Imperial, California (NAPSI) - If you or someone you care about is among the 20 million students the U.S. Department of Education predicts will graduate this year, congratulations!

Now, it’s time to contemplate your next move: the one out of the dorm or campus apartment. To help, here are a few tips from the experts on moving at Penske Truck Rental:

• Reserve the right truck well in advance. For most students, a 12- or 16-foot truck is right for the job. Just remember, you’re not the only one moving out. Try to reserve the truck and any accessories—boxes, packing tape, bubble packing material, moving blankets, hand trucks and so on—at least two weeks in advance.

• Plan your travel time. Take into account the time of day, likely traffic patterns and stops.

• Get used to the truck before you drive away. Familiarize yourself with the truck’s switches and gauges. Adjust the seat and side mirrors so they match your height and comfort zone.

Remember, it’s likely to be taller, wider and heavier than the vehicle you’re used to driving. That means you may have to drive more slowly and take extra precautions, particularly on turns. Also, be aware that trucks have oversized blind spots. Know where these are.

• Take a close look at your rental agreement. Most include language from the U.S. Department of Transportation that prohibits the “carrying or hauling of explosives and other dangerous articles.” That means you can’t pack paint, chemicals and cleaning materials, flammable solvents, propane, gasoline and the like.

• Be sure to insure yourself. Most insurance and credit card companies won’t cover truck rentals. You may want to sign up for additional coverage options to protect yourself and your belongings.

• Don’t pack everything. Items you may need to grab in a hurry—such as paperwork, credit cards, identification, a change of clothes, drinks and snacks—should be kept close at hand in a travel bag with you in the cab.

• Pack it right. Load the heaviest items on the truck first. Always bend your knees and lift with your legs, never your back.

• Buddy up. Sharing the ride with a friend can help to defer some of your truck rental costs and the driving and provide some extra help with your boxes.

• Use discounts. Penske Truck Rental is the exclusive truck rental partner of AAA and offers AAA members a discount.

• For safety’s sake, park only in well-lit areas and keep a padlock on the rear door. In an emergency, remember that you can call Penske for 24/7 roadside assistance.

Learn More

For more useful moving tips, visit www.PenskeTruckRental. com or call (800) GOPENSKE.