Where to rent a moving truck and what the basic cost looks like

You can rent a moving truck from three main sources: national chains (U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot), local moving companies, and peer-to-peer platforms like Turo or Neighbor. National chains dominate because they have locations everywhere and predictable pricing. A one-way rental of a 10-foot truck typically costs $30 to $60 per day plus mileage, though prices spike during peak moving season (May through September). Local companies sometimes undercut national rates but may have fewer vehicle sizes or locations. Peer-to-peer rentals can be cheaper for short distances but add insurance and platform fees that eat into savings.

The total cost depends on three things: the truck size you need, how far you're moving, and when you're moving. A 10-foot truck fits a one-bedroom apartment. A 15-foot truck handles a two-bedroom. A 20-foot or 26-foot truck is for a three-bedroom or larger. Mileage charges vary wildly—U-Haul charges per mile in some markets and includes unlimited mileage in others. Penske charges a flat daily rate plus mileage. Home Depot rentals are usually cheaper for local moves under 75 miles but don't work well for long distances. Getting quotes from at least two companies takes 10 minutes and can save you $100 or more.

Key Takeaways

  • National rental chains charge a daily rate plus mileage, with one-way rentals costing $30 to $60 per day depending on truck size and season.
  • Peak moving season (May through September) raises prices 20 to 40 percent, so moving in winter or on a weekday saves money.
  • You need a valid driver's license and a credit card to reserve, but insurance, fuel, and equipment rental (dollies, blankets) are separate charges added at pickup.
  • Damage waivers and insurance options range from $10 to $30 per day and cover collision or theft—check what your personal auto insurance already covers before buying.
  • Returning the truck late or with fuel missing costs extra, so confirm the return location and fuel policy before you book.

How truck size affects your move and your cost

Choosing the right size is the biggest cost lever. A 10-foot truck (sometimes called a box truck) holds roughly 4,000 cubic feet and fits a studio or one-bedroom apartment. A 15-foot truck holds about 6,000 cubic feet and handles a two-bedroom. A 20-foot truck holds 8,000 cubic feet and works for a three-bedroom. A 26-foot truck (the largest standard rental) holds 12,000 cubic feet and is for a four-bedroom or a full house. Renting one size too large costs you 30 to 50 percent more but saves you a second trip. Renting one size too small means you either make two trips or leave furniture behind.

Most rental companies let you reserve online and see the exact truck you're getting, so you can check the dimensions and cubic footage. If you're unsure, call the rental location and describe what you're moving—a staff member can tell you the right size in two minutes. Overestimating is cheaper than underestimating, because a second rental trip costs nearly as much as the first one.

What happens at pickup and what extra charges to expect

When you arrive to pick up the truck, bring your driver's license and the credit card you used to reserve. The rental agent will walk you through the truck's condition, take photos of any existing damage, and ask about insurance. This is when you decide whether to buy their damage waiver (usually $10 to $30 per day). If you decline, you're responsible for any damage—dents, scratches, mechanical failure—up to the truck's full value. Check your personal auto insurance policy before you arrive; some policies cover rental trucks, which means you don't need to buy the rental company's waiver.

Fuel is your responsibility. You can either fill the tank yourself before returning it (cheapest option) or let the rental company fill it and charge you their markup (usually 50 to 100 percent above gas station prices). Equipment rental—dollies, furniture pads, tie-down straps—costs $5 to $15 per item and adds up fast. Many people bring their own or borrow from friends. The agent will also ask about your destination and confirm the return location and time. Late returns cost $40 to $100 per day depending on the company.

Comparing daily rates, mileage charges, and one-way fees

U-Haul charges a daily rate plus mileage in most markets, though some locations offer unlimited mileage for a higher daily rate. Their rates vary by location and season. Penske charges a flat daily rate that includes mileage in some markets and charges per mile in others—you have to check your specific route. Home Depot charges a flat hourly rate (usually $19 per hour, with a four-hour minimum) for local rentals, making it the cheapest option for moves under 75 miles. For longer distances, the hourly model becomes expensive fast.

One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) cost more than round-trip because the company has to move the truck back. U-Haul and Penske both charge one-way fees that can range from $50 to $500 depending on the distance and direction. Some routes are cheaper than others—moving from a rural area to a city costs less than the reverse because demand is higher in one direction. Getting a quote for your exact route is the only way to know the real cost.

When to book and how to lock in the best price

Book at least two weeks before your move if possible. Prices rise as your move date approaches, especially during peak season. Weekday moves (Monday through Thursday) are cheaper than weekend moves. Moving in winter (November through March) costs 20 to 40 percent less than summer. If you have flexibility on your move date, shifting it by even a few days can save $100 or more.

Reserve online rather than by phone—online quotes are usually lower and you can compare companies side by side. U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot all have online reservation systems that show you the price before you commit. Once you reserve, the price is locked in, so you won't pay more if rates go up. However, if you cancel more than a few days before your move, you may lose your reservation fee (usually $10 to $20). Read the cancellation policy before you book.

Insurance, damage waivers, and what your personal auto policy covers

Rental truck companies offer two types of protection: a damage waiver (also called loss damage waiver or LDW) and supplemental liability insurance. The damage waiver covers collision, theft, and vandalism—it costs $10 to $30 per day and has a deductible (usually $0 to $2,500). Supplemental liability covers damage you cause to other people's property, like hitting a parked car. Most rental companies include basic liability, but supplemental coverage costs extra.

Before you buy either, check your personal auto insurance policy. Many policies cover rental trucks automatically, which means you don't need to buy the rental company's waiver. Call your insurance agent and ask specifically: "Does my policy cover rental trucks used for moving?" If it does, bring a copy of your policy or a letter from your agent to the rental location. If it doesn't, buy the rental company's damage waiver—it's cheaper than paying out of pocket for a dent or scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license to rent a moving truck?

No. A standard driver's license is enough for trucks up to 26 feet. You must be at least 18 years old (some companies require 21) and have a valid credit card. A few rental companies ask for a second form of ID, like a passport or state ID, but a driver's license is the main requirement.

What if I return the truck late or with damage?

Late returns cost $40 to $100 per day depending on the company. Damage charges depend on what you bought: if you bought a damage waiver, you pay the deductible (usually $0 to $2,500). If you didn't, you pay the full repair cost, which can be thousands of dollars for major damage. Return the truck on time and in the condition you found it to avoid these charges.

Can I rent a truck if I don't have a credit card?

Most national rental companies require a credit card for the reservation and to cover damage or fuel charges. Some local moving companies accept debit cards or cash, but you'll need to call ahead and ask. Peer-to-peer platforms like Neighbor usually require a credit card for the same reason.

Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire a moving company?

For a small move (studio or one-bedroom), renting a truck is usually cheaper—$100 to $300 total. For a large move (three-bedroom or more), hiring a full-service moving company may cost less when you factor in your time, fuel, equipment rental, and the risk of damage. Get quotes from both before you decide.

What 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 the truck to a repair facility. You're not responsible for mechanical failure, and the company will provide a replacement truck or cover your transportation costs. Keep the roadside information number in your phone before you leave the rental location.