Moving, Relocation and Storage Tips

Most U-Haul® dealers possess what is known as “rotation equipment.” Typically, this rotation equipment is a small or mid-sized moving truck assigned solely to that particular dealer.

Rotation equipment is usually always equipped with a standard utility dolly and six (6) furniture pads in a zip-bag. The dolly and the bag will each be sealed with a green, plastic tag. You will not be charged for the use of these pieces of equipment if you do not break the green tags. However, if one or both of the green tags are broken and/or missing, you will be charged for the use of the equipment, according to the number of days on your rental contract.

Currently, U-Haul® dealers charge $7.00 for the use of the utility dolly, $5.00 for the use of the furniture pads, or a combined total of $10.00 if you use both.

Rotation equipment is unique in that it is only available for local (or in-town) moves, meaning that it must always be returned to the dealer from whom it is rented. If you rent a piece of rotation equipment and return it to a different dealer, you could be charged for the time required to get the truck back to its original location.

Always sweep out the box and cab of your rented U-Haul® truck or van to avoid unnecessary cleaning charges.

When renting moving equipment, you should receive a truck or van that is, at the very least, broom clean both inside the cargo hold and inside the cab. You must also be able to clearly see out of all of the windows, and all mirrors and lights must be clear of dirt and/or grime. It should also be full of windshield cleaning fluid so that you may return it in the same conditions.

U-Haul® dealers face stiff penalties if they rent equipment that does not meet the minimal standards as outlined above. As the renter, you face penalties as well if you do not return the equipment in a clean, ready-to-rent condition.

All reputable dealers should have you initial on your Rental and Dispatch tag that you are receiving a clean vehicle, but you should not be initialing if you have not inspected the vehicle. If you do confirm with your initials, but return the truck dirty, you are looking at no less than (currently) $25.00 in cleaning fees added to your contract’s total charges.

You should always verify that the odometer reading on your U-Haul® contract matches the actual odometer reading in your rented vehicle. At the end of your rental period, your final price is partially determined by the calculations of the miles driven.

Currently, U-Haul® charges .69¢ per mile from Sunday through Thursday and .99¢ per mile on Friday and Saturday.

If you are making a local (or in-town) move, you are going to be charged according to every single mile driven from the time you pick up your truck or van until you have turned in the keys.

One-way (or out-of-town) moves are more likely to include a specific number of miles with the flat-rate price you are quoted. If you exceed the allotted miles, U-Haul® charges a “per mile” rate (currently at .40¢/mile).
If you do not take the time to verify that the miles reflected at the start of your rental period are accurate, you could be faced with paying for miles you didn’t actually drive.

Be smart! Be safe!

When you rent a moving truck or van from U-Haul, your printed contract will have a printed picture of a fuel gauge. This picture will reflect the level of fuel your truck is assumed to have at the time of your rental. Some dealers may even have you initial next to the fuel gauge on the contract, as an indicator of your understanding of the refueling requirement.

It is your responsibility to make sure that:

1.) The fuel gauge on the contract matches the actual fuel level of the truck
2.) You refuel the truck to this same level before returning it

In most of the U-Haul vans and trucks that are currently in circulation, you have to actually start the engine before the fuel gauge will accurately reflect the fuel level. If the fuel level of your truck indicates an amount of fuel less than what your contract indicates, you should resolve the issue before driving away from the lot. 99% of the time, the location where you return your truck will have no sympathy if you did not verify the fuel level before taking possession of the equipment.

If you do not return the truck to the level indicated on the contract (a term to which you are agreeing simply by signing the document), then you could, and probably will, face some steep charges.

Be smart! Be safe!

When renting moving equipment from U-Haul®, always purchase the SafeMove® (for moving trucks/vans) or SafeTow® (for trailers/auto transports) damage protection.

What most people don’t realize is that few auto insurance policies cover moving trucks because they are classified as ‘cargo’ transportation. Furthermore, no credit card companies provide collision damage protection on truck and/or trailer rentals.

The cost of U-Haul’s SafeMove® or SafeTow® protection is minimal compared to the expense of replacing a piece of skirting (approximately $37.50 per section) or repairing grill damage (starting at $300). If you rub the roof against a tree and abrade a decal, you’re liable. If you park the truck overnight and it gets ‘tagged’ with graffiti, you’re liable!

Even just the minimal level of protection offers 100% damage protection for the truck and your belongings, and medical coverage in case you’re injured in an accident. If you decide to pop for the Super SafeMove® protection, you’ll even be protected against lawsuits filed by other people in the event you’re sued as a result of an accident.

Be smart! Be safe!