but wet towels, light feet, and balanced loads? You bet you can handle that. There are plays we can make to save gas and, in turn, some of our hard-earned cash.

How to Use a Moving Container for a Long Distance Move

Author: Casey Bond

Publish Date: January 22, 2021

Last Modified Date: June 27, 2025

Category: Long Distance Moving Advice, Moving Containers

Tags: Tags: 1-800-PACK-RAT, 1800packrat, hireahelper, interstate move, long distance, long distance move, long haul move, movers, moving containers, packrat, pods, shipping containers, u box, u-haul, u-pack, ubox, uhaul, upack

The first time I visited Hawaii, I fell in love. After a couple of days of snorkeling, hiking, and eating some of the best food I’ve ever had, I began fantasizing about packing up my home in Los Angeles and moving long-distance to the island of Oahu to live my dream life.

For now, that’s still just a fantasy. But for thousands of people every year, moving long-distance is very much a reality. If you’re considering a long-distance move, you may be wondering how to get all your belongings to your new destination for the least amount of money and headache. That’s where a moving container company may be able to help.

How Do Moving Containers Work?

Moving containers (sometimes called “shipping containers”) are large, portable storage units that can be used to store and move belongings, including over long-distances. They act as a portable storage unit while you get settled in. They are made out of either metal or wood and are weather-proofed to protect your items from the elements.

Typically, after you book, a truck will drop off the container(s) at your home. After you’re done loading (or in some cases, within an allotted amount of days), a driver comes and picks it all up, then drives it all to your new destination. Once you’ve unpacked the container(s), a truck will come to haul everything away.

The smallest sizes hold the equivalent of a studio apartment, while the largest containers can hold three to four bedrooms worth of furniture. Depending on how much stuff you plan to move, you may need more than one container.

The cost of using a moving container is based on several factors:

The distance of the move
Size and number of containers
Length of time you have the containers
The season

One thing you should know, however, is that moving long-distance is generally more expensive than moving locally. More on that below.

What Is Considered “Long Distance,” Anyway?

Usually, any relocation over 100 miles is considered “a long-distance move”.

Here’s some lingo to know: if you’re moving within your own state, it’s known as an “intrastate move”. Moving across state lines is an “interstate move”. And if you’re relocating somewhere several states away, it’s often known as a “long-haul” or “cross country move”.

Knowing the difference between these types of moves will help you research moving companies and get an accurate quote.

Are Shipping Containers Better than Moving Trucks?

You might be wondering how using a shipping container is different from renting a moving truck. There are a few similarities, but also a few key differences.

Shipping containers allow you to take more time packing, unpacking and even storing your belongings. In fact, it’s possible to rent a moving container for several months! For that reason, moving containers usually cost a lot more than trucks, so you should really take advantage of it if you go with one.

You also put the driving in someone else’s hands. If you don’t want to drive a big truck, this is a huge perk. Once your belongings are packed and on their way to the new destination, you can’t access them.

A moving truck, on the other hand, means you are in control of every part of the move. That could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your goals. You are responsible for transporting your items from your old place to the new destination, but you can also access your stuff at any point if need be. Though renting a moving truck is cheaper, you also don’t have the added benefit of extra time or storage.

Pros and Cons of Using A Moving Container For Your Long-Distance Move

If you’re weighing the decision to use a moving container for your long-distance move versus going with a truck or full-service movers instead, here’s a look at the major pros and cons.

Long Distance Moving Container Pros

Cheaper than hiring full-service movers: One of the biggest benefits of using a shipping container is the savings. It can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $5,000 on average, or more, to hire movers for a long-distance move, according to Consumer Affairs. However, that cost can greatly increase if you have several rooms worth of furniture to move, many miles to travel, extra stops to make, specialty items, added materials, storage and more. Shipping containers, on the other hand, on average cost around $2,000 to $3,000, with storage included.

Storage at your new destination: Speaking of storage, it’s one of the biggest benefits to using a shipping container for your long-distance move. Not only can you pack up at your own pace, you can keep your items in storage while you get your new place in order. Renting a truck or movers, on the other hand, means you have to stick to a tighter schedule and have everything unloaded right away. No need to have to perfectly coordinate movers to the minute!

Love Your Long Distance Move

We’ve helped over 450,000 families move nationwide.

Join our long list of happy customers who loved making a long distance move with HireAHelper.

Long Distance Moving Container Cons

You have to do the heavy lifting: Getting an entire house packed up and ready to move long-distance can be time consuming and exhausting. Not to mention, it takes strength and a few helping hands to get everything from Point A to Point B. If you want to focus on other aspects of your move and leave the major work to professionals, hiring labor from a moving company to load and unload your container may be the better choice, and might still cost less overall than full-service van lines.

They take up space: Neighbors won’t appreciate having their parking spaces or driveways blocked by the container. That means you’ll need a driveway or other large space where the moving container can sit as you pack up your home, as well as unload furniture at your new destination. Or if you’re moving to a busy city, you’ll need a permit ahead of time to place one for any amount of time. Plus, even though moving containers lock up, it’s a good idea to have yours in a secure area.

What Are The Best Moving Container Companies For a Long Distance Move?

Keep in mind that not all moving container companies will do long-distance moves. Below are some of the top companies that do!

PODS

Short for “Portable On-Demand Self-Storage,” PODS is one of the more expensive companies on the list. However, they’re known for durable containers and have the most locations by far.

Container material: Steel
Container sizes: 16′, 12′, and 7’
Average long-distance move cost: $3,352

1-800-PACK-RAT

This company is similar to PODS in the cost, sizes available and number of locations. However, 1-800-PACK-RAT is more spread out geographically, meaning there’s likely a facility near you to speed up pick up and delivery.

Container material: Steel
Container sizes: 16′, 12′, and 8’
Average long-distance move cost: $3,551

U-Pack

U-Pack only offers one size of moving containers through its Relocubes long-distance moving service. You also have only three days on either end of your move to pack and unload. The plus side is that this makes it much more cost-effective to move long-distance.

Container material: Metal
Container sizes: (one size) 6’3” x 7′ x 8’4”
Average long-distance move cost: $2,393

U-Box/U-Haul

You may know U-Haul for its orange moving trucks. For long-distance moves, the company offers its U-Box service, which only offers one size of container that’s not quite as durable as some metal options. However, it also provides flexible billing and live container tracking.

Container material: Plywood with weatherproof cover
Container sizes: (one size) 95″ x 56″ x 83.5″
Average long-distance move cost: $2,850

For more information on moving containers prices and money-saving tips, check out Moving101’s moving container page.

The Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Know to Move

Author: DIY Playbook

Publish Date: December 3, 2019

Last Modified Date: June 30, 2025

Category: Moving Checklists & Planning

Tags: Tags: budget, dola sun, help moving, how to move, hybrid move, movers, moving, Moving Checklist, moving help, moving timeline, penske, pinterest, printable checklist, professional movers, to do, truck, u-haul, uhaul, where to get movers

Updated: New info for 2021

The moment you know for sure that you’re about to move, life seems to turn on its head.

You instantly have a million questions on what to do next, but often feel like you have no place to turn for those important answers. That’s where we come in! This moving checklist will ensure that you get all of the essentials done so you stay on track for a stress-free move.

Create a Timeline to Tackle Your Move Using Our Moving Checklist

Moving is a process. It shouldn’t (and can’t) happen overnight. Our checklist provides a detailed and resourceful step-by-step guide as you start your journey to a new place, big or small. What should you be doing now? What should you be doing the month, week, or even day of the move? Heck, is there anything extra to do after the move, besides unpacking? We’re here to answer all of those questions for you!

6 Weeks Before Move Day
4 Weeks Before Move Day
3 Weeks Before Move Day
1 Week Before Move Day
A Successful Moving Day

6 Weeks Before the Big Move

How do I plan to move out? And what are my moving options?

Before you begin this moving checklist, we highly suggest you read this Moving 101 guide to get all of the details on your moving options. Essentially, moves fall into one of these three categories:

Do-It-Yourself Move: You rent the truck (or find a friend’s truck), load it up, then drive it all to the next location by yourself or with friends.
The Hybrid Move: You hire help to load and/or unload the truck, you drive and rent the truck.
Full-Service Move: You can relax while the movers take care of loading and driving. The movers you choose will depend on a number of factors, including budget and timeline. Our sister company Moving Place can be a great alternative to traditional full-service moving companies, because they take care of every detail of your move at reasonable prices.
Moving101 has charts and up-to-the-day costs to help you find the right move for your situation. Plus, you can use the Moving Cost Calculator to get your budget in order from the very start.

When should you schedule movers?

For the absolute best prices and flexibility, start perusing available movers and trucks now, at roughly six weeks out.

If you are renting a truck for your move, make sure to compare your options. U-Haul isn’t the only option anymore. Budget and Penske are just two of the rental truck competitors that have their own fleets available all over the country.

Now, you don’t necessarily have to stress about actually booking movers just yet … you have until about three weeks before the move to do it comfortably. And if you’re just booking labor-only move helpers from HireAHelper, you also have plenty of time to secure them – you don’t necessarily have to start worrying until two weeks before the move. After that, though, movers and trucks become harder to come by.

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

How do I prepare to move to another state?

However, if you are booking a Full-Service Move, complete with movers, a truck and even a container, then booking now at six weeks out will keep you right on track. This is especially true if you are moving to another state, where things like state laws and paperwork for movers going across state lines come into play. This month-and-a-half timeline is more likely to ensure the things you need on moving day are available and reserved just for you!

Consider renting a container for your things.

Container moves are a perfect way to move in some situations, especially ones where your new property is not ready yet. This container guide lays out the pros and cons to help answer whether or not a container move is a good fit for you. Did you know most moving companies will store your container for one month for free? Yes, this guide has the scoop to help you decide what’s the best plan for your situation.

Get rid of the stuff you don’t need now before you think about packing.

Purging before a move is a great idea for a number of reasons. Not only will you have less to pack up and move, but you’ll also have less to unpack and organize in your new place. The easiest way to slowly purge is to keep a small box or bag in every room of your house (especially in the closets). Items you find that are broken, missing or just never used should be added to these boxes and eventually donated or thrown away. You can also have a garage sale or sell your old items online, which will help you make some last-minute cash right before your move. For items you end up donating, be sure to save the documentation from the donation center so you can use it as a tax write-off at the end of the year.

What exactly can I do with my old stuff?

When it’s time to finally sort through the items in those donation boxes, here is a list of items you can donate to particular spots in your city. And if you have any random items to get rid of (a mattress, outdated appliances), we’ve got you covered too. Read up at those links!

4 Weeks Before the Big Move

Start notifying businesses about your upcoming move.

Four weeks before your move is a good time to start notifying the necessary people or companies about your relocation. These parties include:

Utility companies
Local schools
Homeowner’s insurance company
Current landlord
Bank/credit card companies
Government agencies
Anywhere you hold subscriptions
Anyone else who may be sending you important documents over the next few months

Not only do you want to notify them of your move, but of course you will need to give them your new address to them if you will still be using their services. When it comes time to change your mailing address, this step-by-step guide was extremely helpful for us.

Start collecting moving boxes now.

No moving checklist is complete without helping you figure out what kind of moving boxes you want. And there are plenty of ways to get them on the cheap … or even FREE if you do a little research. This checklist outlines all of the places you can score free boxes, and here’s a list of places you can try to at least get a deal on the ones you do purchase. But always remember that wherever and however you get your boxes, be sure they are clean and in good shape. No matter how cheap they are, there’s no value in getting your stuff dirty or crushed.

HireAHelper Free Moving Box Checklist (click to expand)

Since you still have plenty of time before the move, you don’t need to be frantically throwing items into boxes. Four weeks is plenty of time to start packing your stuff with an organized game plan. Will you pack items from one room together? Will you pack items of the same size together? Whatever method works for you is great, just be sure you are labeling your boxes as clearly and as detailed as possible so the unpacking process is even easier! If you’re not sure what labeling system is best for you, we really love this trick because it makes moving day efficient.

Purchase furniture to be built or delivered.

Buying furniture now is a great idea so it can be ordered and delivered to your new home just as you’re about ready to set things up. Instead of lugging over that king-sized bed or oversized buffet, sell those items on Craigslist and look for new items that will fit. If they’re back-ordered or will take time to ship, that’s perfect because you still have a month to go!

Remember: if you have them shipped to your new address, you won’t have to worry about moving them. For items you end up buying on Craigslist, be sure to set up the pickup date on your moving day so that you can utilize the truck you have already rented! You can use this same trick at stores like IKEA. You can do all of your shopping and arrange to pick up these large pieces on your moving day so you can get the most bang for your buck for your moving truck rental.

3 Weeks Before the Big Move

If you decided to rent a truck, figure out which one and how big it needs to be about now.

Now that we’re three weeks out, it’s time to book your truck. The kind of truck you rent will be different for each move, but it will mostly depend on how much stuff you’re moving from point A to point B. You may want to shop around to find the best deal and see which day will be the least expensive. This post guides you through all of these important truck rental factors.

Okay, who exactly should I hire to move my stuff?

That’s the easiest question on this list! Just check out HireAHelper for all of your heavy-lifting needs. You can find local movers to help you on moving day so you won’t have to lift a finger. It’s suggested that you book your Helpers about 2-3 weeks in advance, so now is the time to get this checked off your to-do list.

It’s (officially) time to start packing.

It’s finally time to start packing up. And since you already figured out where to get boxes on the cheap, you can go ahead and pick up all of your moving supplies. Don’t forget to consult this post for a list of all of the supplies you will need for packing (plus tips to pack them up efficiently).

Make sure you know what you’re not allowed to transport on moving trucks.

Yep, you can’t bring it all! Here’s an entire list of things you should keep off the truck come moving day. Be sure to have a game plan to get these items to your new place.

How do I pack strange objects?

Let’s face it, not everything you own is going to fit nicely into a cardboard box. But we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions to pack up even the most unusual objects, such as these:

1 Week Before the Big Move – What should I do a week before moving?

Do the mandatory cleanups of your old place.

It’s always nice to leave your old property in good shape for the new homeowners, but for renters, it’s imperative to do a few things before you leave in order to increase the chances of getting your security deposit back. After your place is emptied, make sure to patch and paint any holes in the walls so you don’t get charged for this simple repair. If there is anything else your landlord requires (like getting the carpets professionally cleaned), be sure to coordinate this before you head out.

What else should I pick up at the store?

Call us crazy, but we think a fanny pack, now fashionably called a “sling bag,” may be the best thing to wear come moving day. Now’s the time to find a sweet one so you’re all prepped and ready.

Also, consult this list so you have the seven items you absolutely need for moving day.

Prioritize the right cleanups for your new place.

Cleaning is the next big one on our moving checklist. If you can get into your new house, we highly suggest you head over there before you actually move everything in to give the new space a good, deep clean. Here are five areas that need some TLC right away:

Kitchen cabinets
The refrigerator (and refrigerator fan)
Bathtub and any tub jets
Oven and stove
Washing machine

You can also setup time for a locksmith to come over to your new place to re-key the locks shortly after your move.

A Successful Moving Day

Be fully prepped with all the right stuff.

Put on your handy dandy moving day fanny pack and make sure you have these moving day essentials all ready to go.
If you booked a container, it should be fully loaded before moving day … especially if you have a morning pickup for your container.
If you rented a truck, make sure you get to the rental place early to avoid a line. Start your day on the right foot and totally on time! Also, if you hired Helpers, make sure you allow yourself at least an hour for picking up the truck so you can get back in time. You don’t want to waste any valuable time with your hired help!
The best thing you can do is to have a talk with you and your moving team at the beginning of the day. Go over all of the key pieces of information so everyone is on the same page from the start. You need to be a confident leader!

If I hired movers what should I do?

Sit back, be a manager, and watch them do the heavy lifting. Yes, this may feel a little awkward, but it’s what they’re there for! (Plus, for insurance reasons, you’re usually not allowed to help anyway.) Don’t be afraid to speak up if you want them to do something differently, like wrap the piece of furniture with one more pad for safety!

If I didn’t hire movers what should I do?

Get ready to hope your friends show up! Maybe do some stretches so you can avoid injury and mentally prepare yourself for being on the downside of a couch in a stairwell praying your friend holding the top doesn’t let go! At the very least, it’s going to be a long day, so stay hydrated and nimble. You’ll be extra excited to check this off the moving checklist.

Unload and label your stuff in the most efficient way.

If you used our labeling tips to make a game plan for which room each box should be delivered, then you’ll want to label the doors in the new place based on the key. This will keep things organized and will ensure that your Helpers get the right boxes in the right rooms of your new pad.

Should I tip my movers? If so … how much?

There’s a lot of debate on whether you should tip your movers or not, and if you do tip…how much should you cough up? For more clarification, check out this post and then make your call.

Following Up After the Big Move

Get rid of or utilize all your moving boxes correctly.

Chances are you’ll have a lot of leftover boxes. Here are some ideas to make the most of all of that cardboard:

If you can keep those boxes around for your next move, your future self will thank you. But if you don’t want to repurpose or don’t have the room to save them, please, don’t forget to recycle them! Here’s a searchable database that’ll let you know the closest place to recycle anything of yours that can be reused, including those moving boxes!

Meet your neighbors online!

Nothing like starting off on the right foot with the people you’ll be living next to for quite some time. Download the Nextdoor app (must have!), and then muster up the courage to head next door and say, “hello.”

Unpack (efficiently).

Of course! We’ve got industry tips to make your unpacking party more manageable and more enjoyable. (Yes, it can be fun, but make sure you don’t hurt your back!).

What’s next?

Now the fun finally begins … getting settled into your new home! Consider painting the walls one of our favorite neutral colors, adding some smart home accessories, and even try tackling some of these DIY projects to transform your new home into home, sweet home.

Two Ways to Take This Moving Checklist With You

1. Tried and True Printer Friendly PDF – A ready-for-paper checklist. Pencil sold separately.
2. Digital Friendly *Expanded* Version – Download/screenshot/save to your camera roll.

Illustrations by Dola Sun

Can Movers Help You With Other Stuff Besides Moving?

Author: Kevin The Mover

Publish Date: January 23, 2019

Last Modified Date: June 27, 2025

Category: Movehacks

Tags: Tags: budget, cardboard boxes, couch, day labor, free boxes, fridge, full service, furniture, furniture disassembly, furniture help, hireahelper, hybrid moving, movers, moving, moving boxes, moving furniture, moving labor, moving truck, packing, packing help, packing supplies, packing tape, penske, porch, tv, u-haul, uhaul

If you thought moving companies do nothing but put all your stuff on a big truck, you’d be right—if you were living sometime in the distant past.

Today’s moving companies are constantly expanding their range of services and offering them all à la carte. That half-job or heavy lifting you need help with? Sure, you can try begging and bribing your friends, or you can call up a few movers in your area. You might be surprised at what they can help you with.

So What Else, Exactly, Can Movers Help With?

More than you can probably imagine. Heck, you don’t even need to be moving to have them give you a hand! More and more, people are turning to moving companies for all kinds of tasks too big to tackle alone. Movers make great day laborers, for things like:

Clearing out your garage or basement

Having a couple of sets of hands to move stuff while you figure out whether it goes to the curb or your cousin’s house or back into the garage can save you an entire weekend (if your garage looks anything like mine)
This also applies to attics, sheds, or anywhere

Hauling individual furniture from Point A to Point B

From your house to the curb; from your bedroom to the basement; to that cousin’s house; to the municipal trash dump; to your local secondhand store or consignment shop

Moving everything out of the room you are repainting or remodeling

And then moving it back when you are done

Hauling stuff to your home from the furniture store

Or from your second cousin’s house, or from the garage of the guy selling that big beautiful piano on craigslist

Movers can (and often will) also take care of those jobs tangential to a move:

Even if you’ve managed to tackle your entire move on your own, you may be left with a mountain of unwanted cardboard boxes and unusable packing paper that you just don’t want to deal with. Movers, however, see gold in those mountains. So try giving them a call.

Protip: Most movers tend to charge for a minimum of two hours of labor, due to scheduling their business hours. This is not by any means a hard and fast rule, but make sure you ask before you book your help.

Can I hire movers to JUST help me load and unload my U-Haul?

You betcha!

Renting a truck or a moving container and hiring moving labor for all the heavy lifting is a huge trend—and for good reason. You save a ton of money by renting your own truck, and you save your back by hiring movers.

À la carte movers often:

Bring all the equipment
Have all the knowledge necessary to do the job right
Pack stuff you need packed, wrap stuff you need to be wrapped
Load it all up safely and securely

You drive your U-Haul (or Penske or Budget), or have your portable container delivered, and a fresh crew of movers unloads everything at your new home. This is what we call a Hybrid Move. As far as moving goes, it’s the best of both worlds. And it’s what HireAHelper movers do best.

Get an instant quote for local TV mounting services.

Protip: If you are moving locally, your movers may be able to rent you moving blankets for a small fee. But if you are moving out of the area, you might be able to rent them from your rental truck company. You may, however, have to buy them. Just please don’t move without them!

Can my movers do my entire move?

Yes, of course. Your traditional Full Service moving company will handle the whole moving enchilada if that is what you want, including packing up your entire home, right down to your last box of biscuits. This is the easiest way to move. It is also by far the most expensive.

Movers Know Best

Of course, we can’t tell you what’s best for you. But we can say with total confidence that movers know how to best handle your stuff. Whether it’s a single item job or a few pieces of heavy furniture; whether you’re moving one room or one door down or one hundred miles away; whether you need loading help, unloading help, or both, hiring moving labor is the best and most economical way to make sure your belongings are taken care of.

If you’re not sure what to do, that’s cool. Calling a mover and asking a few questions costs nothing. And it could end up saving you a lot.

Illustrations by Rob Wadleigh

How to Best Unload Your Moving Truck

Author: Kevin The Mover

Publish Date: July 27, 2018

Last Modified Date: June 27, 2025

Category: Loading & Unloading Guides, Moving Trucks

Tags: Tags: budget, hireahelper, hyrbid move, movers, moving, moving boxes, moving container, moving help, moving truck, penske, pods, professional movers, u-haul, uhaul, unload, unload moving truck, unloading

Loading your truck is like getting ready for prom. You want everything to be perfect.

Unloading, on the other hand, is kind of the same way; take everything off, drop it on the floor and go jump in the pool with your friends, right?

Yes and no. Unloading a moving truck is definitely easier than loading one, but like jumping in the pool, there are good ways and bad ways to do it.

Below are some tips for safety and speed so you can not only do the job right but have plenty of time for the post-party. (And this all applies for moving containers too!)

How to Prepare Your Unload

Park on a flat, level surface

If you are renting a portable container like a PODS, you can expect it will be set on even ground. The same thing goes for a rental truck.

You’ll want to park in a similar level place, to make unloading both safer and easier. If you simply have to park on a sloped surface, point the front of your truck downhill. (You can imagine why.)

Apply the emergency brake

This applies even if you park on a level surface. It also doesn’t hurt to put chocks – or rocks or blocks of wood – under one or more of the wheels.

Open the back of the truck slowly

Your stuff will have shifted around in transit, and the possibility of something tumbling out onto the ground, or on you, is very real.

If something is about to come tumbling out, you may feel and/or hear it pushing against the door as you open it. But not always.

Keep your eyes open and have an extra set of hands ready.

Ramps slide out quickly, be careful

Rental trucks generally come equipped with a loading ramp that slides right out from under the rear door. Unlatching it, sliding it out and locking it in place is simple. So is hurting yourself if you aren’t careful.

That ramp is heavy! And pulling it too hard can turn it into a battering ram with you being the one getting battered. Ease it out all the way and set it down on something not your toes. And remember to set those hooks at the top of the ramp securely in place!

How to Unload Safely and Quickly

Get off to a pretty slow start

That’s right! Even if nothing looks about to topple over, you still want to take it easy when you begin unloading your stuff.

Your stuff will shift and resettle in transit

This goes triple if you have a freight trailer!

The pedal of the bicycle you so carefully placed on top of all those boxes might now be stuck in between two of those cartons, and pulling too hard trying to free your bike can send a whole stack of stuff cascading down on top of you.

Remember, if your truck was packed to the gills, you won’t have much room back there for your feet. Take your time. Watch your step. Ease those first items off the truck, always aware of how close your Nikes are to the edge of that deck. One misstep and there goes your stuff (and you).

Assign a ramp person

If you have someone (or a few people) helping you, assign one person to stay on the truck to break down the load and put everything at the edge of the deck where the others can grab it without having to climb into the truck.

Not only does this save time, it also eliminates a ton of bending over.

Working like this, it’s never long before the person on the truck gets ahead of the others. This is a good time for that person to nominate someone to help carry that sofa or dresser off the truck and into the house. In addition, jumping off the truck and helping get all the stuff they’ve set on the deck into the house is the obvious way to keep the process rolling.

Tackling the unload all by yourself? Try working in a similar fashion. As you break down your load, position as many boxes and other items as possible along the edge of the deck. Then you’ll be able to make a bunch of trips back and forth without having to walk up and down that ramp every time, saving both your legs and your back.

Form a box brigade

Building on above, if you are lucky enough to have two or more people helping you unload:

Keep one person working on the truck
One person carrying stuff from the truck to a staging area (usually the garage or the front door)
One person working inside carrying everything from the staging area to where it all belongs

Naturally, the person on the truck will start getting ahead of the person carrying stuff to the staging area, who will in turn probably get ahead of the person running back and forth inside the house. Periodically jumping off the truck or stepping inside to help your buddy catch up keeps everyone moving – and quickens the process of emptying out that truck or portable container.

Which, of course, leaves more time to enjoy the pool.

Use a dolly

When you are unloading your moving truck, a hand truck (also known as a dolly) is your best non-human friend.

Rolling heavy stuff means you don’t have to carry it. Rolling a stack of boxes means making one trip instead of three or four! The bigger your load and the heavier your stuff, the more you will thank yourself for having that hand truck around. It’s an essential item to rent of your moving truck doesn’t come with one, or if you don’t hire moving labor.

Make sure, by the way, to use that hand truck correctly. You should always be higher than the dolly when rolling stuff down that ramp. If you are hand-trucking something large and/or heavy, have an extra set of hands at the lower end to keep that thing moving steadily—and slowly!

Want to really learn how to use a dolly? Check out this post.

Center everything before it goes off the truck

It goes without saying that when you’re unloading major appliances and large pieces of furniture – or anything for that matter – you want to be doubly certain neither your feet nor the wheels of your hand truck miss that ramp.

But you also want your hand truck to hit the ramp squarely; if one wheel starts going downhill before the other your hand truck will start to tip to one side. Your buddy on the bottom end will naturally try to steady it, which can send one of his feet off the side of the ramp, and things will just keep going downhill from there.

Whether you are rolling or carrying that big heavy appliance or piece of furniture, you want to get centered on the back of the truck before you head for that ramp.

Again, when using a dolly, those wheels go down before you do. If you and a buddy are carrying that item, whoever is holding the bottom end needs to travel down first. In either case, the person on the lower end is responsible for maintaining a straight line of forward progress.

Ready to unpack?

That’s a whole other thing, so make sure to read our unpacking guide too!

Protip: If you have to walk up a slope or up any stairs, it’s good practice to turn yourselves around so the person holding the top of that big bulky piece is again in a higher position.

Going upslope, however, the person on top takes over steering duty. The person on the bottom then will have the responsibility of providing most of the upward momentum. (This is especially true when going up a staircase.)

In other words, the person on bottom pushes while the person on top does their best to avoid banging into the walls and tripping up the steps.

Get Some Quick Help

And if all else fails (or you realize you have more stuff than you thought you did after loading your truck), do yourself a favor and double-check our movers’ prices for unloading trucks.

Get Help Unloading Your Rental Truck

See prices for movers by the hour—instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

From my decades of experience moving people, an unbooked mover is pretty motivated to come out, as opposed to sitting around doing nothing. Do a quick fly by on HireAHelper if you were wondering, “But are there any local movers near me available to lend me and my friends a hand?”

I’ve saved plenty of people’s moving day who thought to check, even last second.

What’s the Difference Between UHaul and Home Depot Trucks?

Truck Sizes: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rental

Home Depot Truck Sizes

U-Haul Truck Sizes

Pricing: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Home Depot Truck Rental Pricing

U-Haul Truck Rental Pricing

Which Moving Truck Rental Is Cheaper?

Cost Example: 1-Hour 15-Minute Move / 8 Miles

Cost Example: 2-Hour 15-Minute Move / 8 Miles

Cost Example: 4-Hour 15-Minute Move / 22 Miles

Cost Example: 1-Day Move/120 Miles

“Each [Home Depot] truck is rented out with a full tank of gas, and you’re expected to top it off before returning it. If you don’t, Home Depot may automatically charge a refueling fee”

Cost Example: 1-Day Move/120 Miles

Fuel Efficiency: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Home Depot Rental Truck Fuel Efficiency

U-Haul Rental Truck Fuel Efficiency

Ease of Driving: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Driving a Home Depot Rental Truck

Driving a U-Haul Rental Truck

Coverage Options: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Home Depot Coverage Options

“Basically, a daily U-Haul rental is only cheaper than Home Depot if you keep your mileage low enough.”

U-Haul Coverage Options

Reservation Process: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Reserving a Home Depot Rental Truck

Reserving a U-Haul Rental Truck

Returning the Truck: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Returning a Home Depot Rental Truck

Returning a U-Haul Rental Truck

Pros and Cons: Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Pros and Cons: Home Depot Truck Rentals

Pros and Cons: U-Haul Truck Rentals

“Although Home Depot’s fleet includes two different flatbed trucks and a cargo van, there is only one size of moving truck available: the 12-foot box truck…[which] fits right between the two smallest U-Haul trucks with a volume capacity of 515 cubic feet.”

Which Is Better? Home Depot vs. Uhaul Truck Rentals

Making the Most of Your Moving Truck Rental

Perishables: Items That Can Spoil on the Truck

Combustibles and Other Dangerous Items

Plants, Pistols, and Alcohol

“[Movers] can, and they should, [refuse to move an item] if something isn’t safe to load. Movers have to follow strict policies when it comes to what goes in the truck, especially with anything hazardous or restricted.”

Valuables, Antiques, and Irreplaceable Items

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack cleaning supplies in a moving truck?

What happens if movers find prohibited items?

Can movers refuse to transport items?

Penske vs. U-Haul: Rental Truck Sizes

Who Wins: U-Haul

Penske vs. U-Haul: Services

“Penske’s 26-foot truck runs on diesel and is estimated to get 12 mpg, while U-Haul’s 26-foot gas-powered truck only gets 10 mpg.”

Who Wins: U-Haul

Penske vs. U-Haul: Coverage Options

Penske Coverage Options:

The above descriptions are simplified for readability. Customers should check with Penske for full coverage details.

U-Haul Coverage Options:

The above descriptions are simplified for readability. Customers should check with U-Haul for full coverage details.

Who Wins: U-Haul

Penske vs. U-Haul: Cost

Is Penske Cheaper Than U-Haul for a Local Move?

Penske vs. U-Haul: The Basic Cost Difference (Local Move) Tampa Bay Region:

*Starting prices vary regionally for Penske. The ones you see above are based on the Tampa Bay region pricing, a mid-market. We’ve seen as much as a $70.00 difference (starting at $99.99 for the 12-ft. truck) in places like Buffalo, New York.

Is Penske Cheaper Than U-Haul for Long Distance Moves?

“U-Haul offers a wider variety of rental options…Penske, on the other hand, offers trucks that are typically larger than their U-Haul counterparts, and with generally better gas mileage.”

Who Wins: U-Haul

Penske vs. U-Haul: Discounts and Promotions

Penske vs. U-Haul: Discounts and Promotions:

Who Wins: Penske

Penske vs. U-Haul: Customer Satisfaction

Penske vs. U-Haul: Recent Customer Reviews

U-Haul 5-Star Review

U-Haul 1-Star Review

Penske 5-Star Review

Penske 1-Star Review:

Who Wins: Tie

Conclusion: Is Penske a Good U-Haul Alternative?

Penske vs. U-Haul: FAQs

A Look at Other U-Haul Alternatives

Budget Truck Rental

Enterprise Truck Rental

Home Depot Truck Rental

Penske vs. U-Haul: The Basic Cost Difference (Local Move)
Tampa Bay Region: