How much does it cost to rent a moving truck?

Do-it-yourself moving can help keep related costs as low as possible. Moving truck rental is a key component for self-moves and is typically easy and cost-efficient.

Typical Moving Truck Rental Costs

• 10' rental truck: A 10' truck is ideal for 1-bedroom apartment moves and typically costs from $20-$30 per day plus $.69-$1.10 per mile.
  
  
• 14' rental truck: A 14' truck is ideal for 1-room residential moves (up to 10,000 pounds) and typically costs from $30-$40 per day plus $.69-$1.10 per mile.
  
  
• 17' rental truck: A 17' truck is ideal for 2-bedroom residential moves (up to 13,000 pounds) and typically costs from $32-$42 per day plus $.69-$1.10 per mile.
  
  
• 20' rental truck: A 20' truck is ideal for 3-bedroom residential moves and typically costs from $40-$50 per day plus $.69-$1.10 per mile.
  
  
• 24' rental truck: A 24' truck is ideal for 4-bedroom residential moves and typically costs from $42-$52 per day plus $.69-$1.10 per mile.
  
  
• 26' rental truck: A 26' truck is ideal for 4 or more bedroom residential moves and typically costs from $45-$55 per day plus $.69-$1.10 per mile.
  
  
• Insurance: Insurance to cover liability for the moving truck rental typically costs approximately $20 per day.
  
  
• Dolly rental: The cost to rent a dolly for the move is usually in the range of $5-$10 per day.
  
  
• Trailer hitch: To help tow a vehicle behind the rental truck, a trailer hitch can be used, and the rental rate is typically around $150.
  
  
• Do-it-yourself: If you want to handle your own move and rent a moving truck, visit Moving.About.com or eHow.com for do it yourself tips, videos and tutorials.

Low-End Estimate for Moving Truck Rental

• For a 10' truck rental for an in-town, 1-bedroom apartment move (with total distance traveled estimated at 40 miles): About $48-$74.

High-End Estimate for Moving Truck Rental

• For a 20' truck rental for a cross-country, 3-bedroom residential move (with unlimited mileage charges): About $1,900-$3,080.

What to Expect

• Materials: The materials needed for a move once a moving truck has been rented include bubble tape, boxes, drop cloths, packing tape, labels, a dolly or rolling cart and, if necessary, tools to help with disassembly of certain furniture pieces and items.
  
  
• Timing: The amount of time required for moving truck rental depends upon the volume of items to be moved and total distance involved in the move. Standard moves can take a matter of hours or days based upon these factors.
  
  
• Mess: There is typically minimal mess involved in the moving process; however, cleanup may be required once items are removed from the rental truck.

Any Extras?

• Many moving truck rental companies charge an additional fee for returning the vehicle at a location that is different than the pickup location.
  
  
• Some moving truck rental companies offer a discount for AAA, AARP or other membership-based organizations. The standard discount for AAA is 10%. Select companies also offer discounts for online reservations.
  
  
• Many moving truck rental rates for weekends and summer months (the peak moving period) are up to 20% higher than rates for other time periods.