College Move-Out Tips for Students

As the academic year concludes, many college students are wrapping up their final exams and getting ready for a much-anticipated summer break.
But before they can officially unwind, students must first move out of their college dorms and apartments. Luckily, our experts have valuable advice to make this process smoother, especially for first-time truck renters.
When Should I Reserve a Penske Truck?
It's smart to book your truck as early as possible to get the best rates and ensure availability, particularly during peak moving seasons (like college move-out season) when demand is high.
How Can I Find a Penske Truck Rental Facility Near Me?
We operate over 2,500 truck rental locations across North America. To find the nearest facility, visit our location finder and search by state.
What Size Truck Do I Need for My Move?
We offer a range of truck sizes for various moving needs:
- High-Roof Cargo Van: Ideal for moving dorm rooms
- 12 ft. Truck: Perfect for 1–2 rooms
- 16 ft. Truck: Can move 2–3 rooms
- 22 ft. Truck: Fits 3–5 rooms
- 26 ft. Truck: Designed for 5–7 rooms
To determine the best fit, use our Truck Wizard to figure out what size truck you need based on the items you plan to move.
What Should I Know About Renting a Penske Truck?
To rent a truck, you must be at least 18 years old and able to provide two forms of identification, such as:
- Driver’s License
- State-issued ID
- Passport
- Social Security card
- Vehicle registration
- Phone bill
- Military ID
- Credit card
And we recommend purchasing our Limited Damage Waiver coverage, which waives financial liability for collision damage to the rental truck. Additional coverage options are also available.
Pro Tip: You don’t need to wait for your parents to help with move-out. If you're 18 or older, you can rent a truck all on your own. Grab a college friend, split the rental cost, and turn the trek home into a mini road trip. We even have a Spotify playlist for the drive. It’s a great way to start summer, and your parents will thank you for saving them the mileage.
What Payment Methods Does Penske Accept?
We accept major credit cards, debit cards, bank or cashier checks, and cash. Note that we do not accept cash payments in excess of $5,000, though transactions can be split between two forms of payment.
Does Penske Offer a College Student Discount?
Yes! College students get a 10% discount on all truck rentals. And don’t forget, you always get free, unlimited miles with any one-way rental.
Does Penske Provide Moving Equipment for Navigating Stairs?
Absolutely. We offer equipment like hand trucks and furniture pads to assist with moving up stairs and through tight spaces. Each hand truck has a stair climber to move heavy items between floors without an elevator.
How Can I Move My Car Along With My Belongings?
If you also need to move your car, we offer towing equipment options such as car carriers and tow dollies, allowing you to tow your vehicle behind the rental truck.
Need More Information?
Check out our FAQs to find answers to frequently asked questions about rental trucks. For any additional questions or to get help with your move, call us at 1-888-847-9577, send us a message, or use our live chat feature to speak with a representative.

You've decided to move. Now what? We have the planning, packing, loading, and driving tips you need to make your move a success.
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