Volunteer! Make a difference in your community

Gandhi once said “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” If you’re hoping to get connected and make a difference in the community you’re moving to, why not start the search for volunteer opportunities. I think you’ll find that every community in the nation is looking for people willing to help out in some capacity.  

If you’ve volunteered before, you may be familiar with organizations to contact. But if you haven’t, these tips may help you find places to volunteer in your community.  

Start with what you’re interested in. Your personal interests could lead to the perfect volunteering opportunity. Do you love horses? Consider volunteering at a local organization that provides hippotherapy and therapeutic riding for children and adults with disabilities. Do you enjoy being around kids? Maybe try volunteering at your church nursery or at community mentoring program. Search the web or use your local phone book to find volunteer opportunities connected to your interests.

Get outside your interests. If you’d like to immerse yourself in something totally new and different, start thinking about what piques your interest, but isn’t exactly “your thing.” For example, if you like animals but haven’t been around them much, an animal shelter may be a great place to volunteer. You can learn how to care for animals, give them much needed attention, and be an advocate in finding them forever homes.

Ask people you know, like friends, family, counselors, or employers. They may know of an organization looking for volunteers.

Keep your eyes open. Check the community newspaper volunteer “help wanted” ads. You can also keep your eyes peeled around town for flyers on street post and community bulletin boards.

Ask around. When all else fails, just ask around! Go to different places around your community asking if they need volunteers. I recommend starting with non-profit organizations like the American Red Cross, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity just to name a few.

Get online. There are some fantastic websites like volunteermatch.org and serve.gov that can help you find places to volunteer in or near your community.

Do you have volunteer opportunity ideas?
If you’re familiar with organizations that are in need of volunteers, or you have volunteer ideas, we would love for you to share them with our readers!

Have a safe, fun summer with these safety tips!

Here at U-Pack®, summer is our busiest time of the year. And it’s likely that after being cooped up inside all winter long, you’re ready to get busy having fun this summer. But before you let loose, get to know more than 100 summer safety tips to ensure a safe summer worth remembering!

100+ Summer Safety Tips for a Fun Summer

1. Spray your family with insect repellent when outside to keep mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects from biting you.
2. Wear light-colored clothing when you are outside because it reflects the heat, while dark colors absorb the heat.
3. Do a tick check every night.
4. Never leave your kids alone near or in a pool, no matter their age or swim level. According to SafeKids.org, more than 830 kids ages 14 and younger die due to unintentional drowning.
5. Check playground equipment before kids use it. Check for hot surfaces, unsecured ropes, and protective surfaces.
6. Kids should wear closed-toed shoes and close-fitting clothing while on the playground.
7. Always wear a helmet when riding a bike.
8.  Make sure your kids’ bikes fit, as they may have grown taller since last summer.
9. If you are in a wooded area where poison ivy might be present, wear clothing that protects your skin if you accidentally brush up against it.
10. Avoid food poisoning by making sure that foods containing milk, eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, and mayonnaise aren’t kept at room temperature for more than an hour. Properly wash and store fruits and veggies, too.
11. If you are traveling to a cookout, be sure to separate raw meat from ready-to-eat foods to avoid contamination.
12. Stay hydrated! Always keep a refillable water bottle nearby or a sports drink with electrolytes to maintain hydration.
13. Read this post all about the signs of heat exhaustion.
14. To keep from getting sunburned, use sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
15. Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.
16. Try to stay in cool areas, especially when you’re outside. Find shaded areas to do your outside work, or wait till the sun goes down.
17. Don’t leave children or pets in a parked car unattended no matter what the temperature outside may be.
18. Instead of using fireworks at home, go a community fireworks display run by professionals.
19. Don’t wear bright colors or flowery prints while outside. Bugs will gravitate toward you.
20. Rollerbladers, skateboarders, and scooter riders should wear protective gear like elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards, as well as a helmet.
21. Ensure that each family member has taken a hands-on safety training course before operating an ATV.
22. Wear eye and hearing protection when using a lawn mower.
23. Pack plenty of fresh water for your family and your pets if visiting the beach.
24. Always wear a life jacket when on a boat in open water.
25. Never run around the pool.
26. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from other objects, like the house.
27. Never leave your grill unattended.
28. The sun’s heat is typically strongest between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so limit time outside during these hours to prevent heat exhaustion.
29. Wear light-weight, loose fitting clothing when outside.
30. Wash hands with soapy water before and after handling food.
31. Wear UVA and UVB protected sunglasses.
32. A hat can protect the top of your head from absorbing heat while outside.
33. Always buckle up!
34. Don’t dive into less than nine feet of water.
35. Buy a new helmet if the one you own is too big, too small, or cracked.
36. Alcohol and water-related activities don’t mix.
37. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
38. Never use your grill inside your home or garage.
39. Apply sunscreen, even on an overcast day.
40. Wear bright clothing or use something that reflects like so that others can see you while biking.
41. When biking, go with the flow of traffic.
42. Each member of your family should know how to administer CPR.
43. Choose sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
44. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
45. Don’t let you kids use a public restroom alone.
46. All members of your family should know how and when to dial 9-1-1.
47. For younger children, cut food like hamburgers and hot dogs into smaller pieces to prevent choking.
48. Take regular breaks from swimming.
49. Keep children away from the grill.
50. When camping, build campfires away from dry grass and leaves.
51. Never leave a campfire unattended.
52. Put leftover food in the fridge within two hours of cooking.
53. Use a headlamp and reflectors for nighttime bike riding.
54. Keep antibacterial wipes or gels on hand to clean up after an outdoor cookout.
55. Keep a shepherd’s hook and a life preserver by the pool.
56. When other kids come over, make sure you have their parents’ contact information on hand.
57. Keep a spray water bottle or fire extinguisher around in case of a fire flare up while grilling.
58. Make sure all at-home playground equipment is secured properly in the ground and in good working order.
59. Always use a charcoal lighter fluid for your grill, never kerosene or gasoline.
60. Walk or jog on grassy surfaces vs. hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete, as softer services provide lower impact on your knees and ankles.
61. Be in an air-conditioned area when at all possible. If you don’t have air-conditioning at your home, go to a public conditioned place like a library.
62. Swim only in designated swimming areas.
63. Wear sturdy shoes while mowing.
64. Check out these great tips for moving in the heat.
65. Cover your soda cans to prevent bees from attracting.
66. Defrost meat, poultry, or fish before you put it on the grill.
67. Check the sunscreen’s expiration date and toss if it’s expired.
68. Always be aware of the daily heat index. As the heat index rises, so does the risk for heat-related illness.
69. Have a fully-stocked first aid kit nearby.
70. Carry a cell phone with you wherever you go in case of an emergency.
71. Warm your muscles up and stretch before performing any type of exercise.
72. Check your car’s buckles for hot temperatures during the summer.
73. Park under covered parking when available.
74. Install a secure barrier around your pool for added safety.
75. If you see a snake, leave it alone. Read more about getting rid of pests here.
76. When hiking, make noise as you walk to scare snakes out of your path.
77. If you see a snake and know it’s poisonous, do not try to kill it or remove it yourself. Instead, call the local animal control to remove it.
78. Shake out your shoes, towels, and clothes before using them. Scorpions love to hide in these places.
79. Avoid using fragrances like hair sprays, scented soaps and lotions during the summer, as they attract bees.
80. Keep medications nearby, especially for the elderly.
81. Pick up rocks and sticks in the yard before you start mowing.
82. If you have a garden, make sure everyone in the family knows when they can eat the fruits or veggies.
83. Dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade their necks.
84. Avoid caffeinated, sugary drinks.
85. Make sure your pets have plenty of water and shaded areas to rest.
86. Get the kids out of the car first, then your groceries and other items.
87. Empty all buckets, pails, and bathtubs after use.
88. Exercise, work, or play outside in the early morning or in the late evening when temps are much cooler.
89. Make sure children know that it’s never safe to play in a car, especially during the summer.
90. Let your car cool off before you drive it.
91. If you let your windows open to get a cool summer breeze, make sure they are properly secured so children cannot fall out.
92. Don’t feed wild animals.
93. Fill holes in your backyard to prevent potential injuries.
94. Dispose of charcoal properly and make sure it is not touched until completely cooled.
95. If you have a tree house, make sure it is in tip top shape for the kids to play in during the summer. Look for signs of rot or damage.
96. Wear a heavy apron and long oven mitt while grilling.
97. Limit the number of people allowed on the trampoline at a given time.
98. An adult should always light a fire pit.
99. Pools should be in compliance with the Pool and Spa Safety Act. Go to www.poolsafety.gov to learn more.
100. When swimming in open water, use the “touch” rule. The touch rule means that you can all touch each other at any given time during the swim.
101. Review stranger safety with your children.
102. Review house rules if the child is home alone.
103. Don’t let your children play close to the street.
104. Set limits on where your kids can ride their bikes and play outside.
105. Always keep your car locked so children do not accidentally trap themselves inside.
106. Check your yard for poisonous plants.
107. Have fun! After all, it’s summer!

We want to hear your summer safety tips!

Did we miss anything? Let us know!

Celebrate with a moving coupon!

What better time to move than when the sun is shining and the kids are out of school? It’s National Moving Month, and that means it’s time to kick off the busiest season of the year for moving!

Did you know that somewhere around 37 million people will move this year? 37 million people… that’s a lot of moving trucks! Of that 37 million, most of the moves actually take place in May, June, July, and August—which is why you’ll often hear this time of year referred to as “peak moving season.” That's certainly what we’ve experienced at U-Pack!  Last year 43.5% of our customers moved during those months.  

If you’re among those planning a summer move, now’s the time to start getting quotes, doing research and selecting the mover that’s right for you. With so many people moving, equipment availability can occasionally become an issue, so it's definitely wise to start now!

U-Pack is celebrating National Moving Month with great moving rates!  We’ll be happy to help you get a quote online, or answer your questions at 800-413-4799. Just remember to mention or enter coupon code MOVMTH when you reserve your move to save an additional $50!  

Are you looking for Memorial Day deals?  

With Memorial Day quickly approaching, current and former U.S. military members and civilians can take advantage of some awesome Memorial Day deals, freebies, perks and discounts. Here’s an extensive list of some of the great deals you can get from businesses across the nation.

Memorial Day Food Deals

• Applebee’s suggests that you check with your local Applebee’s restaurant, as specials and promotions all vary by location.
• Hooters will give military veterans and active duty military 10 free wings with any drink purchase.
• Max and Erma’s will host Free Slider Day. Guests will receive a free Slider with a beverage purchase.
• Olive Garden will have its 3 Course Italian Dinner special available on Memorial Day.
• 7-Eleven is offering a medium Slurpee for only $0.49 at any participating location from May 24 to May 27.
• Denny’s is offering Red, White, and Blue Plate Specials Menu for a limited time.
• White Castle offers weekly online ordering specials at sliderbration.com.
• Arby’s does not have a national special for Memorial Day, but suggest checking for specials with your local Arby’s restaurant.
• IHOP suggests that you contact your local IHOP for Memorial Day promotions.
• Quiznos recommends that you check with your local location, as each one may offer their own Memorial Day Deals.
• Subway asks that you check with your local store for more details on Memorial Day promotions because each store is individually owned and operated.
• Sonic offers shakes half price after 8 p.m. all summer long.
• Lone Star Steakhouse will be sending out a special offer to their e-club fans for Memorial Day. Sign up now so you can receive the offer!

Memorial Day Travel Deals

• Orbitz, Priceline, Travelocity, Expedia, Kayak, and TravelZoo will all have travel deals if you’re itching to get away this Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Retail Deals

• The Home Depot is offering free shipping on patio furniture $399 or more as well as other Memorial Day savings.
• Lowe’s is offering lots of Memorial Day savings, including 10% off major appliances $399 or more (offer ends May 28).
• CVS’ weekly ad will feature Memorial Day sales, so be on the lookout for it!
• Cabela’s Memorial Day Sale runs May 16-27 online and in-store.
• Bass Pro Shop’s Go Outdoors Event and Sale is going on now through May 27 online and in-store.
• Amazon is offering Memorial Day Lightening Deals which include discounts on party supplies, books, music, movies, and much more.
• Best Buy’s Kick Off to Summer Memorial Day event is going on now through June 1 online and in-stores.
• Forever21 is offering free shipping on Memorial Day using the code: MEMDAY13
• Famous Footwear is giving you 20% off your next in-store footwear purchase from May 23 to May 27. Click here to get the coupon.
• Old Navy’s Memorial Day Sale ends online and in-store May 30.
• Shoe Carnival will be having a special sale over the Memorial Weekend.
• Tanger Outlets features its annual Memorial Day Weekend Sale from May 24 to May 27.
• Caribou Coffee will give you a free Lite Sparkling Tea or Juice if you buy a tumbler (valid through May 27). Also, with a purchase a tumbler, you get 10% off all summer long.
• Walmart is offering online Memorial Day specials.
• Nordstrom’s Women’s Half-Yearly Sale runs May 22 through June 2.
• Walgreens is offering Memorial Day sales and specials in its ad starting on 5/19 and ending on 5/26.
• Justice is offering an online-only Memorial Day sale where you can save up to 65% (with 40% discount) now thru May 27.
• Toys “R” Us will have Memorial Day sales and deals online and in-store.
• The Children’s Place website is up to 60% off the entire site.

Just for Fun Memorial Day Deals!

• American the Beautiful National Parks admission is free to all active U.S. military members and their dependents.
• Blue Start Museums offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 27, through Labor Day, September 2, 2013.
• Sea World, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, Water Country USA, and Sesame Place all offer active duty personnel a one-time free admission to one of the above fun parks and free one-time admissions for up to three direct dependents in 2013.

Do you have a Memorial Day deal to add to the list, let us know by commenting below! We want to hear from you!

The U-Pack family also wants to offer a heartfelt “Thank You” to those who lost their lives while serving, veterans who have served, and those currently serving our country.

If you have an upcoming move and want to use a container, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. There are so many different container moving options out there—how do you know which is right for you? Figuring it out becomes a little easier when you know how each service works, what types of equipment and services they offer, and of course, how much they cost.

How does moving in a container work?

Container moving is a great do-it-yourself moving option, because compared to other DIY options (like truck rental), you don’t have to drive. See, the moving service brings the container right to your home. You load your stuff inside, and they transport it to your new place. It’s a super-convenient way to move. And if you need storage, it’s even more perfect.

Container Size: What Do You Need?

If you’ve looked around, you’ve probably seen that the popular container companies offer containers in different sizes—some small, some large. And, of course, the size and number of containers you need depends on the size of your residence. When you’re trying to figure out which to reserve, it’s important to consider how much you’re moving. If a container is too large, you’ll end up paying for wasted space, and nobody wants that! Try these moving space estimators to get a better idea of how much space you need.  

Some popular container moving companies are PODS^®, Pack Rat^®, U-Haul’s U-Box^®, and U-Pack’s ReloCube^®. Let’s compare those.

PODS^® offers containers in three sizes: 7’x 7’x 8’, 12’x 8’x 8’, and 16’x 8’x 8’ (the 7-foot container is not available in all markets). These containers are constructed of metal.

Pack Rat^® offers 12-foot and 16-foot metal containers.  

U-Haul’s U-Box^® is 8’ x 5’ x 7’6” container constructed of wood and covered with a vinyl covering.

U-Pack’s ReloCube^® is 6’ x 7’ x 8’ metal container.

While each of these companies allow you to reserve multiple containers, PODS^® and Pack-Rat^® charge for all containers delivered, regardless of whether you use them or not. U-Pack and U-Haul, on the other hand, only charge for the containers you actually use. However, U-Haul charges a delivery fee if a U-Box^® is delivered but not used. U-Pack charges only for the Cubes you use, regardless of how many are reserved, and there are no delivery fees for unused Cubes^®.

Loading and Transport Time: The Rest of the Story

Here is the real deal when it comes to loading: it’s a process. And while it may take you a little longer than a few hours, most people don’t need weeks to load a container. PODS^®, Pack-Rat^®, and U-Haul^® all allow a month total for loading, transportation, and unloading. The transit time averages 7-10 business days, so basically you would get a week to load, and a week to unload.  U-Pack tightens the time frame up a bit, with 3 business days to load, 2-5 business days (on average) for transportation, and then 3 business days to unload. If you need extra time for loading, you can have it delivered on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday and get the weekend, too. You don’t have to drag your move out for a whole month if you chose a little more succinct service. It’s up to you.

Service Areas for Moving Container Companies

Most of the container companies I’ve mentioned service the major metro areas. However, depending on where you are moving to/from, you may be limited in terms of your choices. For example, with PODS^®, some states just have one service center (Nebraska, Maine, Utah for example). Pack-Rat^® is a little more limited as several states don’t have Pack-Rat® locations (Arkansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska for example). U-Haul^® and U-Pack^® both offer nationwide coverage. Before you get set on a container moving company, make sure they can service your origin and destination.

Compare Prices!

As you do your research and get quotes, you may be surprised at the vast differences between prices for the container moving options. You’ll find that prices can vary greatly from company to company, based on where you’re located, when you’re moving and what size/how many containers you need. So get quotes from each service and compare. Here’s a little tip: U-Pack^® and U-Haul^® offer online quotes, but you’ll need to call PODS^® and Pack-Rat^®.

The Choice is Yours!

Make sure you ask lots of questions and are familiar with the service you will be receiving before you book your move. Read reviews (epinions.com is a great review site!), ask friends for recommendations, and call and speak to a representative. You can talk to a U-Pack rep at 1-800-413-4799. If you have questions about container moving, just leave a comment below—I’m happy to help!  

More Container Moving Resources:

Portable Storage Containers
Money Saving Moving Tips
Self-Moving: Cheap Options
Moving Checklist

Florida’s Best Beaches

Whether you’re moving to Florida or just visiting, no trip is complete without visiting one of Florida’s many beautiful beaches. But which one should you choose? Take a look at the list below to learn about some of Florida’s best beaches and why you should go!

Clearwater Beach. The name says it all. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this beach stays at a balmy 73 degrees, with white sand stretching for 2.5 miles. In 2013, Clearwater Beach was named Florida’s Best Beach Town by USA Today readers. When you’re not out in the ocean, take a stroll or bike ride along Beach Walk, where you’ll get the true “beachside” experience, with shops, restaurants, and activities for all age.

Naples. Also located on the Gulf Coast, Naples is more than 10 miles long. You will love the clean, pristine white sand, as well as the fishing pier that extends 1,000 ft. into the Gulf! The pier is great for watching sunsets and of course, fishing. When you’re not at the beach, try out one of the more than 80 championship golf courses in the area. Naples is self-titled the “Golf Capital of the World,” so it’s a great place to work on your tan and your swing!

Pensacola. Located on Santa Rose Island, this natural stretch of land features one of the longest piers in the Gulf of Mexico – Pensacola Beach Pier – which stretches 1,471 ft. You’ll also enjoy Portofino Boardwalk, with lots of shops, restaurants, and even shallow water for the kids to play in. You can enjoy both sides of the beach, which makes it an ideal spot for biking, snorkeling, and kayaking. There is truly something for everyone in Pensacola, and maybe that’s why it’s considered one of the best beaches in Florida!

Fort Lauderdale. Adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, this beachy area has gone from a hoppin’ college scene to a relaxed beach perfect for families. The seven mile stretch of sand is plenty of space for building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or just basking in the sun. You’ll also enjoy the Fort Lauderdale RiverWalk nearby, with sidewalk cafes, plenty of shopping and fun activities for the kids.

Miami Beach. Whether it’s the glitz and glam of South Beach you’re in need of or just some waves and a cool breeze, you’ll get breathtaking views of the ocean no matter where you are on this beach. Take in the views of the ocean, but also be sure to view some amazing art pieces in Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District.

What do you consider the best beaches in Florida?

Let us know which beaches you think are best in Florida. We would love to hear from you! And remember, if you’re moving to a beautiful Florida beach, be sure to start getting moving quotes now.

Are there options for moving across country cheap?

Just a couple of days ago this quesiton was sent in via the “Ask the Experts” tool: “What’s the best way to move across the country cheap?” The nice woman asking the question went on to say that she was moving across the country in the next couple of months and was trying to make a plan. Her big issue was money—she’s a single mom moving on a very limited budget. She mentioned that while full-service moving would be ideal, it just wasn’t an option because the cost was higher than her budget allowed. Basically, she was just trying to figure out how to move without spending more than she has. Can you relate?

If you can, know that you’re in the majority. I’ve found that most people are wondering the exact same thing: Is moving across the country cheap even a possibility?

The answer is, yes, it is a possibility. But you may have discovered that getting a lower price usually takes some work on the part of the person (or family) moving. The good news is that you don’t have to do ALL the work—and by ALL, I’m referring to packing, loading, unloading and driving (i.e. truck rental). “You pack, we drive” services are a great alternative for people who are okay with doing some of the work, but would rather someone else drive the moving truck.

And it’s definitely the route I would take.  

I don’t know if you’ve ever compared “you pack, we drive” services to truck rental before, but if you haven’t, it’s something I highly recommend. As you know, prices vary based on location, move size, when you’re moving etc., but I think this example may be pretty telling. Many times these services actually cost less than renting a truck and driving it yourself.

I looked at a move from San Diego, California to Dallas, Texas on 6/10/2013, moving a 2-bedroom home, and I compared the prices for U-Haul®, Budget® and U-Pack®.  

What I found—and what you may find if you get moving quotes and compare—is that the “you pack, we drive” service cost less.

U-Haul’s price for a 17-foot truck (when you add Safemove®, fuel, and the environmental fee) was $2785.00, (tax not included). Budget’s 16-foot truck (when you include the “cost recovery fee,” and fuel) was $2503.60 (tax and damage coverage not included). U-Pack’s price for 12 linear feet of the trailer, which is similar in size to a 17-foot rental truck, was $2025.00—with no additional charge for fuel, environmental fees, cost recovery fees, taxes or standard liability coverage.

There’s no question that “you pack, we drive” services are not always cheaper, but many times, when you’re moving long-distance, they are. When you’re comparing, just make sure to include all of the “extra” charges that go along with truck rental—you can figure out how much fuel costs using a rental truck fuel calculator like this, http://www.upack.com/moving-tools/fuel.asp. Then just ask the rental truck company what “extras” are specific to that company.

Questions about moving across country cheap?
If guessing, I would say that this customer’s concern is a very common concern.  There’s no question that budget is top-of-mind for most people planning a move. Hopefully sharing an example about how prices compare is helpful, but we understand that every move is unique. We’re always very happy to answer any of your questions, and we can help with getting a moving quote if you need it. Feel free to leave a comment below, or call us at 800-413-4799!

Other Posts Related to “Moving Across Country Cheap”
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Are you prepared for an emergency?
In the wake of the terrible storms that devastated Granbury, Texas this week, I began thinking about the fact that my family doesn’t really have a set-in-stone emergency plan. What would we do in the case of an emergency like fire, tornado, earthquake, etc.? Unfortunately, I have to say that with the exception of severe weather, I don’t know what we would do. We don’t have a plan. Thinking through this also caused me to consider the people we talk to every single day who are moving into areas where they may experience extreme weather that they’re not accustomed to. Do they have a plan?

Like I mentioned, in Arkansas most of us know what to do when the sirens go off and the news stations report a tornado on the ground—we go into safe rooms, storm cellars, hunker down in closets or bathtubs. But does someone moving here from California know what to do? In reverse, if I moved to California, would I know what to do in an earthquake? The answer is, no. I have no idea.

So it’s time to start thinking about how to make an emergency plan.  I did some research and have some tips that we can all follow to get better prepared.

First, think about what types of emergencies or disasters could happen where you live.
For example, in Arkansas I have to be prepared for tornados and ice storm. Do you live in or are you moving to an area where you would have to worry about hurricanes, tornados, mud slides, flooding, forest fires, ice storms, snow storms, nearby chemical or nuclear plants, etc.? Make a contingency plan for each type of emergency that could strike.

As a side note, you can check your earthquake hazard level here.

Decide where your family would go in the case of an emergency.
Identify a safe place inside and/or outside of your home to gather, as well as neighborhood resources (does your city offer a safe room, does your neighbor have a storm cellar?). 

Determine how you will get to your safe place.
Should your children remain in their rooms until someone comes to get them, or should they meet you in the safe place? What route should they take to get to the safe place (especially important in the case of a fire)? Walk through your house and identify two ways to get out of each room (if possible). Teach your kids how to open windows, and purchase emergency ladders for each room on the second floor.  Then decide what you will do if all family members are not at the same location. For example, if severe weather is imminent, will you pick your kids of from school/sports/friends’ houses? Plan for emergencies by thinking of all scenarios.

Know your evacuation route.
If you had to evacuate your city, what route would you take? Does your area have a designated evacuation route? Find out.

Teach your children how to handle an emergency alone and how to dial 9-1-1.
The scariest emergencies to plan for are the ones where you’re not around. Teach your child how to handle emergencies alone by talking through various scenarios. Young children can be taught about 9-1-1 as soon as they can recognize numbers. If you have a home phone, teach them to call from it first, as the call can be traced to their location. I used these tips to teach my kids how to call 9-1-1, and these tips for talking through emergency situations.

Know who your emergency contacts are.
Not only should your children know your phone number and address, they should also know the name and phone number of a family or friend contact as part of your emergency plan.  Advise the contact so that they are also in the loop on what your family’s emergency plan is. Also, put together a list of emergency numbers: family doctor, pediatrician, dentist, veterinarian, family members, parents’ work, health insurance, home insurance, police department, emergency room, neighbors, etc. Collect all phone numbers and policy numbers and keep the list in a place that is easy to locate. If you have a home phone, post it by the phone. If not, post it in a “notes” app on your smart phone.

Know how to turn off your utilities.
In some emergency situations, you may need to turn off your water, electricity, and/or gas. Make sure that all adults (and older children capable of performing such tasks) know where shut-off valves are and how to turn them off.

Get a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.
Make certain there is a fire extinguisher on each level of your home, and make sure you know how to operate it. Using a fire extinguisher incorrectly can be dangerous.

Get a first aid kit
If you don’t already have one, assemble a first aid kit. The one recommended here, by the American Red Cross, is great! Make sure all family members know where it is located in your house. It is also wise to keep one in your car as well.

Know where your important papers are located.
Make a binder of important documents (or copies of them). As you carry out your emergency plan, you may need to grab-and-go.  Include copies of your driver’s license, birth certificate, insurance cards, bank accounts, marriage certificate, social security cards, and family photos.  Here’s a good example of how to make an important document binder for your emergency kit.

There’s no question that emergency planning and the discussions that follow are difficult. We naturally don’t want to think about what “could” happen, and you want to avoid causing fear in your children. But you can do it in a way that reassures them that by planning and talking through these situations, they can be prepared to stay safe during an emergency.

More resources to help you plan for an emergency

Celebrate our heroes this Memorial Day

Memorial Day occurs each year on the last Monday of May. It is a day set aside to celebrate the men and women who have died serving in the Armed Forces. Take some time this Memorial Day to remember the sacrifices made. If you are attending any sort of Memorial Day ceremony or just want to pay tribute, these Memorial Day quotes are a great way to honor those who served. These quotes are full of patriotism, hope, and honor.

Our favorite Memorial Day quotes

On Memorial Day, you may not know how to pay respect to those who gave their lives for our country. Quotes and sayings are a great way to do that! These sayings so eloquently say the things we want to express. You might be giving a speech at a community event, giving a card to a service member, or you might just update your Facebook status to one of these great Memorial Day quotes, but whatever you do, these sayings can help you articulate your gratitude for those who gave their lives serving our country.

“Who kept the faith and fought the fight; the glory theirs, the duty ours.” – Wallace Bruce

“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” – John F. Kennedy

“There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.” – William J. Clinton

“I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism.” – Bob Riley

“The brave die never, though they sleep in dust:
Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” – Minot J. Savage

“And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I'll proudly stand next to him to defend her still today, 'cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, god bless the USA.” – Lee Greenwood

“The story of America's quest for freedom is inscribed on her history in the blood of her patriots.” – Randy Vader

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” – Maya Angelou

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” – Billy Graham

“It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.” – Norman Schwarzkopf

“Bravery never goes out of fashion.” – William Makepeace Thackeray

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” – John F. Kennedy

“We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them.” – Francis A Walker

I hope you found a Memorial Day quote to help you convey your thoughts on this Memorial Day. If you have other sayings for Memorial Day, leave us a comment. We would love to add to the list!

Are you searching for cheap moving companies?
If you are, you’re not alone. Full-service moving companies are oftentimes way out of the ballpark when it comes to cost. But if you ask around, you may have heard talk that truck rental is the best way to get cheap moving prices. Unfortunately, truck rental isn’t for everyone—it’s difficult to find people who actually want to drive a huge, unfamiliar truck across the country. The good news is that over the past several years there’s been a definite shift in the moving industry. No longer do you have to stick with the two extremes. Now you can get a cheap moving company and do just some of the work, instead of all of it. It’s called a “you pack, we drive” moving company, and U-Pack Moving® is a great example. U-Pack is an option that’s known for providing a great customer experience, convenience, and competitive prices… and you don’t have to drive a rental truck.  

What makes U-Pack a cheap moving option?
It’s true that the word “cheap” is subjective. What’s cheap to one person may not be to the next. And I know that in some locations (specifically short-distance moves), truck rental may end up being less expensive than “you pack, we drive” services. But if you’re moving long distance, it’s definitely worth it to take a look and get a moving quote. See, with U-Pack, you don’t have to pay extra for things like fuel, taxes, highway tolls or standard liability coverage. And you pay based on the space you use—regardless of how much you reserve.

Let me explain that a little better.

Let’s say you’re planning to move a two-bedroom apartment and the space estimator indicates that you will need about 14 linear feet of a moving trailer. When moving day comes, you pack and load like a champ, and you’re able to fit everything into 12 linear feet. Woo hoo! You just saved money. We reduce your price based on the “per-foot rate” included in your quote. It’s designed for convenience and to give you more control over the cost of your move. We’ve seen customers save hundreds of dollars just by fitting into less space.

Now let’s think about the moving costs related to truck rental. When you first get a truck rental quote, the initial price tag may look appealing and appear to be the cheapest moving option—but when you add the “extras” I mentioned, the price increases. For example, according to the Rental Truck Fuel Calculator, a 1,100 mile move from Dallas to Cleveland would cost you around $600 in rental truck fuel. When you start tacking those costs on, rental trucks can move out of the “cheap moving” category.

Is U-Pack still a cheap moving option if I add loading and unloading services?

When comparing to full-service movers, most customers would answer this question with a “yes!” Then again, you would probably never classify traditional full-service moving companies as “cheap movers,” right?

U-Pack offers a way to get help with loading and unloading, at prices that are often significantly cheaper than what you would get with a traditional vanline. U-Pack offers access to a nationwide network of experienced moving labor that can help with your loading and/or unloading. This is especially helpful if you’re on a budget and need help moving the “big stuff.” With this option you contract directly with the labor supplier, and you just tell them what you need done.

More questions about what makes U-Pack a cheap moving company?
We’ll be happy to help! Leave a comment below or get an instant moving quote online 24/7.

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