Way to go for doing your research on moving truck rental. Renting your own moving truck can be a cost-friendly option for people looking to handle their own move, whether it’s local or cross-country if thye have the physical ability.
Understanding all the costs that come with truck rentals for DIY moves can help you plan your budget realistically.
Rental prices for trucks vary based on the truck size you need, distance in miles, and additional services you might need from the rental company such as delivery or pick up.
This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a moving truck on your own, costs, hidden fees, and ways to save money. Moving APT is on it for you and would love ot help connect you to your dream moving truck/
Local Moving Truck Rental Costs
If you are keeping it local with this move, renting a truck without booking a full blown professional moving service is more affordable compared to full-service offers.
The typical cost for a local truck rental ranges from $60 to $100 per day for smaller trucks (10–12 feet), with extra charges per mile and fuel. Larger trucks (15–20 feet) usually cost between $70 to $120 per day, with mileage fees of $1 per mile.
Local moves means lower overall costs, but if you need to borrow moving equipment like dollies or other things like insurance this will increase the total rental price quickly.
| Truck Size | Daily Rental Cost | Mileage Fee |
| 10–12 feet (small) | $60 – $100 | $1 per mile |
| 15–20 feet (medium) | $70 – $120 | $1 per mile |
Cross-Country (Long-Distance) Moving Truck Rental Costs
If you are sick of your area and looking for an adventure on the other side of the US, expect moving costs to come on quickly even if you plan a DIY move.
For cross-country or long-distance moves, renting a truck is more expensive becuase of the distance involved. The wear and tear on the trucks and the gas milage adds up fast.
Prices for one-way rentals can range from $1,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on the size of the truck and the distance and the return place. U-Haul, Budget, and others charge for the truck rental itself, plus mileage fees, fuel, and insurance.
On average, one-way rentals are priced at $0.65 to $1.00 per mile for bigger trucks that will be able to move a family home, with extra fees for things like road tolls depending on your route and moving equipment to keep safe.
| Truck Size | Daily Rental Cost | Mileage Fee |
| 10–12 feet (small) | $1,000 – $2,000 | $0.65 – $1.00 per mile |
| 15–20 feet (medium) | $1,500 – $2,500 | $0.65 – $1.00 per mile |
| 20–26 feet (large) | $2,000 – $4,000 | $0.65 – $1.00 per mile |
How Truck Size Affects Rental Costs
They say size matters. For rental trucks it for sure is true. The size of the truck you rent will directly impact the overall rental cost of it.
Smaller trucks (10–12 feet) are the least expensive and typically cost between $40 and $60 per day for local moves, while larger trucks (15–20 feet) cost between $40 and $80 per day.
For cross-country moves, a 20-foot truck will cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 for a one-way rental. All of these prices are excluding the extra milage fees and gas.
Larger trucks (26-foot) are needed for larger homes with lots of furniture and boxes, but they come with higher rental fees. Make sure to choose a truck that fits your needs without having unnecessary extra space. If you pack smart and have the rental company gadge your size needs you will come out on top.
| Truck Size | Daily Rental Cost (Local Moves) | One-Way Rental Cost (Cross-Country) |
| 10–12 feet (small) | $40 – $60 | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| 15–20 feet (medium) | $40 – $80 | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| 26 feet (large) | $60 – $100 | $2,500 – $4,000 |
Extra Costs to Watch Out for When Renting a Moving Truck
Hidden costs is the biggest downfall of families when moving homes. While renting a moving truck may seem straightforward, there are several costs to keep in mind.
First, you’ll need to account for gas prices which change often, know that you are going to be responsible for refilling the tank at the end of your move and gas prices can affect your totals.
Many truck rental companies charge a mileage fee of $0.50 to $1 per mile for local and long-distance rentals after X amount of miles included.
Understand if you will need to rent or borrow moving equipment like dollies, blankets, and straps or if you have a place to get them for free. Insurance is another cost adds up but is critical to protect you from damage.
There are also those pesky hidden fees like late return charges, one-way drop-off fees, or fees for additional drivers for insurance. Be sure and ask about these in specific.
Factors That Affect Moving Truck Rental Prices
Good for you for taking the time to learn about the factors that go into building your boq for rental trucks.
- Time of Year: Renting your truck during peak moving season which is the summer months and the start/end of the month year round will result in higher prices thanks to supply and demand rules. Winter and off-peak times are generally cheaper so book then.
- Distance and Time: Long-distance moves cost more than local moves due to fuel, mileage, and one-way fees. Longer rental periods also increase costs as the truck is mia for other clients. sure you choose a truck that’s sized for your moving needs.
- Demand: High demand for rental trucks when you have busy moving periods leads to higher prices, limited availability, and extra fees in the end of the day. Its the basic law of supply and demand.
- Insurance and Equipment Rentals: Opting for higher insurance coverage, or adding more drivers to be insured will increase the total cost of the rental. If you need dollies or other safety gear for the move as well be sure to factor this in.
Tips for Saving Money When Renting a Moving Truck
There are plenty of ways to save money big time on moving truck rentals. Here are the top tips from Moving APT:
- Book in Advance: Early bird gets the worm. Booking early helps lock down better rates and availability, especially during peak moving seasons. Moving companies prefer to give great deals ahead of time just to know they have works secured.
- Compare Quotes: Compare quotes from multiple truck rental companiesto find the best deal for your needs and dates.
- Moving Times: If possible, move during off-peak months (fall and winter) and avoid weekends or the beginning/end of the month when prices are higher.
- Rent the Right Size Truck: Choose a truck that fits your needs without getting one with unnecessary extra space. Ask for help from the company experts to size it right.
- Pack Smart: By packing your items efficiently and making the right use of the space you have in your truck, you can reduce the amount of gas you use and avoid renting a larger truck than needed.
FAQ's
How much does a U-Haul cost for a cross-country move?
U-Haul is a great company that have special promotions for moving across the USA with their trucks. The cost of renting a U-Haul for a cross-country move DIY style will vary depending on the size of the truck you need, the distance, and the duration of the rental.
Be sure not to take a vehicle that is too small for your needs. You can expect to pay between $1,800 and $4,800 for a one-way cross-country move, which includes truck rental, mileage fees, fuel, and basic insurance.
What size moving truck do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
For a 2-bedroom apartment in the city, you’ll need a 15-foot moving truck unless you have a jam-packed house that isn’t average. This size can fit the contents of a two-bedroom home, including all the essential furniture, appliances, and 30 boxes.
If you have a lot of large items or bulky items, you might want to consider renting a 20-foot truck for extra space and flexibility especially if you don’t know how to pack while saving space.
Is renting a moving truck cheaper than hiring movers?
Renting a moving truck is usually cheaper than hiring full-service movers from a company, especially for local moves where you don’t need to go too far. With a truck rental DIY style, you’ll only pay for the truck itself, gas, and insurance, which can be significantly less than hiring movers who charge hourly rates for their labor, packing and handling.
You need to understand your true needs and availability to handle a move without professional help. Hiring movers may still be more cost-effective than trying to handle it on your own.
Do I need insurance when renting a moving truck?
It’s not a need but highly recommended. While it’s not legally required to have insurance when renting a moving truck, it’s highly recommended as you aren’t used to driving a vehicle so big and anything can happen.
Insurance protects you from damage to the truck or third-party property during the move, and it can also cover any potential injuries if you have an accident. U-Haul and other companies offer insurance options, and have damage waivers and roadside assistance, which you will need to keep things stress-free.
What’s the best time to rent a moving truck?
The best time to rent a moving truck for the best price is during the winter months of November to February and weekdays (Monday to Thursday). Moving trucks are in high demand during summer months and weekends, especially around the beginning or end of the month. If you’re flexible with your dates, you can save more than you know.
Conclusion
All in all you are a frugal and responsible person by researching the best ways to save. If you are down for th challenges of moving without a professional team then we would be happy to help you get the cheapest and best rental van for your actual needs. Be sure to book early, get the right size and ask about hidden fees. Best of luck moving from all of us at Moving APT!
