Yes, renting a moving truck and packing it yourself is by far the cheapest way to move. The only way you could possibly save more money on your move is by packing everything you own into your personal vehicle or a friend’s truck.
While this fully DIY method can certainly be cheaper than renting a truck, it usually requires several loads, making it virtually impossible for long-distance moves. Also, all that gas money is going to add up if you’re driving back and forth between your old house and new house all weekend.
Additionally, some furniture items (armoires, sectionals, entertainment centers, etc.) just won’t safely fit in your uncle’s flatbed.
Renting a moving truck more than pays for itself when you factor in the speed, safety, and convenience of having the ideal vehicle for the job.
While it’s hard to predict moving truck rental prices, the two companies that usually offer the lowest rates are Budget (go figure) and U-Haul.
But like we said, truck rental prices can be hard to predict for several reasons:
- Companies charge more for rentals in different areas.
- Some companies charge less for longer versus shorter moves.
- Companies often change rates depending on availability.
- Not all companies offer the same rental truck sizes.
Because of this variability, we always recommend getting quotes from multiple companies before you sign any rental contracts.
No two moving companies offer the exact same services, so definitively comparing them can be difficult. While U-Haul’s affordable pricing might be your highest priority, another customer might prefer Penske’s more diverse coverage plans.
That’s why we’ve broken down our favorite truck rental companies by who we think each company works best for. Whether you’re looking for the best prices, the most add-on service options, or the widest availability, you can find the perfect rental company on our list.
Now that we’ve given you the rundown on major discounts in the truck rental industry, we recommend reading these other guides to prepare for your truck rental move: