10 Tips for a Stress-Free College Move with U-Haul

Moving to college is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you’re responsible for coordinating the college move yourself. If you’re planning to use a U-Haul to transport your belongings, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared to ensure a smooth and stress-free move.

First and foremost, it’s important to reserve your U-Haul well in advance of your move-in date. U-Haul trucks are in high demand during the summer months, when most students are moving to college, so it’s best to book as soon as you know your move-in date. You can reserve a U-Haul online or by calling the company directly.

Once you’ve reserved your U-Haul, you’ll need to determine what size truck you’ll need. U-Haul offers a variety of truck sizes to choose from, ranging from small cargo vans to 26-foot trucks. To determine the size of truck you’ll need, consider the amount of belongings you’ll be moving and the distance you’ll be traveling. You can also use U-Haul’s online truck selection guide to help you choose the right size.

It’s also a good idea to hire a driver for your college move. Today, there are many companies that can assist in this often overlooked facet of moving to college. U-Haul trucks can be very large, with no rear-view mirrors and can often provide significant challenge to those driving a truck this size for the first time. We recommend Moving Truck Driver.

U-Haul also offers several insurance options, including rental liability insurance, personal accident insurance, and personal effects coverage. Rental liability insurance covers damage to the U-Haul truck, while personal accident insurance covers injuries sustained during the move. Personal effects coverage protects your belongings in the event of damage or loss during the move.

Once you’ve reserved your U-Haul and purchased insurance, it’s time to start packing. It’s important to pack your belongings carefully to ensure they arrive at your new home in good condition.

Here are a 6 tips for packing your U-Haul:

1. Start packing early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing. Start packing as soon as you know you’ll be moving to give yourself plenty of time to get everything done.
2. Use sturdy boxes: Avoid using flimsy boxes that are prone to tearing. Instead, opt for sturdy boxes that can withstand the rigors of a long move.
3. Label your boxes: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make it easier to unpack and get settled in at your new home.
4. Pack heavy items in small boxes: It’s easier to lift and move smaller boxes, so pack heavier items in smaller boxes to make them easier to handle.
5. Use packing material: To protect your belongings during the move, use packing material such as bubble wrap, foam peanuts, or packing paper.
6. Load your U-Haul efficiently: When loading your U-Haul, place heavier items in the back and lighter items in the front. This will help balance the weight of the truck and make it easier to drive.

In addition to packing your belongings, it’s also important to prepare for the actual move. Here are a few practical ideas to keep in mind:

1. Get a good night’s sleep: Moving can be physically and mentally exhausting, so make sure you get plenty of rest the night before your move.
2. Wear comfortable clothes: Wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in to make the moving process more enjoyable.
3. Pack a bag of essentials: Pack a bag with items you’ll need on the day of the move, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and any medications you may need.
4. Double-check your reservation: Make sure you have all the necessary documents and information for your U-Haul reservation, including the reservation number

To learn more driving a U-Haul yourself, or hiring a U-Haul driver, please see on our comprehensive guide located at U-Haul Drivers.

For additional information, please read our next article entitled The Benefits of Choosing a 15′ U-Haul for Your Next Move.