U-Haul Provides 30 Days of Free Storage to Hurricane Isaias Evacuation and Recovery Efforts Across Four States
U-Haul is offering disaster relief assistance to residents and businesses across Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi as Hurricane Isaias threatens communities along the northern Gulf Coast. Six U-Haul companies are making 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box portable storage container use available at 93 company locations to help people protect their belongings before the storm and manage cleanup and recovery afterward.
The initiative is intended to provide residents with access to secure, dry storage during a period of heightened weather risk. Forecast models indicate that Isaias could strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane, potentially bringing powerful winds, torrential rainfall, severe storm surge, and widespread flooding to affected communities. The storm is expected to affect coastal areas beginning Friday, while inland portions of Alabama and Mississippi could experience substantial rainfall.
With severe weather threatening homes, businesses, and local infrastructure, temporary storage can play an important role in disaster preparation and recovery. U-Haul’s relief program is designed to help people find additional space for personal possessions, household goods, business equipment, and other belongings without paying standard rental charges for the first 30 days, subject to availability and program conditions.
U-Haul Activates Disaster Relief Across Four States
The disaster relief initiative covers participating U-Haul-owned and -operated facilities across Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Six regional U-Haul companies are coordinating the program, providing access to self-storage units and U-Box containers in communities that could be affected by the approaching storm.The program is intended to support people at different stages of a severe weather event. Before a storm arrives, residents may need to move valuable possessions and other items away from areas vulnerable to flooding or wind damage. Businesses may also need temporary storage for inventory, equipment, supplies, and materials that could otherwise be exposed to hazardous weather conditions.
After the storm passes, storage facilities can provide additional space for belongings removed from damaged properties while homeowners and business operators arrange repairs, assess losses, and begin rebuilding. Having access to a secure storage location may help simplify the process of organizing possessions during an already difficult period.U-Haul is making the first 30 days of eligible self-storage rentals and U-Box container use available at no cost to qualifying customers under the program’s availability requirements. The company encourages residents who need assistance to contact participating locations or the appropriate regional office to determine the options available in their communities.
Free Self-Storage and U-Box Container Options
The relief program includes two storage solutions intended to meet different customer needs: traditional self-storage units and U-Box portable storage containers.Self-storage units offer customers a designated space to keep belongings outside their homes or business premises. Depending on the unit selected and its availability, customers can use this space to store furniture, household possessions, boxed items, business materials, and other eligible belongings while preparing for a storm or recovering from its effects.
U-Box containers provide an alternative for customers seeking portable storage. Under the disaster relief offer, the U-Box benefit applies to on-site storage at participating facilities. Customers who require container delivery may arrange that service for an additional fee.
Both options can help create additional space when residents need to move belongings away from vulnerable areas, temporarily clear rooms for repairs, or organize possessions following property damage. The most suitable option will depend on the amount of storage required, the customer’s location, and the availability of participating facilities.The free period covers 30 days for eligible new rentals. Customers should confirm the terms and availability directly with U-Haul before making arrangements. The offer is not unlimited, and the availability of specific storage units or containers may vary by location.
Alabama Communities Covered by the Program
Alabama is served by three regional U-Haul companies participating in the disaster relief initiative. Their locations extend across northern, central, and southern parts of the state, providing access to storage services in multiple communities.
U-Haul Co. of Central Alabama
U-Haul Co. of Central Alabama is participating with 16 store locations associated with the relief program. The listed communities include Auburn, Birmingham, Dothan, Enterprise, Montgomery, Pelham, Prattville, and Vestavia Hills.
These locations provide residents and businesses in central and surrounding parts of Alabama with potential access to temporary storage as they prepare for severe weather. Customers who need assistance can contact the regional office at 205-979-3013 to ask about participating facilities and available storage options.
U-Haul Co. of Northern Alabama
U-Haul Co. of Northern Alabama is participating with 17 store locations. Its listed communities include Birmingham, Cottondale, Decatur, Florence, Fultondale, Gadsden, Guntersville, Huntsville, Madison, Oxford, and Tuscaloosa.The northern Alabama network is particularly relevant to residents who may need storage while managing heavy rainfall and potential inland flooding. Although coastal areas often receive significant attention during hurricane preparations, substantial rainfall can also create property risks far from the shoreline.Residents seeking information about the relief offer through this regional company can call 256-217-9696.
U-Haul Co. of Southern Alabama
U-Haul Co. of Southern Alabama is participating with 17 store locations. The listed communities include Elberta, Mobile, and Robertsdale in Alabama, along with Fort Walton Beach, Milton, Panama City, Panama City Beach, and Pensacola in Florida.These locations extend the program’s reach into communities along and near the northern Gulf Coast, where storm surge, strong winds, and heavy rainfall may create additional preparation and recovery needs.
Florida Residents Can Access Regional Storage Assistance
U-Haul Co. of Tallahassee is participating in the relief program with 15 store locations. The listed communities include Jacksonville, Lake City, Middleburg, Orange Park, and Tallahassee.
The regional network gives residents in these areas an opportunity to inquire about temporary storage as weather conditions develop. Depending on individual circumstances, customers may need space for furniture, household goods, business inventory, or other belongings that they want to keep separate from areas exposed to possible flooding or storm-related damage.
People who are considering the program should contact the regional office to verify the availability of eligible units and understand the arrangements required for a new rental.
Louisiana Locations Support Storm Preparation and Recovery
Louisiana is represented in the program by U-Haul Co. of Southern Louisiana, which is participating with 16 store locations.The listed communities include Gretna, Hammond, Harvey, Houma, Kenner, Marrero, Metairie, New Orleans, and Slidell. These locations provide potential storage options for residents and businesses preparing for severe weather or dealing with the aftermath of a storm.
Temporary storage can be useful when homes require repairs, belongings need to be moved during cleanup, or businesses must relocate inventory and equipment while their premises are assessed. Customers can explore available options according to their individual storage needs and the facilities operating in their areas.
Mississippi Locations Extend the Relief Network Inland
U-Haul Co. of Mississippi is participating with 12 store locations. The listed communities include Biloxi, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Meridian, Pascagoula, Pearl, and Tupelo.
The inclusion of both coastal and inland communities reflects the range of locations where hurricane-related weather can create challenges. Coastal areas may face storm surge and flooding, while inland communities can experience prolonged rainfall, localized flooding, and disruptions that complicate access to homes and businesses.For residents who need temporary space during preparations or recovery, participating storage facilities may offer a practical way to organize and protect belongings while they determine their next steps.
U-Haul’s Broader Commitment to Disaster Response
Beyond its free storage initiative, U-Haul identifies itself as an official American Red Cross Disaster Responder. The company says it supports communities during times of need through its disaster response efforts.
Access to storage is one of several practical considerations that arise during a major weather emergency. Residents may need to move belongings before evacuating, find temporary space after water damage, or separate salvageable possessions from items awaiting inspection or repair. Businesses may face similar challenges when protecting stock, tools, documents, and operational equipment.
By making eligible storage services available without rental charges for the first 30 days, U-Haul aims to reduce some of the immediate logistical and financial pressures facing affected households and businesses. The benefit may be particularly helpful to people who need additional space quickly while managing other emergency-related expenses.Customers should nevertheless follow instructions from local emergency management officials, monitor official weather advisories, and prioritize personal safety. Storage arrangements can support preparation and recovery, but they should not delay evacuation or other protective measures when authorities advise residents to leave an affected area.
One-Year Price Lock Available for Longer-Term Storage
For customers who need storage beyond the initial free period, U-Haul also offers its 1-Year Price Lock program at 2,100 company-owned facilities across the United States and Canada.Under the program, eligible fixed-rate storage rentals are protected from price increases for at least 12 months. This option may provide greater cost predictability for customers whose storage needs extend beyond the immediate hurricane response period.
Longer-term storage may be necessary when homes require extensive repairs, restoration work takes several months, or businesses need additional time to resume normal operations. Customers may also need continued storage while arranging temporary accommodation or determining how to manage belongings during a property renovation.U-Haul states that it does not charge administrative fees or deposits for its storage rentals. Customers should confirm the terms applicable to their specific facility and rental agreement when discussing longer-term arrangements.
The 1-Year Price Lock offer is separate from the 30-day disaster relief initiative. Residents considering either option should ask about eligibility, rates after any free period, facility availability, and the terms governing their rental.
How Residents Can Request Assistance
Residents and businesses in the four participating states can begin by identifying a nearby U-Haul-owned and -operated facility in one of the communities listed for the relief program. They can then contact the relevant regional office or visit a participating location to ask about eligible self-storage units and U-Box containers.
The company recommends checking availability before making arrangements, as the free offer applies to new rentals and is subject to available capacity. Customers interested in U-Box containers should also confirm that on-site storage meets their requirements and ask about any additional delivery charges if delivery is needed.As Hurricane Isaias threatens communities across the northern Gulf Coast and surrounding areas, temporary storage may help residents and business owners organize belongings and manage the practical demands of storm preparation and recovery.
Through its 30-day free storage initiative, regional facility network, and wider disaster response efforts, U-Haul is making additional storage capacity available to eligible customers in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The initiative is intended to provide practical assistance during a period when secure storage may be especially valuable to households and businesses facing the effects of severe weather.
About
Founded in 1945, U-Haul is the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers with more than 25,000 rental locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The U-Haul app makes it easy for customers to use U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 to access trucks anytime through the self-dispatch and -return options on their smartphones with our patented Live Verify technology. Our customers’ patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to approximately 207,600 trucks, 136,500 trailers and 43,200 towing devices. U-Haul, which offers rate transparency to self-storage customers through its 1-Year Price Lock, is the third largest storage operator in North America with 1,147,300 rentable storage units and 100.3 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities.