STORM2K

Hey guys. I have a special prayer request to ask of those on this board who believe in God (or any god for that matter).

I'm packing up my last few things in Lafaytte for my move to Madison. I just picked up a 14' U-Haul with a towing dolly to tow my car up to Wisconsin. I have NEVER driven anything even remotely this large or long...my car is a hatchback Ford Escort. I'm pretty much scared s***less right now after having picked it up. Normally, I'd be driving through Chicago, but there is no way that is gonna happen so I'm taking the Interstates well away from the city (I-74 over to I-39 an up from there). Anyway, please say a prayer for me for safe travels. Tomorrow will be pretty windy in the Midwest but at least the snow will have stopped by the time I leave. As soon as I get to Madison and load everything into storage (lucky me, my new apartment isn't done yet and I get to move AGAIN in a few weeks...at least I won't have to tow anything that time), I'm gonna need a drink or four to settle my nerves, if I can even stop shaking enough to put anything up to my mouth.

Any experienced movers - I would gladly appreciate any advice you may have. Thanks in advance everyone!

Andy

Prayers and warm thoughts sent your way for the VERY best, Andy!!
((((HUG))))

I've never driven a U-Haul truck either...but during my childhood years at least a couple times I rode along with my Dad when we moved some items to an Indiana auction barn for a sale!

Enjoy your night in Lafayette and also get a sound refreshing sleep for your trip!!

Eric

The biggest thing I ever drove was a school bus in hs so if its the same size you shouldnt have a hard time except for the towing.

Only advice I have is stay on the main roads, pack cd's for the cab and dont eat yellow snow.

Have a safe trip and I'll send up a prayer for your safe arrival.

Thoughts and prayers going up for ya now, Andy!

Take it slow -- it takes longer to stop those puppies, along with the dolly behind you.

Keep plenty of distance between you and the person in front of you.

Take your time and look around when pulling into a gas station. They're a bear for a newbie to manuever in reverse (with the dolly), so try every way possible to not get into a spot where you have to back out.

Keep your tank above the 1/2 mark, especially in cold temps.

Pack everything as flat and securely as you can. Things tend to shift when you turn so the more stuff that's already on the floor, the less stuff you have to worry about falling. IOW, don't stack stuff too high and put the heaviest stuff low and light stuff high.

Make sure you have phone numbers for people to call in an emergency. Make sure you have insurance and phone numbers for U-Haul in case of an emergency or break-down.

Remember, some accidents can happen to the most careful drivers out there -- because of the other idiots on the road. Keep your eyes open, keep looking in all mirrors, and again, keep your distance.

And then, of course, the common sense stuff -- be alert, be awake, obey speed limits (which kind of goes along with "take it slow), wear your seat belt, and don't drink and drive.

Good luck!!

yeah, what she said. those things take a lot out of you, so take frequent rest breaks. your shoulders and back will hurt!

Have a cat nap or two at a rest area, also, Wxbuddy! Wouldn't hurt to have a pack of high energy food bars, too, and some bottles of water and/ or juice.

Eric

i will be praying for you. Please stop and get out and excerise for a few minutes every time you stop at a rest stop or to gas up. It will help you stay alert.

Andy your in my prayers. I felt the same way when I helped my friend move. It gets easier each mile

My prayers go to you and I hope that all goes well in the moving proccess.

Good luck. All the suggestions in this thread are great. Just take it easy and don't get in a hurry.

PurdueWx80 wrote:Hey guys. I have a special prayer request to ask of those on this board who believe in God (or any god for that matter).

I'm packing up my last few things in Lafaytte for my move to Madison. I just picked up a 14' U-Haul with a towing dolly to tow my car up to Wisconsin. I have NEVER driven anything even remotely this large or long...my car is a hatchback Ford Escort. I'm pretty much scared s***less right now after having picked it up. Normally, I'd be driving through Chicago, but there is no way that is gonna happen so I'm taking the Interstates well away from the city (I-74 over to I-39 an up from there). Anyway, please say a prayer for me for safe travels. Tomorrow will be pretty windy in the Midwest but at least the snow will have stopped by the time I leave. As soon as I get to Madison and load everything into storage (lucky me, my new apartment isn't done yet and I get to move AGAIN in a few weeks...at least I won't have to tow anything that time), I'm gonna need a drink or four to settle my nerves, if I can even stop shaking enough to put anything up to my mouth.

Any experienced movers - I would gladly appreciate any advice you may have. Thanks in advance everyone!

Andy

Andy...I'm (obviously) a girl, and I've driven a 24" U-Haul truck (the largest one they have), fully loaded down with all of my (and my kids) earthly possessions when we finally bought a house of our own 8 years ago. If *I* can do it...then so can you!!

Just go slow--take your time and don't worry if you tick off anyone behind you. Stay in the right hand lane, watch your turns, use your mirrors and turn signals, and take breaks if you get tired.

You'll do just fine...you'll see. It's the first 50 miles that are the most nerve wracking. Once you have them under your belt, the rest will be much easier.

Prayers said for you and a safe journey. Good luck in your new job...and new life!!

Jeny

I agree the first miles were hard but after that it was kind of easy When I saw the truck parked in the lot. I said" I have to drive that"

I remember one time...I was living in Roanoke Rapids, NC and was employed in maintenance/janitorial on second shift at a Sleep Inn...there was a woman and her pet cat traveling in a U-Haul truck from Florida to Cape Cod, MA.
I loved listening to her MA accent as I was doing some cleaning there in the lobby.

Eric

Rainband wrote:I agree the first miles were hard but after that it was kind of easy When I saw the truck parked in the lot. I said" I have to drive that"

Me too.

Then, after *I* backed it in to **my very own driveway**, all by myself no less, I said *I drove that all by myself. WOW. WOWW!!**

I had such a sense of accomplishment the day I closed on our house: a) I was a homeowner for the first time, and b) I drove a fully loaded 24" moving van and didn't hit a darned thing!!

Andy, you'll see. When you finally unload and return the van, you'll really feel like you've done something you didn't think you could do. You'll be fine!!

Jeny

I agree Jeny. I just couldn't figure out why those idiots felt safe pulling out in front of me at 55mph

I remember riding along with Dad in a U-Haul truck from Cincy (where I lived) heading to near Evansville, IN...and how to a grade-school aged kid...what a TREAT it WAS feeling like a jr. trucker in a sense!! Later that night two of my cousins from IN named David and Danny took a ride with my Dad and I into town and (they were grade-school aged, too) how excited they were!

I love those colorful murals on the U-Haul sides, too, that they have nowadays!

Eric

I believe in God and I am already praying for your safety as you drive to Madison during these next few days. I hope that all goes well for you and that you are safe all the way through.

Duckie gave you some pretty sound advice Purdue.

Good luck on your travel and stay safe. Check in when you can.

Oh Andy, I will definitely pray for a safe trip for you. I would be nervous too but I see you've been given lots of good advice here. Smart move on avoiding the Chicago interstates - I'm never behind the wheel when we go thru there. Let's just say my husband is only too glad to be the one driving. And I'm ~trying~ to make sure we take the correct interstate out to Barrington, where his sister lives. That entire area makes me nervous! It's just confusing up there. But once you get into WI, it's smooth sailing from what I remember. We visited Door County 2 summers ago.

Good luck and please check in with us so we know you got there safe and sound! Best wishes on your new home!

Mary

Sending my prayers for safety and confidence. All the advice and related experiences are excellent. Go for it!!