Most Self-Storage Facilities Do Not Rent Moving Trucks
The short answer is no—the vast majority of self-storage facilities do not offer moving truck rentals on-site. Self-storage companies focus on renting climate-controlled or standard storage units; they do not maintain a fleet of moving vehicles. If you need a truck, you will need to rent from a separate moving truck company.
Some very large storage chains may have partnerships with truck rental companies, but this is rare and varies by location. Even when a partnership exists, you are still renting from the truck company, not the storage facility itself. The storage facility straightforward refers you or handles the paperwork as a convenience.
Key Takeaways
- Self-storage facilities rent storage space only; moving truck rentals are handled by separate companies like U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot.
- A few large storage chains may partner with truck rental companies, but you still rent the truck from the truck company, not the storage facility.
- Truck rental companies often have locations near major storage facilities, so you can rent a truck and drive directly to your unit.
- Renting a truck and a storage unit from different companies is normal and does not complicate the process.
- Some storage facilities offer dollies, hand trucks, and packing supplies, but these are not the same as truck rentals.
Where to Rent a Moving Truck Instead
The main moving truck rental companies are U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot (which partners with U-Haul), Budget, and Lowes (which partners with Home Depot). Each has hundreds of locations nationwide. You can reserve a truck online, by phone, or in person at any location.
U-Haul is the largest network and has pickup locations in most towns. Penske is often cheaper for long-distance moves and one-way rentals. Home Depot and Lowes offer truck rentals at their stores, which may be convenient if you are already shopping there. Budget has fewer locations but can be competitive on price for local moves.
When you rent a truck, you choose the size you need—typically 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, or 26-foot boxes. Smaller trucks cost less but require more trips. Larger trucks hold more but are harder to drive and park. Most truck rental companies charge by the day, by mileage, or by a flat rate depending on the type of move.
How to Coordinate Truck Rental with Your Storage Unit
Renting a truck and a storage unit from different companies is straightforward. Reserve your storage unit first so you know the address and access hours. Then reserve your truck for the same day or the day before, depending on when you want to move.
When you pick up the truck, you will have it for 24 hours (or longer if you pay for extra days). Drive to your storage facility, unload your belongings into the unit, and return the truck to the rental location before your rental period ends. Most truck rental companies charge late fees if you return the truck after the agreed time, so plan your move to finish within your rental window.
If your move takes longer than one day, you can rent the truck for multiple days. This costs more but gives you time to load, drive, unload, and organize your items without rushing. Some people rent a truck for a weekend (Friday to Monday) to spread out the work.
What Self-Storage Facilities Do Offer Instead
While self-storage facilities do not rent trucks, many do offer moving supplies and equipment to rent or buy. These include dollies (wheeled platforms for moving boxes), hand trucks (two-wheeled carts), furniture pads, and boxes. Some facilities sell packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
A few storage facilities offer in-unit loading information—staff who help you move boxes and furniture into your unit for an hourly fee. This is not the same as a moving company, but it can speed up the process if you are moving alone or have heavy items.
Some storage chains also partner with moving companies (not truck rental companies) that can pack and move your belongings for you. This is a full-service option and costs significantly more than renting a truck yourself, but it removes the physical work from your shoulders.
Renting a Truck and Storage from the Same Company
A few large storage chains—notably Extra Space Storage and CubeSmart—have mentioned partnerships with truck rental services in some markets. However, these partnerships are not universal. Even when they exist, you are still renting the truck from the truck rental company, not the storage facility.
The advantage of a partnership is convenience: the storage facility staff can help you coordinate the rental, and the truck rental location may be on or near the storage property. The disadvantage is that you have no savings—you pay the same truck rental rate you would pay anywhere else.
Before assuming your storage facility has a truck rental partnership, call and ask. If they do not, they can still recommend a nearby truck rental location, which is usually close enough to be convenient.
Cost Comparison: Truck Rental vs. Full-Service Moving
A local truck rental (10-foot box, one day, under 50 miles) typically costs $20 to $50 depending on the company and your location. A 15-foot truck costs $30 to $70. A 20-foot truck costs $40 to $100. These prices do not include mileage overage fees, fuel, or insurance.
If you hire a full-service moving company to pack, load, transport, and unload your items, the cost is usually $1,500 to $5,000 for a local move, depending on the volume of items and distance. This is much more expensive than a truck rental, but you do no physical work.
A middle option is to rent a truck yourself and hire movers only to load and unload. This typically costs $500 to $1,500 for labor alone, plus the truck rental fee. This approach saves money compared to full-service moving but reduces the physical burden on you.
Tips for Renting a Truck for Your Storage Move
Reserve your truck as early as possible, especially if you are moving during peak season (May through September). Trucks are more expensive and harder to find during summer months. Booking a week or two in advance usually gets you a better rate.
Choose the smallest truck that fits your items. A 10-foot truck is enough for a studio or one-bedroom apartment. A 15-foot truck works for a two-bedroom. A 20-foot truck is needed for a three-bedroom or larger. Oversizing costs more in rental fees and fuel without adding much benefit.
Inspect the truck before you leave the rental location. Take photos of any existing damage (dents, scratches, stains) and report it to the rental company. This protects you from being charged for damage you did not cause. Ask about insurance options—your personal auto insurance may not cover a rental truck.
Load heavy items (furniture, appliances) first and low in the truck. Stack lighter boxes on top. find everything with rope or straps so items do not shift during driving. This makes unloading safer and faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a truck from a storage facility and return it to a different location?
This depends on the truck rental company, not the storage facility. U-Haul and Penske allow one-way rentals where you pick up at one location and return at another. Budget and some smaller companies may not. When you reserve, specify that you need a one-way rental and confirm the return location before you book.
What if I need the truck for more than one day?
Most truck rental companies charge a daily rate for multi-day rentals. A three-day rental costs three times the daily rate, plus mileage if applicable. Some companies offer discounts for longer rentals (a week or month), so compare prices before you book. Plan your move to finish within your rental period to avoid late fees.
Do I need a special driver's license to rent a moving truck?
No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for trucks up to 26 feet. You do need to be at least 18 years old (some companies require 21) and have a valid credit card. The rental company will ask for your driver's license and insurance information when you pick up the truck.
Can I rent a truck if I do not have a credit card?
Most truck rental companies require a credit card for the reservation and as a security deposit. Some may accept a debit card, but policies vary. Call the rental company directly to ask about payment options before you try to book online.
What happens if I return the truck late?
Late fees explore, usually $20 to $50 per hour or a full day's rental charge if you are more than a few hours late. To avoid this, return the truck before your rental period ends. If you realize you need more time, call the rental company as soon as possible—they may extend your rental at the daily rate rather than charging a late fee.