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Last Updated: Jun 19, 2024
Welcome to the cost-friendly article about how to maximize your move with a moving truck rental company. Below you’ll find out how to save thousands of dollars on your truck rental.
Gearing up for a move, but wondering what a moving truck rental will set you back? Rental trucks are often a much less expensive option than moving companies, however, they can still cost a few thousand dollars if you’re not careful.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly what factors rental truck companies charge you for and how to avoid those expensive pitfalls.
Renting a moving truck costs between $20 and $5,300, with an average of around $1,000 depending on the size of the truck and the distance/duration.
In terms of per day, a moving truck ranges from $20-$50.
| Bedroom Size | Truck Size | Recommended Company | Approximate Rental Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 Bedroom | 10′ – 15′ | Uhaul | $20 – $30 per day |
| 2 Bedrooms | 15′ – 20′ | Uhaul, Budget | $30 – $50 per day |
| 3 Bedrooms | 20′ – 26′ | Penske, Enterprise, Ryder | $50 – $100 per day |
| 4 Bedrooms | 26′ | Penske, Enterprise, Ryder | $100 – $150 per day |
Note: The above pricing is only an average estimate and can vary depending on several factors such as location, rental company, and time of the year.
| Company | Truck Size | Rental Cost (Per Day) | Mileage Cost (Per Mile) | Insurance Cost (Per Day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uhaul | 10′ | $19.95 | $0.99 | $10 |
| 15′ | $29.95 | $0.99 | $10 | |
| 20′ | $39.95 | $0.99 | $10 | |
| 26′ | $39.95 | $0.99 | $10 | |
| Budget Truck Rental | 10′ | $49.99 | $0.79 | $0 |
| 16′ | $59.99 | $0.79 | $0 | |
| 26′ | $89.99 | $0.79 | $0 | |
| Penske Truck Rental | 12′ | $129.99 | $0.89 | $0 |
| 16′ | $149.99 | $0.89 | $0 | |
| 22′ | $199.99 | $0.89 | $0 | |
| 26′ | $229.99 | $0.89 | $0 | |
| Enterprise Truck Rental | 12′ | $69.99 | $0.20 | $16.99 |
| 16′ | $89.99 | $0.20 | $16.99 | |
| 22′ | $99.99 | $0.20 | $16.99 | |
| 24′ | $119.99 | $0.20 | $16.99 | |
| 26′ | $129.99 | $0.20 | $16.99 |
If you’re just looking to move from a studio or one-bedroom apartment, the smallest of moving rucks should do the trick. These little movers are about 10 to 12 feet long and can handle your essentials without breaking a sweat. Rates for these haulers typically run between $20 to $30 per day.
Now if you’re packing up something like a two-bedroom apartment or even a three-bedroom house, you’ll want to step up to a midsize truck. These are the most popular when moving and range from 14 to 20 feet long. Expect to pay $40 to $80 per day for these trucks.
And for those of you who want the whole shebang, think 4 bedrooms or more, you’re going to need the big guns. The largest trucks stretch from 22 feet to 26 feet and are the go-to for family moves. They will cost you anywhere from $60 to $100 per day but are worth it for hauling your home in one go.
It’s important to understand what drives the price of a moving truck rental to help you figure out where you can cut costs. There are 5 main factors:
Size definitely matters here. Smaller trucks will cost less, generally running between $20 to $30 per day, while the bigger trucks can cost up to $100 per day. Choose wisely based on how much stuff you’re bringing.
Summer is the prime time for moving, due to the great weather and school break. But high demand means higher prices. For a budget-friendly move, consider off-peak times like winter or holiday weekends.
Time is money, especially when it comes to truck rentals. Most companies charge by the day, so if your move can be wrapped up in 24 hours, make sure to return the truck on time to dodge those extra fees.
If you’re sticking close to home with a local move, expect to pay by the mile. Normally, you’ll pay within the range of $0.59 to $1.00 per mile. Keep your eye on the odometer!
State taxes can add 6% to 10% to your final bill.
Make sure to return your truck with a full tank. If the rental company has to top it off, you’ll pay more than just gas prices.
It’s optional, but paying $20 to $40 daily for insurance could save you a headache in case of an accident.
Keeping these elements in mind will help you steer clear of unexpected costs and ensure a seamless truck rental move.
Before you go off and rent a moving truck, read these expert tips to make the process seamless:
The three biggest moving truck companies you can choose from are U-Haul, Budget Truck Rental, and Penske Truck Rental. Enterprise Truck Rental and Home Depot also offer cheap truck rentals.
Renting a truck for a local move will usually cost between $150 and $300 in total. This includes mileage fees and additional fees like insurance and taxes.
The average cost to rent a truck for a long-distance move is around $1,750. The higher cost is due to the number of days a long-distance move takes and the amount of mileage put on the truck.
And that’s a wrap on how to hit the road without breaking the bank in 2024. Renting a moving truck doesn’t have to drain your wallet if you play your cards right.
From picking the perfect truck size to timing your move just right, every choice you make can add up to big savings. Remember, like any great road trip, the key to a smooth move is all in the preparation. So, plan ahead, keep a close eye on those extra fees, and maybe even rope in some friends to lighten the load.
Meet Nik, a dedicated writer with a passion for real estate/moving blogs and, of course… writing. For the past two years, he’s crafted engaging content for a plethora of real estate firms and E-commerce companies, accumulating credibility and experience to be one of the best in the industry. Having relocated multiple times recently, Nik has utilized a plethora of moving companies, gaining valuable insight into both solo and professional moves. Through these experiences, he would recommend moving with professional services, as it lowers stress levels tremendously. When he’s not immersed in his writing, you can find him working on other entrepreneurial endeavors in the real estate/moving space.