Whether you’re moving out on your own or are the only one in your family who drives, you may wonder what to do with your car during a move. If you don’t hire a company to transport your items, you might need to leave your car when you pick up a U-Haul.
Consider what to do with your car when you rent a U-Haul. Then, you can prepare ahead of time.
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Does U-Haul Let You Leave Your Car?
U-Haul lets you leave your car at the pickup center, which is nice if you don’t have a ride. Some centers may have a specific spot for you to park. However, the company won’t accept responsibility for damage that occurs when you leave your car with them.
Before you leave your car at the U-Haul center, call ahead to ask if there’s space. If there isn’t room for you, consider taking a cab or rideshare if no one in your family can take you.
How to Leave Your Car at U-Haul
If you want to leave your car at U-Haul, you can usually do so. However, you should consider a few things to make sure your U-haul will be safe when you drive off with the U-Haul truck.
Here are a few things you can do before or when you get to U-Haul to safely leave your car there during your move.
Ask Where to Park
When you check in with someone at U-Haul, let them know you need to leave your car there. Ask them if they have a special lot for customer vehicles. If not, you can ask if there’s a general area on the lot where it makes sense for you to park.
Some centers may have a few spots dedicated to customer vehicles. However, you might need to find an open spot somewhere. But asking can keep you from parking where a U-Haul is supposed to go, especially if someone returns one before you get back.
Another option is to look for street parking or a spot in a nearby lot. Of course, be sure to consider if you can park there. If the spot has a meter or some other restriction, you also have to think about that before parking in the spot.
Remove Any Valuables
If you know you’ll need to leave your car at U-Haul, take out any valuables. Put them somewhere safe at your current or new home.
Alternatively, you can keep the valuable items in your car. When you get to U-Haul, you can remove the items and put them in the moving truck with you. That way, you can keep those items close in case you need them.
Examples of valuables include wallets, jewelry, keys, and medications. The U-Haul center is usually safe, but thieves can still look in cars for things to steal. Keeping your vehicle free of those things is especially important if you need to leave the vehicle for a full day or more.
Don’t Break Rules or Laws
When deciding where to park your vehicle, be sure to obey rules and laws. If a nearby lot is only open to customers of that business, avoid leaving your car there.
Before you park on the street, consider if there are any restrictions. Some spots only let you park there for two hours. Others may require you to move your car for a weekly street cleaning, and that might conflict with your move.
If you find an open spot in the U-Haul lot, you should also be careful. Don’t block any exits or entrances. Give plenty of space for potential U-Hauls that people may park next to your car.
Ways to Get to U-Haul
If you don’t want to have to leave a car at U-Haul, you have options. These things won’t be as easy as driving yourself, but they’re worth considering.
Here are a few ways you can get to U-Haul without driving yourself.
Ask a Friend
The easiest option is to ask a friend or family member to drive you. This is nice because you can ask them to wait around until you make sure you get a U-Haul. If there have been a lot of reservations or if there are other problems, you can have a ride home.
Having someone drive you is also nice because you don’t have to worry about the timing. And while you may pay for the gas, it’s often cheaper than other transportation methods.
Take a Cab
If you don’t have someone to drive you, a convenient option is to take a cab. You can call a cab company in your area to order a ride. Depending on the company, you may be able to schedule the ride to make sure a driver will be available.
Another option is to use a rideshare service, such as Lyft or Uber. But like taxis, these rides will cost you more than that of a friend. So keep that in mind when budgeting for your move.
Ride the Bus
While it’s not as flexible, a cheap way to get to U-Haul is to ride the bus. If your current home and U-Haul are near a bus line, you can use public transportation.
Of course, you will have to follow the bus schedule. But if you have time to get to the U-Haul center, it’s worth considering.
Will You Leave Your Car at U-Haul?
Leaving your car at U-Haul is relatively safe, assuming there’s an open parking spot. Be sure to ask where you should park, and don’t leave essentials in your vehicle. And if you don’t want to worry about that, take a cab or ask a friend to drive you.
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