(NAPSI)—The more than a million active-duty military men and women in America today may be glad to know that moving their families may not be as difficult as they thought—if they heed these helpful hints:

First Things First

• Before you do anything else about your move, schedule it with the military base property transportation office.

• Next, tell the base landlord or housing office of your dates and plans.

• Determine what size truck you’ll need and reserve it.

• Get boxes and other packing supplies.

• Pack out-of-season and nonessential items early.

• Donate unwanted items to charity or hold a garage sale.

• Determine what you’ll do about any pets you may have.

• Copy all your medical records, birth certificates and so on. Put them in a safe place.

• Change your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies and magazines.

• Call service providers and utilities to schedule turn-on at your new place.

• Secure moving-day help.

• Pick up your truck the day before to save time on moving day.

• Work with companies that understand each military branch’s different rules and regulations, especially if you need to move in a hurry. For instance, Penske Truck Rental has a specialized toll-free call center at 844-4TROOPS (844-487-6677) to assist active and veteran members of the U.S. military and their families with do-it-yourself moves. All call center associates are either veterans themselves or are related to someone who has been or is currently in active or reserve duty.

The company not only has trucks at over 2,330 convenient locations, it offers a military discount of 10 percent. If you book your rental online, you’ll save an additional 10 percent automatically.

What’s more, it’s the only national truck rental company with free unlimited miles on one-way rentals anywhere in the country.

On Moving Day

• Finish packing, taping and labeling boxes.

• Prepare major appliances and electronics.

• Secure dresser drawers and appliance doors with rope and tape.

• Create a moving-day kit, including directions, map, GPS, checkbook, credit cards, military and other IDs, eyeglasses, sunglasses, prescription drugs, flashlight, water, snacks, games for kids, and old and new house keys.

• Watch your weight. A military do-it-yourself move requires that you weigh your vehicle before you load it and after. To help, Penske offers a free Certified Public Scale Locator to make finding a scale easier.

Learn More

For further facts and tips, visit www.pensketruckrental.com/discounts/military.

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On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)