Where to rent a moving truck and what the basic costs look like
The largest moving truck rental companies are U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot, and Budget. Each operates its own fleet and pricing model, so the same truck size on the same date can cost $30 to $100 more at one company than another. Prices depend on truck size, distance, time of year, and local demand — summer moves cost more than winter ones, and one-way rentals (dropping the truck in a different city) cost more than round-trip.
Most companies charge a base rental fee plus a mileage fee, though some offer unlimited mileage for a flat rate. You'll also pay for fuel, which you return the truck with a full tank. Some companies include basic insurance in the rental; others charge extra for damage coverage. Getting quotes from at least two companies takes 10 minutes and shows you the real price difference for your specific move.
Key Takeaways
- Truck size ranges from 10 feet (fits a one-bedroom apartment) to 26 feet (fits a four-bedroom house), and choosing too small means a second trip.
- Reserve your truck at least two weeks ahead during peak season (May through September) to may support availability at your preferred size and date.
- You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name; some companies require you to be 18 or older, others 21 or older.
- Return the truck on time and with a full tank of fuel, or you'll pay overage charges and fuel surcharges that can add $50 to $200 to your bill.
- Damage waivers and insurance add $15 to $30 per day but protect you from paying hundreds or thousands if the truck is damaged during your move.
Choosing the right truck size for your move
Truck sizes are measured in feet of cargo space. A 10-foot truck holds the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or a small house. A 15-foot truck fits a two-bedroom apartment. A 20-foot truck handles a three-bedroom house. A 26-foot truck is the largest standard rental and holds a four-bedroom house with furniture, boxes, and appliances.
The most common mistake is renting too small. If you underestimate, you'll either leave items behind or make a second trip, which costs money and time. Most rental companies let you see the truck's interior dimensions online before you book. Measure your largest pieces of furniture — couch, bed frame, dresser — and picture them in the space. If you're uncertain, rent one size larger; the extra cost is usually $15 to $25 per day, which is far less than a second rental.
What documents and information you need to provide
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. The rental company will run a background check and verify your driving record; some will decline you if you have recent serious violations or a suspended license. Age requirements vary: U-Haul and Home Depot rent to drivers 18 and older, while Penske and Budget typically require 21 or older.
You'll also need to provide your current address and phone number. If you're moving to a different state, some companies ask for your destination address. Have your driver's license and credit card ready when you call or book online — the process takes 5 to 10 minutes. If you're renting a truck larger than 26 feet or towing a trailer, some states require a commercial driver's license (CDL), so check your state's rules before booking.
Reservation timing and peak season availability
Book your truck at least two weeks before your move, longer during peak season. From May through September, trucks rent out quickly, especially on weekends and at the end of the month. If you book during peak season with less than a week's notice, you may find your preferred size unavailable, forcing you to choose a larger truck or a different company.
Off-season moves (October through April) have more flexibility. You can often book a truck a few days ahead without losing your choice of size or location. Weekday moves are cheaper and easier to schedule than weekend moves. If your move date is flexible, shifting it by a few days can save $50 to $150 on the rental.
Insurance, damage waivers, and what happens if the truck is damaged
Every rental company offers damage coverage, but the terms differ. A damage waiver means you pay a daily fee (usually $15 to $30) and the company covers damage to the truck during your rental. Without a waiver, you're responsible for all damage, which can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars if the truck is hit, dented, or has mechanical damage you caused.
Check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental trucks — some do, some don't. Call your insurance company before you book and ask specifically about moving truck coverage. If you're not covered, buy the damage waiver. It's cheap insurance against an expensive accident. When you pick up the truck, the company will document its condition with photos or video; inspect the truck yourself and point out any existing damage before you leave the lot, or you may be charged for it when you return.
Fuel, mileage, and return requirements
You rent the truck with a full tank of fuel and must return it with a full tank. If you return it empty or partially empty, the company will refuel it and charge you a premium price per gallon — often 50 to 100 percent higher than gas station prices. Fill up at a regular gas station within a mile of the rental location before you return the truck.
Mileage charges depend on your rental agreement. Some companies charge per mile; others offer unlimited mileage for a flat fee. Calculate your round-trip distance before you book and ask which pricing model is cheaper for your move. Return the truck on the date and time you reserved. Late returns are charged by the hour or day, and returning a truck even two hours late can add $50 to $100 to your bill.
Additional costs and hidden fees to watch for
Beyond the base rental, fuel, and mileage, watch for equipment fees. Dollies, furniture pads, and tie-down straps rent separately and cost $5 to $20 each. Some companies charge a drop-off fee if you're returning the truck to a different location than where you rented it. Late return fees, fuel surcharges, and cleaning fees (if you return the truck dirty) can add up quickly.
Ask the rental company for a full breakdown of charges before you book. Compare the total cost — not just the base rate — across companies. Some companies advertise low daily rates but charge high mileage fees; others charge more per day but include unlimited mileage. The cheapest-looking quote isn't always the cheapest total.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a moving truck if I don't have a credit card?
Most companies require a credit card for the security deposit and to hold the reservation. Some accept debit cards, but policies vary. Call the rental company directly and ask whether they accept debit cards or alternative payment methods before you visit the location.
What if I need the truck for longer than I planned?
Call the rental company as soon as you know you need extra time. If the truck is available, they'll extend your rental and charge you for the additional days. If it's already reserved by another customer, you may have to return it on time and rent a different truck for the extra days, which costs more.
Do I need a special license to drive a moving truck?
Most rental trucks under 26 feet don't require a commercial driver's license. Trucks larger than 26 feet or those towing trailers may require a CDL depending on your state. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call the rental company to confirm before you book.
Can I rent a truck one-way to a different city?
Yes, but one-way rentals cost significantly more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the truck back. Expect to pay 50 to 100 percent more for a one-way rental. Get quotes for both round-trip and one-way options to compare the cost difference.
What should I do if the truck breaks down during my move?
Call the rental company's roadside information number when ready — it's on your rental agreement. They'll send a mechanic or tow truck to help you. Most companies cover roadside information at no extra charge, but confirm this when you pick up the truck.