Moving Guide

Moving is never fun.  At Safe Storage we understand that and want to help make your move go as smoothly as possible.  We have compiled this helpful moving guide to get you through the process as eeasily as possible.

Moving Timetable

Here is a check list to help avoid trying to do everything at once.

One Week Before Moving:

  • Round up people to be part of the moving crew - many hands make light work. Food is always a good incentive.
  • Reserve a baby sitter for the day of the move.
  • Close out bank accounts and safe deposit boxes.
  • Pick up traveler's checks.
  • Pack cartons of non-essential items.

One Day to Go:

  • Pick up your Penske truck from Safe Storage so that you can get an early start on loading the next morning. Be sure to ask us about anything that you do not understand / are not used to with the truck. You will also get a chance to familiarize yourself with the truck's features on the drive home.
  • Complete final packing of all major appliances.
  • Pack a travel kit and include :
    • traveler's checks
    • aspirin
    • bandages
    • credit cards
    • wallets
    • ID cards
    • flashlight
    • keys for new house
    • paper towels
    • toilet paper
    • paper cups
    • travel alarm clock
    • medicines
    • moist towelettes
    • toys / games for the kids
    • telephone / address book of friends / utilities / family
  • Pack a carton of travel clothing

Moving Day:

  • After pulling the ramp out of the truck, be sure to lift the end of the ramp nearest the truck and place the ramp hooks into the slots on the rear deck of the truck. When returning the ramp to its closed position, be sure the check that it locked into place. Refer to the instructional decal on the truck for how to do this.
  • Don't overload yourself when you load your truck. Remember that you will have to drive possibly for several days after moving your stuff and then move it again when you arrive. Always lift with you legs. Load the truck one-quarter at a time. Remember to put the heaviest items in the first third of the truck. Then fill the space above those items with lightweight and delicate items. Stack cartons of equal weight, size and strength together.
  • Place extra-long items like mattresses, box springs, bed rails, head-boards, sofa and large mirrors along the walls of the truck. Place odd-sized things like bicycles along the side of the truck or on top of heavier items. Load rugs and carpets lengthwise in the center of the truck. They fit well between the legs of furniture on the floor.
  • Use plenty of furniture pads to fill any holes or gaps and to protect furniture and appliances. No part of the surface (side or top) of furniture should be exposed to another surface without a furniture pad between surfaces. This will avoid scratches and rub spots on your furniture.
  • When finished loading, be sure to turn off the interior light on the truck to avoid an unnecessary drain on the battery.

Well Before Your Move:

  • Stop by Safe Storage in advance of your move and reserve your truck, accessories and purchase moving and packing materials.
  • Get your car serviced and inspected. Now is a good time to get your air filter and oil filter changed.
  • Contact your utility companies both present and future -- water, gas, oil, electricity, phone - about when to disconnect and when and where to connect new service. It is highly recommended that you have all your utilities turned off the day after you leave and turned on the day before you move in. this saves frustration from not having what you need when problems arise (no phone, you arrive at night and your electricity won't be turned on until the next day, you will want a shower and your gas doesn't work yet, etc.)
  • Contact services to discontinue trash collection, newspaper delivery, cable television, insurance, etc.
  • Collect deposits from you utilities.
  • Get copies of all important documents before you pack. Medical, dental, eyeglass/contact records, prescriptions, pet licenses, pet immunization records, marriage licenses, birth certificates, social security paperwork, etc.
  • Pick up and fill out address change cards from the post office and notify each magazine that you subscribe to. Be sure to notify you charge accounts, etc about your new address.

On the Road

Road Service

In the unlikely event you have any mechanical problems or an accident, pull your truck off the main road to the shoulder, place the truck in park and apply the parking brake. Turn on the emergency flashers and use the supplied reflector kit. Then call the Penske emergency road service number at 1-800-526-0789, 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.

Towing

Only tow a vehicle with a Penske towing device. Check the security of your vehicle regularly. Trucks are not to be used to tow customer-owned boats, trailers or campers.

Security

If parking a truck at a motel or hotel, park in a well lit area. Lock all doors and padlock the safety chain from the towing device to the truck and the safety chain from the the towing device to the towed vehicle. Also be sure to check that the padlock on the rear door of the truck is secure. Request that motel security "keep an eye" on your truck and vehicle to avoid theft of contents or fuel.

Be Alert

Remember that you are driving a truck and now must pay attention to all road signs that pertain to trucks (weigh stations, restricted lanes, overhead clearance, etc.)

Drive Safely

  • Do not allow passengers or pets to ride in the cargo area.
  • Check behind the truck before backing.
  • Adjust your seat and mirrors and always wear your seat belt.
  • Refuel the tank at 1/4 tank and check the oil at all fuel stops.
  • Increase your following distance. Trucks take at least twice as long to stop as a car.
  • Use your turn signals and mirrors before making any lane changes.
  • Use extra caution at intersections and obey all traffic signs and lights.
  • Watch for low bridges, canopies, tree limbs, and do not attempt to drive-thru any businesses or motels.
  • When parking the truck, always place the transmission in the park position and set the parking brake.
  • Be sure to slow down significantly when turning corners. The truck will not be able to corner the way a car does. If towing a trailer, be sure that the trailer's wheels have enough room to clear the corner.

Fuel Economy

  • You can maximize fuel economy by:
  • Gradually building up to your desired speed.
  • Looking ahead and easing off of the accelerator early when approaching a stop.
  • Avoiding driving the truck with the accelerator held at the governed speed of 65 MPH.
  • Parking in a secure area to avoid having fuel stolen.
  • Driving carefully and cautiously and obey the speed limits.

Safe Storage moving guide