Nothing is as stressful as having to move your belongings from one place to another. The entire process is time-consuming and can be very costly. From renting a truck or trailer to packing and loading all of your belongings, it’s no wonder many people dread moving.
If you’re planning on renting a truck or trailer from U-Haul, you should keep a few things in mind. Here are the top things to know when renting a truck or trailer from U-Haul:
The trailers and trucks come in different sizes
U-Haul trucks and trailers come in different sizes. The size of the truck or trailer you need will depend on how much stuff you have to move. You can find out what size truck or trailer you need by using U-Haul’s online space estimator tool.
For instance, if you need to move a one-bedroom apartment worth of stuff, you’ll probably need a smaller truck or trailer than someone who needs to move a four-bedroom house.
U-Haul also offers different types of trucks and trailers for different types of moves. For example, if you’re moving fragile items, you might want to consider renting a U-Haul van instead of a truck.
Rental prices vary
U-Haul pricing varies depending on the size of the truck or trailer, the distance you’re traveling, and how long you need to rent the truck or trailer.
For example, renting a U-Haul trailer for a local move will be cheaper than if you were to rent the same trailer for a long-distance move.
The price also varies depending on what time of year you’re moving. Moving in the summer is typically more expensive than moving in the winter.
You can get a U-Haul quote of how much it will cost to rent a U-Haul truck or trailer by using U-Haul’s online reservation system.
You’ll need to make a reservation
You’ll need to make a reservation if you’re planning on renting a U-Haul truck or trailer. This can be done online or by calling U-Haul’s customer service number.
When making a reservation, you’ll need to provide your contact information, the date and time of your move, and the size of the truck or trailer you need.
You’ll also be asked for a credit card to hold your reservation. Remember that U-Haul does not require a deposit when you make a reservation; however, your credit card will be charged if you cancel your reservation without giving proper notice.
Pick-up and drop-off times are important
When renting a U-Haul truck or trailer, paying attention to the pick-up and drop-off times is essential. U-Haul trucks and trailers must be returned by the time specified on your rental contract.
You’ll be charged an additional fee if you’re late returning the truck or trailer. For example, if you rent a truck for a day and don’t return it until 26 hours later, you’ll be charged for 48 hours of use.
It’s also important to note that U-Haul charges by the day, not by the hour. So, even if you only use the truck or trailer for a few hours, you’ll still be charged for an entire day.
U-Haul offers insurance
When you’re renting a U-Haul truck or trailer, you can choose to purchase insurance for your rental. This insurance protects you if any damage to the truck or trailer during your rental period. It also covers you if you have an accident while using the rental truck or trailer.
The insurance cost is based on the value of the rental truck or trailer, and it is added to your total rental cost. You can purchase this insurance at the time of rental, or you can add it later if you decide that you need it. Either way, it’s essential to know that U-Haul offers this option to help protect you in case of any accidents or damage to your rental.
You can rent moving equipment from U-Haul
If you’re planning a move, you may be wondering where to get all the necessary moving equipment. Luckily, U-Haul has you covered. In addition to renting trucks, U-Haul also offers a wide variety of moving equipment for lease. This includes furniture pads, which can help protect your furniture from scratches and dents during the move.
U-Haul also offers dollies and hand trucks to make it easier to transport heavy items. And if you need storage space, U-Haul can also provide rental storage units. So whether you’re looking for a truck or just some moving supplies, U-Haul has you covered.
Also, if you need labor to help you move, U-Haul’s moving labor service, called U-Haul Moving Help, can connect you with local movers who will load and unload your rental truck or trailer.
U-Haul offers discounts
U-Haul offers discounts for a variety of reasons. For one, if you use their storage services, you will receive a discount on your rental. Secondly, if you refer a friend to use U-Haul, you will also receive a discount. Lastly, if you are a AAA member, you are eligible for a discount on your rental. These discounts are significant and can save you a lot of money.
For example, the storage discount can save you up to 10%, the referral discount can save you up to 15%, and the AAA discount can save you up to 20%. In total, these discounts could potentially save you up to 45% on your rental.
If you’re planning a long-distance move, you can also take advantage of U-Haul’s fuel discount program, which can save you up to $50 on your rental truck. With so many discounts available, there’s no reason not to use U-Haul for your next move.
U-Haul’s website has a handy tool that can help you estimate the space you’ll need
Moving can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure how much space you’ll need to store all your belongings. Luckily, U-Haul’s website has a handy tool to help you estimate the amount of space you’ll need. Simply enter the number of rooms you’ll be packing, and the site will generate an estimate based on the average amount of belongings stored in each room.
You can also add or remove items from your list to customize the estimate to better suit your needs. With this tool, you can take the guesswork out of moving and ensure you have enough space for your things.
Renting during the off-peak season can save you money
One way to save money on your rental is to rent during U-Haul’s off-peak season. During this time, demand for rentals is typically lower, so prices are also lower. In addition, you may be able to take advantage of special deals and promotions that are offered during the off-peak season.
For example, U-Haul sometimes offers a “two days for the price of one” deal during the off-peak season. By renting during the off-peak season, you can save money on your rental and get the same excellent service that you would during the peak season.
Some U-Haul equipment can only be used locally
U-Haul is a popular choice for do-it-yourself (DIY) movers because it offers a wide range of equipment, including trailers, trucks, and moving supplies.
However, not all of U-Haul’s equipment is available for long-distance moves. For example, U-Haul’s smallest trailer, the 4′ x 8′ utility trailer, is only available for local moves. This is because the 4′ x 8′ utility trailer is too small to tow over long distances safely. If you’re planning a long-distance move, you’ll need to rent a larger trailer or truck from U-Haul. Local moves are typically defined as moves within a radius of 100 miles, so check with U-Haul before making your plans.
Know the age restrictions
How old do you have to be to rent a U-Haul? The short answer is that you must be at least 21 years of age to rent a U-Haul truck or trailer. This is because, to rent a U-Haul truck or trailer, you must first possess a valid driver’s license.
In the United States, the legal driving age is 21. Therefore, to rent a U-Haul truck or trailer, you must first meet the minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver’s license in the United States.
While the minimum age requirement for renting a U-Haul truck or trailer is 21 years of age, there are some exceptions. For example, if you are at least 18 years of age and you possess a valid U.S. military ID, you may be able to rent a U-Haul truck or trailer. If you’re under the age of 21 and you meet this exception, you will likely be required to provide extra documentation, such as your vehicle registration and insurance information.
Be prepared to pay a deposit
When you rent a U-Haul truck or trailer, you must pay a deposit. The deposit amount will vary depending on the type of equipment you rent and the length of your rental period.
For example, if you rent a U-Haul truck for a local move, you must pay a $100 deposit. If you rent a U-Haul trailer for a long-distance move, you must pay a $200 deposit.
The deposit is refundable, provided that you return the equipment in the same condition as when it was rented. Be sure to ask about the refund policy before making your reservation, so there are no surprises.
Loading the truck/trailer properly can save you space
When loading a U-Haul truck or trailer, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. Loading the truck or trailer properly can save you space and make your move easier.
For example, when loading a U-Haul truck, you should first start loading the heaviest items. This will help keep the truck balanced and prevent it from tipping over. In addition, be sure to secure all your belongings in the truck, so they don’t shift during transit.
U-Haul offers free how-to videos on its website if you’re not sure how to load the truck or trailer properly. These videos provide step-by-step instructions for loading different types of equipment.
Besides, you can always ask the in-store representative for advice on loading your particular truck or trailer.
Be aware of the mileage charges
When you rent a U-Haul truck, you will be charged for the miles you drive. The amount of the charge will depend on the size of the truck and the length of your rental period.
For example, if you rent a U-Haul truck for a local move, you will be charged $0.99 per mile. If you rent a U-Haul truck for a long-distance move, you will be charged $0.79 per mile.
Mileage charges are calculated based on the distance between your origin and destination addresses. Be sure to ask about the mileage charges before making your reservation, so there are no surprises.
Plan your route in advance
When you rent a U-Haul truck or trailer, you will be given a map of the United States. This map is marked with U-Haul’s network of locations.
It is essential to plan your route so that you can take advantage of U-Haul’s discounts. For example, if you’re moving from New York to Los Angeles, you can save money by taking advantage of U-Haul’s “coast-to-coast” discount.
To get this discount, select your origin and destination cities on the U-Haul website and enter the promo code “CTC” at checkout.
When renting a U-Haul truck or trailer, ask about any hidden fees that may apply to your rental. For example, some locations charge an environmental fee for disposing of the equipment after your rental period.
Other locations may charge a drop-off fee if you return the equipment to a location other than where you rented it. Be sure to ask about these fees before making your reservation, so there are no surprises.
How to make your move successful
Now that you understand the basics of renting a U-Haul truck or trailer, it’s time to learn how to make your move successful. Here are a few tips:
- Create a packing plan
Packing is often one of the most stressful and time-consuming parts of moving. However, by creating a packing plan, you can streamline the process and ensure that your belongings arrive at your new home safely.
- Pack early
One of the keys to a successful move is packing early. This gives you time to sort through your belongings and decide what you want to keep, what you can donate or sell, and what you can throw away. It also allows you to pack your belongings carefully, using high-quality materials to avoid damage.
And, if you’re hiring professional movers, packing early gives you the chance to schedule them for a time that’s convenient for you. In short, packing early is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth and successful move. So if you’re planning on moving soon, start packing early!
- Label everything
Labeling your items is essential when moving because it will help you stay organized. By labeling your boxes, you will know which room they go in and where they belong. This will save you time and energy when you are unpacking.
In addition, labeling your boxes will also help to protect your belongings. If a box is labeled “Fragile” or “Glass,” movers will know to handle it carefully. As a result, labeling your boxes is an essential step in ensuring a successful move.
- Budget for the unexpected
One of the most critical aspects of successfully moving to a new home is budgeting for the unexpected. No matter how well you plan, there are always going to be unforeseen expenses that can pop up and throw your budget off balance. By setting aside a little bit of money each month to cover these unexpected costs, you can avoid the stress of coming up with the money when something goes wrong.
One typical unexpected expense is damage to your belongings during the move. No matter how carefully you pack, it’s always possible that something will get broken in transit. With a damage fund, you can quickly and efficiently take care of repairs or replacements without worrying about the cost.
Another unexpected expense that can crop up during a move is the need for storage. If your new home isn’t ready when you arrive, or if you have more belongings than fit in your new place, you may need to rent a storage unit for a month or two. Having a storage fund can help you cover the cost of renting a unit and ensure that your belongings are safe and sound until you’re ready for them.
Unexpected expenses will always happen, but by budgeting for them, you can avoid the stress and anxiety that comes with them. So, if you’re planning a move, set aside some money each month to cover these unexpected costs.
- Get extra help
Apart from renting a U-haul truck or trailer, you may also want to consider getting some extra help for your move. This is especially true if you have many belongings or live in a large home.
There are a few different ways to get extra help for your move. One option is to hire professional movers. Professional movers can save you a lot of time and hassle, and they will ensure that your belongings are moved safely and securely.
Another option is to ask friends and family members to help you with the move. This is a great way to get some extra hands on deck, and it can also be fun to spend time with loved ones. Just be sure to return the favor when they need help moving!
Final Thought
Renting a truck or trailer from U-Haul is a great way to save money on your move. However, as mentioned above, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you rent. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure that your move will go smoothly and be successful!
