When it comes to moving, one of the biggest expenses you’ll incur is the cost of renting a moving truck. Uhaul is one of the most popular moving truck rental companies in the United States, but how much does it cost to rent a Uhaul truck? In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to estimating Uhaul costs.
Factors That Affect Uhaul Cost
Before we dive into specific pricing, it’s important to understand the factors that can impact the cost of renting a Uhaul truck. These factors include:
- The size of the truck you need
- The distance you’ll be traveling
- The time of year
- The day of the week
- The location of the pickup and drop-off
- Any additional equipment you may need
Each of these factors will be discussed in more detail throughout the article.
Choosing the Right Size Truck
One of the biggest factors that will impact the cost of renting a Uhaul truck is the size of the truck you need. Uhaul offers a variety of truck sizes, ranging from 10 feet to 26 feet. The larger the truck, the more expensive it will be to rent.
When choosing a truck size, it’s important to consider the size of your home and the amount of belongings you need to move. Uhaul offers a helpful guide on their website that can help you choose the right truck size for your needs.
Distance Traveling
The distance you’ll be traveling will also impact the cost of renting a Uhaul truck. Uhaul charges a base rate for the rental, as well as a per-mile fee. The farther you need to travel, the more expensive it will be to rent the truck.
It’s important to factor in the cost of gas as well. Uhaul trucks typically get between 10-12 miles per gallon, so you’ll need to budget for gas expenses on top of the rental cost.
Time of Year
Believe it or not, the time of year can impact the cost of renting a Uhaul truck. During peak moving season (typically May through September), rental rates tend to be higher. If you’re able to move during the off-season, you may be able to save some money on your rental.
Day of the Week
The day of the week you plan to rent the Uhaul truck can also impact the cost. Weekends tend to be more expensive than weekdays. If you’re able to move during the week, you may be able to save some money.
Pickup and Drop-Off Location
The location of the pickup and drop-off can also impact the cost. Uhaul charges different rates depending on the location. If you’re able to pick up and drop off the truck at the same location, you may be able to save some money.
Additional Equipment
If you need additional equipment, such as moving blankets or dollies, this will also impact the cost of renting a Uhaul truck. Uhaul offers a variety of additional equipment for rent, but each item will come with an additional cost.
How to Estimate Uhaul Costs
Now that we’ve covered the factors that can impact Uhaul costs, let’s dive into how to estimate the cost of renting a Uhaul truck. Uhaul offers an online tool that can provide you with an estimate based on your specific moving needs.
To use the tool, you’ll need to enter the following information:
- The pickup location
- The date and time of pickup
- The drop-off location
- The date and time of drop-off
- The size of the truck you need
- Any additional equipment you need
Once you’ve entered this information, the tool will provide you with an estimate of the total cost.
Tips for Saving Money on Uhaul Rentals
While Uhaul can be a convenient option for moving, it can also be expensive. Here are some tips for saving money on your Uhaul rental:
- Move during the off-season
- Choose a weekday rental
- Try to pick up and drop off the truck at the same location
- Compare prices with other moving truck rental companies
- Be mindful of the mileage fee and factor in gas expenses
- Consider renting a smaller truck if possible
Conclusion
Estimating Uhaul costs can be a bit overwhelming, but by understanding the factors that impact pricing and utilizing Uhaul’s online tool, you can get a better idea of what to expect. With a bit of planning and research, you can save money on your Uhaul rental and have a successful and stress-free move.