•Assess your moving needs and select the proper truck size by using the free Penske Moving Guide. Call us and we'll help you calculate, room by room, the truck size, packing equipment and moving accessories (such as boxes and furniture pads) that will best meet your household's needs. Utilize our Truck Wizard to calculate the right truck size for your moving needs.

•Make sure the rental company you choose has 24-hour emergency road service along your route. Penske provides 24-hour service 365 days a year.

•Reserve your truck and moving supplies as soon as possible to assure availability. Be sure to pick up your supplies in advance.

•Try to lighten the moving load. The weeks prior to moving day are an ideal time to get rid of items you no longer need.

•Pack belongings in strong, sanitized packing cartons available in a wide array of sizes. For secure packing and sealing be sure to stock up on heavy-duty packing tape, as well as bubble wrap and packing paper to protect your belongings.

•Mark the outside of each box to describe the contents and the room to which it should be taken at your destination. This will save you a lot of guesswork and significantly speed up the unpacking process.

•When lifting, bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back. Hand trucks with load-locking straps and stair climbers are essential for moving heavy items.

•Pick up your rental truck the day or evening before moving day so you can take some time to familiarize yourself with the operation and handling of the vehicle. This will allow you to get an early start on loading the next morning.