Where to find U-Haul vans near you
U-Haul operates rental locations at thousands of sites across North America — not just dedicated U-Haul stores, but also Home Depot locations, independent dealers, and authorized franchises. The fastest way to find one near you is the U-Haul website locator tool at uhaul.com, where you enter your zip code and see every rental site within a chosen radius, along with their hours and what van sizes they have in stock on your intended rental date.
You can also call U-Haul's main line at 1-800-468-4285 to speak with someone who can tell you what's available at nearby locations and help you reserve a van over the phone. If you prefer to walk in, searching "U-Haul near me" in Google Maps will show you the closest locations with their addresses and phone numbers. Home Depot locations that rent U-Haul equipment usually have a dedicated rental desk near the front of the store.
Availability changes daily, especially during peak moving season (May through September). If your preferred location is out of vans, you can often reserve one from a location a few miles away and pick it up there, or ask about one-way rentals if you're moving to a different city.
Key Takeaways
- The U-Haul website locator shows you every rental location near you, what van sizes are available on your specific date, and current prices.
- U-Haul vans rent by the day, week, or month, and you pay for mileage separately unless you buy a mileage plan upfront.
- You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of residency (utility bill or lease) to rent.
- Prices vary by van size, season, and how far you're traveling, so comparing dates and locations on the website before you call can save you money.
- One-way rentals cost more than round-trip but let you drop the van at a different location if you're moving out of state.
Van sizes and what they hold
U-Haul offers five main van sizes, each designed for different amounts of stuff. The 10-foot van is the smallest — it fits roughly the contents of a studio apartment or a large bedroom, and is easiest to drive and park. The 15-foot van holds about a one-bedroom apartment's worth of furniture and boxes. The 20-foot van is the workhorse for a two-bedroom move. The 26-foot box truck (technically not a van, but often grouped with them) handles a three-bedroom house. The 26-foot moving truck with a lift gate is the largest option and is used for heavy appliances or when you need extra height.
The size you need depends on what you're moving, not just the square footage of your home. A furnished two-bedroom apartment might fit in a 15-foot van if you're selective, but the same apartment with a lot of boxes and storage items might need a 20-foot. U-Haul's website has a size estimator tool where you answer questions about what you're moving, and it recommends a van size. You can also call a location and describe what you have — staff there have seen thousands of moves and can usually tell you what will work.
How pricing works and what affects the cost
U-Haul charges three separate things: the base rental fee (which depends on the van size and how many days you rent it), the mileage fee (a per-mile charge unless you buy unlimited mileage), and any add-ons like equipment rental, insurance, or a dolly. The base rental for a 10-foot van might be $20 to $40 per day, while a 26-foot box truck might run $50 to $100 per day, but these numbers shift based on demand and season.
Mileage charges are typically 59 cents to $1.29 per mile depending on the van size, so a 100-mile move could add $60 to $130 to your bill. If you're moving more than a few hundred miles, buying an unlimited mileage plan upfront is often cheaper than paying per mile. Prices are highest from May through September and lowest in winter months. Renting on a weekday is usually cheaper than a weekend rental.
The U-Haul website shows you the total estimated cost before you book, including all fees. You can compare prices for different dates and van sizes right there. If you find a better price elsewhere, U-Haul sometimes matches it, though you have to ask.
What you need to bring to rent
You must have a valid driver's license — U.S., Canadian, or international license are all accepted, but it has to be current and not suspended. You need a credit card in your own name to hold the reservation and pay for the rental. Some locations accept debit cards, but a credit card is standard and safer for the rental company because they can charge you for damage or extra mileage after you return the van.
You'll also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, or recent bank statement showing your name and current address. This is to verify you're not renting under a false identity. If you don't have a proof-of-residency document, call the location ahead of time and ask what alternatives they accept; some will take a recent pay stub or government ID with your address on it.
If you're under 25, U-Haul charges a young renter fee (usually $15 to $20 per day) and may require an additional credit card or a co-signer. If you're renting a one-way van to another state, some locations ask for an additional form of ID or a phone number where they can reach you.
Reserving online versus calling ahead
Booking online at uhaul.com is faster and locks in your price when ready. You enter your pickup location, date, time, and destination (if it's a one-way rental), and the system shows you available vans and the total cost. You pay a deposit online, usually $20 to $50, which is credited toward your final bill. You then pick up the van at your chosen time and pay the remainder when you return it.
Calling ahead (1-800-468-4285 or the local location directly) is useful if you have questions about what size van you need, want to negotiate price, or need to rent outside normal business hours. Some locations offer phone-only discounts or can hold a van for you if you're not ready to book when ready. Calling also lets you confirm that the specific van size you want is actually in stock on your date — the website shows availability, but inventory can change between when you check and when you arrive.
If you book online and the van isn't ready when you arrive, U-Haul will usually upgrade you to a larger van at no extra charge. If you call ahead and reserve, the location sets the van aside for you, which reduces the chance of a mix-up.
Returning the van and avoiding extra charges
You return the van to the location where you rented it (or a different U-Haul location if you booked a one-way rental). The return time is usually the same time of day you picked it up — if you rented at 10 a.m., you need to return it by 10 a.m. on your return date. Returning late incurs an hourly charge, typically $40 per hour or part of an hour, so returning even 15 minutes late can cost you $40.
Before you return the van, fill the fuel tank to the level it was at when you picked it up. U-Haul charges a refueling fee (usually $15 to $25) if you return it empty, plus the cost of the fuel itself at a marked-up rate. Check the van for damage — dents, scratches, broken mirrors, or interior stains — and report any pre-existing damage to the staff before you leave. If damage shows up after you've left, U-Haul will charge your credit card for repairs, which can range from $100 for a small dent to $2,000 or more for major damage.
Keep your rental agreement and receipt. If U-Haul charges you for damage you didn't cause or mileage you didn't drive, you'll need those documents to dispute the charge with your credit card company.
One-way rentals and moving to another state
A one-way rental means you pick up the van in one city and drop it off in another, which is useful if you're moving out of state or across the country. One-way rentals cost more than round-trip rentals because U-Haul has to move the van back to where it's needed. The price difference depends on the distance — moving a van 50 miles one-way might add $100 to $200, while moving it 1,000 miles might add $500 to $1,000 or more.
To book a one-way rental, enter your pickup location and your destination (drop-off location) on the U-Haul website. The system calculates the distance and shows you the total cost. You can pick up in one state and drop off in another without any special paperwork — U-Haul handles interstate rentals routinely. Some states charge sales tax on the rental, and that varies by state, so the final bill may be higher than the estimate.
One-way rentals are subject to the same fuel, mileage, and damage policies as round-trip rentals. You still need to return the van on time and with a full tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a U-Haul van if I don't have a credit card?
Most U-Haul locations require a credit card because they need to hold a deposit and charge you for any damage or overage after you return the van. Some locations accept debit cards with a PIN, but you'll need to call ahead to confirm. A few locations may accept a cash deposit plus a co-signer with a credit card, but this is rare and varies by location.
What happens if I return the van late?
U-Haul charges an hourly rate for late returns, typically $40 per hour or part of an hour. If you're running late, call the location as soon as you know — sometimes they can extend your rental time without charging if they don't have another reservation. Returning even 30 minutes late will cost you at least $40.
Do I need to buy U-Haul's insurance?
U-Haul offers damage waiver coverage (usually $15 to $30 per day) that reduces your liability if the van is damaged. Your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental vehicles, so check your policy before you rent. If you're not covered, buying U-Haul's waiver is cheaper than paying out of pocket for repairs.
Can I rent a U-Haul van for just a few hours?
U-Haul's minimum rental period is typically one day, and you pay the full daily rate even if you use the van for just a few hours. Some locations may offer hourly rentals for local moves, but you have to call and ask — it's not a standard option on the website.
What if the van breaks down during my rental?
U-Haul provides roadside information 24/7. Call the number on your rental agreement or 1-800-468-4285 and tell them where you are and what's wrong. U-Haul will send a mechanic or tow truck to help you. You're not charged for this service, and U-Haul will arrange a replacement van if yours can't be fixed quickly.