U-Haul review: the most widely available DIY moving company in the U.S., with trucks, trailers, U-Box containers and self storage under one roof. The low daily rate is only part of the price, so budget for mileage, fuel and protection.
U-Haul has been around since 1945 and has the largest rental network in the country, so there’s almost always a location nearby. Here’s what each truck size fits, what a rental really costs, the pros and cons, and how to save.
Check U-Haul RatesU-Haul at a Glance
| Founded | 1945, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona |
| Network | The largest truck and trailer rental network in the U.S. and Canada, including company-owned centers and independent dealers |
| Equipment | Pickups, cargo vans, 10′ to 26′ moving trucks, trailers, tow dollies and auto transports |
| Other services | Self storage (about 2,000 company-owned sites), U-Box portable containers, moving supplies, hired labor through U-Haul’s Moving Help marketplace |
| Best for | DIY local moves and budget long-distance moves |
Our Verdict
U-Haul is the default choice for DIY moves for good reason: it has more locations and more one-way availability than any competitor, plus storage, containers and supplies all in one place. It’s usually the cheapest way to move if you’re willing to load and drive yourself. The trade-offs are inconsistent equipment and service from one location to the next, and an advertised daily rate that’s well below what most renters end up paying once mileage, fuel and protection are added.
- Locations almost everywhere
- Wide range of truck and trailer sizes
- Easy one-way rentals
- Storage, U-Box and supplies in one place
- Typically cheaper than full-service movers
- Per-mile charges add up on local moves
- Equipment condition varies
- Service varies, especially at dealer locations
- Reservations aren’t always honored at your first-choice location
U-Haul Truck Sizes
| Truck | Approx. capacity | Best for | Typical in-town rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup / cargo van | Small loads | A few pieces of furniture, a dorm | From $19.95 + mileage |
| 10-foot truck | ~400 cu. ft. | Studio or small one-bedroom | From $19.95 + mileage |
| 15-foot truck | ~760 cu. ft. | One- to two-bedroom apartment | From $29.95 + mileage |
| 20-foot truck | ~1,000 cu. ft. | Two- to three-bedroom home | From $39.95 + mileage |
| 26-foot truck | ~1,680 cu. ft. | Three- to five-bedroom home | From $39.95 + mileage |
Rates are U-Haul’s advertised starting prices for in-town rentals and vary by location and date. Not sure which size you need? Use our moving truck size calculator.
What a U-Haul Rental Really Costs
The advertised daily rate is just the starting point. For an in-town rental, you’ll pay the daily rate plus a per-mile charge, typically somewhere around $0.60 to $1.30 a mile depending on location and day. One-way rentals are priced differently: you get a flat quote that includes a set number of days and miles, with extra charges if you go over.
Budget for these extras too:
- Fuel. Large trucks get roughly 8 to 12 miles per gallon, and you must return the truck at the same fuel level.
- Damage protection. SafeMove coverage is optional but worth considering, since most auto policies and credit cards don’t cover rental trucks.
- Equipment. Dollies, furniture pads and towing gear add to the bill.
- Environmental fee and taxes.
Get a realistic estimate for your move with our U-Haul cost calculator.
U-Haul Storage and U-Box
U-Haul runs about 2,000 company-owned self storage sites and is the only major storage brand in all 50 states. It has long offered a free month of self storage with one-way truck rentals at participating locations, so ask when you book. If you’d rather not drive at all, U-Box portable containers let you pack at home while U-Haul handles transport. See how U-Box compares in our U-Box vs. PODS guide.
U-Haul vs. the Alternatives
| Option | Who loads | Who drives | Relative cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul truck | You | You | Lowest | Local moves, tight budgets |
| Budget or Penske truck | You | You | Low | Comparing truck rental prices |
| Portable container (PODS, U-Box) | You | The company | Low to mid | Packing at your own pace, storage |
| Full-service movers | Movers | Movers | Highest | Hands-off moves |
Compare truck rental companies on our moving truck rental page, read our Budget Truck Rental review, or see why container moves can cost less than movers.
Tips for Renting From U-Haul
- Book early, especially for summer weekends and the end of the month.
- Confirm your pickup location a day ahead. U-Haul sometimes reassigns reservations to a nearby location.
- Inspect the truck and photograph any damage before you drive off.
- Get loading help. Hiring labor for a couple of hours can make a DIY move far easier. See our moving labor options and how to load a rental truck.
- Return it full and clean to avoid fuel and cleaning fees.
Price your U-Haul rental
Check truck availability and rates for your dates and locations.
Check U-Haul RatesU-Haul FAQs
How much does it cost to rent a U-Haul truck?
For in-town moves, U-Haul’s advertised daily rates typically start at $19.95 for pickups, cargo vans and 10-foot trucks, $29.95 for 15-foot trucks and $39.95 for 20- and 26-foot trucks, plus a per-mile charge that varies by location. Fuel, damage protection and equipment are extra. One-way rentals are quoted as a flat price with a set number of days and miles.
What size U-Haul truck do I need?
A 10-foot truck fits a studio or small one-bedroom, a 15-foot truck fits a one- to two-bedroom apartment, a 20-foot truck fits a two- to three-bedroom home and a 26-foot truck fits a three- to five-bedroom home.
Do I need a special license to drive a U-Haul?
No. U-Haul’s trucks, including the 26-foot truck, can be driven with a regular driver’s license.
Is U-Haul cheaper than hiring movers?
Usually, yes, especially for local moves, because you do the loading and driving yourself. For long-distance moves, add up fuel, mileage, lodging and your time before deciding. A moving container or hired loading help can be a good middle ground.
Does U-Haul offer free storage with a truck rental?
U-Haul has long offered a free month of self storage with one-way truck rentals at participating locations. Ask when you book, since terms vary by location.
They lure you in with the “Covers damage or loss that occurs to your cargo” and “newest trucks” but their equipment is garbage and they know it. They’re kind of like an insurance company in that the devil is in the fine print. Take the time to read it and you’ll see that they don’t cover anything and they’re not liable for anything. Theyre just a sleazy company relying completely on their brand recognition to bring in customers. My case is that while unloading item damaged, insurance was denied …is all misleading to lure you in to buy the insurance. I know they have more locations than anyone else but TRY VERY HARD to go with another cmpany.
On Thursday I went to the south Austin U-Haul on BenWhite at Congress. My son trying to move back from California using a trailer had his contract CANCELED by corporate!!!
Taylor at this location displayed remarkable empathy and searched until she located a trailer for my son to rent 75 miles away. He is on his way back to Austin as I write this.
Thank you so much Taylor, you saved the day. We had no options and no one in California cared!!!
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