Five tips toward happier dealings with U-Haul

Nobody goes to U-Haul willingly. But unless you've got a couple of friends with big trucks and lots of time on their hands, sooner or later, you'll have to move, and you'll have little choice but to go in and rent the truck.
I've moved more times than I care to count. And I can tell you one thing: That $19.95 price U-Haul plasters all over its moving trucks? That's if you sit in the parking lot. No, you can't turn the ignition on either. That'll cost more.

Here are a few more tips you can use, courtesy of an actual U-Haul manager, as cited by the good guys at Consumerist.

• Book well in advance, at least a week ahead, and use a major credit card to secure your reservation.

• If you make your reservation through the 1-800 number, get your reservation number and call back a day or two prior to pick up to find out where you should be making the pick-up. Don't wait for anyone to call you back.
  

• When you come to pick up, bring your driver's license and the credit card you used to make the reservation.

• Let U-Haul or the dealer know if there's a pick up or drop-off point that you prefer.

• Always take the insurance, unless you have good personal car insurance.

Now, presuming your truck is road-worthy, you might have a better time dealing with your moving ordeal. Good luck.