Introduction
Home Depot and U-Haul Rental are two top choices for truck rentals, especially suited for different types of moves. Home Depot, known for its extensive home improvement selection, offers truck rentals that are perfect for local moves and short-distance transportation of large items.
Their Load ‘N Go program, provides pickup trucks, cargo vans, and box trucks for hourly, daily, and weekly rentals. Meanwhile, U-Haul, a well-established moving service, provides a broader selection of vehicles for local and long-distance moves, including one-way rentals.
Here’s a concise table summarizing the information on Home Depot and U-Haul truck rental options:
| Aspect | Home Depot | U-Haul |
| Home Depot and U-Haul Rental | Short-distance, local moves | Local and long-distance moves |
| Vehicle Options | Pickup trucks, cargo vans, box trucks; partners with Penske for larger trucks | Pickup trucks, cargo vans, box trucks (various sizes from 10 ft to 26 ft) |
| Pricing | Load ‘N Go: $19,$29 (75 mins, box truck); daily rates from $129 | Base rate starts at $19.95; additional mileage fees are $0.79-$1.29/mile. |
| Deposit | $150 refundable | Varies |
| Mileage Fees | None | Mileage fees apply for each mile traveled |
| Flexibility | Same-location returns; no reservations | One-way rentals are allowed; reservations are available |
| Additional Services | For essential rentals, customers need their insurance | Offers insurance plans; additional moving supplies, trailers, and towing equipment |
| Availability | 2,300 locations in the U.S., mainly urban and suburban | 20,000+ locations across North America |
| Ideal For | Local moves with limited flexibility needs; flat-rate pricing | Both local and long-distance moves; flexible reservation and return options |
Comparing Home Depot and U-Haul Rental Options for Your Move
When planning a DIY move or transporting large items, understanding the differences between Home Depot and U-Haul rental options can help you choose the best solution. Home Depot offers a range of truck and cargo van rentals directly through its tool and vehicle rental centers, making it easy to pick up both moving equipment and household tools in one stop. Home Depot’s rental fleet typically includes flatbed trucks, cargo vans, and box trucks available for short-term use, with rentals often structured around hourly or daily rates that appeal to local moves and quick jobs. On the other hand, U-Haul specializes in moving truck rentals with a broader range of vehicle sizes, extensive nationwide coverage, and services like trailers and additional moving gear that can be particularly useful for longer trips or one-way moves. By comparing the types of vehicles, flexibility, and typical rental structures, movers can make a more informed choice that fits their budget and project needs.
Home Depot and U-Haul Rental
Home Depot U-Haul Rental is widely recognized for its home improvement products, and it extends its services to include truck rentals suitable for local moves and transporting large items. Their rental program is designed to cater to customers requiring vehicles for short durations and distances.
Vehicle Options at Home Depot
Home Depot provides a selection of vehicles through its Load ‘N Go program:
- Pickup Trucks: Ideal for transporting smaller loads or materials from the store.
- Cargo Vans: Suitable for moving items that need protection from the elements.
- Box trucks: designed for moving more oversized items or small apartments.
Home Depot partners with Penske to offer additional options for customers needing larger trucks or planning long-distance moves.

Pricing Structure at Home Depot
Home Depot’s pricing is straightforward:
- Load ‘N Go Rentals:
- $19 for the first 75 minutes for pickup trucks and cargo vans.
- $29 for the first 75 minutes for box trucks.
- $5 for each additional 15 minutes.
- Daily and Weekly Rates:
- $129 per day for pickup trucks and cargo vans.
- $139 per day for box trucks.
- Weekly rates are also available for extended use.
A refundable deposit, typically $150, is required at the time of rental.
Services and Considerations at Home Depot
- No Mileage Fees: Home Depot does not charge for mileage, making it cost-effective for local moves.
- Same-Location Return: Vehicles must be returned to the location from which they were rented.
- No Advance Reservations: Rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservation option.
- Insurance Requirements: Renters must provide proof of their insurance, as Home Depot does not offer additional coverage options.

Overview of U-Haul Truck Rental Services
U-Haul is a well-established name in the moving industry, offering a comprehensive range of rental vehicles and services suitable for local and long-distance moves.
Vehicle Options at U-Haul
U-Haul’s fleet includes:
- Pickup trucks: for small loads and towing.
- Cargo Vans: Ideal for small moves and deliveries.
- Box Trucks: Available in various sizes, including 10-foot, 15-foot, 17-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot options, accommodating moves from small to large homes.
This variety allows customers to select a vehicle that fits their moving requirements.
Pricing Structure at U-Haul
U-Haul’s pricing model includes:
- Base Rates:
- Starting at $19.95 for smaller trucks.
- Mileage Fees:
- Depending on the vehicle and location, they typically range from $0.79 to $1.29 per mile.
- Insurance Options:
- Various coverage plans are available for purchase to protect against potential damages.
It’s important to note that U-Haul’s pricing can vary based on location, vehicle size, and rental duration.
Additional Services and Considerations
- One-Way Rentals: U-Haul offers the flexibility of picking up a vehicle at one location and dropping it off at another, which is beneficial for long-distance moves.
- Advance Reservations: Customers can reserve vehicles in advance, ensuring availability on the desired moving date.
- Additional Equipment: U-Haul provides moving supplies, trailers, and towing equipment to assist with various moving needs.

Comparative Analysis
When choosing between Home Depot and U-Haul, consider the following factors:
- Availability and Locations:
- U-Haul boasts over 20,000 locations across North America, offering widespread accessibility.
- Home Depot has approximately 2,300 locations, primarily serving urban and suburban areas.
- Vehicle Selection:
- U-Haul provides a broader range of truck sizes, accommodating various moving needs.
- Home Depot’s selection is limited, but it partners with Penske for larger trucks.
- Pricing:
- Home Depot’s flat-rate pricing with no mileage fees is advantageous for local moves.
- U-Haul’s mileage-based pricing may be more cost-effective for longer distances.
- Flexibility:
- U-Haul’s one-way rental option offers greater flexibility for long-distance moves.
- Home Depot requires same-location returns, limiting its suitability for long-distance relocations.
Conclusion
Home Depot and U-Haul rental offer valuable services tailored to different moving scenarios. Home Depot’s straightforward pricing and no mileage fees present a cost-effective solution for local moves with short durations.
Conversely, U-Haul’s extensive network, diverse vehicle options, and flexibility with one-way rentals make it a strong contender for local and long-distance moves. Assessing the distance that best aligns with your specific moving needs best aligns with your requirements.
If you want to read an interesting article about it, explore our “Urban Real Estate” category.
FAQs
U-Haul: The most economical.
Penske Truck Rental: The Greatest Savings.
For small moves, The Home Depot Truck Rental is the best option.
The lengths of the moving vehicles we provide range from 12 to 26 feet. From the contents of a four-bedroom house to everything in a college dorm, utilize our trucks to move everything you own.
According to historical trends, the optimum time to rent a moving truck is on a Tuesday in the middle of the month during the winter.
Home Depot rentals are generally intended for local use and usually require the vehicle to be returned to the same location. One-way rentals are more commonly associated with U-Haul.
Home Depot is often considered more affordable for short, local moves because it commonly offers flat hourly or daily rates. U-Haul pricing varies based on distance, mileage, and duration, which can make it more expensive for longer trips.