Renting a U-Haul or other type of moving truck can be a great way to save money on your move. By doing so, you can take care of loading up the truck and transporting your own items, rather than hiring a team of movers to handle it for you. When you're done, simply drop the truck off back at the rental location.
Before you take on the task of renting, loading up, and driving your own moving truck, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind to keep you, other motorists, and your belongings safe.
Check Your Towing Capacity
First of all, if you'll be renting a moving trailer rather than a free-standing truck, you'll need to make sure that your vehicle is equipped to tow it safely. You can review your vehicle owner's manual to check your towing capacity and compare it with the specifications provided by your moving company. Keep in mind that if you don't have one already, you may also need to purchase and install a tow kit on your vehicle.
Distribute Weight Carefully
The way you load your moving trailer or truck is extremely important, as poor weight distribution can make you more prone to fish-tailing, losing control, and getting into a serious accident during your travels. Ideally, you should always load the heaviest furniture and boxes towards the back of the truck. Lighter items should be loaded last, closest to the loading dock.
Stick to the Right Lane
When traveling on highways with a moving truck or trailer, it's best to stick to the right lane aside from when passing other drivers. You'll want to take it a little slower than you normally would, even on faster freeways. Hovering between 55 and 60mph is recommended for moving trucks of most sizes. Yes, it will take you a bit longer to get where you're going, but you'll be a lot safer in the process.
Double-Check Your Blind Spots
Moving trucks are notorious for having blind spots on either side, though most will have wide-angle side mirrors to help you see your surroundings better. Still, it's important to not just check but double-check your blind spots every time you change lanes or merge.
A little bit of care and planning goes a long way when it comes to safely loading and driving a moving truck, so be sure to keep these tips in mind as you prepare for your upcoming move. If you'd like more advice, speak to a representative at a U-Haul rental facility like Lake County Storage of Round Lake Heights.
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