U-Haul Offers 30 Days of Free Storage at 92 Centers to Support Ohio Storm Victims
Seven U-Haul companies have launched a disaster-relief initiative to help Ohio residents affected by severe weather and widespread flooding. The companies are offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box portable storage container use at 92 participating centers, including 88 locations across Ohio.
The assistance comes as heavy rainfall moved across the state Tuesday, triggering flash flooding and prompting flood watches in numerous communities. Columbus and Dayton were among the areas experiencing significant impacts as rising water threatened homes, vehicles and personal belongings.
The relief program is designed to give residents a secure place to store possessions that may be vulnerable to floodwater or require temporary relocation while homes are cleaned, repaired or restored.
“Pretty much the entire state is under a flood watch,” said Anthony Jones, U-Haul Area District Vice President for Ohio. He noted that images of submerged vehicles were already emerging as the storms continued. With many residents potentially facing water damage, Jones said U-Haul wanted affected communities to know that storage assistance was available.
Free Storage for Residents Affected by Flooding
When severe weather strikes, finding a safe location for furniture, household goods, documents and other belongings can become an immediate priority. Floodwater can quickly damage items stored in garages, basements and ground-level areas, leaving families with limited options.
U-Haul’s disaster-relief program is intended to provide temporary storage capacity at no cost for the first 30 days. Eligible residents can use participating self-storage facilities or U-Box containers to protect their belongings while dealing with the effects of the flooding.
The offer applies to new self-storage and U-Box rentals and is subject to availability. For U-Box customers, the program covers on-site storage at participating U-Haul facilities. Customers who require delivery of a U-Box container can arrange transportation for an additional fee.
By making storage space available during the immediate aftermath of the storms, U-Haul is providing residents with another resource as they begin the recovery process.
Support Across Ohio Communities
The participating U-Haul companies cover communities throughout Ohio, giving residents in multiple regions access to the relief program. Locations include major population centers as well as surrounding communities.
Residents can visit a U-Haul-owned and operated facility in one of the participating areas or contact the appropriate regional office to determine availability and arrange storage.
The participating companies include U-Haul Co. of Akron, U-Haul Co. of Central Ohio, U-Haul Co. of Cincinnati, U-Haul Co. of Cleveland, U-Haul Co. of Dayton, U-Haul Co. of NW Ohio and U-Haul Co. of SE Ohio.
U-Haul Co. of Akron
Participating communities include Akron, Austintown, Canton, Cuyahoga Falls, Kent, North Canton, Streetsboro, Tallmadge, Warren and Youngstown.
Residents can contact the regional office at (330) 867-8664 for information about available storage options.
U-Haul Co. of Central Ohio
The Central Ohio network includes locations in Columbus, Dublin, Lancaster and Worthington.
Residents seeking assistance can call (614) 300-1558.
U-Haul Co. of Cincinnati
Participating communities include Cincinnati, Hamilton, Middletown, Milford and Springdale, along with Elsmere and Walton in Kentucky.
The regional office can be reached at (513) 563-8730.
U-Haul Co. of Cleveland
The Cleveland-area program covers Bedford, Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Elyria, North Randall, North Royalton and Parma.
Residents can contact the regional office at (216) 631-3700.
U-Haul Co. of Dayton
Participating locations include Beavercreek, Dayton, Huber Heights, Miamisburg, Springfield and Trotwood, as well as Richmond, Indiana.
The regional office number is (937) 203-3303.
U-Haul Co. of NW Ohio
The Northwest Ohio network includes Clinton, Findlay, Kenton, Lima, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Rossford, Sandusky and Toledo, as well as Erie, Michigan.
Residents can call (419) 470-2550 for assistance.
U-Haul Co. of SE Ohio
Participating communities include Columbus, Marietta, Newark and Zanesville.
Residents can contact the Southeast Ohio regional office at (614) 475-8190.
Storage Can Play an Important Role in Disaster Recovery
Temporary storage can be particularly valuable after flooding because recovery efforts often require homeowners to remove possessions from damaged rooms. Furniture, appliances and personal belongings may need to be relocated while water is removed and structural repairs are completed.
A secure storage facility can also help residents organize belongings during an uncertain period. For families who have already experienced property damage, having additional space can make the cleanup and recovery process more manageable.
U-Haul’s 30-day offer provides affected residents with a temporary solution without adding standard storage costs during the initial recovery period.
Availability and Eligibility
The free-storage program is intended for residents affected by the severe weather and applies to new rentals at participating locations. Storage space and U-Box availability may vary by facility, so residents are encouraged to contact their nearest participating U-Haul location before making arrangements.
For U-Box customers, on-site storage is included under the relief offer, while delivery services are available for an additional charge.
As Ohio communities assess the damage caused by the flooding, access to secure storage can provide practical support for residents working to protect their belongings and begin rebuilding. Through its network of participating centers, U-Haul is making temporary storage available to help families navigate the immediate challenges created by the storms.
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