Choosing between Lugg and U-Haul can feel overwhelming, especially when you just need to move a few items, pick up furniture from a store, or relocate between apartments. Both services are widely available, but they’re built for very different needs.
Looking for a U-Haul alternative? Lugg is often chosen as an alternative because it includes both a truck and professional movers, handles the lifting and driving for you, and offers same-day, on-demand service for local moves and furniture delivery.
In this guide, we break down the real differences between Lugg and U-Haul — including cost, speed, labor, and convenience — so you can decide which option is the best fit for your move.
What’s the main difference between Lugg and U-Haul?
The biggest difference is simple: Lugg brings both the truck and movers to you, while U-Haul is a DIY truck rental where you handle the driving and labor yourself.
The biggest difference is simple:
- Lugg = Movers and a truck come to you. Luggers load, lift, drive, transport, and unload your items, even same-day, with live tracking.
- U-Haul = You rent a truck and do the move yourself. You drive, load, unload, fuel and return the truck. Labor is not included and must be booked separately.
If you want the easiest option with the least physical work, Lugg is designed for that. If you want maximum DIY control — mainly for long-distance moves — U-Haul is built for that.
Lugg vs. U-Haul at a Glance
| Feature | Lugg | U-Haul |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Included | Yes, always included | Yes, rental only |
| Movers Included | Yes, get 1 or 2 Luggers to lift and load | No, must book separately |
| Driving Required | No, never | Yes, always |
| Same-Day Availability | Yes, often within 30 minutes | Sometimes, depends on availability |
| Best For | Local moves, furniture delivery, heavy items, multiple stops and trips | DIY, long-distance, multi-day moves |
Is Lugg a better alternative to renting a U-Haul?
Often, yes, especially for local moves and large item deliveries, or when you want to avoid driving a truck and doing the heavy lifting yourself.
Renting a box truck isn’t for everyone. Between tight streets, limited parking, loading ramps, and moving heavy furniture, a DIY truck rental can feel more stressful than expected.
This is a common concern for people who’ve never driven a box truck before:
That’s why many people choose a service that brings both the truck and the movers, handling the driving and heavy lifting for them.
With Lugg, you’re booking a truck and movers together. Luggers handle the lifting, driving, and placement, with same-day availability and flexible scheduling. You can even track your crew in real time.
U-Haul can still be a strong option when your priority is DIY control, particularly for long-distance moves or situations where you want the truck for multiple days.
How Customers Rate Lugg vs. U-Haul
When to Use Lugg vs. When to Use U-Haul
If you’re deciding between Lugg and U-Haul, it usually comes down to two questions:
- Do I want to drive and do the labor myself?
- Do I need flexibility across multiple days or long distances?
Here’s the simplest way to think about it: Lugg is built for getting the job done in one smooth move. U-Haul is built for DIY transport on your timeline.
If you're planning a local move, this guide on moving across town without renting a truck walks you through how to skip the DIY route entirely.
When to use Lugg
Choose Lugg when you want the easiest, most reliable way to move or deliver heavy items, particularly helpful for one-off purchases like sofas or appliances, without renting or driving a truck.
Movers are always included, so you don’t need to recruit friends, rent equipment, or wrestle bulky furniture up stairs.
Lugg is especially helpful when your move involves:
- Stairs or walk-ups
- Tight hallways or doorways
- Limited parking
- Heavy, bulky, oversized, or awkward furniture
- Time-sensitive or same-day pickups
Common reasons people book Lugg:
- Home, apartment, college, office, and storage moves
- Furniture, appliance, and retail delivery
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist pickups
- Donation pickup and junk removal
When to use U-Haul
U-Haul can be better when your priority is DIY control, mostly for long-distance or multi-day moves. U-Haul works well when you want to load gradually, keep the truck overnight, or drive across state lines on your own schedule.
U-Haul is a usually a solid option when:
- You’re planning an interstate or long-distance move
- You want multi-day truck access
- You’re comfortable and prefer driving a larger truck
Lugg Truck & Crew Size Guide
With Lugg, you book the move and have items ready. Your Luggers handle the lifting, loading, transport, and setup.
| Lugg Truck | Crew Size | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup Truck (Lite or Standard) | 1 or 2 Luggers | A few bulky items | Tailgate can stay open |
| Van | 2 Luggers | Room-sized moves | Enclosed space |
| XL | 2 Luggers | Apartment or small office moves | Enclosed Space |
| Box Truck | 2 Luggers | Home moves and bulky items | Lift gate available |
U-Haul Truck Size Guide
U-haul offers a range of vehicle sizes, including pickups, vans and box trucks you can drive yourself.
| Truck Size | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup / Cargo Van | Small moves, appliances | DIY loading/unloading required |
| 10-Foot Truck | Studio or 1-bedroom | DIY loading/unloading required |
| 15–26-Foot Trucks | Multi-bedroom homes or long distance | DIY loading/unloading required |
Hybrid option for long-distance moves
For cross-country or long-distance moves, a common “best of both” approach is to rent a U-Haul for the long drive and book Lugg Labor Only for help at each end (where available). That way, you handle the transportation, but you don’t have to do the heavy lifting.
Detailed steps:
- Plan your route and dates. Decide whether you need the truck for multiple days.
- Choose the right U-Haul size. Size based on your inventory and whether you’re moving furniture, boxes, or both.
- Estimate your true DIY cost. Include the daily rate, mileage, fuel, and any protection plans.
- Book loading help at pickup (Labor Only). If your pickup city is in Lugg’s service area, you can book Lugg Labor Only to help load the truck.
- Book unloading help at destination (Labor Only). If your destination city is in Lugg’s service area, you can also book Lugg Labor Only to unload and place items in your home.
- Secure the load before driving. Use straps and blankets to prevent shifting and damage on the road.
Note: Labor Only availability depends on your area. If either city isn’t covered, you can still use U-Haul for the long-distance portion and hire labor separately through other providers.
Lugg vs. U-Haul Pricing: What’s the Better Deal?
When comparing U-Haul pricing, we factor in all common DIY expenses, not just the advertised daily rate:
- Truck rental fee: daily rate varies by size and demand
- Mileage charges: per mile, which adds up quickly for long distance moves
- Fuel costs: box trucks are not fuel-efficient
- Moving supplies: dollies, blankets, straps, boxes
- Deposits and fees: refundable deposits, environmental fees, etc.
- Labor: optional, separate booking
- Loading and unloading help is not included
- Often booked in set hourly blocks with minimums
- Potential damage costs
- Protection plans mainly cover the truck, not your furniture
- Drivers may be responsible for vehicle damage or repair downtime
These costs are why a “cheap” truck rental can end up costing significantly more than expected.
What’s included in a Lugg booking?
Lugg pricing is evaluated as a fully bundled service, so we include what you actually get on moving day:
- Truck included (Pickup, Van, XL, or Box Truck)
- Professional movers included (1 or 2 Luggers)
- Driving handled for you
- Loading, transport, and unloading
- Furniture wrapping and protection
- Live tracking and real-time updates
- Damage Protection Guarantee for eligible items
- Upfront pricing shown before booking
For people using the hybrid long-distance approach (U-Haul for the drive + Lugg for lifting):
- Labor Only falls under Lugg’s standard pricing model
- Starts at:
- $26 base rate
- $0.95 per minute of active labor
- No mileage fees, since there’s no driving involved
This option is commonly used for loading at pickup, unloading at destination, or both.
At face value, U-Haul can appear cheaper because:
- The base truck rate is advertised upfront
- Other costs are added later
Lugg may look higher initially, but:
- Labor, driving, and equipment are already included
- There are fewer surprise costs on moving day
That’s why this comparison focuses on total move cost, not just the starting price.
| Cost / Factor | U-Haul (DIY truck rental) | Lugg (truck + movers) |
|---|---|---|
| Truck / vehicle | Truck rental fee (daily rate varies) | Truck included (pickup, van, XL, or box truck) |
| Mileage | Typically charged per mile | Included in upfront estimate |
| Fuel | ❌ Paid by customer (refuel + return) | ✅ Not required |
| Supplies & equipment | ❌ Costs extra (dollies, blankets, straps) | ✅ Movers come prepared; furniture protection during transport |
| Labor | ❌ Not included; must book separately (often in time blocks/minimums) | ✅ Included (1–2 Luggers load, lift, transport, unload, and place) |
| Driving | ❌ Customer drives the truck | ✅ Handled by Lugg crew |
| Deposits & added fees | May apply (varies by rental/location) | Shown upfront in estimate |
| Damage & protection | ❌ Protection plans primarily cover equipment; customer may be responsible for truck and personal item damage | ✅ Damage Protection Guarantee for your items |
| Labor Only option (hybrid moves) | ❌ Book labor separately (e.g., Moving Help® marketplace) | ✅ Labor Only starts at $26 base + $0.95/min; no mileage (no driving) |
Note: Actual costs vary by city, timing, distance, item count, and access conditions (stairs/elevators/parking).
Is Lugg cheaper than U-Haul?
For local moves and furniture delivery, Lugg can often be more cost-effective once you factor in mileage, fuel, time, and separate labor costs.
For long-distance, U-Haul is currently the better option. Just remember, DIY moves often come with hidden costs, like extra time, fuel, mileage, last-minute supplies, and the risk of delays or damage to the truck.
If you want the move done faster with less effort, Lugg can be the better value because it includes the truck and the crew. That means fewer moving-day surprises and no need to worry about driving, returning a truck, or doing the heavy lifting on your own.
Heavy items also come with higher injury and damage risk — this guide on moving heavy appliances safely explains why many people skip DIY truck rentals.
Does Lugg offer a Damage Protection Guarantee?
Yes. Lugg offers a Damage Protection Guarantee for eligible damage during handling and transportation. Certificates of Insurance (COIs) are available upon request.
Does U-Haul offer protection plans?
Yes, but these plans primarily protect the rented equipment, not your furniture or other personal items. If coverage is declined, U-Haul notes you may be financially responsible for damage to the equipment, and in some cases may be charged for repair costs and lost rental revenue while the vehicle is being fixed.
Availability & Same-Day Service
Lugg operates in many major U.S. metro areas and often offers same-day availability, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. You can also schedule up to 30 days in advance .To see if Lugg is available near you, check our list of supported cities.
U-Haul has broad national coverage, but availability can be limited during peak times like weekends, holidays, and end-of-month moves.
What’s the best choice for last-minute moves?
Lugg. Real-time availability, no truck rental, live tracking, and Luggers who do the heavy lifting make it the simplest choice when you need help fast.
Final Verdict: Should You Choose Lugg or U-Haul?
If you want convenience, movers included, and no driving, Lugg offers the best value for local moves and deliveries. If you want a DIY approach for long-distance or multi-day moves, U-Haul is often the better choice.
If you’re searching for a U-Haul alternative that removes the stress of lifting, driving, and logistics, Lugg is often the easiest option for local moves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Lugg a good alternative to U-Haul?
Yes. Lugg is a popular U-Haul alternative for local moves and furniture delivery because it includes a truck and movers, handles heavy lifting, and offers same-day, on-demand service.
For more on how “on-demand” movers actually work — and how that affects your decision to rent a truck or hire help — see why not all movers are truly on-demand.
Does Lugg include movers?
Yes. Every Lugg booking includes professional Luggers who load, lift, transport, and unload your items.
Is U-Haul better for interstate moves?
Yes. U-Haul is designed for long-distance and multi-day DIY moves.
Can Lugg handle heavy furniture?
Yes. Lugg is built for bulky and heavy items like couches, mattresses, appliances, and dining tables.
Does Lugg offer a box truck?
Yes. Lugg offers box truck options for larger local moves and bulky items. Learn more about Lugg’s box truck moving service, including when to choose a box truck and what fits inside.
Does U-Haul provide movers?
No, U-Haul rentals don’t include movers, but you can book labor separately, including through U-Haul’s Moving Help® marketplace, where providers offer services like loading and unloading. You can also book Lugg Labor Only (where available) if you just need help lifting, loading, or unloading.Can I get furniture delivered fast without renting a truck?
Yes. Lugg is designed for fast furniture delivery from retail stores, marketplaces, and more without renting or driving a truck.
