I won't bother to rent a U-haul anymore. The last one I did broke down halfway. Had to loose a day and move all the crap into a replacement truck they sent out. Stuff like that happens, but it's also happened to alot of other folks I know, so there's a pretty bad track record.
The next time I move I will do one of the following:
1)sell all my crap and buy new stuff at the other end. Considering all the time and work of moving, and the truck rental, fuel, time for all that, and just the hassle it may be worth it. Whatever won't fit in my 76 Dodge M880, will just get sold.
2)buy a truck here and sell it at the other end. If you can fit it in a van, buy a van for $1000 that will make the trip and sell it at the other end. It really only has to get you there. Heck, you could even spring for a nice one for $2000 and sell it quick for $1000 and still break even.
3)pay someone to move me. The most expensive, but really the most convienient if I intend to move alot of stuff.
I have a large gun collection (nearly half my guns) in another state right now. I have to figure out the best way of getting them across country to here someday. They're all safe and legal where they are, but I miss them [:(] There's a bunch of other junk, but really the guns I want to handle myself. I'll probably go with option #2 for that one. I just can't afford the time off work right now.
One option would be to just rent a trailer and pull it with your car. The trailer would be cheaper, and it would save you the cost of the dolly. Overall fuel cost would be less as well.
Good luck with the move.
Ross