Moving can be an exciting yet daunting task, and one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is choosing the right size U-Haul truck for your move. With various truck options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which size is best suited for your needs.
In this article, we will break down the different U-Haul truck sizes and guide you on how to choose the perfect one for your move.
1) U-Haul Truck Sizes
1.1) U-Haul Pickup Truck
Are you moving some boxes or a twin bed? Then the U-Haul Pickup Truck may be the perfect choice for you.
This small yet mighty truck offers a cargo bed with ample space to transport your belongings efficiently. It is ideal for small moves or for picking up large items from a store.
Additionally, it comes equipped with features like low decks and wide loading ramps for easy loading and unloading. 1.2) U-Haul Cargo Van
If you’re moving from a studio apartment or need to transport a queen mattress, the U-Haul Cargo Van is an excellent option.
With its fuel-efficient design, it allows you to save on gas while still accommodating your moving needs. The van offers enough cargo space to fit the contents of a small apartment, making it an efficient choice for those with fewer belongings.
1.3) 10 ft. U-Haul Moving Truck
Need a bit more space?
The 10 ft. U-Haul Moving Truck is perfect for a one or two-bedroom home.
It features a low loading dock, making it easier to load heavy items and furniture. This size is a popular choice for small moves and is often praised for its maneuverability in tight spaces.
1.4) 15 ft. U-Haul Moving Truck
For a slightly larger move, consider the 15 ft.
U-Haul Moving Truck. It offers seating for three people, making it convenient for those moving with additional passengers.
This size is suitable for a one to two-bedroom home and provides ample space for furniture, appliances, and boxes. The truck’s maneuverability and fuel efficiency make it a top choice among many movers.
1.5) 17 ft. U-Haul Moving Truck
Moving from a two to three-bedroom home?
The 17 ft. U-Haul Moving Truck is designed to accommodate larger moves.
Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, this size provides the necessary space to transport your belongings with ease. It is spacious enough to fit furniture, appliances, and multiple boxes while still being comfortable to drive.
1.6) 20 ft. U-Haul Moving Truck
If you’re embarking on a long-distance move or have a larger two to three-bedroom home, the 20 ft.
U-Haul Moving Truck is an excellent choice. This size offers a large-capacity van-like cab, providing a comfortable driving experience for long hours on the road.
With its spacious cargo area, you’ll have plenty of room for your furniture, appliances, and boxes. 1.7) 26 ft.
U-Haul Moving Truck
For larger moves, such as a four-plus bedroom home, the 26 ft. U-Haul Moving Truck is the largest option available.
It also has a high towing capacity, making it suitable for towing additional belongings or vehicles. This truck provides the ultimate space to transport all your belongings in a single trip.
2) What Size U-Haul Do I Need? 2.1) Number of Bedrooms and Distance Moved
When determining the right U-Haul size for your move, consider the number of bedrooms in your current home and the distance you’ll be traveling.
U-Haul provides helpful guidelines to help you choose the appropriate truck size based on these factors. Additionally, be mindful of gas mileage, as larger trucks typically have reduced fuel efficiency compared to smaller ones.
2.2) Furniture and Boxes
Take inventory of your furniture and boxes to assess the amount of space you’ll need. If you have bulky furniture, it may be necessary to opt for a larger truck.
However, if you have fewer items or are comfortable disassembling furniture, a smaller truck may suffice. Remember to pack boxes efficiently to maximize space utilization.
2.3) Using Personal Car
Consider whether you’ll be using your personal vehicle in addition to a U-Haul truck. If you plan on fitting all your belongings into a truck, you may need a larger size.
However, if you have a smaller load or only need the truck for larger furniture or appliances, a smaller truck coupled with your personal car might be a suitable option. 2.4) Number of Boxes
Calculate the number of boxes you’ll be moving to estimate the size of the truck you’ll need.
You can use online resources or a moving box calculator to determine the quantity of boxes required. This estimation will help you choose a truck that can accommodate all your belongings comfortably.
2.5) Comfort of Driving a Large Truck
Consider your comfort level in driving a large truck. While larger trucks provide more space, they may be less maneuverable, especially in congested urban areas.
If you’re not comfortable driving a large truck or have concerns about maneuverability, opting for a smaller truck can alleviate these worries. 2.6) Adding a Trailer or Towing a Car
If you have additional items or a car to tow, you’ll need to choose a truck size that can accommodate the extra load.
U-Haul offers various types of trailers and car carriers suitable for different truck sizes. Consider the weight and dimensions of the additional belongings or vehicle to ensure the truck has the capacity to transport them safely.
2.7) Cubic Feet Capacity
Another way to determine the appropriate truck size is by considering the truck’s cubic feet capacity. U-Haul provides estimates on the number of rooms each truck size can handle based on their average size.
This estimation can serve as a helpful reference point when deciding on the appropriate truck size. In conclusion, choosing the right U-Haul truck size for your move is crucial to ensure a smooth and efficient relocation.
Consider factors such as the number of bedrooms, distance traveled, furniture, boxes, comfort level, and any additional towing needs. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can confidently select the perfect U-Haul truck size to accommodate all your belongings.
Happy moving!
3) Final Recommendations Regarding U-Haul Truck Sizes
3.1) Small Studio and One-Bedroom Moves
For small moves like those from a studio apartment or one-bedroom home, there are several rental truck options available to accommodate your needs. The U-Haul Cargo Van is perfect for transporting a queen mattress or a few pieces of furniture.
Its fuel-efficient design makes it an economical choice for shorter distances. If you have a few more items and boxes to move, the 10 ft.
U-Haul Moving Truck is a great option. With its low loading dock, you can easily load and unload heavier items.
Both of these options provide a practical and cost-effective solution for smaller moves. 3.2) Medium to Large Moves
If you’re planning a medium to large move, consider the 15 ft., 17 ft., or 20 ft.
U-Haul Moving Trucks. These sizes provide more space and are suitable for moves from a one to three-bedroom home.
The 15 ft. truck offers seating for three people and is praised for its maneuverability in tight spaces.
The 17 ft. truck is designed for two to three-bedroom homes and offers the convenience of local and long-distance moves.
The 20 ft. truck is perfect for long-distance moves and provides a spacious van-like cab for comfortable driving.
All three options come with low decks and wide loading ramps, making it easier to load and unload your items. 3.3) Moving a Family to a Large Home
If you’re moving your family to a large four-plus-bedroom home, the 26 ft.
U-Haul Moving Truck is the largest option available. With its high towing capacity, you’ll have the versatility to transport additional belongings or even tow a car.
This truck offers the ultimate space and capacity to accommodate the needs of a larger move. While it may seem daunting to drive such a large truck, U-Haul provides resources and tips to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.
3.4) Sizing Up
When it comes to choosing the right truck size, it’s important to prioritize efficiency and avoid sizing up unnecessarily. Opting for a larger truck than necessary can result in wasted time, energy, and money.
By carefully evaluating your belongings and considering the guidelines provided by U-Haul, you can avoid the unnecessary hassle of renting a truck that is too big for your needs. It’s always better to be slightly conservative when sizing up and ensure that you have enough space without excessive empty room.
4) Ready to Rent a Moving Truck? 4.1) Multiple Truck Rental Companies
U-Haul is not the only moving truck rental company on the market.
There are several companies that offer a variety of truck sizes and options to choose from. It’s worth exploring different rental truck companies to find the one that best fits your needs.
Penske, U-Pack, and Budget are popular alternatives to U-Haul and offer competitive prices and a range of truck sizes. Consider the location convenience and availability of these companies in your area when making your decision.
4.2) Information and Discounts
Before finalizing your truck rental, take advantage of the information and discounts available. Rental truck centers often provide resources, guides, and additional tips to assist with your move.
These resources can help you make more informed decisions and ensure a smoother process. Additionally, explore available discounts and promotions from rental truck companies.
Many companies offer discounts for military personnel, seniors, AAA members, and more. Take the time to research and inquire about any potential discounts that may apply to you, as they can significantly reduce your rental costs.
In conclusion, renting a U-Haul truck that suits your specific moving needs is crucial for a successful relocation. Consider the size of your current home, the distance you’ll be traveling, the amount of furniture and boxes you need to transport, and your comfort level in driving a larger truck.
Take advantage of the resources and guidelines provided by U-Haul to help you make an informed decision. Remember to avoid sizing up excessively, as it can lead to inefficiency and unnecessary costs.
Finally, don’t forget to explore other rental truck companies and take advantage of any available information and discounts. By carefully considering these factors, you’ll be well-prepared to rent the perfect moving truck for your next journey.