Moving Tips and Information

• 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.

Packing Tips

• 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 U-Haul box. They'll stay clean and won't get crushed.

• 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.

• Load houseplants 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 U-Haul 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.

Save time by using the USPS Change of Address form on the Internet.