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The Ultimate Guide to Moving with a U-Haul Truck

Writer's picture: Dos Manos MovingDos Manos Moving

Moving with a U-Haul truck may seem like a daunting task, but it can be an easy and efficient process with a little bit of planning. From selecting the right truck to unloading your belongings, here are the steps you’ll need to follow to ensure your move goes off without a hitch.


1. Choose the Right U-Haul Truck Size for Your Move

The first step when moving with a U-Haul truck is selecting the right size vehicle. U-Haul offers various truck sizes, so choosing the correct one will make a huge difference in terms of ease, cost, and efficiency.

  • 10-foot truck: Ideal for smaller moves, like a studio apartment or 1-bedroom apartment.

  • 15-foot truck: Perfect for 1 to 2-bedroom homes or apartments with moderate furniture and boxes.

  • 20-foot truck: Best for larger 2-3 bedroom homes. It gives you more room to move and store bulky furniture.

  • 26-foot truck: This is for big moves, like 3+ bedroom homes. If you're moving a lot of heavy items, this will give you the space you need.


Take inventory of your belongings before you decide on the size, and use U-Haul’s online tools to get an idea of which truck would suit your needs best.


A person arranges padded-covered items in a truck, with stacked stools on a shelf. They're wearing a "Dos Manos Moving" shirt. Truck interior visible.

2. Reserve Your U-Haul Truck Early for a Smooth Experience

Once you’ve figured out which truck size is right for you, it’s time to reserve it! Moving with a U-Haul truck during peak times, like summer or weekends, can be challenging if you wait too long. Trucks tend to book up quickly, so be sure to reserve in advance.

You can reserve your U-Haul truck online or by calling U-Haul customer service. Don’t forget to check for additional items like moving blankets, dollies, or even a hitch if you're towing a car.


3. Packing Your U-Haul Truck Efficiently for a Hassle-Free Move

Packing is the most important part of moving with a U-Haul truck. You’ll need to make sure that everything fits securely and safely, minimizing the risk of damage during transport.

Here’s a step-by-step strategy:

  • Start with the heaviest items first: Furniture, appliances, and any large or heavy pieces should go in the truck first. Position them close to the cab to keep the weight balanced.

  • Pack boxes from heavy to light: Start with heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Don’t overpack boxes—make sure they’re manageable.

  • Use straps and furniture pads: Secure heavy items with the built-in tie-downs in the truck and protect fragile furniture with moving blankets or furniture pads.

  • Fill gaps with soft items: Use pillows, towels, or clothing to fill in the gaps and prevent your items from shifting during the move.

This method will help you avoid damaging your belongings and ensure that your items stay in place during the drive.


4. Safety Tips for Driving a U-Haul Truck

Driving a larger vehicle like a U-Haul truck requires extra attention. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

  • Practice before you hit the road: Get familiar with the truck’s size, adjust the mirrors, and make sure you’re comfortable with the vehicle before driving on busy roads.

  • Drive slower and with extra caution: U-Haul trucks are larger and have a different turning radius than your car. Drive slowly and avoid sudden stops.

  • Be aware of height restrictions: U-Haul trucks are taller than regular vehicles, so watch for low-hanging signs, bridges, and overpasses. Many trucks are about 12 feet tall.

  • Take regular breaks: If you're driving long distances, take breaks to rest and avoid fatigue.

Staying cautious on the road is key to ensuring a safe and successful move when moving with a U-Haul truck.


5. Unloading: How to Make the Process Smooth and Easy

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, it’s time to unload the truck. Here are some tips to make this step as smooth as possible:

  • Enlist help: Having a couple of extra hands can make unloading much easier, especially if you’re dealing with large or heavy items.

  • Use the ramp: U-Haul trucks come with ramps for easy loading and unloading. This saves you from having to lift heavy items directly off the truck.

  • Unpack in order: Start by unloading the essentials first, like kitchen items, beds, and toiletries. Save the non-essentials for later.

By staying organized during the unloading process, you can get settled in faster and avoid feeling overwhelmed.


6. Returning the U-Haul Truck

After all your hard work, it’s time to return the truck. Here are a few things to keep in mind when moving with a U-Haul truck and returning it:

  • Refuel the truck: U-Haul requires that you return the truck with the same amount of gas as when you picked it up.

  • Clean the truck: While you don’t need to make it spotless, leaving the truck relatively clean will save you cleaning fees.

  • Check for damage: Before returning the truck, do a final inspection to ensure that there are no damages you may have missed. Report any damages immediately to avoid extra charges.

U-Haul allows you to return your truck at a different location if you need to, which can be especially useful for long-distance moves.


7. Additional U-Haul Services to Make Your Move Even Easier

If you need extra help or equipment, U-Haul has some additional services that could make moving with a U-Haul truck even simpler:

  • U-Haul U-Box: Need extra storage? U-Haul offers portable storage containers (U-Box) that you can load at your own pace, then have transported to your new home or stored for later.

  • Moving Help: If you prefer not to do all the heavy lifting yourself, U-Haul works with independent moving companies to help load and unload your truck.

  • Insurance: U-Haul offers optional insurance, such as the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which can provide peace of mind while you’re on the road.


Conclusion: Make Your Move Easy with U-Haul

Moving with a U-Haul truck gives you the freedom to take control of your move, whether it’s down the street or across the country. By following these steps—choosing the right truck, packing efficiently, staying safe on the road, and unloading carefully—you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and stress-free move.

Have any tips or experiences about moving with a U-Haul truck? Drop them in the comments below!


For more information on DIY moving or to hire Dos Manos Moving, click below!



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