a vad (NAPSA)—If you’re moving, you're not alone on that road. This year more than 50 million Americans will relocate and nearly 80 percent will decide to make the move without using professional movers. As the moving season gets underway, Penske Truck Rental offers these tips to help do-it-yourself movers have a smooth, stressfree experience: * To help you select the proper truck for your move, many truck rental companies have an online capability to assess your moving needs. This tool enables you to calculate, room by room, the truck size, packing equipment and moving accessories required to move your household efficiently. * Be sure the truck rental company you choose has free 24-hour emergency road service along your route. * When loading the truck, start with the heaviest items, such as major appliances and large furniture. Get help moving these items and consider renting hand trucks with load-locking straps and stair climbers so you can move large and/or heavy itemssafely. * Stack cartons in the truck by weight, from the heaviest to lightest, floor to ceiling. Keep fragile items toward the top, securing them with rope so they do not shift during transit. * Driving a truck is very different from driving a car. Take some time before your move to familiarize yourself with the operation and handling of the vehicle. Trucks are taller and wider than cars and weigh three to 10 times mi Millions of Americans choose to move themselves to their new homes. more, requiring greater overhead and side clearance as well as a greater stopping distance. * Acell phoneis a great convenience that will keep you in touch with people assisting in your move and help you locate services needed during the trip. For your safety and the safety of others, please do not use your cell phone while driving. Park at a rest stop or pull off the road to makecalls. * Pack an “open first” box that ineudes essentials needed on arrival to your new home,such as refreshments, toiletry items and a change of clothes. Be sure to load this box into the truck last, so it is easily accessible when you reach your destination. A free moving guide is available by calling 800-467-3675 or by visiting any Penske Truck Rental location. To learn more or to make a reservation online visit www.pensketruckrental.com.
