U-Haul Gives Free Month of Storage to Students Displaced by Coronavirus

U-Haul is offering college students free storage for a month after universities began evacuating campuses as a precaution against the Chinese coronavirus.

In a press release Thursday, U-Haul President John “JT” Taylor said the company wanted to help those affected by their school’s unforeseen schedule changes.

He continued:

We don’t know how every student is affected. But we know they are affected. More and more universities are giving instructions to leave campus and go home. Students and their parents are in need of moving and storage solutions. We have the expertise and network to help, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

A growing number of universities around the country announced this week that they were closing their doors to protect students and staff from potentially contracting the disease, according to Breitbart News.

However, U-Haul said it is prepared for an “early spring moving rush” and will give college kids a place to store their belongings.

“The 30 days free self-storage offer is typically extended to communities impacted by a natural disaster. This marks the first time U-Haul has extended the offer Company-wide,” the release said.

U-Haul tweeted on Wednesday that it would also offer special rates for truck and trailer rentals in an effort to help the displaced young people.

Many schools are taking precautions to prevent the spread of #Coronavirus by ending terms early and sending students home. We are ready to help with several moving and self-storage options including special rates for truck and trailer rentals. https://t.co/PZxkYcrx9k #uhaulcares pic.twitter.com/EYx7y9066S

— U-Haul (@uhaul) March 12, 2020

Although many students are feeling stressed and somewhat panicked over the sudden change in plans, U-Haul wants to help alleviate the problem by helping them get where they are going with all of their belongings in tow.

“With 22,000 truck- and trailer-sharing locations, and an age requirement of 18 with a valid driver’s license to operate its vans and trucks, U-Haul is the most accommodating, convenient and affordable moving solution for college students,” the release stated.

The free month of self-storage applies to students who have college IDs, and U-Haul said those who need assistance must act quickly because there is only limited availability.