A Complete List of Moving Discounts for College Students

College is an amazing investment in your future. But it’s also expensive. As a college student preparing to move, make sure you know about the variety of storage and moving discounts out there.

Moving costs can add up quickly. From buying packing supplies, hiring movers to help you load and unload the truck, and renting a moving truck, your moving budget can skyrocket quickly. However, there are ways to cut costs.

We’ve compiled a complete list of companies offering a range of moving specials to help you prepare for your next chapter and leave a little money left over for a celebratory dinner in your new place.

A complete list of moving and storage companies that offer student discounts:

AAA

Your AAA membership isn’t just for roadside assistance. It also includes discounted prices on moving trucks. AAA has teamed up with Atlas Van Lines, and members will save an average of $600 on state-to-state moves. Use your AAA membership with Penske to save 12% on moving supplies and truck rentals. You’ll also get free unlimited mileage on one-way rentals with Penske’s AAA benefit.

Budget Truck Rentals

Budget Truck Rentals offers a 15% discount on one-way-moves and a 20% discount on local moves. There are no blackout dates, so you can schedule your move on any day of the week. With approximately 27,000 moving trucks in a variety of sizes, college students can move with ease.

Dorm Room Movers

Partnered with schools across the United States, Dorm Room Movers offers school-specific discounts. Pack up your on- or off-campus housing contents (Dorm Room Movers provides the packing supplies) and then schedule a pickup for your boxes and furniture items. Dorm Room Movers also offers storage if necessary. Once you’re ready, they’ll ship and deliver your storage contents to your new residence.

Handled

Handled has partnered with United Van Lines and Mayflower to help college students move off-campus. They offer two options for all-inclusive packages, including a “We Pack For You” in-dorm packing and moving option. Handled is a full-service concierge for college students offering pickup on campus, boxes, storage (if needed), and delivery to your new location.

Mayflower

Mayflower offers college moving specials such as all-inclusive and dorm room packing plans that include moving materials, dorm room pack up, pickup on-campus, storage, and delivery to your new address. Mayflower’s discounts vary, contact customer service through their website chat, email, or phone.

Penske

Penske offers a 10% discount on all moving truck rentals. Their easy reservation process helps take the stress out of coordinating your college move. Penske also offers free unlimited miles for one-way moves, no underage surcharges for 18-23-year-olds, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Contact one of their 2,400+ rental locations to schedule your move and get your moving discount.

Smart Box

Smart Box offers discounts on moving and storage for college students through their college student discount program. To qualify and receive their moving discount, you must be currently enrolled in a university or college. Contact Smart Box for a specialized quote and discount details.

U-Haul

U-Haul offers discounts and coupons for moving trucks, trailers, moving supplies, and storage. The company does require renters to be at least 16 years of age to rent a trailer and at least 18 years of age to rent a truck. A valid driver’s license is required. U-Haul has also partnered with Collegeboxes storage and shipping, a company providing storage services and study abroad shipping.

U-Pack

U-Pack supplies college student savings through their moving coupons. Whether you’re moving after college graduation, to off-campus housing while in college, or just need temporary storage during your study abroad, U-Pack’s moving discount will help keep your moving expenses more affordable.

Xpress Movers

College students will receive 10 moving boxes free of charge (delivered during the day of your move). Xpress Movers also offers college students moving discounts of 10% off the final transportation and labor cost. Check Xpress Movers for college-specific coupon codes.

​​*The promotions above were researched and validated as of June 2020. Check each company’s website for the most up-to-date information.

How to get moving discounts as a college student

• Make sure to bring your college student ID.
• Book your move a few weeks in advance. For example, Penske recommends booking your moving truck for at least two weeks ahead of Moving Day.
• Get moving quotes from several companies so you can compare prices and services
• Avoid blackout dates that void discounts.
• Search for promo code moving discounts online.
• Contact customer service to try to negotiate a discount or free packing materials.
• Inquire if there is a discount for paying with cash.
• Check with your college or university to see if they have partnered with a specific moving company.

The bottom line

Finding moving discounts is possible but requires research and planning. Take time to contact several companies in your area to find out what moving specials they’re currently offering. Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, take advantage of discounts to lessen the cost of your move.

Frequently asked questions

Does U-Haul offer discounts? 

U-Haul offers discounts and moving specials for a wide variety of moving essentials, including trucks, moving boxes and supplies, storage, and trailers. Special offers may change, so be sure to check U-Haul’s website or contact customer service.

Does AAA offer discounts on moving trucks? 

Membership with AAA comes with several moving discounts, including saving money on moving trucks. AAA has teamed up with Atlas and Penske to offer discounted pricing on trucks and moving materials.

How do I rent a moving truck? 

To receive your college discount, you will need to provide your student ID. If you’re renting a drive-your-own moving truck such as a U-Haul, you will also need to provide proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license.

What size moving truck do I need? 

Your first step will be to obtain information on what size trucks each moving company offers. You certainly won’t need a 26-foot truck to move from your dorm into your first apartment. For example, Budget rental company’s 12-foot trucks can hold 120 medium boxes or one to five medium furniture pieces and can carry up to 3,100 pounds. Factor in how much you’ll be moving along with the sizes and weight of your items.