Considering U-Haul for Long Distance Moving? It’s Not as Cheap or Easy as It Used to Be.
- American National Movers
- Nov 19, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
For years, U-Haul has been the go-to choice for long distance moving on a low budget. But recently, the cost savings have shrunk — and there are now affordable full-service moving alternatives with prices comparable to renting a U-Haul.
Across the internet, customers have reported hidden fees, fuel overcharges, and unclear pricing that make U-Haul’s “cheap” reputation questionable. On top of that, U-Haul’s largest truck — the 26-foot model — isn’t enough for most homes with three or more bedrooms, meaning you could end up needing a second truck, additional mileage, double the costs, and stress.
We’re not saying U-Haul isn’t a viable option for certain situations — it can still make sense for smaller long distance moves. But this article will help you determine when renting a U-Haul actually saves money — and when it doesn’t.
The Real Cost Of Using U-Haul For Long Distance Moving.
Assuming you have more than just a few pieces of furniture and you’re using a 26-foot U-Haul truck, the average base rental cost is about $4,000. But that’s just the start.
U-Haul’s total cost doesn’t include fuel, packing materials, tolls, or labor if you’re hiring help — and those extras can easily add another $1,000 to $1,500 to your relocation costs with U-Haul.
Meanwhile, affordable long-distance moving companies like American National Movers and PODS now offer all-inclusive options that cover loading, driving, and delivery for about the same total cost—or sometimes less.
The table below breaks it down clearly:
Breakdown & U-Haul Alternatives:
U-Haul's advertised lower costs do not reveal the full picture. Once you factor in gas, lodging, packing materials, tolls, mileage, and labor, your savings are minimal compared to alternatives like American National Movers and PODS:
PODS vs U-Haul Costs:
Even for small long distance loads, there’s a solid alternative to renting a U-Haul and doing everything yourself. PODS averages around $3,800–$4,500 for long-distance transport, depending on the number of containers and total mileage.
Their model is simple — you handle the packing, PODS handles the driving. For that price, you skip the stress of driving a 20–26 foot truck across multiple states, something most people underestimate until they’re already in the driver’s seat.
Still, PODS isn’t perfect. During peak moving seasons, delivery delays are common, and storage fees can quickly add up if your move-in dates don’t align. But when compared to U-Haul — where you’re paying separately for fuel, hotels, tolls, and possibly hiring labor on both ends — the total cost often ends up nearly identical.
If your budget is extremely tight and you’re moving a small load, U-Haul might still be the cheapest. But if you value convenience, reliability, and peace of mind, PODS provides a better balance between cost and effort.
American National Movers vs U-Haul Costs:
American National Movers isn’t the cheapest option — but our long distance moving costs aren't far off U-Haul’s total price once all hidden expenses are included.
The key difference? Our services are all-inclusive. Every long-distance move covers packing, loading, fuel, tolls, and delivery — all under a single flat rate.
The average long distance move with American National Movers costs around $4,800–$5,500, which is only $400–$1,500 more than U-Haul’s true total after adding fuel, hotels, and labor.
Unlike U-Haul, there’s no physical labor, no cross-country driving, and no uncertainty about when your belongings will arrive. You won’t have to take days off work, rely on friends who back out, or risk damage from loading mistakes.
Is it Cheaper To Rent a U-Haul Or Hire Movers?
U-Haul is cheaper than hiring long distance movers — but not by much anymore. On average, the cost savings are only about $800 to $1,300, depending on the route, time of year, and how much you’re moving.
However, if you’re comparing U-Haul’s prices to major van lines with premium pricing, then yes — U-Haul will still come out significantly cheaper. But when you compare it to affordable long distance movers like American National Movers or PODS, the total cost difference becomes surprisingly small once you include fuel, mileage, hotels, tolls, and labor.
As of 2024, U-Haul’s long-distance rates have risen considerably due to demand, fuel costs, and equipment shortages, closing the gap between DIY truck rentals and full-service movers. In many cases, customers spend nearly the same amount — with one key
difference: movers handle the work, while U-Haul renters handle everything themselves.
The bottom line? U-Haul is still the cheaper option on paper, but the convenience and time savings of hiring movers make up the difference for most people.
When U-HAUL Might Be A Better Option Than Movers.
U-Haul isn’t the wrong choice for everyone. In some cases, it’s actually a great option — particularly for smaller, long-distance moves or loads under 600–800 miles. Shorter routes with lighter furniture are where U-Haul still holds its value.
If your schedule is flexible and you don’t need a tight delivery window, the tradeoffs can feel manageable. U-Haul works best for customers who have the time, energy, and help to handle loading, driving, and unloading themselves. For studio apartments, small one-bedroom moves, or partial loads, a rental truck can still be the most affordable solution.
When Long Distance Moving Is Risky:
For larger homes, renting a U-Haul stops being worth it for long distance relocations. The biggest issue isn’t just cost — it’s capacity, labor, and risk.
U-Haul’s largest truck is 26 feet long, which on paper sounds big, but in reality, it usually fits the contents of a 2–to 3-bedroom home at most. If you have a full household — a garage, basement, large furniture, or over 100–150 boxes, you’re going to need two 26-foot trucks to transport everything.
In many cases, the box count alone can fill half the truck, leaving oversized furniture and fragile items without proper space or protection. That’s where problems start. If everything doesn’t fit, you’re stuck with two options — make two trips or rent a second truck — both of which erase the “savings” instantly.
On top of that, most customers don’t have a reliable crew of helpers on both ends. Without professional loading, items shift in transit, glass breaks, corners dent, and mattresses tear. U-Haul isn’t a carrier so their coverage options are limited — you’re fully responsible for any damage or loss.
Final Thoughts: U-Haul Or Movers?
For small, local, or lightweight long distance moves, U-Haul may be a better option than hiring movers. If you’re only moving a few rooms and have reliable help, you can save a few hundred dollars and get the job done.
But once you’re moving more than 1,000 miles, have a larger household, or own fragile and valuable items, renting a U-Haul becomes a gamble. The cost difference compared to affordable long distance movers is only about $800–$1,300. Is the stress, time, and risk of using U-Haul for a large home worth saving close to $2,000? In many cases, no.
At American National Movers, our long distance moving costs are only about $2,000 more than U-Haul, and they include materials, fuel, and full-service labor. We are a great option for working families that don't mind paying a little extra for convenience.
At the end of the day, U-Haul gives you control — but American National Movers gives you convenience, protection, and reliability. So, before you rent a truck for a cross-country move, compare your true costs —not just the quote. You may find that a full-service mover isn’t just easier — it’s smarter.