Your Money Matters

Well it became inevitable, I lost my job in Connecticut after 28 years with the same company because of downsizing and wasn't able to keep the house using just my unemployment alone without seriously dipping into savings heavily in hopes of finding another good paying job. Not only that, I felt that I had enough of CT where I didn't have close family there anymore.

The only route that I could see was to move close to my sister in up state NY where I believe would be a more welcome outcome overall. After all the Triple Cities is where I originally came from so I at least would be familiar somewhat on how to get around. My sister and I have become closer through the years... I was definitely looking forward to being family to her and my brother-in-law.

Then came the logistics of actually moving which was truly an adventure in itself. I couldn't see paying a mover to move all my stuff into the apartment I found in NY, it would have been cost prohibitive. So I started to move whatever I could stuff into my van and take the trips back and forth. I managed to move quite a few things by myself but after 4 trips and wear and tear on the car it was time to move the 'big' stuff.

It was obvious I had to rent a truck to move my stuff plus my van and at the same time personally pack everything myself. I needed a ton of boxes so I went to the grocery store for boxes... no luck... a lot of vendors, to save money, take back their boxes. Here's something I found though.... I got most of my boxes from dumpsters behind commercial retail stores. Got most from behind Duncan Donuts and Wall Mart.

Moving is never easy especially when there's a lot to move. I chose to rent a truck from U-Haul because it seemed convenient (they weren't too far from me).

Tips on Renting a U-Haul Truck

• I didn't want to use a credit card and wanted to pay cash. They still demanded a credit card to cover any mishaps and it was ok to use cash but remember they will use the card if there if you are negligent in keeping the truck clean upon returning it
• They suggest insurance (not mandatory) and they have 3 different prices for the truck and 3 prices for a auto dolly like I had... take the cheapest price for each.... you are covered.
• They offer blanket covers and I was charged one dollar apiece. I took 12 and used them.
• There are many other accessories that they offer for a price. Tie downs, bubble pack, boxes (you should be all packed before you rent the truck!) I didn't use any other accessory except for the blankets.
• For mileage they give you 262 miles (as of this writing) and charge you 40 cents per mile after that.... that can add up fast, so pick the shortest route to final destination carefully.
• You will be charged $30 extra if you leave the truck dirty or messy. Sweep it out if you can and if you use the blanket option they require that you fold them neatly.
• Before driving off with the truck be sure to familiarize yourself with all of the controls and read everything in the cabin, you don't want to be fussing around with knobs while driving.
• If you are adding an auto dolly and towing another vehicle, it's a good idea to practice backing up in a large clear parking lot so you get an idea how it works. Turn left, the dolly goes right and vise versa.
• I almost rented the 14 foot truck as opposed a 17 footer. Hey for about $20 more you get a lot bigger truck... boy, I'm sure glad I rented the bigger one.
• I never drove a truck, let alone a 19 foot truck, including the cab. Then you got to think about a car being towed behind that. Frankly, I was a bit nervous but after coming through it all... it was pretty easy, if I can do it... anyone can.