U-Haul Moving Cost Estimator
Use this calculator to estimate the appropriate U-Haul truck size for your move and get an approximate cost breakdown including rental fees and fuel expenses. Please note that actual U-Haul rates can vary by location, availability, and specific promotions.
This helps determine the recommended truck size.
Distance for mileage charges and fuel calculation.
How many days you plan to rent the truck.
Estimate your local fuel cost.
Understanding Your U-Haul Moving Costs
Moving can be an exciting, yet often costly, endeavor. Renting a U-Haul truck is a popular choice for DIY movers, offering flexibility and control over your moving process. However, understanding the various components that make up your total U-Haul cost is crucial for budgeting.
Key Factors Influencing U-Haul Costs:
- Truck Size: The size of the truck you need is the primary determinant of the base daily rental rate. Larger trucks (e.g., 26-foot) have higher daily rates than smaller ones (e.g., 10-foot). Our calculator uses the number of bedrooms to suggest an appropriate size, but always consider the volume of your belongings.
- Moving Distance (Mileage): U-Haul charges a per-mile fee in addition to the daily rate. This fee can vary but is typically a significant portion of the total cost for longer moves. Our calculator includes a standard per-mile rate for estimation.
- Rental Duration: The number of days you rent the truck directly impacts the total daily rental charges. Planning your move efficiently to minimize rental days can save you money.
- Fuel Costs: This is often an overlooked expense. U-Haul trucks, especially larger models, are not fuel-efficient. The total fuel cost depends on the distance you travel, the truck's miles per gallon (MPG), and the current price of fuel. Our calculator provides an estimate based on typical MPG for different truck sizes.
- Additional Equipment & Insurance (Not in Calculator): While not included in this basic estimator, remember to budget for moving supplies (boxes, tape, blankets), dollies, and optional insurance coverage, which can add significantly to your overall moving expenses.
How to Use This Calculator:
Simply input the number of bedrooms in your current home, your estimated moving distance in miles, how many days you plan to rent the truck, and your local average fuel price per gallon. The calculator will then recommend a truck size and provide an estimated breakdown of rental fees, fuel costs, and a total estimated cost.
Realistic Examples:
- Example 1: Small Local Move (1 Bedroom Apartment)
- Bedrooms: 1
- Distance: 25 miles
- Rental Days: 1
- Fuel Price: $3.50
- Estimated Output: Recommended 10′ truck. Rental: ~$44.70. Fuel: ~$7.29. Total: ~$51.99.
- Example 2: Medium Distance Move (3 Bedroom House)
- Bedrooms: 3
- Distance: 300 miles
- Rental Days: 2
- Fuel Price: $3.75
- Estimated Output: Recommended 20′ truck. Rental: ~$376.80. Fuel: ~$140.63. Total: ~$517.43.
- Example 3: Long Distance Move (4+ Bedroom House)
- Bedrooms: 4
- Distance: 1000 miles
- Rental Days: 3
- Fuel Price: $4.00
- Estimated Output: Recommended 26′ truck. Rental: ~$1149.85. Fuel: ~$666.67. Total: ~$1816.52.
Tips for Saving on Your U-Haul Rental:
- Book Early: Especially during peak moving seasons (summer, end of month), booking in advance can secure better rates and availability.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Weekdays are often cheaper than weekends.
- Pack Efficiently: Maximize space in the truck to avoid needing a larger, more expensive vehicle or multiple trips.
- Return on Time: Avoid late fees by returning the truck as scheduled.
- Fill the Tank: U-Haul trucks must be returned with the same fuel level as when picked up. Refuel at a cheaper gas station before returning to avoid U-Haul's potentially higher fuel charges.