Moving is full of all kinds of stressors, from finding a new home to packing and unpacking all of your belongings. However, if you’re planning on driving a U-Haul during your move for the first time, the prospect of this alone might cause additional stress.
If you’ve only ever driven standard-size vehicles, you might be a little intimidated by the idea of driving one of these enormous trucks. However, if you follow a few simple guidelines, you can make sure that your drive in the moving truck goes smoothly. Here are some things you can do on your drive to make sure that your first U-Haul driving experience goes as smoothly as possible.
Take It Slow
Driving a moving truck takes some getting used to, but it’s doable once you get the hang of it. One of the most important things to do in order to stay safe is to drive slowly, especially if the weather is snowy or icy. If your normal car is narrower than a U-Haul, you’ll need to be particularly careful to keep the truck within your lane. And, any time the weather is difficult, it’s wise to drive extra slowly. While it’s tempting to speed when you still have hundreds of miles to go, slipping off the road or, even worse, getting into an accident will slow your progress significantly.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that coming to sudden stops can cause your moving boxes to shift, potentially damaging your belongings. If you want to make good time despite not driving overly fast, it may be worthwhile to drive when there is less traffic. This reduces both stress and time. And, if you’re up for it, driving overnight will usually ensure that there’s less traffic, too. However, if you do decide to drive overnight, make sure that you are well rested so that you can be safe while driving on the road.
Make Sure You’re Covered
When it comes to peace of mind, ensuring that you have adequate insurance coverage is another important part of driving a U-Haul. While the company itself offers insurance coverage, in some cases, your existing car insurance will cover you.
Additionally, some credit cards will offer coverage when you rent a U-Haul. Make sure that you do your research adequately beforehand so that you know if you are covered long before you make the trip to your new home. Having coverage, even if it’s only liability, will give you peace of mind and protect you in the event that something goes wrong during the move.
As a U-Haul Authorized Dealer, StoreMore Self Storage can also provide you with insurance coverage during your move. Reach out to us and ask about how SafeMove Damage Protection can give you peace of mind before your upcoming move.
U-Haul Safety Tips
As truck accidents are more severe than car accidents, you should know the common causes and avoid them. In particular, always be aware of your blind spot when driving, and especially when changing lanes or passing vehicles. If you’ve never driven a large vehicle, the mirrors, in particular, may take some getting used to.
Always make sure you’re familiar with the mirrors and all other truck controls before setting off on your drive. It’s also a good idea to have a well-stocked first aid kit in your car just in case you find yourself in a crash. Make sure to also bring a cell phone with you in the truck so you can make sure to call someone for help in the event of an accident.
While driving a U-Haul might seem daunting at first, it doesn’t have to be. By preparing yourself and exercising care while you drive, you’ll be able to make it safely to your destination.
If you need to rent a U-Haul for your moving day, we have many trucks that are sure to suit your needs!
