Renting a van for a move is straightforward, but the cost and terms vary widely by company, van size, distance, and timing
When you rent a van to move, you are paying for the vehicle itself, the distance or duration you use it, insurance, and sometimes fuel. The rental company owns the van; you operate it for a set period and return it. Most moving van rentals run between one day and several weeks, and prices depend on the size of the van, how far you are going, and what day of the week you rent. A one-way rental (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) usually costs more than a round-trip rental from the same location.
The main rental companies that offer moving vans are U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot (which partners with U-Haul), Budget, and Lowes (which partners with Home Depot). Regional companies and independent rental shops also rent vans, sometimes at lower rates. The size you need depends on how much you are moving: a 10-foot van holds roughly the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, a 15-foot van fits a two-bedroom, and a 20-foot or larger van is for a three-bedroom or bigger move.
Key Takeaways
- Van rental costs are set by the company based on van size, rental duration, distance traveled, and current demand — prices for the same van can differ by hundreds of dollars depending on the day and direction of travel.
- You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance or the option to buy the rental company's insurance, and a credit card to reserve and pay for the van.
- One-way rentals (drop-off in a different city) cost significantly more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the van back to its home location.
- Damage waivers and insurance add to the total cost but protect you from paying for dents, scratches, or mechanical damage during your rental period.
- Peak moving season (May through September) and weekends have higher rates than weekdays and off-season months.
How van rental pricing works
Rental companies charge a base rate for the van size plus a per-mile or per-day fee. U-Haul, for example, charges a base rental fee and then a mileage rate; Penske often uses a daily rate with unlimited mileage. The total bill depends on which model the company uses and how far or long you rent. A 10-foot U-Haul van might cost $19.95 per day plus $0.99 per mile, while a Penske 16-foot van might be $39.99 per day with unlimited mileage.
Prices are not fixed and change based on demand. If you are moving during peak season (May through September) or on a weekend, you will pay more than if you move on a Tuesday in February. One-way rentals are priced higher because the company incurs the cost of returning the empty van to its home location. A one-way rental from New York to Boston might cost $400 to $600, while a round-trip rental from New York back to New York might cost $150 to $250 for the same van size.
Fuel is usually your responsibility. Some companies offer a fuel option where you prepay a flat rate per gallon, which can be cheaper than paying at the pump if gas prices are high. Others require you to return the van with a full tank or charge you a refueling fee.
What documents and information you need to rent
To rent a van, you will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Most rental companies require you to be at least 18 years old, though some set the minimum at 21. Your driver's license must not be suspended or revoked, and the rental company will check this before handing over the keys.
Insurance is a major part of the rental agreement. You can use your personal auto insurance if it covers rental vehicles (check your policy or call your insurer before you rent). If you do not have coverage or prefer not to use it, the rental company will offer you a damage waiver or collision damage waiver (CDW) for an additional daily fee, usually $10 to $20 per day. This protects you from paying for damage to the van during your rental, though it typically has a deductible and may not cover certain types of damage like tire blowouts or windshield cracks.
You will also need to provide a credit card to hold as a deposit. The rental company will not charge it unless you return the van late, damage it, or fail to pay for fuel or other charges. Some companies require a second form of ID or proof of address.
Comparing rental companies and van sizes
The major national chains differ in how they price and what they include. U-Haul is the largest and has the most locations, but its per-mile pricing can add up on long moves. Penske tends to have lower daily rates and unlimited mileage, which works better for longer distances. Budget and Home Depot (U-Haul) are often cheaper for short, local moves. Lowes partners with Home Depot, so their rates are similar.
Van size is measured in feet and refers to the cargo area length. A 10-foot van is the smallest and easiest to drive; a 15-foot van is mid-size and still manageable for most drivers; a 20-foot or larger van requires more driving skill and may need a special license in some states if it exceeds a certain weight. Rental companies provide a size guide on their websites showing how much furniture and boxes each van holds. If you are unsure, most companies let you reserve online and then call to adjust the size before your rental date.
| Van Size | Best For | Typical Contents | Driving Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-foot | Studio or one-bedroom apartment | Sofa, bed, dresser, boxes | straightforward; similar to driving a large SUV |
| 15-foot | Two-bedroom apartment or small house | Multiple beds, couches, dining table, many boxes | Moderate; wider and longer than a car |
| 20-foot | Three-bedroom house | All furniture from multiple rooms plus boxes | Difficult; requires experience with large vehicles |
Reserving a van and what happens on pickup day
You can reserve a van online or by phone through the rental company's website. When you reserve, you will choose the van size, pickup date and time, drop-off date and time, pickup location, and drop-off location. The website will show you the estimated cost, which is a quote and not a final price — the actual cost may be higher if you return the van late, add insurance, or use more miles than estimated.
On pickup day, arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. The rental agent will walk you through the van's condition, pointing out any existing damage and documenting it on a form. This is important: if you do not report damage that is already there, you may be charged for it when you return the van. The agent will show you how to operate the van's doors, ramp (if it has one), and any special features. You will sign the rental agreement, which outlines your responsibilities, the damage waiver terms, and the return policy.
Before you leave the lot, check the van yourself. Look for dents, scratches, broken lights, and tire damage. Take photos or video of the van's exterior and interior. If you find damage the agent did not note, point it out when ready and ask them to add it to the form. Keep a copy of the rental agreement and all receipts.
Returning the van and avoiding extra charges
Return the van on the date and time specified in your rental agreement. Late returns are charged at a daily rate, which can be steep — sometimes the full daily rental rate or more. If you know you will be late, call the rental company as soon as possible; they may be able to extend your rental for a lower fee than a late return charge.
Return the van with a full tank of fuel unless you prepaid for fuel. If you return it empty or partially empty, the company will charge you for refueling, usually at a higher per-gallon rate than you would pay at a gas station. Fill up at a station near the rental location so you do not have to guess how much fuel you need.
The rental agent will inspect the van for damage when you return it. If there are new dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical problems, the company will charge you for repairs. If you purchased a damage waiver, these charges are usually covered up to the limit of the waiver. If you did not purchase one and your personal insurance does not cover rental damage, you will pay out of pocket. The final bill will be mailed or emailed to you within a few days if there are additional charges.
Alternatives to renting a van
If a van rental does not fit your needs or budget, other options exist. Hiring a moving company means professional movers pack, load, and transport your belongings, which costs more but requires less work from you. Labor-only moving services send movers to load and unload a van you rent yourself, splitting the difference in cost and effort. Freight shipping services move boxes and furniture without you driving, though they are slower and work best for partial loads or long distances.
Peer-to-peer van rental services like Turo (for cars) do not yet have a major presence in the moving van market, but some local companies rent vans from individuals. These are sometimes cheaper but offer less protection and fewer locations. Buying a used van and reselling it after your move is an option if you have time and are comfortable with vehicle sales, but it requires more upfront money and carries the risk of not selling quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special driver's license to rent a large moving van?
Most states do not require a special license for vans under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Rental companies will tell you the GVWR of the van you are renting. If it exceeds your state's threshold, you may need a commercial driver's license (CDL). Check your state's DMV website or call the rental company before you reserve.
What happens if I damage the van during my rental?
If you purchased a damage waiver, the rental company covers repairs up to the waiver's limit, usually with a deductible of $500 to $1,500. If you did not purchase a waiver and your personal insurance does not cover rental vehicles, you pay for all repairs. The company will send you an invoice after inspecting the damage. Damage includes dents, scratches, broken windows, and mechanical problems caused by misuse.
Can I rent a van one-way if I am moving to a different city?
Yes, one-way rentals are available from all major companies. The cost is higher than a round-trip rental because the company must return the empty van to its home location. Prices vary by route; moving from a city with high demand to one with low demand costs more than the reverse. Reserve as early as possible for the best rates.
What if I run out of time and need to keep the van longer?
Call the rental company when ready and ask to extend your rental. If the van is available, they will extend it for an additional daily rate, which is usually cheaper than a late return fee. If the van is already reserved by another customer, you may have to return it on time and rent a different van if you need more time.
Can I rent a van if I do not have a credit card?
Most rental companies require a credit card to hold as a deposit and to pay the final bill. Some locations may accept a debit card, but you will need to call ahead and confirm. A few companies offer alternative payment methods, but these are rare. Having a credit card in your name is the most reliable way to rent a van.