If you’re moving and don’t want to pay professional movers, a U-Haul (aka UHaul) truck may seem like a logical choice. You’ll save money since you do the moving yourself, but the rates can vary quite a bit depending on when you rent.
Fortunately, there are many ways to save money on a U-Haul rental. Here’s how.
1. Don’t rent a truck larger than you need
It’s kind of like when you are hungry and your eyes are bigger than your stomach so you order more than you need. Don’t rent a truck larger than you need and don’t guess. Measure how much you have and about how many rooms it would take up.
U-Haul trucks are measured by rooms and the difference between the sizes could save you hundreds of dollars. Why pay for space?
2. Don’t rent a U-Haul during peak times
Everyone tends to move at the beginning or end of the month and U-Haul knows it. If you compare the rates to the beginning of the month and the middle, you’ll likely see a major price difference for the better if you wait until the middle of the month.
Ask for rates for different days of the month and even days of the week. You may find prices are higher on weekends than they are mid-week. It’s not always convenient to move midweek or mid-month, but it could save you hundreds of dollars.
3. Avoid moving in the summer or fall
If you can help it, avoid moving in the summer or fall months as they are the most popular months to move. Like any service, when demand exceeds supply, prices increase. Instead, move when rates are lower because the demand is down. You’ll have an easier time negotiating better rates too.
4. Book your truck early
If you know you’ll need a truck in a few months, reserve it now. The closer you get to your date, the lower the supply is and the more U-Haul charges. You can always change your reservation, but if your plans work out as you hoped, you’ll have the truck reserved for a much lower rate than if you waited until the last minute.
5. Get rid of stuff you don’t need
Don’t assume you must haul everything in your home to your new home. Use this as a great time to declutter. Have a yard sale, sell on Craigslist, or donate items you don’t need in your new home. You’ll knock down the space needed for a truck and may be able to save money. If you sell some of your items, you’ll even make out on the deal!
6. Use gas wisely
It’s up to you to keep a full gas tank and you must even fill the tank before you return it. While you’ll burn gas driving around town, the easier you are on the gas pedal, the better gas mileage you’ll get.
Try coasting on the highways and avoid racing to the next red light. Instead, take your time, use gas sparingly and you’ll have to spend less money.
7. Call around for the cheapest return location
Don’t just return your U-Haul to the closest shop. Depending on where you’re moving to, it could be the most expensive. While you might have to drive a little bit out of your way to save money, it could be the difference of hundreds of dollars.
Plan it into your move and it won’t feel like an inconvenience.
8. Use your own supplies
It’s tempting to buy everything you need while you’re at U-Haul renting the truck, but it’s a waste of money. Instead, get free boxes from your local grocery store, Walmart, or hardware stores, use your blankets, and buy your rope or other supplies necessary to secure your items.
Buying supplies at U-Haul usually costs much more than the prices you could get at your local Walmart or even Dollar Store.
9. Borrow a dolly
Chances are if you asked around, you’d probably find someone with a dolly or hand truck you could use to move your heavy items. You could rent one from U-Haul, but it will likely cost a pretty penny. Instead, see if you can borrow one from someone for a day or two.
10. Rent the truck for ‘round-trip’
If you’re moving locally, ask your U-Haul store if it is cheaper to return the truck to the same store. They often give you better rates because they don’t have to work in the cost of getting the truck back from the other location.
Ask for quotes both ways – returning it to the same U-Haul and taking it for a one-way trip, returning it at another location. You may find that you save hundreds of dollars coming back to where you rented it.
11. Return the truck on time
Make sure you allow enough time for your move so you don’t return the truck late. It’s often cheaper to take a longer rental period than it is to pay late fees. If you are late due to circumstances outside of your control, call the U-Haul store you rented from immediately and let them know what happened.
They may give you a grace period, or at least will be nicer to you when you do drop it off. Just don’t ignore your return time or it could cost you a pretty penny.
12. Fill the truck up with gas before returning
If you notice in your contract, you agree to fill the truck up to a full tank before returning it. If you don’t, U-Haul will do it for you at a price much higher than what you could get at the gas station. Work getting gas into your schedule just before you return it and you’ll save quite a bit of money.
13. Check that the gas tank is full before taking the truck
Just because U-Haul trucks are supposed to have a full tank before you pull away doesn’t mean they will. Always check the gas gauge and if it’s not a full tank, let your representative know. Take a picture of the gas tank and make sure he/she makes a note on your paperwork that the tank wasn’t full so you only have to return the truck with the same amount of gas it was provided to you with.
14. Look for U-Haul discounts
Right on their website, U-Haul offers promo codes and discounts. Always check their discount page to see if you can save money on your rental. On their discount page, you’ll even find discounts for other services like hotels during your move and self-storage discounts.
FAQs – U-Haul Savings Tips
Can you negotiate at U-Haul?
Like most things in life, the rates at U-Haul are negotiable. This does vary by location, but it doesn’t hurt to try. If you got a better quote somewhere else, or you need a dolly or other supplies thrown in with the rental, try to negotiate the best deal so you can save more money on your U-Haul rental.
Are there cheaper alternatives to U-Haul?
Like any service, there are alternatives to U-Haul. The options you have vary by location, but in most areas, you’ll also find a Budget Truck Rental and Penske Truck Rental. If this is the case in your area, use it to your advantage, getting quotes from all three and negotiating with each service to see which offers the best rate.
Do U-Haul rates change daily?
U-Haul rates are different for each day and even the time you need to rent them. It’s always a good idea to get rates for different times of the month or week to see when you can save the most money. If you’re flexible in your dates or times, you could save hundreds of dollars on your truck rental.
Do you need insurance to rent a U-Haul?
Most car insurance companies don’t extend their coverage to U-Haul or any truck rental. It’s a good idea to call your insurance company to find out what they cover. If you don’t have coverage, you can buy it from U-Haul, but read the fine print. Don’t take whatever they offer because you might be paying for more coverage than you need.
What happens if you scratch a U-Haul truck?
Before you rent the U-Haul truck, walk around it and make notes (take pictures too) of any damage. If the truck looks any different when you return it, they will charge you for the damage. If you notice any scratches or dings before you take the truck, make sure a representative makes note of it before you drive off the lot.
Final Thoughts – U-Haul Savings Tips
It’s easier than you think to save on U-Haul rentals. Most people just take the first quote offered, get their supplies at U-Haul, and pay way too much money.
Instead, use your own supplies, borrow from friends, and find free boxes. Take your time shopping around for the best rates and don’t be afraid to negotiate. You might be pleasantly surprised to see the savings you can get renting a U-Haul with a little effort.
