U-Haul Deals in California

California is one of the busiest moving states in the country, with constant traffic between Southern California, the Bay Area and neighboring states such as Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. Long one-way routes out of the state make U-Haul one-way coupons especially valuable here.

Moving tips for California

• Summer and the end of each month are the busiest times to rent in California — book two to three weeks ahead for a truck in your size.
• Fuel costs in California are usually higher than the national average, so budget extra for gas on long one-way trips and pick the smallest truck that fits.
• Many coastal cities have limited street parking; check local rules for parking a moving truck before moving day.

Parking a moving truck in California

California has no statewide moving permit. Curb space is controlled by each city, so check the local transportation or parking department where you load, plus any building or HOA rules on elevators and loading hours. The state rules that matter most apply on the highway. Every major highway into California passes one of the 16 border protection stations run by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). Its border station FAQ asks self-movers to keep truck and trailer doors accessible, know where plants and produce are packed, and declare fruits, vegetables and plants. Firewood is subject to inspection.

California Vehicle Code 22406 caps any truck or passenger vehicle towing another vehicle at 55 mph, so a truck pulling a car trailer is limited to 55 mph even on 70 mph freeways.

Best time of year to move in California

NOAA’s California climate summary notes that about half of yearly precipitation falls in winter, while summers are dry and wildfires peak toward late summer and fall. Winter matters most on mountain routes. Under Caltrans chain controls, the lowest level (R-1) requires chains on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light trucks under 6,000 pounds, and any vehicle towing a trailer needs chains on one drive axle. A loaded box truck crossing I-80 at Donner Summit in a storm should expect to chain up or wait. Late spring and early fall usually avoid both Sierra snow and peak fire weather.

Moving trends in and out of California

California ranked 50th of 50 states on the U-Haul Growth Index for 2025 (published January 2026), its sixth straight year in last place, though the net loss was smaller than in 2024. San Diego (16th) and San Francisco (17th) made U-Haul’s top 25 growth metros of 2025. Because so many trips leave the state, compare one-way and in-town rental pricing before booking.

California-specific tips

• The California DMV requires new residents to register an out-of-state vehicle within 20 days of becoming a resident.
• Pack houseplants near the truck door so a border station inspector can see them without unloading.
• Toll bridges and express lanes bill by plate. U-Haul’s tolls FAQ says the agency bills U-Haul, which then charges the renter plus a $1 fee per toll, sometimes four weeks or more later.

Sources: CDFA, California Legislature, Caltrans, NOAA State Climate Summaries, U-Haul, California DMV.