by Nancy Bagley (NAPSA)—Moving to a new home or apartment can be simple, affordable and stress-free, even if you do it yourself. All it takes is a little planning and a lot of bubble wrap! These hints can help make for a smooth moving day. Put first things first. Book your truck rental reservation as far in advance as possible. You’ll find the best savings when you move mid-week or mid-month, during off-peak times. Sometimes you can save even moreonline. Ensure you are insured. Be sure to check the timing of when coverage takes effect and the amountof coverage for belongings in transit. Check with your insurance agent to know what’s covered under your homeowner’s policy. In addition, many policies will only pay up to 50 percent of the value of furniture and other items while in a movingtruck. Budget Truck Rental offers a variety of protection plans. If you are doing the heavy lifting, personal accident and cargo (PAC) insurance not only protects the renter from accidents during the entire rental period, it also covers injuries that occur while loading or unloading the truck. Tow protection (ATP) provides coverage for damage to their personal automobile when renters tow their vehicle on a carcarrier or tow dolly. Buy quality boxes and moving supplies. Most people need a variety of boxes, so companies like Budget offer a range of small, medium and large boxes, heavy-duty dish and book boxes, wardrobe cartons and evenfile boxes. Don’t skimp on the tape pack all day, drive hundreds of miles or late at night, then begin unloading immediately. Pace yourself to ensure you and your belongings arrive safe and sound. Truckin’. Discuss driving and safety instructions with your truck rental representative before getting behind the wheel. Moving can mark the beginning of exciting new chapters in life, from heading off to college to getting that first home or apartment. To get more information or reserve a truck, visit www.budget truck.com. the bubble wrap! Rental’s self-move expert. and whatever you do, don’t forget Renting a truck the right way can be a helpful part of the moving experience. Load ’em up. Use the onequarter rule and pack the truck one quarterat a time. Stack large, heavy items on the bottom, put linens and pillows on top. Pack long items like mattresses on their sides. Keep mirrors and frames upright. Pack each quarter as tightly as possible, from floor to ceiling. Tie down each section and fill open spaces with small items to keep everything from shifting. Rest up. Many moverstreat their move like a triathlon. They Nancy Bagley is Budget Truck
