How to Choose the Right U-Haul for Moving
Understanding the different U-Haul truck sizes, their features, and pricing options can help you plan a move that fits your needs and budget.
Moving can be one of the most stressful parts of relocating, whether you’re heading across town or across the country. Choosing the right U-Haul truck is one of the most important decisions to make the process smooth, safe, and efficient. Understanding the different U-Haul truck sizes, their features, and pricing options can help you plan a move that fits your needs and budget.
At KwikPick Lock and Safe, we often assist homeowners in Phoenix, Surprise, and El Mirage who are moving into new homes. Many of them ask about U-Haul truck rental sizes, the types of U-Haul trucks available, and how to select the right one for their situation. This comprehensive guide breaks down the details — from assessing your inventory to comparing U-Haul truck sizes and features — to make sure your next move goes as seamlessly as possible.
Assess Home Inventory
Before choosing a U-Haul truck, it’s essential to take a detailed inventory of what you’ll be moving. Understanding the volume, size, and weight of your belongings helps determine the correct truck size and prevents unnecessary trips.
Create a list of items, grouped by size and type — for example, furniture, boxes, appliances, and fragile belongings. Larger pieces like beds, dressers, and couches may require extra space, while delicate or valuable items may need to be carefully packed or separated.
Professional movers and locksmiths recommend leaving room for furniture pads, tie-downs, and other protective equipment. These not only protect belongings but also make loading more secure.
If you’re unsure how much space your belongings will take up, using a U-Haul size calculator or consulting with a U-Haul customer service representative can help estimate which truck is best suited for your move.
Understand U-Haul Truck Sizes
U-Haul offers a range of vehicles for every type of move. Each truck size comes with specific features, storage capacities, and pricing options designed to suit different moving needs.
Here’s a closer look at the most common U-Haul truck rental sizes:
10-foot truck: Ideal for studio apartments or small one-bedroom homes. This small U-Haul truck is compact, easy to drive, and perfect for local moves.
15-foot truck: Designed for one to two-bedroom homes. It offers more cargo space without being too large for first-time movers.
20-foot truck: Suited for two to three-bedroom homes. The 20-foot option provides ample room for furniture, appliances, and boxes while remaining manageable to drive.
26-foot truck: The biggest U-Haul truck available for household moves. It can handle three to four-bedroom homes or significant family moves and is often chosen for long-distance relocations.
If you’re wondering what size trucks U-Haul has beyond these, the company also provides cargo vans, pickup trucks, and trailers for smaller moves or specialized hauling needs. U-Haul van rental options, for example, are perfect for single-item deliveries or compact apartment moves.
Compare U-Haul Truck Sizes and Features
When it comes to moving, bigger isn’t always better. Choosing the wrong truck can result in wasted space, higher fuel costs, and unnecessary stress. That’s why it’s essential to compare U-Haul truck sizes carefully and choose based on your actual needs.
A 15-foot vs. 20-foot U-Haul comparison, for instance, shows that while the 20-foot truck offers more space, the 15-foot is easier to park and more fuel-efficient for shorter moves. Similarly, comparing the 20-foot vs. 26-foot U-Haul models can help you determine whether the added room and towing capacity are worth it for your specific situation.
Each U-Haul box truck is equipped with different features that can make moving easier, including:
Loading ramps for heavy items (standard in 15-foot trucks and above)
Low-deck designs for easier loading
Tie-down rings and rub rails to secure furniture
Towing capability for U-Haul trailers
Various cab sizes for passengers and storage
For homeowners moving out of multi-level houses or relocating long distance, the 20-foot or 26-foot U-Haul truck options often offer the best balance between storage capacity and comfort.
Consider the Distance of the Move
Distance is one of the most important factors in deciding which size U-Haul truck you’ll need. For short, local moves, smaller trucks and vans may be ideal — they’re easier to maneuver through city streets, use less fuel, and require less parking space.
For long-distance moves, larger trucks often make more sense. While they consume more fuel, they reduce the number of trips and can be more cost-effective overall. For example, if you’re relocating from Phoenix to Tucson, a single trip with a 20-foot truck might be cheaper and more efficient than making two or three trips with a smaller vehicle.
U-Haul long-distance moving options also allow for one-way rentals, so you can pick up your truck in one city and drop it off at your destination. This flexibility makes interstate and cross-country moves much easier to manage.
Check Availability and Locations
U-Haul has thousands of locations nationwide, including multiple centers across the Phoenix metro area. However, availability can vary depending on the season and local demand. It’s always a good idea to reserve your preferred truck size as early as possible to avoid last-minute changes.
If your chosen truck size isn’t available at your nearest center, U-Haul typically allows customers to reserve equipment from a nearby location. This flexibility guarantees you’ll have access to the vehicle you need on your moving day.
Evaluate Additional Features and Equipment
Beyond the vehicle itself, U-Haul offers a range of additional features and equipment to make moving easier and safer. These can include:
Ramps: Available in most trucks larger than ten feet, ramps simplify the loading and unloading process.
Furniture pads and tie-downs: Essential for protecting furniture and fragile items.
Dollies and hand trucks: Perfect for moving heavy boxes or appliances.
Towing accessories: Useful if you plan to haul a U-Haul trailer behind your rental truck.
U-Haul insurance coverage: Optional protection plans to safeguard your belongings and rental vehicle.
Before moving day, verify that the equipment you need is available at your pickup location. If you’re hiring professional movers or locksmiths to assist, they can also recommend additional tools for secure loading and unloading.
Plan the Pickup and Drop-Off
Planning your U-Haul pickup and return can help you save time and money. For local moves, you’ll usually return the truck to the same location. For long-distance relocations, however, U-Haul allows you to drop off the truck at another location.
One-way rentals can include additional fees, but the convenience is often worth it—especially if you’re moving across state lines.
Before signing the rental agreement, confirm whether your route and schedule align with the pickup and return hours of your selected locations.
Book in Advance
The busiest moving periods—especially summer months and the first and last days of each month—can make truck rentals scarce. Booking your U-Haul truck weeks in advance guarantees access to your preferred size and avoids last-minute substitutions.
Early booking also allows you to take advantage of better pricing and more flexible pickup times. Contacting the U-Haul customer service line can also help you compare options and lock in a reservation.
Review the Rental Agreement
Before finalizing your U-Haul rental, carefully review the rental agreement. Pay attention to details such as:
Mileage limits and fuel policies
Insurance coverage options
Equipment return conditions
Fees for late returns or damages
Understanding U-Haul rental requirements helps prevent unexpected costs. Always check the vehicle before leaving the lot to verify it’s clean, functional, and ready for your trip.
Safety and Comfort First
Even the best-sized truck won’t help if the driver isn’t comfortable operating it. If you’re unfamiliar with larger vehicles, consider practicing driving in an empty parking lot before moving day.
U-Haul trucks include several safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, seatbelts for all passengers, and mirrors designed for wide visibility. Larger trucks also have clear labels showing height and clearance limits, helping you avoid low bridges or tight driveways.
For added peace of mind, U-Haul security systems, 24-hour roadside assistance, and insurance coverage provide extra protection throughout your move.
If you prefer to have professionals handle the driving, U-Haul moving options can connect you with experienced drivers or moving labor for additional support.
Comparing U-Haul Truck Measurements and Capacity
Understanding U-Haul truck measurements and volume can help you load more efficiently. Each truck offers a specific cargo volume, payload capacity, and towing limit:
10-foot truck: Approximately 402 cubic feet of space, suitable for small moves.
15-foot truck: Around 764 cubic feet, fitting one to two bedrooms.
20-foot truck: About 1,016 cubic feet for two to three bedrooms.
26-foot truck: Roughly 1,682 cubic feet for large homes or full-family moves.
For towing needs, the U-Haul pickup truck towing capacity is typically up to 6,000 lbs, depending on the model.
When comparing types of U-Haul trucks or deciding between U-Haul box truck sizes, remember that load weight affects handling and fuel consumption. Plan accordingly to maintain safety and efficiency.
Local Expertise and Geographic Considerations
In Phoenix and nearby cities like Surprise and El Mirage, moving often involves long drives in hot weather. Larger U-Haul trucks offer air conditioning, cruise control, and power steering to make extended trips more comfortable.
Before moving day, check the U-Haul truck fuel capacity to make sure you can plan gas stops efficiently, especially if you’re relocating long-distance. Knowing the average U-Haul truck weight and fuel type (most use unleaded gasoline) can help estimate total costs.
Local locksmiths and moving experts can also assist with home security once you arrive. KwikPick Lock and Safe, for example, offers lock rekeying, security upgrades, and safe installation services to help homeowners feel secure after a move.
Frequently Asked Questions About U-Haul Trucks
What size U-Haul do I need for my move?
This depends on the number of bedrooms and total belongings. U-Haul’s size guide recommends 10-foot trucks for studios, 15-foot trucks for small homes, 20-foot trucks for medium homes, and 26-foot trucks for large family homes.
Do U-Haul trucks come with ramps?
Yes. Trucks fifteen feet and larger typically include a built-in ramp for easier loading and unloading.
What are the types of U-Haul trucks available?
U-Haul offers pickup trucks, cargo vans, and box trucks ranging from ten to 26 feet. Each has different storage volumes and towing capacities.
Can I rent a U-Haul for long-distance?
Yes. U-Haul long-distance rentals allow one-way trips so that you can drop off the vehicle at your destination.
Does U-Haul provide insurance coverage?
U-Haul offers several insurance and protection plans that cover damage, theft, and liability. Review the policy carefully before purchasing.
What if I’m unsure which truck to choose?
Use the U-Haul size calculator online or speak with a representative to compare U-Haul truck sizes and find the best fit for your move.
Do I need a special license to drive a U-Haul truck?
No. A standard driver’s license is sufficient for most U-Haul trucks up to 26 feet.
What is the biggest U-Haul truck available?
The 26-foot U-Haul is the largest option for household moves and can carry up to four bedrooms’ worth of furniture and boxes.
Kwik Pick Lock and Safe now offers U-Haul services along with FREE lockout service for children or pets. If you need an auto locksmith, residential locksmith, security door installation, commercial locksmith, or safes and vaults for your Surprise, El Mirage, or Phoenix home, business, or auto, call today at 623-300-1889.
