PHOENIX, April 4, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Since 1945, U-Haul has been the number one choice for do-it-yourself movers and has been serving the needs of communities throughout North America. Our customers have shared many helpful tips over the years, which we would like to pass along to the estimated 17 to 20 million North Americans who will move this summer.
The most important moving tips people should know when planning to move:
* Plan your move in advance. Since nearly 45 percent of all moves occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, make your reservation now. We recommend making your reservations at least two to four weeks prior to your moving date. * Most do-it-yourself movers plan their move for Friday and Saturday. Avoid the weekend rush. Typically, Sunday through Thursday offers greater equipment availability. We recommend planning your move during this time frame. Also, rates may be lower during this time. * Prior to your move, stop by or contact your neighborhood U-Haul moving and storage center to get help with selecting boxes and packing supplies. U-Haul customers can save money and help the environment with the Take a Box/Leave a Box Program, featured at U-Haul facilities throughout North America. The program enables customers to return their reusable boxes and allow other customers to take them as needed - FREE. Customers can also log on to www.uhaul.com/boxexchange to post their available boxes or review messages from individuals in their area who are offering reusable boxes. * Rent a carpet cleaner where you rent your truck. This can save you time and you can carry the machine in the truck instead of in your car. * Get Moving Help by logging on to eMove.com for assistance with packing/unpacking, loading/unloading and other moving services, especially if you are moving to a town where you have no friends or family to help you with your move. * Allow time for the rental process. Conduct a walk-around inspection of the equipment at the time of pickup to become familiar with its features and operation. Ask questions during this time. * Read the equipment user's guide for tips on driving and safety. * Monitor the equipment while it is in your possession, just as your would your own personal vehicle. For instance, periodically check the oil level, tire pressure and lighting system. * Take advantage of the U-Haul 30-day free-storage offer prior to or after your one-way move. Available at convenient locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. * Keep a utility log to check service-transfer dates. Leave the power and water on for a few extra days at your old address so you can come back and clean up later. * Keep a toolbox handy during a move and pack it with things you're likely to need -- first-aid items, tape, scissors, pocketknife, markers, soap, paper towels, rope, plastic sandwich bags, a notebook, pen, screwdrivers, wrench and hammer. * Pack your boxes "strategically." Choose a "packing room" ahead of time and box up a few things each day. Mark each box with its contents and destination room. That way, you and your helpers will know where each box belongs at your new home. Pack items you know you'll need (sheets, towels, toiletries, tissues and a change of clothes) in your clothes hamper on moving day and you'll know just where to find them at your new place! Have all your boxes packed before you go to rent your truck. * Never make a move without wardrobe boxes! Not only do they let you move clothes directly from the closet, but there's room at the bottom of the box for shoes, throw pillows and linens. * Moving on a weekend and need to be fresh and pressed Monday morning? Put your dress clothes and iron in a separate suitcase that you can spot in the crowd of boxes. This will save you lots of time. * Load the heaviest items first, in front and on the floor. Pack items firmly and closely. * Load houseplants last and unload them first. * Pack kitchen snacks such as crackers, nuts and cereals last so you can get to them as soon as you arrive. This is especially important if you have children. * You may want your pets to spend moving day with a friend. They can't understand the process and may become confused and frightened. * U-Haul customers can make their reservations online at www.uhaul.com, they can call 1-800-GO-UHAUL or they can call or stop in at one of our convenient locations listed in the Yellow Pages.
The most common mistakes people make when moving are:
* Not planning ahead. Waiting until the last minute to reserve a truck or trailer. Remember, summer is the busiest moving season of the year. * Not packing their boxes ahead of time. * Not making arrangements at their destination for unloading help.
Suggestions and tips on securing your rental equipment:
* Always secure the back door of the moving van with a padlock. * Always make sure your doors are locked. * Always park your rental equipment legally and in a well-lit area. * Back up your rental equipment as close as possible to a garage door, building or wall and, if you can, park another vehicle in front of the rental truck. * When parking your vehicle at a hotel, we recommend that you park your equipment close to entry doors and, again, try to park in a well-lit area, making sure the equipment is locked. * When parking your vehicle at a restaurant, make sure the doors are locked, the back door of the moving van is locked and park it where you can see if from the window. * Prior to moving, look into your homeowner's insurance policy, as some policies will cover belongings while moving as long as the insurance policy is in force during the move.
Since 1945, U-Haul has been the first choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 15,950 locations in all 50 United States and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to more than 100,000 trucks, 78,500 trailers and 31,100 towing devices. As a result, U-Haul offers more than 384,000 rooms and more than 33.8 million square feet of storage space at more than 1,055 facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the consumer's number one choice as the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. U-Haul supplies alternative-fuel for vehicles and backyard barbecues as one of the nation's largest retailers of propane.