Watch CBS News

Tips For The Do-It-Yourself Mover This Summer

DETROIT (WWJ) - Warm weather and summer sun are sure signs that the much-anticipated moving season is about to kick into high gear.

With the busy moving season quickly approaching, U-Haul has developed some great moving tips over the years to help do-it-yourself movers save money and make moving easier.

Suggestions and tips for do-it-yourself movers:

• Plan your move in advance. Since nearly 45 percent of all moves occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, make your reservation at least two to four weeks prior to your moving date.

• Avoid the weekend rush. Typically, Sunday through Thursday offers greater equipment availability, plus banks, utilities and government offices are open. In addition, rates may be lower during this time.

• Prior to your move, stop by or contact your neighborhood moving and storage center to get help with selecting boxes and packing supplies.

• Allow time for the rental process and be sure to conduct a walk-around inspection of the equipment at the time of pickup to become familiar with its features and operation, and to ask any questions you may have.

• 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.

The three most important moving tips people should know when moving:

• Plan ahead. Make your reservations as far in advance as possible.

• 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. Have all your boxes packed before you go to rent your truck. Load the heaviest items first, in front and on the floor. Pack items firmly and closely.

• The last thing you want is the expense of having your personal belongings damaged. Protect your items by using the proper moving supplies, such as packing peanuts, bubble wrap or furniture pads.

The most common mistakes people make when moving:

• Not planning ahead. Waiting until the last minute to reserve a truck or trailer.

• 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 or trailer 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 then 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.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.