A U-Haul Van Rental is Great for a Small Move - Moving.com (2024)

Planning a DIY move? Renting a U-Haul van rental could be the perfect solution for your upcoming relocation– especially if it’s a small job. U-Haul’s cargo vans are designed for smaller moves involving anything from studio apartment moves to one-bedroom home moves. In addition, each cargo van features seating for two adults, air conditioning, automatic transmission, cruise control, air bags and an AM/FM stereo. For more information about using a U-Haul van rental to move, check out these frequently asked questions below.

7 frequently asked questions about moving with a U-Haul van rental

1. What are U-Haul van rentals typically used for?
   

   According to the company, many people use U-Haul van rentals for “self-deliveries and small jobs around town.” Examples include delivering an order from a business (think: a furniture store delivering furniture) or picking up and dropping off a large appliance. The vans are also commonly used for small moves, such as a studio apartment move or a one-bedroom apartment move.

2. Why choose a U-Haul van rental over other truck rental options?
   

   Here are three advantages to renting a U-Haul cargo van over a large truck.

   • Cargo vans are easier to drive – Have you ever driven a large box truck? If so, you know just how difficult these large vehicles can be to navigate on the road. Fortunately, cargo vans tend to be much easier to drive. Anyone who is nervous about driving a bulky, large moving truck should opt for a cargo van instead.
   • Cargo vans are easier to park –No surprise here: parking a U-Haul van rental is going to be much easier than parking a large moving truck. Not only do the cargo vans fit within the limits of most parking spaces, but they’re also easier to maneuver into a tight parking space. Those who live in cities where parking is limited will find cargo moving vans to be especially useful. When paralleled parked, you can access your belongings from the side door as well the back. This makes it easier to unload on a busy street.
   • Cargo vans are easier to maneuver under bridges – When moving with a large box truck rental, you may run into trouble with bridges and parking garages. Oftentimes, these trucks are too tall to fit underneath short overhangs. Not only could this limit your moving route, but it could also increases the risk of your truck becoming stuck or damaged. Cargo vans, on the other hand, should fit underneath most overhangs just fine.

3. How big are U-Haul van rentals?
   

   According to U-Haul, all measurements are approximate and may vary in size depending on the specific van you rent. In general, though, a U-Haul van rental is roughly nine feet long. Specific measurements from the company are listed below.

   See Also

   2024 U-Haul Truck Rental Review | Move.org
   • Inside Dimensions: 9’6″ x 5’7″ x 4’8″
   • Back Door Opening: 5’1-1/2″ x 4’1-1/2″
   • Deck Height from Ground: 2’5″
   • Max Load: 3,880 lbs.
   • Gross Vehicle Weight: 8,550 lbs. max.
   • Empty Weight: 4,667 lbs.
   • Volume: 245 cu. ft.

4. What can you fit inside a cargo van rental?
   

   Cargo van rentals are usually perfect for small moves, such as a college dorm room move or a studio apartment move. You should be able to fit a mattress (either a twin mattress or a queen mattress) and box spring inside the van. In addition to a mattress, nightstands, a sofa and several boxes should fit nicely inside. If your apartment has a good deal of furniture, you may need to make several trips with the cargo van or rent a larger U-Haul truck.

5. What is the gas mileage of a U-Haul van rental?
   

   A U-Haul cargo van rental typically gets 18 miles per gallon. It has a fuel tank size of 25 gallons. For small, local moves, these vans are fairly fuel efficient and should be able to get you from point A to point B without a stop at the gas station. The vans are also much more fuel efficient than the company’s truck rentals, which usually get only 10 miles per gallon.

6. What is the best way to pack a cargo van rental?
   

   A few rules to live by when packing a van or moving truck: 1) always load the largest and heaviest items first. This typically means your mattress or sofa. Ensuring that the largest item is secure first will prevent it from crushing or damaging boxes and other smaller items. 2) Roll up any rugs you plan to bring. Rolling and securing them in plastic wrap will maximize the space inside the van. 3) Disassemble furniture before loading it into the van. For more tips on loading items into a cargo van or truck rental, check here. For tips on moving a bed and mattress into a cargo van or truck rental, check here.

7. What other rental options does U-Haul offer its customers?
   

   If the van rental isn’t for you, you’re in luck. U-Haul carries a number of truck rental size options, including an 8 foot pickup truck, a 10 ft. truck, a 15 ft. truck, a 17 ft. truck, a 20 ft. truck and a 26 ft. truck. Below is a quick synopsis for each.

   • 8 ft. pickup truck –Capable of holding a twin mattress and boxes. Ideal for college dorm room and studio apartment moves.
   • 10 ft. box truck– Capable of holding a king size bed, loveseat, two end tables, a dining room set and boxes. Ideal for a one-bedroom apartment move.
   • 15 ft. box truck – Capable of holding a king size mattress, washer and dryer, fridge, dressers, and sofa. Ideal for two-bedroom apartment or condo moves.
   • 17 ft. box truck – Capable of holding two king size beds, a sofa, love seat, coffee table, dining set and TV stand. Ideal for a larger apartment and condo move.
   • 20 ft. box truck – Capable of holding two king size mattresses, a crib, dressers, a sectional, a coffee table, end tables, dining set and boxes. Ideal for moving two or three-bedroom homes and large apartments.
   • 26 ft. box truck – Capable of holding 3 king size mattresses, nightstands, dressers, sectional, recliner, coffee table, desk, washer and dryer. Ideal for large, three to five-bedroom home moves.

   To compare the various U-Haul truck rental sizes, check here.

Ready to move?

In addition to U-Haul, there are multiple other moving truck rental companies to choose from when planning your next relocation. You’ll want to make sure you choose the one that best fits your budget and location needs (i.e. the one that is located near your current and new home). For more information and discounts on various rental truck services, check out Moving.com’struck rentalcenter. For more tips on how to make your DIY move a successful one, check here.