- Move on a weekday if you can, when banks, utilities and government offices are open.
- Order preprinted address labels with your new address as soon as you know it. It makes the
change-of-address process much easier.
- Keep a utility log to check service-transfer dates. If you're moving locally, leave the power and
water on at your old address a few extra days so you can go back and clean up after your move.
- Choose a "packing room" ahead of time and box up a few things each day.
- To save time, rent a carpet shampooer at the same time you rent your truck.
- 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.
- If moving locally, you may want your pets to spend moving day with a friend. Animals can become
confused and frightened during a move.
- Remember to allow for extra braking room when driving a moving van. Anticipate stops and allow
a 3-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- U-Haul moving vans require up to 12 feet of overhead clearance. Watch out for drive-thru
restaurant and motel over-hangs.
- Wardrobe boxes let you move clothes directly from the closet without taking them
off the hangers, saving you the cost and time of ironing and dry cleaning but
there's room on the bottom of the box for shoes, throw pillows and linens.
- 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!
- Put plastic bags around the hoses of your washing machine and secure them with
rubber bands to prevent leakage in transit.
- Wrap lamp shades separately with clean, non-printed packing paper. Put two or
three in a large box. They'll stay clean and won't get crushed.
- Mark each box with its contents and destination room with a permanent marker.
That way, you and your helpers will know where each box belongs at your new
home.
- Load house plants last and unload them first.
- Load the heaviest items first, in front, and on the floor. Pack items firmly and closely.
- U-Haul has a variety of box kits to help you safely move breakable items.
- For clothing or other items in drawers, leave them in the dresser drawers. Just
make sure the contents aren't too heavy – too much weight can damage the
drawers. Anything fragile should be wrapped in paper first.
- When packing your smaller framed art or photos separately, choose a box that's
larger when it's open on both ends than what you're packing. Open the bottom of
the box, flatten it out and seal one of the open sides with tape. Slide the wrapped
picture into the unsealed side, then seal it and label the package.
- Larger pictures, framed art and mirrors should be packed individually in Mirror
Boxes. Use bubble pack around delicate wood frames. After you slide the item into
the mirror box, stuff wadded up wrapping paper into any extra space around the
item. Seal the box with tape and label it glass or fragile.
- Please utilize our to help your move go smoothly.
Moving Tips
