U-Haul Truck Sizes and Prices

Author: Katherine Broome | Updated Date: 07-21-2026

If you are planning a move and thinking about renting a moving truck, U-Haul is probably one of the first names that comes to mind. The company operates thousands of locations across the United States and offers a range of trucks designed for everything from small apartment moves to large household relocations.

But one question stops many people before they book:

What size U-Haul truck do I need, and how much will it cost?

Whether you're moving from a studio apartment or a four-bedroom home, choosing the right truck size can save time, money, and unnecessary trips. This guide compares U-Haul truck sizes, cargo capacities, and typical rental prices so you can confidently choose the best truck for your move.

 

Infographic comparing U-Haul truck sizes including pickup truck, cargo van, 10 ft, 15 ft, 20 ft, and 26 ft trucks, showing what size home each truck fits and typical daily rental price ranges.

Choosing the wrong truck can turn a simple move into a stressful one. A truck that is too small means multiple trips. A truck that is too large costs more than necessary and can be harder to drive. On top of that, rental prices are not always as simple as the advertised daily rate.

This guide breaks down U-Haul truck sizes, rental prices, and capacity so you can understand exactly what to expect before you reserve a truck.

By the end of this guide, you will know:

  • The full range of U-Haul moving truck sizes
  • U-Haul truck rental prices for different moves
  • What each truck size can realistically fit
  • Hidden fees that increase rental costs
  • When renting a truck makes sense and when hiring movers may be easier

Moving should not feel complicated. Once you understand truck sizes and pricing, choosing the right option becomes much easier.

TL;DR - U-Haul Truck Sizes Chart: Quick Overview

U-Haul offers several types of rental vehicles designed for different move sizes. These range from pickup trucks and cargo vans to large moving trucks capable of transporting the contents of a four-bedroom home.

Here is a simple U-Haul truck size chart to help you compare your options.

Truck Type Best For Capacity Cargo Space Typical Daily Price
Pickup Truck Furniture pickup  1 room ~76 cu ft  $20 to $30
Cargo Van Studio move  1 room ~245 cu ft  $20 to $30
10 ft truck Small apartment  1 to 2 rooms ~400 cu ft  $20 to $40
15 ft truck Small house  2 to 3 rooms ~764 cu ft  $30 to $50
20 ft truck Medium home 3 to 4 rooms ~1,016 cu ft  $40 to $60
26 ft truck Large home  4 to 5+ rooms ~1,682 cu ft  $50 to $70

These base rates often look inexpensive at first glance. However, the final U-Haul truck rental cost usually includes mileage charges, fuel, taxes, and optional equipment.

Understanding how those costs add up is essential before booking a rental.

Seasonal Pricing Notice

Moving truck rental prices change throughout the year based on demand. Rates are usually highest between May and September, especially during weekends and the beginning or end of each month. If your moving dates are flexible, booking during the off-season or on weekdays may help reduce your total rental cost.

Is a 20-foot U-Haul Truck Big Enough? 

A 20 ft U-Haul truck is usually large enough for the contents of a two or three bedroom home. 

It typically fits: 

  • Several beds 
  • Living room furniture 
  • Major appliances 
  • Dining room furniture 
  • 50–80 moving boxes 

For many households, the 20 ft truck provides enough cargo space without the driving difficulty of the larger 26 ft truck. 

If you are moving a larger household or a four-bedroom home, the 26 ft truck is usually the safer option. 

U-Haul Truck Rental Prices: What It Actually Costs

Many people assume a moving truck rental costs about twenty dollars because that is the price advertised in many locations.

In reality, the true cost to rent a U-Haul truck usually includes several additional charges.

Typical price components include:

  • Base daily rental rate
  • Mileage fees
  • Fuel costs
  • Insurance coverage
  • Taxes and environmental fees
  • Equipment rental such as dollies or pads

A realistic cost breakdown for a local move might look like this:

Cost Component Typical Cost
Base rental price $20 to $70 per day
Mileage charge $0.59 to $0.99 per mile
Insurance coverage $10 to $30 per day
Equipment rental $7 to $15
Fuel $30 to $100

Rental prices are based on publicly available U-Haul pricing, typical moving scenarios, and industry research. Actual rates vary by location, season, and equipment availability.

For many moves, the total U-Haul truck rental cost ends up between:

$100 and $400 for local moves

Long distance rentals often cost more but include mileage in the price.

What Happens If You Rent the Wrong Truck Size?

Renting a truck that's too small may require multiple trips, increasing fuel costs, mileage, and moving time.

Choosing a truck that's much larger than necessary can make driving and parking more difficult while increasing fuel consumption.

When in doubt, review your inventory or ask the rental company for sizing guidance.

U-Haul Truck Fuel Costs 

Fuel is one of the most overlooked moving costs when renting a truck. Use our fuel cost calculator to determine the right estimate.

Most U-Haul trucks average between: 

  • 8 to 10 miles per gallon for larger trucks 
  • 10 to 12 miles per gallon for smaller trucks 

Example fuel estimate for a 100-mile move:

Truck Size MPG Estimated Fuel Cost
10 ft truck ~12 MPG $30–$40 
15 ft truck ~10 MPG  $40–$50 
20 ft truck ~10 MPG $40–$55
26 ft truck ~8 MPG  $50–$70

Actual fuel costs depend on gas prices and driving conditions. 

U-Haul Moving Truck Sizes Explained

Understanding each truck type helps you avoid renting more space than necessary or discovering halfway through packing that you need a bigger truck.

Below is a detailed U-Haul truck size guide explaining what each option is designed for.

U-Haul Moving Truck Sizes

Cargo Van

Cargo vans are often used for tiny moves or transporting a few pieces of furniture.

Best for:

  • Studio apartments
  • College moves
  • Furniture pickups
  • Small local moves

 Capacity:

Pros

  • Easy to drive

  • Fits in normal parking spaces

  • Good fuel efficiency

Cons

  • Not suitable for full apartment moves

10-Foot U-Haul Truck

10-Foot U-Haul Truck

The 10 ft truck is often recommended for small apartment moves.

Best for:

  • Studio apartments
  • Small one-bedroom homes
  • College moves
  • Short-distance relocations

Capacity:

  • Studio apartment

  • Small one-bedroom home

  • Mattress set

  • Sofa

  • Several boxes

Key details:

  • Approximate capacity of 400 cubic feet

  • Usually does not require a ramp

  • Good for short-distance moves

15-Foot U-Haul Truck

15- Foot U-Haul Truck

This truck size works well for small family homes.

Best for:

Capacity:

  • One or two bedroom apartment

  • Medium furniture pieces

  • Appliances such as refrigerators

  • Several dozen boxes

Advantages

  • Built in loading ramp

  • More cargo space without dramatically increasing driving difficulty

20-Foot U-Haul Truck

20- Foot U-Haul Truck

The 20 ft truck is one of the most commonly rented moving trucks because it handles larger household moves.

Best for:

Capacity:

  • Two to three bedroom home

  • Large furniture items

  • Major appliances

  • Large number of boxes

This truck size is often recommended for long-distance relocations.

Why the 20-Foot Truck Is So Popular

The 20-foot truck is one of U-Haul's most frequently rented trucks because it offers a balance between cargo space and drivability. It's large enough for many family moves while remaining easier to maneuver than the 26-foot truck.

26-Foot U-Haul Truck

26-Foot U-Haul Truck

The 26-foot truck is the largest moving truck available from U-Haul. It's best suited for households with large furniture, multiple bedrooms, or long-distance moves where making a second trip isn't practical. Because of its size, drivers should allow for longer stopping distances and wider turns.

Best for:

  • Three- to four-bedroom homes
  • Large households
  • Moves with bulky furniture and appliances
  • Long-distance moves where a second trip is not practical

Capacity

  • Three to four bedroom homes

  • Large furniture collections

  • Full household moves

Advantages

  • Maximum cargo capacity

  • Fewer trips required

Challenges

  • Harder to maneuver in city areas

  • Requires careful driving in tight spaces

Hidden Costs Most Renters Do Not Expect

The biggest mistake many renters make is assuming the advertised daily rate reflects the total cost.

Several factors can significantly increase the final price.

Common hidden costs include

  • Mileage charges that increase the total bill
  • Fuel costs for larger trucks
  • Environmental and administrative fees
  • Insurance coverage requirements
  • Equipment rental
  • Hotel and Meal Expenses
Long-distance DIY moves often require overnight hotel stays, meals, tolls, and parking expenses. While these costs may seem minor individually, they can add hundreds of dollars to the overall cost of your move. Another overlooked cost is time. Loading and driving a rental truck can take much longer than expected.

When comparing options, it is important to weigh the true cost of renting a U-Haul truck versus hiring professional movers.

Infographic comparing U-Haul, Penske, and Budget truck rental companies showing daily price ranges, truck sizes, and what each company is best for.

U-Haul Truck Comparison: Which Size Should You Choose?

Choosing the correct truck size depends less on square footage and more on how many items you are moving.

Here is a simplified comparison guide.

Move Type Recommended Truck
Studio apartment Cargo van or 10 ft truck
1-bedroom apartment 10 ft truck
2-bedroom home 15 ft truck
3-bedroom home 20 ft truck
4-bedroom home 26 ft truck

If you are unsure between two sizes, choosing the larger option usually saves time and avoids multiple trips.

When Renting a Moving Truck Makes Sense

Renting a moving truck is usually the better option if you:

  • Want complete control over your moving schedule.
  • Have friends or family available to help with loading and unloading.
  • Are comfortable driving a larger vehicle.
  • Want to save money on a local move.


Renting a truck can be a good option for certain types of moves.

It works best when:

  • The move is local
  • You have help loading and unloading
  • You are comfortable driving a large vehicle
  • The household size is small to moderate

However, renting a truck means handling every part of the move yourself.

That includes:

  • Packing
  • Loading furniture
  • Driving the truck
  • Fueling the vehicle
  • Unloading at the destination

For larger homes or complex moves, many people find that hiring movers is easier and often not significantly more expensive.

When Hiring Professional Movers Is the Better Choice

DIY truck rentals often appear cheaper at first, but they require a lot of physical effort and coordination.

Professional movers can handle:

  • Packing fragile items
  • Loading furniture safely
  • Transporting belongings efficiently
  • Reducing the risk of damage

They also remove the stress of driving a large truck through unfamiliar areas.

For families, long-distance moves, or households with many belongings, hiring movers often saves both time and energy.

Professional movers may be the better choice if you:

  • Have heavy or specialty furniture.
  • Are moving long distance.
  • Have limited time to complete the move.
  • Prefer to avoid lifting, and loading.

 Tips for Choosing the Right U-Haul Truck

  • Measure large furniture before booking.
  • Consider garage, attic, and basement items.
  • Reserve early during peak moving season.

Don't forget dollies, moving blankets, and packing supplies.

Driving Difficulty Indicator

Truck Driving Difficulty
Cargo Van Easy
10-ft Easy
15-ft Moderate
20-ft Moderate
26-ft Most Challenging

Which U-Haul Truck Size Do You Need?

Choose:

10-foot

15-foot

  • One-bedroom apartment
  • Two-bedroom apartment

20-foot

  • Two- to three-bedroom home
  • Large furniture
  • Appliances

26-foot

  • Three- to five-bedroom home
  • Large household
  • Long-distance move

Still Not Sure Which Truck Size to Choose?

If you're between two truck sizes, renting the larger truck is often the better decision. Running out of space can mean making multiple trips, increasing fuel costs, mileage, and moving time. A slightly larger truck is usually less expensive than renting a second vehicle or repeating the trip.

Compare Truck Rentals and Professional Movers

Renting a truck isn't always the lowest-cost option once mileage, fuel, equipment, and your time are included. Before booking, compare quotes from licensed movers to see which solution offers the best value for your move.

Editor's Note

This guide, reviewed by our Moving Industry Analyst team, is based on publicly available pricing, customer reviews, and regular moving scenarios.

Get expert moving tips and compare movers for free at Movers.com.

You can get free moving quotes from licensed and insured movers, compare moving companies near you, and plan your move with confidence using our step-by-step moving guides and checklists.

Whether you’re planning a local move, a long-distance relocation, or need help with packing and loading, Movers.com connects you with trusted moving professionals and practical tools to make moving easier and more affordable.

Questions? Talk to our moving specialists

Frequently Asked Questions

Most U-Haul moving trucks include built in loading ramps to make it easier to move heavy furniture and appliances into the truck. Typically, the 15 ft, 20 ft, and 26 ft U-Haul trucks come with loading ramps.

Smaller vehicles such as cargo vans and pickup trucks do not include ramps because their cargo floors are lower to the ground. The 10 ft truck may or may not include a ramp depending on the specific model, but many locations provide ramps with larger trucks for easier loading.

To rent a U-Haul truck, you typically need a valid driver's license and a payment method such as a credit card or debit card. The renter must also meet the minimum age requirement, which is usually 18 years old to rent a truck and 16 years old for trailers.

Some locations may also require a deposit depending on the payment method used. When picking up the vehicle, renters should bring their driver's license and confirmation details for the reservation.

Yes. U-Haul offers moving equipment that helps secure furniture and boxes during transport. Many locations sell or rent items such as ratchet straps, tie downs, furniture pads, and moving dollies.

Using straps helps prevent items from shifting while the truck is in motion, which can reduce the risk of damage to furniture and appliances during the move.

The daily rental price for a U-Haul truck usually ranges from about $20 to $70 per day, depending on the truck size. Smaller vehicles such as cargo vans and pickup trucks often start around $19.95 per day, while larger trucks such as the 20 ft or 26 ft models cost more.

However, the final cost is usually higher because most rentals also include mileage fees, fuel costs, insurance coverage, and taxes.

Yes, and it may be easier than you think. Instead of renting a truck, buying packing supplies, and doing all the heavy lifting yourself, use Movers.com to compare moving companies in minutes.

You can quickly review multiple quotes from licensed movers and choose a service that fits your budget.

Many people discover that hiring movers can cost less than expected, especially when you factor in truck rental, fuel, mileage, and equipment fees.

Yes. Professional movers handle the entire process through Movers.com. You can connect with trusted, licensed movers who will pack your belongings, load the truck, transport everything safely, and unload at your new home.

Instead of worrying about lifting furniture or driving a large truck, you can relax and let experienced movers take care of the work while you focus on your new beginning.

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