Tow Dolly

Tows your vehicle with the front wheels off the ground

Car Carrier

Transports your vehicle with all four wheels off the ground

Some Restrictions

• Vehicles with a low front end or air dams may not have enough ground clearance to drive up on towing equipment.
• Vehicle must have a lockable steering column for use on the tow dolly.
• Do not tow mid or rear engine vehicles on tow dollies
• Do not load towed vehicle with posessions, people, pets, etc.
• Four and rear wheel drive vehicles may require some modification to be towed.

The supplies most needed when it's time to start your move are packing cartons, packing tape and packing material. These are all available at Safe Storage!

Important Supplies that you'll need for your move.

Packing Boxes

We recommend strong, sanitized packing cartons that are designed and built specially for moving. By buying all the boxes that you use, you will be assured that they are clean and of uniform size. That will make packing the truck much easier.

Packing Tape

Use heavy-duty tape (not masking or scotch) for the coartons as well as for taping things together (like broom handles, etc.). Safe storage sells inexpensive, clear sealing tape for all your packing needs.

Packing Materials

To cushion the ups and downs of moving your belonings, packing material provides additional protection. Use white tissue paper for linens (newspaper will leave black marks) bubble wrap for fragile and breakable items, and lots of scrunched up paper for filling spaces between things in the cartons. Another excellent investment for packing material are large plastic mattress bags for mattresses and couches / chairs. They will not only keep dust out, they also protect the furniture during the bouncing in the truck.



Another "can't do without" during packing is a few good marking pens to label the cartons. We also recommend cord or rope to further secure cartons and doors on appliances and dressers, a padlock for the truck's rear door, and gloves to protect your hands. To help you move large applainces, we recommend renting an appliance dolly. Furniture pads are also extremely important for your move and can be rented inexpensively. They will allow you to pack your belongings and protect your furniture without ruining your own linens.

Approximate number of items that you'll need by truck size.

These are approximations and are given only as a starting point of what the typical move will entail. If you need more specific information, please contact us at (606) 885-6404 with any questions you may have.

Truck Size	# of Rooms	Wardrobe Cartons	Large Cartons	Medium Cartons	Cell Kits	Small Cartons
10 foot	1-2	2	5	2	2	5
15 foot	2-3	3	10	5	2	8
20 foot	4-5	8	30	10	5	15
25 foot	6-8	15	30	15	10	25
Truck Size	# of Rooms	Mirror Cartons	Mattress Bags	Furniture Pads	Hand Truck	Tape & Rope
10 foot	1-2	2	1-2	12	1	3 T, 1 R
15 foot	2-3	3	2	36	1	5 T, 1 R
20 foot	4-5	6	2-3	60	1	7 T, 1 R
25 foot	6-8	10	3	72	2	10 T, 2 R

Appliances

Pack small appliances in original container or a carton cushioned with wadded paper. (Do not use shredded paper - it can clog the appliance.) For major appliances, check with the appliance dealer for any special moving instructions. For all large appliances, remove loose fittings and accessories and pack separately. Tie down, tape or wedge all moveable parts and doors.

• Gas Dryers - Have the gas company disconnect. (most will do this for free.)
• Dishwasher / Washing Machine - Stuff towels between machine sides and tub to keep tub from rotating. Pad exterior well. Disconnect hoses, put in plastic bag, place in tub.
• Freezer / Refrigerator - Defrost and dry interiors well. Fill interior spaces with lightweight linens, clothing and stuffed toys. If you want to lay your refrigerator down for moving, check first with the local dealer to determine if your brand can be moved in this manner. If so, be sure to let the unit stand upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it back in.

Beds

Disassemble the bed frame. Tie rails and crosspieces together with rope or tape. Be sure to mark on tape where pieces fit together for reassembly. Use mattress protection bags to keep mattress clean.

Cycles & Baby Carriages

Loosen, lower and turn handlebars at right angles to save space. Clean and cover chains and pedals to protect other items from being snagged or soiled. Pedals can also be removed with a simple wrench on most bikes.

Books

They are very heavy, so use small cartons. Pack books flat, alternating bindings, and fill empty spaces with wadded paper.

Dressers & Bereaus

Fill drawers with small breakable items and cushion well with loose clothes / linen. Secure drawers with pad or blanket (tape can remove the finish) and tie with rope. Do not overload drawers with heavy items. It also helps to remove the drawers when actually moving the piece of furniture.

Chairs

Wrap arms and legs to prevent scratches. bundle armless chairs in pairs, seat to seat with a folded blanket or other padding between and tie seats together.

Clothes

Dresses, coats, suits - anything hanging in closets - travel best in special, reusable wardrobe cartons, which can be used seasonally as "extra closets" for storage. Other clothes can remain folded in their regular dresser drawers.

Curtain / Shower Rods

Remove the hardware from the walls and put in small plastic bag. Tape bag around rod and place in dresser drawer.

Dishes

Individually wrap each piece. If you use newspaper, wrap first in plastic bags to save dish washing later. Place saucers, plates and platters on edge - do not stack flat. Cups and bowls may beplaced inside each other and wrapped three or four in a bundle.

Glasses

Wrap each glass separately in paper or bubble wrap. Wrap first in plastic to save dishwashing later! Pack in sturdy carton with dividers. dish packs are perfect for glassware as well as dishes. They may cost a bit more than regular boxes, but it doesn't take many peices of "saved" glassware to make up for the cost.

Kitchenware

Pots, pans, etc. can be stacked in a carton with a sheet of paper between them.

Lamps

After disassembling lamps, pack small bases in dresser drawers surrounded by loose clothing, and large bases in cartons stuffed with wadded paper. Box shades individually in cartons with plenty of packing material for stuffing. Don't use newspaper because it can smudge.

Lawn Mowers

Drain fuel and oil before loading. Remove handle from hand mowers and place blade end in sturdy carton. Mark properly.

Mirrors

Small mirrors can be well wrapped in paper and packed in cartons. For a large mirror, make a cardboard case by cutting pieces of corrugated cardboard about the same size as the mirror. Mark GLASS on the outside in several places to preven mishandling. If you have other paintings, mirror, framed items that are roughly the same size, you can put all these together in your custom box.

Paint and Flammables

Don't move them, dispose of them properly. the same goes for alcohol, lighter fluid, ammunition, and greasy mops or rags. they can be dangerous items and must be disposed of before your move. The risk that you take when moving them is not worth the few dollars you'll save over buying new when you reach your destination.

Paintings, Prints & Framed Artwork

Place in mirror cartons (available at Safe Storage) and wrap each piece individually in corrugated cardboard or in cardboard cushioned with thick blankets and tie bundles with cord. Stand on sides.

Radios, TVs

Box upright in carton well padded on all sides. Mark with and arrow pointing up and write UP on all sides. For console equipment, surrond with furniture pads, and then move and load upright.

Rugs and Pads

After vacuuming rugs and pads, sprinkle with moth flakes. Roll up and tie in three places with twine.

Stereos, CD Players, and other Electronic Equipment

Separately pack components and pack in well-padded cartons marked FRAGILE. Pack CDs upright in their cases in a sturdy carton with a reinforced bottom. They get heave so use small boxes. Tie CDs is small bundles when packing, the fill air with wadded paper. Mark FRAGILE. Cassettes can be packed in the same manner, although you can group them in larger bundles. Cables should be placed in the same cartons as the component they are for to aviod misplacing them later.

Tables

For large tables, remove legs (if possible) and tie together. Put hardware in small plastic bag and tape around one of the legs or to underside of table top. Pad tabletop all around and position it upright against the side of the truck. Pad and tie spare table leaves. For smaller tables, pad top and srap legs to prevent scratching.

Tools and Gardening Equipment

Drain hoses, coil and pack in carton. Fill remaining space with lawn sprinklers, small garden hand tools, etc. Tie rakes, brooms, shovels, and other long handled tools together with rope. Make sure to drain fuel out of any gas-powered item. Contact the manufacturer / local dealer if you are unsure how to do this.

Valuables

Set aside jewelry, important papers and safe deposit box contents to be packed in a small container you can keep with you throughout your journey. Some important papers are:

• Truck rental paperwork
• Car registration certificate
• Car ownership records
• Children's school records
• Insurance policies
• Medical / Dental records
• Irreplaceable photos and snapshots (negatives)
• Tax return records
• Passports
• Traveller's checks
• Contact phone numbers

Plants

• The general rule when moving plants is to store them in plastic bags with holes punched for air. If possible, they should be placed in cartons.
  
  
• Temperature is the most critical factor. Temperatures below 34° F or above 94° F for much over an hour can be fatal to plants. They are susceptible to shock when moving. The distance or time in transit doesn't make the shock greater, it will just take longer for the plant to recover once in it's new environment. If possible, try to carry the plants in the cab of the truck with you.
  
  
• Plants should be moist when loaded into the truck. Check with your local department of agriculture office regarding what state or federal plant regulations may be in effect throughout your journey that prohibit the transprotation of certain plants to your destination or through your route.
  
  

Pets

• Your pet should always ride up front in the cab of the truck with you and never in the back of the truck!
  
  
• Be sure your pet is on a leash, in a kennel or cage when outside your truck and that it is wearing an ID tag with its name, your name, and a destination address/date. Include a relative's phone number on the tag in case your pet gets lost.
  
  
• If your pet becomes overheated while traveling, bring it to an air-conditioned area and place it in a shallow tub of cool water or rub it down with cool towels.
  
  
• Check with your vet to see if a mild sedative or travel medication is recommended for your pet during your move. Also be sure that all the vaccinations are up to date in case of any problems.
  
  
• You should never leave an animal in an unattended car. If you must leave your pet in the truck, park in the shade, making sure there is enough air. Temperatures in a closed vehiclee rise very rapidly and can get up to 175° F very quickly! That temperature can cause death in a very short time. Also be sure that your pet is either in a kennel or on a leash so that it cannot get out and run away.
  
  

Road Service

In the unlikely even 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 aviod 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.
  

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 familizrize 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 towlettes
  • 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. Remeber 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 matresses, box springs, bed rails, headboards, 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 seervice. 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 doscontinue 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.