Best Time to Rent a Moving Truck: Save Money & Get Better Availability
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If you're wondering when to rent a moving truck, know that there are various factors to consider. Booking early and staying flexible with your moving date can help you find better availability and make the planning process easier.
Moving truck rental rates depend on several factors including where you're moving from, where you're moving to, when you're moving, and the truck size you choose. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, understanding these factors can help you choose a moving date that offers greater flexibility and potentially lower costs.
Key Takeaways
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Tips to Save Money on Your Moving Truck Rental
Every move is different, but a few simple planning strategies can help you get the most value from your rental.
Be Flexible With Your Moving Date
Flexibility can be one of the easiest ways to reduce moving costs. Compare a few different moving dates before making your reservation. Even a small adjustment to your schedule may give you more options when choosing a truck, pickup location, or reservation time.
If you're planning a move during the spring or summer, flexibility becomes even more valuable because those dates tend to be in higher demand.
If you are moving locally, pick up and drop off at the same location; weekdays usually have a lower $/mile rate.
Choose the Right Truck Size for Your Move
Selecting the correct truck size can help you avoid paying for more space than you need or making multiple trips because your truck is too small.
Before reserving a truck, take inventory of your furniture, boxes, and large household items. Consider the size of your home, how much you're moving, and whether you'll be transporting bulky items, such as appliances, mattresses, or sectionals.
If you're unsure which truck size is right for your move, we can help. Our truck size guide makes it easy to compare truck options based on the size of your home and the number of rooms you're moving. Choosing the right truck from the start can save time, reduce fuel costs, and help make moving day more efficient.
What Affects Moving Truck Rental Availability?
Moving truck rental availability can change throughout the year. When demand is high, like during the summertime and on the weekend, truck availability can become very limited.
- Some of the other biggest factors that can determine if your truck rental is going to be available include:
- Local demand (if your city/town is growing or losing population)
- Seasonal demand (if you are moving during a busy time of year or the end of the month)
- Equipment availability (what trucks are available nearby)
When Is the Cheapest Time to Rent a Moving Truck?
Fall and winter are often less busy moving seasons, meaning more trucks may be available and scheduling is often more flexible than during the busy summer months. Weekdays, especially Monday through Thursday, also tend to offer better availability and more scheduling flexibility than weekends.
Spring and summer are traditionally the busiest moving months. Families often choose to relocate while school is out, and favorable weather conditions in many parts of the country make moving easier. As demand increases, truck availability may become more limited, and reservation options fill up faster.
To save on your move, we recommend renting your moving truck during the fall or winter and during the weekdays, like Monday-Thursday, rather than the weekend. Moving during this time also offers:
- Greater truck availability
- More flexibility when choosing dates
- Less competition for popular truck sizes
- More options when planning your move
Are Certain Days of the Week Better for Moving?
Weekends are the most popular time to move, as they fit around work and school schedules. Monday through Thursday are often less busy than weekends, making them a good option if your schedule is flexible.
If your schedule allows, consider comparing weekday and weekend reservation options. Moving during less busy periods may give you more flexibility in truck rental prices, choosing pickup times, truck sizes, and rentable moving equipment.
How Far in Advance Should You Book a Moving Truck?
One of the easiest ways to improve your moving experience is to reserve your truck as early as possible. You might be wondering: How early should you book a moving truck?
Reserve Your Moving Truck as Early as Possible
You should book your moving truck as soon as possible, once you know your exact moving time frame. Planning ahead gives you more options when selecting truck size, pickup location, reservation, and pickup time. It also gives you more time to figure out how many boxes can fit in your moving truck, and how many hours to schedule labor-only movers to pack, load, unload, and unpack your moving truck.
- Booking early can be especially important during peak moving season, holiday weekends, and month-end moving periods when demand is often higher.
The earlier you reserve, the more flexibility you'll typically have when choosing your equipment and moving date.
Peak Moving Season: What to Expect
Summer is widely considered the peak moving season because it aligns with school breaks, job relocations, and favorable weather conditions. If you're planning a summer move, reserving your truck as early as possible can help you secure the equipment and dates that work best for your schedule.
The best time to rent a moving truck depends on your schedule, location, and moving needs. In general, planning ahead and booking early can give you more flexibility when choosing your moving date, truck size, and pickup location.
If your schedule allows, consider moving during less busy times of the year and comparing a few different reservation dates before booking. A little preparation now can help make moving day smoother and less stressful later.
Rent a U-Haul Moving Truck for Your Next Move
Whether you're moving across town or across the country, U-Haul makes it easy to compare truck sizes, reserve online, and prepare for moving day with helpful tools and resources. Get a quote and reserve your moving truck today.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Truck Rental Times
What is the cheapest time to rent a moving truck?
The cheapest time to rent a moving truck is often during the fall and winter months when moving demand is typically lower.
How far in advance should I book a moving truck?
Reserving your truck as early as possible can improve availability and give you more flexibility when selecting equipment and moving dates.
Are moving truck rentals cheaper on weekdays?
Weekdays are often less busy than weekends, which may provide greater availability and more scheduling flexibility depending on where you live. If you are moving locally, pick up and drop off at the same location; weekdays usually have a lower $/mile rate.
Why is summer considered peak moving season?
Summer aligns with school breaks, job relocations, and favorable weather conditions, making it one of the busiest times of the year for moving.
Does booking early help you save money on a moving truck rental?
Booking early can help you secure the equipment you need and avoid the challenges that often come with last-minute reservations.
How do I choose the right moving truck size?
Consider the size of your home, the number of rooms you're moving, and any large furniture or appliances. Our Truck Size Guide can help you compare options and select the right fit.