Moving to a new home or office is a major life event — and doing it right starts with choosing the right moving truck. One of the most trusted and widely used solutions across the U.S. is a u haul rental. Whether you’re relocating just a few blocks away or across several states, knowing how to rent a u haul truck can make your entire move smoother, cheaper, and more efficient.
This complete step-by-step guide will show you how to rent a u haul truck the smart way, covering everything from vehicle size selection to return tips — and everything in between.
Why Rent a U Haul Truck for Your Move?
The u haul brand has become synonymous with DIY moving in America — and for good reason. With thousands of pickup locations nationwide, flexible rental terms, and affordable pricing, u haul makes it easy to take control of your move without depending on expensive moving services.
Whether you need a compact cargo van or a 26-foot truck, u haul has vehicle options for every kind of move. Plus, their 24/7 truck share feature allows for convenient pickups and returns any time of day.
Begin with Online Reservation
The fastest and most secure way to reserve your u haul truck is through their official site: www.uhaul.com. Start by entering your pickup location, destination, and move date. The website will then show you available truck sizes and their estimated costs based on mileage and duration.
It’s best to book your u haul early — particularly if you’re moving during weekends, month-ends, or holiday seasons. These peak periods can lead to vehicle shortages or price hikes.
Pick the Right Truck Size for Your Needs
Choosing the correct truck size is essential to avoid logistical nightmares. A vehicle that’s too small will require multiple trips or force you to leave items behind. One that’s too large might be harder to drive or overkill for your load.
Luckily, u haul offers a wide range of vehicle sizes. From 10-foot trucks perfect for studio apartments to 26-foot trucks for multi-bedroom homes, you’ll find what fits. If unsure, use the online moving calculator provided by u haul to estimate the best truck size for your inventory.
When in doubt, go a size up — it’s often more cost-effective than squeezing everything into a smaller truck.
Confirm Your Reservation and Prepare for Pickup
Once you’ve reserved your u haul truck, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your booking details. Double-check everything — truck size, location, pickup time, and optional services.
For extra convenience, download the u haul app. It allows you to modify your booking, check your reservation, and access 24/7 truck share if your chosen location supports it.
Make sure your driver’s license and a valid credit card are ready when pickup day arrives. If you’re using self-service pickup, you’ll need to verify your identity through the app.
What to Expect During Pickup
Arrive early at the u haul location. You may be required to walk around the truck with a staff member to inspect it for dents, scratches, or damage. It’s smart to take photos for your own records to avoid disputes when you return the truck.
You’ll also receive basic instructions on how to operate the vehicle, especially if it’s a larger model. This includes tips on adjusting mirrors, checking tire pressure, and fuel type.
Load Your U Haul Truck Efficiently
Efficient loading saves space, time, and potential damage. Start with the heaviest and largest items, such as appliances, mattresses, and sofas. Place them toward the front to distribute weight evenly.
Use moving blankets and tie-down straps to protect your belongings and keep them secure. Most u haul trucks include built-in anchor points for easy strapping.
If you need extra supplies like dollies, boxes, or packing tape, you can purchase or rent them at the pickup location or online from retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Driving a U Haul Truck for the First Time
First-time driving a u haul truck? No worries. These vehicles are designed for regular drivers, not professionals. That said, they’re larger than your typical car, so caution is key.
Drive slowly, especially when turning or reversing. Check your mirrors frequently, and be aware of height restrictions — some trucks are over 11 feet tall and can’t fit under low bridges or through parking garages.
Avoid narrow streets, tight corners, and drive-thrus. Plan your route using GPS and choose wide roads with easier access.
Be Mindful of Fuel and Mileage
One of the major cost factors in u haul truck rentals is fuel. The truck must be returned with the same fuel level it had at pickup, or you’ll face high refueling charges.
Check the fuel type before filling up — most u haul trucks use regular unleaded gas, but it’s wise to confirm. Monitor your mileage as well, since your rental agreement may include a mileage limit. Additional miles come with extra fees.
Fuel-efficient driving and careful route planning can help reduce these expenses significantly.
Return the U Haul Truck on Time and Clean
Returning your truck is as easy as picking it up — as long as you follow the steps. Park it at the correct return location, refuel it to the required level, and remove any trash or debris from the cargo area.
Use the u haul mobile app to complete your return through the 24/7 truck share system. You’ll be prompted to upload photos of the vehicle, odometer, and fuel gauge to confirm its condition.
Returning late may result in additional charges, so plan your move schedule carefully to avoid surprises.
Understand the Pricing Breakdown
U haul pricing is generally affordable, but it includes several components. The base rental rate depends on the truck size and duration. In addition, you’ll be charged per mile for local moves, while long-distance moves have a flat mileage estimate built in.
Optional services like moving equipment, insurance, and one-way rentals can also impact the final cost. Be sure to read the full agreement and ask about any hidden fees.
If you’re budgeting your move, use the online estimator on the u haul site to get a comprehensive breakdown before confirming your rental.
Optional Add-Ons to Consider
U haul offers helpful extras that can make your move safer and faster. Consider renting a hand truck or furniture dolly to help transport heavy items. Furniture pads can prevent scratches, while stretch wrap keeps drawers and doors in place.
If you’re towing a vehicle, u haul offers trailers and tow dollies designed to fit different car sizes. These can be added at checkout or arranged during pickup, depending on availability.
Add-ons like SafeMove insurance and roadside assistance packages are also available for added peace of mind.
Is Insurance Necessary for U Haul Rentals?
Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover truck rentals, so purchasing insurance through u haul is recommended. Their SafeMove® plan protects you in case of accidents, damages, or stolen goods.
You can also opt for SafeMove Plus® for extra coverage and lower deductibles. These plans also include cargo protection, making it easier to recover losses if something breaks or goes missing during the move.
Customer Reviews and Why People Prefer U Haul
With decades of reliable service, u haul continues to be the go-to choice for individuals, families, and businesses across the U.S. Their high availability, straightforward process, and budget-friendly pricing have earned them thousands of positive reviews online.
Customers especially love the convenience of 24/7 pickup and return, the user-friendly app, and the clear rental policies. The extensive fleet and helpful customer support make the experience even smoother.
Alternatives like Budget and Penske do exist, but u haul wins on sheer number of locations and flexible scheduling.
Tips for a Smooth U Haul Experience
Plan early. Reserve your u haul truck at least two weeks in advance, especially for busy periods. Double-check your inventory, prepare a moving checklist, and confirm your insurance needs ahead of time.
During the move, drive carefully, follow safety tips, and don’t rush. Moving can be stressful, but careful planning and a reliable truck rental can turn the experience into a smooth success.
Final Thoughts: Rent Your U Haul Truck with Confidence
If you’re considering a do-it-yourself move, renting a u haul truck is the most flexible and affordable choice available. From reserving the vehicle to returning it after a successful move, this guide offers everything you need to move like a pro.
Trust in the brand that millions rely on each year. With a clear plan, helpful tools, and this step-by-step guide, you’re ready to tackle your move with confidence and control.
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